Getting ready to go to school for network security.

[silverdj]

I am going to Ok State University in the spring for network security (i think). What should i already know before hitting campus and diving in with people that I would bet have been doing this for a while? Or is there another field along the lines of information security that would be a better way to go? You guys are the best at this and I really need your help. My parents tell me that this is the last time that they are going to pay for my education. I really really don't want to work at a fast food place for the rest of my life, so i figured that I need to be as prepared as I can be before hitting the campus. Thanks for any help that you can give me.

 

[DaiShan]

I would take a look at some of the core classes in your major and see what they will be covering and go from there. Network security is such a broad term that could refer to any number of disciplines. See if your school focuses on MS or OSS. If they are going to be teaching you on *nix it won't do you much good to learn about MS server technologies and vice versa. Also, there are advisors in your college that will definitely be able to help you, don't be afraid to ask them questions!

 

[nweaver]

you need networking basics, in depth understanding of the OSI model and how it relates to real world stuff.

 

[DrGreen2007]

Is there a list of PreReq for the course ?

 

[netsysadmin]

What do you do for a living now? Do you work with computers at all? What level of experience do you have with computers?

John

 

[netsysadmin]

Also looking at the Oklahoma state website do they even have a degree in security or is this just a certification program? Most conventional schools only offer computer science degree programs which focuses mostly on programming.

John

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: netsysadmin
Also looking at the Oklahoma state website do they even have a degree in security or is this just a certification program? Most conventional schools only offer computer science degree programs which focuses mostly on programming.

John

A lot of major schools have security curriculums now. Some may be post graduate though.