Masters Degree IT Security

[Gamingphreek]

I've been in the industry for 2 years (1 year Full Time) and I think I am ready to take classes towards a Masters Degree.

Can anyone recommend a good Masters program for someone who wants knowledge about Computer Security/Counter-Security to include Pen Testing, Forensics, and Exploitation?

Unless it is in the DC Area - I would need the program to be Online. Right now I'm looking at JMU's Information Security Program.

I haven't taken the GRE yet, but plan on taking it soon. I graduated with a 2.68GPA from Virginia Tech with a degree in Computer Science Engineering. GPA is a bit low (Darn General Engineering classes...), but I'm hoping my experience and Research (I did Undergraduate Research regarding security on the Android platform) make up for some of it.

Can anyone toss out some suggestions?

Thanks,
-GP

 

[seepy83]

There's the SANS Technology Institute - http://www.sans.edu/. They have an online offering, and also have a 2-year program in the DC area that's starting in April 2011.

 

[Gamingphreek]

There's the SANS Technology Institute - http://www.sans.edu/. They have an online offering, and also have a 2-year program in the DC area that's starting in April 2011.

I don't think SANS is a nationally accredited graduate program though.

 

[seepy83]

Taken from http://www.sans.edu/about/faq#q263:

Are you authorized to award the Master of Science in Information Security Degrees ?SANS Technology Institute is authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to award the Master of Science Degrees in Information Security Engineering and Information Security Management.
SANS Technology Institute is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000).

Candidate for Accreditation is a status of affiliation with a regional accrediting commission which indicates that an institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing toward, but is not assured of, accreditation. It has provided evidence of sound planning, appears to have the resources to implement the plans, and appears to have the potential for reaching its goals within a reasonable time.

Candidate for Accreditation status was granted in March 2010.

So, you are correct, it is not currently a nationally accredited graduate program. But, if you look at the Faculty and curriculum, there is no doubt that the degree program is relevant.

Your concern is definitely valid, but if you're serious about getting into the security industry, I think any Info Sec industry "insiders" know the value of the work being done at SANS (nationally accredited or not).

 

[Gamingphreek]

Taken from http://www.sans.edu/about/faq#q263:


So, you are correct, it is not currently a nationally accredited graduate program. But, if you look at the Faculty and curriculum, there is no doubt that the degree program is relevant.

Your concern is definitely valid, but if you're serious about getting into the security industry, I think any Info Sec industry "insiders" know the value of the work being done at SANS (nationally accredited or not).

Definitely. And I have taken InfoSec courses from them before which are very good.

Perhaps what I'm really looking for is to do my study through a University. I would have continued with Virginia Tech but they don't have a Cyber Security program.

Right now I'm looking at JMU. I applied to UMUC (University of Maryland University College), but (and I certainly mean this in no condescending way) I feel like I should try for a "better" program than that.

Am I making any sense or do I just look like a confused individual?

-Kevin

 

[seepy83]

It makes sense.

I'm not entirely convinced that a "better" university program will give you a better ROI, but it's definitely something that should play a part in your decision. Im my current position (that I have no intention of leaving), I spend all of my time doing project planning, implementation, and managing day-to-day operations. When I have time to put towards furthering my education on nights/weekends, it's for technical training and not the type of in-depth research that would be done in the academic world of a university. I don't think that writing research papers will do anything to better my career or marketability if I were tying to switch jobs....so I haven't pursued it.

Good luck...let us know what you decide.

 

[Firetower]

Norwich University has an online Info Assurance masters program.

 

[pwnagesarus]

I hear Capitol College (should be in the DC area) has an excellent Information Assurance program.