Security Basics mailing list archives
RE: MS in information security
From: "Ken Kousky" <kkousky () ip3inc com>
Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2006 21:19:40 -0500
I know I jumped on this issue early in the discussion with shock that anybody would compare a college degree with any or even all of the available industry certifications and then was shocked to see the ongoing interest in finding a short cut to success without the hard work. Three observations - those who found their college work to be meaningless I can only say it's your own fault. I've taught at Ivy League universities and community colleges. Both had lots to offer but if a student wanted to spend $30,000 a year and waste their time or simply log credits and a degree at the local CC, both were certainly possible. I also have managed and hired hundreds of IT professionals over the years and anybody who found that the recruiters only wanted a certification should be advised that they were being hired as a "grunt" without serious opportunity for career advancement. I NEVER saw a serious IT career position with management potential being offered based on certifications. On the other had, there were lots of needed staff positions needed to pull wire, run the back-ups, trouble shoot and grease the wheels that might have needed very specific skills which could be well documented through a Cert. It's true that one of the top 5 spam offerings is now a college degree. That's because they really are valuable. Buying one doesn't provide an education. The only real long term value is your education. While I give CISSP prep lectures all the time and I truly believe that certifications for professionals are vital, I hope nobody gives up their education for it. Study math, science, history and art and be sure to enjoy it - it will last a life time. And let us not forget Mark Twain on the subject "never let school interfere with a good education" or something like that. Regards. KWK -----Original Message----- From: bob1th () yahoo com [mailto:bob1th () yahoo com] Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 3:52 PM To: security-basics () securityfocus com Subject: MS in information security Hello, I noticed that the question of 'CISSP or degree' got a lot of feedbacks and comments. I am also considering more education in order to enter security field. I already have BS degree from good school and working for a IT company working with various applications. However, I have always wanted to be a little bit more technical and be exposed to more research-like environment. Not sure if I want Ph.D., but definitely looking at one of those MS in information security. Georgia Tech and several other reputable universities offer such program. After working almost 2 years in industry, I know that experience is really important and that I can acquire the knowledge myself through many sources although I don't go back to school to do it. On the other hand, the idea of getting higher or specialized education and degree is really appealing. Also, since my current work does not have anything to do with security, getting more education might offer me a better chance of getting in to security field than studying on my own, getting some certs and try to convince companies to believe that I know about security. Any opinions welcome --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE The Norwich University program offers unparalleled Infosec management education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience. Tailor your education to your own professional goals with degree customizations including Emergency Management, Business Continuity Planning, Computer Emergency Response Teams, and Digital Investigations. http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE The Norwich University program offers unparalleled Infosec management education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience. Tailor your education to your own professional goals with degree customizations including Emergency Management, Business Continuity Planning, Computer Emergency Response Teams, and Digital Investigations. http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current thread:
- MS in information security bob1th (Feb 01)
- RE: MS in information security Daniel Accioly Rosa (Feb 02)
- RE: MS in information security Jon Gucinski (Feb 05)
- RE: MS in information security Bob Beringer (Feb 06)
- RE: MS in information security Jon Gucinski (Feb 05)
- RE: MS in information security Ken Kousky (Feb 04)
- RE: MS in information security David Gillett (Feb 07)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- RE: MS in information security Craig Wright (Feb 04)
- Re: MS in information security Vladimir B. Kropotov (Feb 04)
- Re: RE: MS in information security Sumanram.K (Feb 05)
- RE: MS in information security Craig Wright (Feb 06)
- RE: MS in information security Craig Wright (Feb 06)
- Re[2]: MS in information security Vladimir B. Kropotov (Feb 27)
- Re: MS in information security student (Feb 06)
- RE: MS in information security Bob Radvanovsky (Feb 06)
- Re: RE: MS in information security null_anonymous (Feb 07)
(Thread continues...)
- RE: MS in information security Daniel Accioly Rosa (Feb 02)