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Treewhiskey
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Information Security Degrees
Information Systems Security, information assurance, Degree, nsa cae, amu, american military university, umuc, university of maryland university college, IT education, IT careers, Information security careers, Security careers
As an IT security professional, does it really matter which school a degree is earned from? For example, I have two schools that are both online and regionally accredited: American Military University and University of Maryland University College. AMU offers a B.S. in Information Systems Security, and UMUC offers B.S. in Information Assurance. UMUC's program, though, is part of the NSA's CAE.

With AMU, I am one year away from graduating. If I transferred to UMUC, it would definitely push my graduation back by another six months-to-one year.

Which school would be better for a career in IT security? Would it even matter if job experience is already present?

Thanks.
ASKED: Jun 25 2009  10:21 PM GMT
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Labnuke99
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I cannot answer this question for you but I think a good option would be to talk to some recruiters/headhunters and get their perspectives on this. My thoughts on this are that any education is good but real world experience is best. I would take a look at these degrees from this angle and then make the decision about which one gets you the most experience in a broad segment of these skills. And believe me, there is a lot of knowledge and skills that are required to be a good security professional.

Hope this helps!

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Last Answered: Jun 26 2009  1:15 PM GMT by Labnuke99   26360 pts.
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KevinBeaver   7385 pts.  |   Jun 29 2009  5:28PM GMT

I’ve yet to have anyone question where I went to college. And I don’t think it’s been held against me. Although it’s a nice side benefit I just don’t think people will hold something like that against you in this field. In the end, it’s more about the value you contribute and the experience you have than anything else. Check out these related thoughts of mine regarding pros and cons of degrees and certifications for IT and information security careers.

 

Treewhiskey   30 pts.  |   Jun 30 2009  12:51AM GMT

Kevin,

Thanks. Your article was very informative. I appreciate your advice!

 
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