Re: Online Graduate Information Security Programs - Comparison

From: brandon (bwu_83_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 12/13/04 

Date: 12 Dec 2004 21:04:05 -0800

Hi,

Glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem. I was wondering,
however, why you thought that Steven's Institute was not such a great
program. Did you speak to someone? I have been looking at a number of
schools, but recently accepted a job offer so I am more limited as to
what I can do (Mostly in the area schools and distance learning).
Before I had decided though, I was looking at schools as follows:
CMU (Information Networking Inst) - Has a very interesting program
recently developed. It has a number of courses and is very geared
towards the security side of things

USC MS Comp Sci with spec. in Computer Sec - Is more of a normal CS
program with a few security electives

UCSD Ms Comp Sci with spec in Computer Sec - Same as above

Purdue MS INFOSEC - This is more like the CMU. It actually has a degree
for Infosec. This degree is interdisciplinary and you would apply
through the cs dept, philosophy dept or technology school. You can find
more info on it here:
http://www.cerias.purdue.edu/education/graduate_program/

Columbia U MS CS with specialization in computer sec - Same as USC and
UCSD

Since I was more limited to the NY area or Distance Learning, I started
looking into JMU, Stevens and University of Illinois @ Urbana. Out of
the schools listed, it seems the top ranked schools (Computer Science
rankings) would be UofI and CMU. The rest are ranked around 20 or so
from what I could see.

I personally was looking for a program that was geared more towards the
security side of things, rather than a CS background with security
electives. Coming from a CS BS, I'd prefer to have more specialized
training in the field than more in depth CS background.

Not sure if this helps at all, but please let me know why you thought
Stevens was not a strong program.

Thanks,
Brandon

bigbobber68@gmail.com wrote:
> Brandon,
>
> I am in the same boat. Trying to get into this field on a
educational
> level is difficult. It seems that there are not any great CS
graduate
> programs that offer information security. I have looked in other
> programs as well (such as MBA schools), but I am not sure what I am
> going to do either. I would apply to many schools to keep your
options
> open. I have accquired information from the Stevens Institute as
well
> but I don't think they are a great program. Let me know what you
have
> come accross recently becuase it would help me out as well.
>
> brandon wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I'm sure someone out there must have some insight into this area. I
> am
> > planning on working full time next year, but also wanted to do a
part
> > time MS program dealing with Information Security. I have looked
into
> > a few programs, but my bigger question is regarding two
univeristies:
> > Stevens Inst. of Tech in NJ and JMU in Virginia. Both have online
> > security programs and are noted on the NSA Centers for Academic
> > Excellence. However, neither are ranked very highly in terms of
> > Computer Science degree programs, that I could find at least. I was
> > wondering if anyone had any information regarding these programs,
in
> > terms of quality and perceived reputation by employers in the
> > industry. Is it better to stick with a school on this NSA list,
such
> > as these two, or to go for a school that is nationally known as a
> > strong CS program, such as USC or UofI Urbana. (I know urbana is
> > listed on the NSA site as well) Also, which of these two programs
is
> > stronger? Do they have different emphasis? Is one regarded more
> highly
> > than the other?
> >
> > Any information at all would be greatly appreciated. Also, if
anyone
> > knows of any other online degree programs in infosec, other than
> those
> > listed, feel free to pass them on to me.
> >
> > Brandon

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