I need CS knowledge!!

[PonyGirl93]

I have decided that, for the sake of marketability, I need to get some hard-core computer science knowledge under my belt.

My paths are either:

Plan A) Get all the knowledge that would have been required for a BS in Computer Science so that I can pass the proficiency tests to get into a grad program in Cyber Security that I am interested in. Collect some certs along the way if useful. Long-term, ideally work in some official cybercrime-fighting capacity (which might require getting CISSP certified eventually?).

Plan B) Get all the knowledge required for a full array of useful certs and use those along with my BA to be more marketable as a non-grunt level law enforcement or other related person.

Either way, I need resources and cert recommendations.

I grew up "around computers" in a strong fashion, my mom is an ex-computer programmer turned web designer, so a lot of it has been pounded in my head from the beginning, but I never actually learned programming or much of anything about hardware, networking, or anything besides graphic design and some web design. I'm "handy" with computers, for lack of a better word, but it's mostly a strong basic foundation supplemented by being curious and an extremely good guesser.

In case it isn't clear already, I have no desire to actually pursue a career as a traditional programmer, IT person, networking specialist, etc. I'm primarily interested in how it applies to law enforcement and forensics, but I'm willing to stick out the nitty gritty unrelated details to get there.

Currently: working 3 jobs and not going to school. Probably can't start grad school until spring '14 or maybe fall '14. Meaning I have a full year to devote my (limited) time off to studying and practicing. Right now I'm reading an online textbook and watching a free Harvard Extension course (CS50 -Intensive Intro to CS)....

</long explanation>

<computer geniuses>

[rebel100]

TEEX free courses anantone recently found.....I think U of Idaho has several courses.

Have you ever considered the Harvard Extension School? They have a rediculous amount of courses, current stuff...and I think most police dept. would think it quite a coupe to snag a Harvard University Grad...I really think you could find an agency to make a fuss over hiring you. Its pricey, yet a lot more affordable than people think...and you do the bulk form home (only 1 course in residence, and that can be 3 weeks in January). Information Technology Degree | Online Information Technology Degree Courses $20k or so over 3-5 years something to think about.

HES has some certificate options as well Online Certificates | Professional Certificates on Campus at Harvard

[sanantone]

From the research I've done (because I once looked into this area), cybersecurity/information assurance/information security masters programs aren't that technical. I mean they are technical, but not as technical as computer science programs. Many of them are even less technical than information technology programs. Not much programming is required if any. Some important certifications in this area are COMPTIA Security+ (beginner's level), CISSP (you need experience in at least 2 of the 10 domains), Certified Ethical Hacker, and Certified Forensic Examiner. WGU's information assurance program comes with a few certifications just to give you an idea of which ones to look at.
Online IT Degree | MS in Information Security and Assurance

These are the schools recommended by the NSA in this area.
Centers of Academic Excellence - Institutions - NSA/CSS

Some jobs might have a preference for computer science and engineering degrees, but those aren't really necessary for the field you're looking at. Besides, you would have to complete a ton of prerequisites for admission into a CS or engineering program. You can at least self-teach for the beginner's-level COMPTIA certs such as A+, Network+, and Security+. Libraries should have books for these or you can order them off of Amazon.

[OE800_85]

If you're looking at some resources for learning (not necessarily getting credits) computer science, I recommend you look at the Khan Academy CS section. It's an extremely visual, interactive method that really helps one understand the material. I remember my old CS courses, and how painful it was trying to grasp it at first.

[ryoder]

If you want to enter this field I am a veteran and would be glad to offer some assistance. PM me and you can give me a call.

Computer programming and computer science are very difficult and cannot be entered casually. You will have to be the type of person who doesn't mind shutting out the world for a few hours at a time and spending some quality time with a compiler and SDK. There is absolutely no substitute for hours at the keyboard writing computer programs.

Information security on the other hand can be either procedural or technical. Some IS people write policies and perform audits. The knowledge of government and industry regulations is paramount here. So is good project and people management experience. The technical side requires a firm understanding of proxy servers, encryption, attack vectors, HTTP protocol, SOAP, TLS, IPSEC, VPN etc. I work with people from both camps every day and can help you understand what this role entails.

If you want to get into the game make sure you are serious but there is a rewarding career ahead of you if you do.

[PonyGirl93]

You guys are the actual BEST, you're AWESOME

So for now I'm just trying to get a firm grasp of the basics, studying as much as I can. My mom programmed a programming course a few years ago that covers 1.5-2 semesters of basic programming classes, so she's digging that up for me and assures me that by the end I will be able to write low-mid level programs and will be able to jump into another language. She wants me to start working for her writing html and css after I'm able, so I think that will probably help with some practice.

You've all given me great ideas, I'm using all of these and starting a stockade of programs to look at once I'm on my tech feet

Keep them coming if you have more :hurray:

[freddy]

I second the certs suggestion, if you are planning on getting a job in the field. A lot of jobs have those certs as a prerequisite, especially government jobs or contractors that work for the government.

I totally agree with the hands on programming thing too. A lot of businesses higher people who know how to program even if they taught themselves. This is because people who teach themselves a lot of times have more practical knowledge than someone who got a degree in computer science.