Need Advice from IT Security Experts

[sanantone]

I just want to make sure there is no confusion. Information technology is not MIS or CIS and does not include many business courses. Information Technology and Information Systems are STEM subjects according to the federal government, by the way.

http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stem-list.pdf

MIS, IA, IT, and IS are perfectly fine for the CIA and FBI.

https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunitie...r-dev.html
https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunitie...loper.html
https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunitie...rance.html
https://www.fbijobs.gov/111.asp
USAJOBS - Search Jobs
USAJOBS - Search Jobs
https://www.fbijobs.gov/123.asp

While the NSA may prefer computer science for most of their IT positions, there are technology positions for other computer professionals like this entry-level position. (Sorry, I can't link to the job postings.)

Computer Network Defense (CND) Analyst: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field, such as: General Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, IT, Information Assurance, or Information Systems. Experience in network and system administration, IT support, infrastructure support, programming, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, cyber security, intelligence, information assurance, or related experience.

Then, there is this position.

IAD is looking for energetic, forward thinking information security professionals at all career levels for the following positions: Information System Security Engineer, Information System Security Designer, Software Engineer, Programmer, Global Network Exploitation and Vulnerability Analyst, Technology Vulnerability Analyst, and Technical Writer.

If you are an Information Assurance professional, have a degree in engineering , computer science, information assurance or networking, or have certifications to include CISSP, NET+, Security+ or other relevant experience then you may be qualified to work in the highly technical IAD organization.

Or this Information Systems Security Engineer position.

Prospective program participants must possess a four year technical degree from an accredited university in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Assurance, Information Systems Management, Mathematics, Network Security, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline (or have equivalent experience to include advanced courses in the areas of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math or Systems Engineering).

There's also this entry-level position.

Technology Vulnerability Analyst: Degree in computer science, engineering, information technology or a related field preferred. Prior work experience in information security, information technology, or information assurance field is highly desirable.

[marianne202]

Wow! I didn't think I would start such a spirited debate! I truly appreciate all the very helpful info. My son has been reading like crazy and is already checking out the links and he's ready to sign up for the IEEE.

Truth be told, my son probably wouldn't last two weeks in an Econ or Accounting class! He is more technical minded and has less patience for non hands-on subject matters. He did great in school with honors classes as long as they were something that interested him or did experiments like chemistry or biology. I think he is too much like his father in that aspect! LOL! My husband was in the military with a top-secret clearance and worked in communications so we are aware of the security clearance process, albeit from many moons ago. We also have a relative in the FBI that can hopefully help him get into an internship or entry-level job, so hopefully we have some help with a foot in the door.

The problem is all they know is that cybersecurity is a big push area for them with hiring and training, but didn't know much more beyond that. That was the reason they talked with my son about this type of work in first place when they found out his interest. While this is his "dream" job right now at 19, I want him to make sure he gets what he needs as a solid foundation to get some work experience while he finishes school so he can have a shot at it, but if it doesn't work out he will have something to fall back on.

I understand the appeal of the CS degree with its stronger math, science and business base but at this point I don't think that is in him. He wants to be working, creating and doing things. Aside from his work at the college, he is creating gaming videos, webpages for friends, fixing Xboxes really anything to do with computers. I think we were all a little like at 19! I wish I had that energy and knowledge some days! Thanks again for all the great info! Please keep it coming, but please play nice! Sorry the Mom in me just had to say it!

[OE800_85]

In the end, it's a matter of personal choice. The major you choose is a very personal decision. I'm not really sure what the difference between MIS/CIS/IT/IS (I understand Information Security as a kind of "option" within the degree, is that right?) is, from my understanding it's just different nomenclature from different schools. If you notice, every job you posted on there listed Engineering or CS first, to me that's further evidence it's the more "heavyweight" degree. However, the program is quite heavy on theory, and university isn't really the best place to learn how to code; courses are out of date, and education there can't keep up with the technology.

Looking on the forums it seems like Information systems or whatever you wanna call it and CS majors are sworn enemies. There seems to be a lot of heated debate between these two groups. I hope we've provided some good information to the OP. Hopefully by analyzing some conflicting information from both sides of the argument, he/she can make an informed choice.

[scorched]

Marianne ..You may want to hold up on the IEEE / Computer Society and instead go for the ACM.org.

It has many of the same offers, and the training classes that both the comp society and acm use is the element k system.
But element K was acquired by Skillsoft, and I just got notice on my ACM account that they are switching to the Skillsoft system.
This means way more ace approved college credit than element k had.
Here is the link, grab the spreadsheet to see whats available!
Academic Certification & Continuing Education - Skillsoft

I think the price of ACM for students is $49 for the year.