IN IT security; not that would offer job security.
Management/Computer information systems; generally in the school of business. it'll make you desirable both because you know computer IT stuff and because you can talk to the suits.
Great detree for anyone that's not interested in being an engineer/scientist.
THE degree if you want to have an IT degree.
make sure your business school is AACSB accredited.
I've heard of that cert, CCNP er... that's not it, I think there was another character somewhere. It's the guy who knows IT security but you have skills in business and communication (to talk to the suits), pretty much middle man between them and the IT department. I'm not sure how much of an exaggeration it is but my teacher mentioned that it has extremely good job security - he said pretty much you can quit a job and be guaranteed another one before the day is over. Plus 6 figures.
Ty for advice, sounds like my place. I'm not really looking to get into engineering.
I'm not sure if UT in Austin is AACSB credited, but they were in the top 10 computer universities (#9, only 5.1k a semester) last time I googled them.
I think this might be that cert I was trying to remember. I'd love to have the money and job security but I'd probably hate my job. Having to explain things to douchebag suits all day.
IMO, if you can find any CS or MIS program with emphasis in Information Assurance, go for it. Make sure you find an internship.
I'll definitely keep this in mind.
For anyone working in the IT field, would it be very pertinent to focus much in CS? Are there many common courses between CIS and CS degree?
Of course it can't hurt to have a broader understanding while trying to secure a network, I'm just worried about taking any wasteful courses which I won't use and just end up forgetting from lack of use.
Is IT security really something you can do immediately get into after school? It seems like something only seasoned pros should be doing.
Well, to be a professional at it - sure, like if I wanted to work with Facebook or some big name company. But with my AAS degree I could get a local job. It's astonishing how little people around my area know about the necessity of securing their networks. Ofc, I'm far where I want to be. As for now all I'll be doing is access controls, setting up firewalls, pretty much basic networking stuff with focus in security controls. Eventually I would like to be far enough along to secure my own network and able to decently pen. test it myself.
Certs. Do you have experience yet? If not, get some. Try volunteering or something even if you have to. For certs go with A+>Security+>CCNA>CISSP or CISA there are several paths, but certs are better than a degree IMO
Well, that's the problem - no experience yet. Between school and this unemployment thing, it's pretty difficult. Everyone wants a cert, or experience before I can begin to get the experience. Honestly, I'll probably go for some entry certs and try to get a job with dang Geek Squad or whatever is available. Preferably just intern with a half decent company, or get a entry level job in IT at my school.
Thanks a lot for all the replies. Definitely helps, with all these different certs and branches to major in, it can get pretty confusing to know where you should go.