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What CyberSecurity Masters Degree vs Certifications?

Veteran

Dewayne Orender Greenwood, IN

All Human Resources or Cyber Security Professionals,
I have finished my BSIT with a concentration in security in September '17. I have am wondering if I should pursue my Masters or go after my certifications. I believe the baseline is Security +, and I can work on that. Looking for some additional mentorship on possible avenues to pursue. The end goal is to build a network, continue my education, and become a CISO. I will be retiring next year before I am 40, by a day! Any assistance will be greatly appreciated and I am willing to discuss more details on the phone or over email.

Thank you in advance.
Dewayne

25 April 2018 5 replies Education & Training

Answers

Advisor

Terry Horn Annandale, VA

Hello Dewayne,

Thanks for your service, and great job preparing for your next chapter. Great advise from everyone. I think the key is to decided on where you want to be as a CISO. If you look to pursue opportunities as a contractor supporting federal or government contracts/opportunities they will often require the degree. If you decide to pursue in public commercial opportunities it may be beneficial to pursue a MBA, or a masters in cyber. However, either way you will need the certifications. CISSP is a great next step. Take a look at some of the CISO's on social job networking platforms and review their qualifications. Best of luck!

Advisor

Karen McDowell Charlottesville, VA

Hi Dewayne -- I've spent the last ten years in information security. Definitely go with certifications rather than advanced degree. Best approach is experience in the field, entry level if that's what you find, and earning certs like SANS GSEC (Certified Security Essentials) sans.org Take a look at their roadmap (I have no vested interest) https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-skills-roadmap/ and talk to them. They'll help you with your career and may even have some free options or discounts for military. They are considered industry best. Good luck!

Advisor

Robert Rahni White Plains, NY

Hi Dewayne,

Thank you for posing this question and for your service. In addition to what’s been shared, having assisted student veterans in a university setting, many of whom were pursuing degrees in the budding cybersecurity field, my recommendation would be to consider certifications once you have completed your Bachelors degree. I’ve seen certs like Ethical Hacker, COMPTIA, Security+ differentiate a veteran prospective employee candidate from their peers to a pretty substantial extent.

In the highly technical cybersecurity world a Masters degree in some ways is viewed as “overkill.” Take for example IBM who recently revealed their “New Collar” jobs initiative geared toward individuals who may not even hold a Bachelors degree but do possess a strong skill set in coding whether it be innate, self-taught, acquired through a coding bootcamp or a combination of all three. I’m not a cybersecurity expert or even IT professional by any stretch but this is just what I’ve observed and learnt through my dialogue with Professors and industry leaders in this space.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Robert

Advisor

Deborah Carter Owens Cross Roads, AL

Hi Dewayne,

I think it's perfect that you are starting with the end goal in mind. Now consider where you want to work (geographic location and type of company) and research their CISOs. What background / education do they have? Because the role of a CISO is part technology and part business leadership you may be looking at a hybrid of advanced education and certifications. If available, I'd also suggest joining the local chapter of the certifying organizations (CISSP = ISC2 etc.) because they frequently offer networking and education events and you can begin to establish a network that will help you navigate the security culture in your preferred geographic location and industry. Good luck!

Deb

Advisor

Jim LeVan Port Monmouth, NJ

Hey Dewayne - i've seen CCISP, CISM and CEH hit a bit harder when applying vs. CompTIA certs...but thats just what i've seen here in the northeast with most of the larger, fortune500 companies. On the road to becoming a CISO - experience usually trumps advanced degrees - but again, just what i've seen. Usual story - land at a company, work your way up, while continuing education - then push for CISO. Smaller companies will give you a better shot at accelerated advancement.

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