Information Systems Security vs. CIT/Programming Degree?

[thebigman101]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently trying to decide between the stated two degrees. I was wandering if anyone knew a job outlook comparison and salary comparison. One instructor told me with the Information Systems Security degree it started out around 30-50k yearly and after 5 years the pay averaged out somewhere around 90k. I don't believe that seeing as it is only an associates degree with Network Security and Wireless Networking Security certificates but that's what he said. Anyways, I know due to outsourcing computer programming is declining, but do you guys think that will continue?

Any help would be much appreciated.

PS : Does anyone know if NET 125 is a class someone with basic knowledge could take and suceed with? It has no prerequisites, but i've taken classes with none before that were over my head. Anyways, thanks very much in advance!

Justin

[nemowolf]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently trying to decide between the stated two degrees. I was wandering if anyone knew a job outlook comparison and salary comparison. One instructor told me with the Information Systems Security degree it started out around 30-50k yearly and after 5 years the pay averaged out somewhere around 90k. I don't believe that seeing as it is only an associates degree with Network Security and Wireless Networking Security certificates but that's what he said. Anyways, I know due to outsourcing computer programming is declining, but do you guys think that will continue?

Any help would be much appreciated.

PS : Does anyone know if NET 125 is a class someone with basic knowledge could take and suceed with? It has no prerequisites, but i've taken classes with none before that were over my head. Anyways, thanks very much in advance!

Justin

Well i would have assumed that someone going into programming or Security would know that Google can answer 98% of your problems.

Jobs and their pay vary by area and sector/industry. Security for the government is going to pay MUCH more then if your working for a Small company with 15 employees. Your instructor may be entirely correct for your area. Also a side note, your instructor probably has a little bit of knowledge about this so trust him, he has done this for a while and at least one of his students is probably still in touch with him after graduating.

Outsourcing is effecting ALL jobs, not just programming, but despite this it stole rose 2% in the number of total jobs in america to over 4million IT jobs.
InformationWeek.com

If pay is your only concern, consider a business degree and a minor in something computer related. This way you have more of a practical education and you can use this for a more management approach to things.


Just personal here, but I wouldnt want to work with someone who is motivated by a paycheck to be in the IT industry. Yes we have good paying jobs, but its not all fun and games. Security is serious business and programming can be too. Do it because you want to do it and not because you get paid to do it.

[thebigman101]

"Well i would have assumed that someone going into programming or Security would know that Google can answer 98% of your problems."

Sir, I have previously searched Google and found a lot of informative answers to this question already. However, I wanted answers from people actually in these fields, as compared to those found on various generic searches such as "computer programmer salary."



" Also a side note, your instructor probably has a little bit of knowledge about this so trust him, he has done this for a while and at least one of his students is probably still in touch with him after graduating."

That would be my logical thinking as well, except for the fact that the information security systems degree is just starting this year and no other colleges in the area are offering a similar degree at this time.



"If pay is your only concern, consider a business degree and a minor in something computer related. This way you have more of a practical education and you can use this for a more management approach to things."

Money is not my primary objective in the career I choose. I've always enjoyed computers and have always been fascinated by technology. However, if I am going to get an education and degree in something I want to explore each aspect of the potentials for that degree.


"Just personal here, but I wouldnt want to work with someone who is motivated by a paycheck to be in the IT industry. Yes we have good paying jobs, but its not all fun and games. Security is serious business and programming can be too. Do it because you want to do it and not because you get paid to do it."

In the clearest sense, we all go to work primarily to earn a paycheck. However, I understand your point here. I'm not 100% sure I want to go into the IT field. However, I do enjoy many aspects of it and am exploring my options.

[nemowolf]

"Well i would have assumed that someone going into programming or Security would know that Google can answer 98% of your problems."

Sir, I have previously searched Google and found a lot of informative answers to this question already. However, I wanted answers from people actually in these fields, as compared to those found on various generic searches such as "computer programmer salary."

Well, the problem with that is that every state, county, city, company size, specialization, background, training, interview, and many other factors are going to make it not accurate. I can tell you how much I make and if your living in the midwest i might be making more then you and i am only doing Help Desk! Why? Im in california and this is the most expensive state to live in hands down right now.

The best I can offer you is that Robert Half puts out statistics for their specific temp jobs. Gives you a good idea of what you may or may not earn at your potential jobs.

" Also a side note, your instructor probably has a little bit of knowledge about this so trust him, he has done this for a while and at least one of his students is probably still in touch with him after graduating."

That would be my logical thinking as well, except for the fact that the information security systems degree is just starting this year and no other colleges in the area are offering a similar degree at this time.

Just because the degree program is new doesnt mean that the instructor doesnt know anything. If your instructor isnt a good source, try the dean of the CIS department and ask him. They are more then happy to meet with students who REALLY want to know more about the real world.

"If pay is your only concern, consider a business degree and a minor in something computer related. This way you have more of a practical education and you can use this for a more management approach to things."

Money is not my primary objective in the career I choose. I've always enjoyed computers and have always been fascinated by technology. However, if I am going to get an education and degree in something I want to explore each aspect of the potentials for that degree.

Exploring is great, again, if your instructor isnt knowledgeable then go to the Dean. The idea is to use the resources you already have, every college i have attended has told me they want me to succeed and pointed me in the right direction for information. When the general councilors couldnt answer my CIS questions, they sent me to the CIS department and I met with a councilor there. They in turn got me in touch with an instructor who had experience with and a previous work history in doing what i wanted to study. That in turn leads to networking, internships, and better guidance. All it takes is asking for the help from them.

If your school hired new instructors, perfect, they probably have a background at other colleges or better yet actual work experience. If they dont have work experience, it takes years to be a college professor so they have probably made a few contacts here and there to help advise you. Again the point is you need to go ask. When they close their doors on you, thats a big sign your school sucks.

"Just personal here, but I wouldnt want to work with someone who is motivated by a paycheck to be in the IT industry. Yes we have good paying jobs, but its not all fun and games. Security is serious business and programming can be too. Do it because you want to do it and not because you get paid to do it."

In the clearest sense, we all go to work primarily to earn a paycheck. However, I understand your point here. I'm not 100% sure I want to go into the IT field. However, I do enjoy many aspects of it and am exploring my options.

Okay, thats great that you want to explore it but this isnt a cheap option to explore. No one decides they like being a doctor so they go to med school for a few years and then back out! IT will suck away the first couple of years the same way as you get exposure to technology that you have never seen beyond its implementation. You will buy books, take classes, exams, and start hunting down new sources of information.

Bring on more questions.