Starting Computer Security Degree Need advice Input

[djm1k0]

Hey everyone,
I am just starting to go for my AS in Computer Security. The first course i signed up for is Networking 1

I would like to hear some insight on what to expect, is this really really tough ?

What kind of career options do i have once i'v obtained my degree ?

I would really like to just hear from anyone who may have done the same or who has any experience in the field.

Thanks !!

[GroundZero3]

Where are you going to school?

[Steve R Jones]

No offense, but aren't these the types of questions one would ask Before starting something like this?

[djm1k0]

Where are you going to school?

I work full time so i think i may only do 1 or 2 classes a semester. I just registered for the first class being Networking 1

[djm1k0]

No offense, but aren't these the types of questions one would ask Before starting something like this?

yes your probably right, but i've read from people online and i've met with the head of the dept. I would just like to hear some insight from people who are in the field.

[nemowolf]

I have a BS in Psych from 2001

Now i just enrolled today in Norwalk Community College in Norwalk, Ct

I work full time so i think i may only do 1 or 2 classes a semester. I just registered for the first class being Networking 1

Can you link your program? Does your school have listing of classes that fall under this AS? Computer Security is a rather vague title, so it helps to get a better understanding of what they plan on teaching you to secure.

[djm1k0]

Can you link your program? Does your school have listing of classes that fall under this AS? Computer Security is a rather vague title, so it helps to get a better understanding of what they plan on teaching you to secure.

Yup sure thing i took out all the core requirements cause i don't have to take them.

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Security A.S.
This A.S. degree program is prepares graduates for careers in the
field of Computer and Information Security, equipping them with
marketable skills and a targeted knowledge of the infrastructure
that supports IT in business. The hands-on labs built into this
program ensure that the graduates will have gone far beyond just
theoretical studies. The program was developed in collaboration
with partner institutions, including Western Connecticut State
University. The program articulates fully with the B.B.A.
program in Management Information Systems – Option in
Information Security Management offered at WestConn’s Ancell
School of Business

Networking 1, 2 , 3 , 4
Intro to programing
Internet Commerce Technology
Security Management Practices
Operating Systems
Operations Security Technology
Network Security Technology

[nemowolf]

Yup sure thing i took out all the core requirements cause i don't have to take them.

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Security A.S.
This A.S. degree program is prepares graduates for careers in the
field of Computer and Information Security, equipping them with
marketable skills and a targeted knowledge of the infrastructure
that supports IT in business. The hands-on labs built into this
program ensure that the graduates will have gone far beyond just
theoretical studies. The program was developed in collaboration
with partner institutions, including Western Connecticut State
University. The program articulates fully with the B.B.A.
program in Management Information Systems – Option in
Information Security Management offered at WestConn’s Ancell
School of Business

Networking 1, 2 , 3 , 4
Intro to programing
Internet Commerce Technology
Security Management Practices
Operating Systems
Operations Security Technology
Network Security Technology

Well continuing with the rather vague title ...
Do you have a direct link to where you got this info?


OHHH!!!! Now it makes sense ... This program was designed by a business department and not a CIS department. I would not say this is a strong computer school and you may be better off finding another JC to do your studying with. Honestly, im not sure you will find the skills and such you learn from these classes as truelly marketable skills.

Now, im not reading descriptions of each class so if you want to link to your school that might help. I would say overall your going to get more theory then practical with these courses as i see nothing relating to actual viable skills. four networking classes might take you through the gambit of different networking principles, practices and standards but your not going to be covering specifics like Cisco equipment or Certification prep classes.


EDIT: This is an example from my school:

Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs

Those are just the Computer related ones i thought might interest you. You spoke with the dean and know the program better than us so you need to ask yourself if your getting the right classes you need to do what it is you want to do.

[djm1k0]

Well continuing with the rather vague title ...
Do you have a direct link to where you got this info?


OHHH!!!! Now it makes sense ... This program was designed by a business department and not a CIS department. I would not say this is a strong computer school and you may be better off finding another JC to do your studying with. Honestly, im not sure you will find the skills and such you learn from these classes as truelly marketable skills.

Now, im not reading descriptions of each class so if you want to link to your school that might help. I would say overall your going to get more theory then practical with these courses as i see nothing relating to actual viable skills. four networking classes might take you through the gambit of different networking principles, practices and standards but your not going to be covering specifics like Cisco equipment or Certification prep classes.


EDIT: This is an example from my school:

Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs
Degree, Transfer and Certificate Programs

Those are just the Computer related ones i thought might interest you. You spoke with the dean and know the program better than us so you need to ask yourself if your getting the right classes you need to do what it is you want to do.

Sorry about the vague info, here is a link to their website and the course descriptions.

Norwalk Community College

CST 180 Networking I
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG 101 and
eligibility for MAT 172. 4 credits
formerly CMP 107 Networking I
An introduction to computer networking
concepts. Topics include the functions of the
ISO/OSI reference model; data link and
network addresses; the function of a MAC
address; data encapsulation; the different
classes of IP addresses (and subnetting); the
functions of the TCP/IP network-layer
protocols. The student learns to plan, design and
install an Ethernet LAN using an extended or
hierarchical star topology; to select, install, and
test cable and determine wiring closet locations;
to perform beginning network maintenance,
tuning, and troubleshooting along with basic
documenting, auditing and monitoring of
LANs. This course consists of lecture, and
computer based training, as well as hands-on
laboratories. 3 hours lecture; 2 hours of
laboratory.

CST 181 Networking II
Prerequisite: CST 180. 4 credits
formerly CMP 117 Networking II
This is the second in a series of four courses
designed to provide students with classroom
and laboratory experience in current and
emerging networking technology that will
empower them to enter employment and/or
further education and training in the computer
networking field. Instruction includes, but is not
limited to, safety, networking, network
terminology and protocols, network standards,
LANs, WANs, OSI models, Ethernet, Token
Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface, TCP/IP
Addressing Protocol, dynamic routing, routing,
and the network administrator’s role and
function. Particular emphasis is given to the use
of decision-making and problem-solving
techniques in solving networking problems.
3 hours lecture; 2 hours of laboratory.

CST 182 Networking III
Prerequisite: CST 181. 4 credits
formerly CMP 127 Networking III
This is the third course in the four-course series
designed to introduce new content and extend
previously learned networking skills. Instruction
introduces and extends the student’s
knowledge and practical experience with
switches, Local Area Networks (LANs) and
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) design,
configuration and maintenance. Students
develop practical experience in skills related to
configuring LANs, WANs, Novell networks,
Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX) routing
and Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP)
protocols and network troubleshooting. 3 hours
lecture; 2 hours of laboratory.

CST 183 Networking IV
Prerequisite: CST 182. 4 credits
formerly CMP 137 Networking IV
This is the fourth course in the four-course
series designed to introduce new content and
extend previously learned networking skills.
Instruction introduces and extends the student’s
knowledge and practical experience with Wide
Area Networks (WANs), Integrated Services
Data Networks (ISDN), and Point-to-Point
Protocols (PPP) and Frame Relay design,
configuration and maintenance. Students
develop practical experience in skills related to
configuring WANs, ISDN, PPP and Frame
Relay protocols and networking troubleshooting.
3 hours lecture; 2 hours of laboratory.

CSC 108 Introduction to
Programming
Prerequisite: Placement in MAT 172. 4 credits
formerly CMP119 Introduction to Programming
Fundamentals of programming and program
development techniques. Topics include data
types, functions, storage class, selection,
repetition, pointers, arrays, and file processing.
Programming laboratory projects in a closed
laboratory environment are supervised by the
instructor. 3 hours lecture; 2 hours of laboratory.

CST 111 Internet Commerce
Technology
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG 101 and one
of the following: CSC 103, CSA 105, BBG 114
or equivalent experience with basic desktop
applications and Internet search techniques.
3 credits
formerly CMP 111 Internet Commerce Technology
This introductory course covers the current
technologies supporting today’s Internet
commerce initiatives and the business rationales
for conducting commerce via electronic rather
than traditional means. Some of the technologies
explored in the course include payment
systems, web server tools, and security systems.


CST 273 Security Management
Practices
Prerequisites: ENG 101, CST 111, and CST
181. 3 credits
formerly CMP 256 Security Management
Practices
Security Management entails the identification
of an organization’s information assets and the
development, documentation, and implementation
of policies, standards, procedures, and
guidelines that ensure confidentiality, integrity,
and availability. This course will prepare the
student to understand the planning, organization,
and roles of individuals involved in
security, develop security policies, and utilize
management tools used to identify threats,
classify assets, and rate vulnerabilities.


CST 121 Operating Systems, an
Introduction
Prerequisite: CST 180 or CSC 108 or any 200
level CST or CSC course with a grade of C or
higher. 4 credits
formerly CMP 230 Operating Systems
Operating Systems provides an introduction to
Unix based operating systems. The course
focuses on basic skills in using a command line
operating system. Students will learn the
characteristics of the common Unix shells, the
Unix based file and directory system, file
management, permissions, the “vi” editor, and
basic computer networking concepts and
commands. Graphical user interface environments
and PC operating systems will be
discussed. 3 hours lecture; 2 hours of
laboratory.


CST 272 Operations Security
Technology
Prerequisite: CST 121 or Co-requisite CST182
Networking 3. 3 credits
formerly CMP 251 Operations Security Technology
The Operations Security Technology course
covers the identification of the controls over
hardware and media and the operators with
access privileges to any of these resources. A
computer security professional is expected to
know the resources that must be protected, the
privileges that must be restricted, the control
mechanisms available, the potential abuse of
access, the appropriate controls, and the
principles of good practice. All of these topics
are addressed in the course.

CST 274 Network Security
Technology
Prerequisites: CST272 Operations Security
Technology. 3 credits
formerly CMP 253 Networking Security
Technology
The Network Security domain encompasses the
structures, transmission methods, transport
formats, and security measures used to provide
integrity, availability, authentication, and
confidentiality for transmissions over private
and public communications networks and
media. This course will give the student both
the knowledge and hands-on practice in
network security software, including preventive,
detective, and corrective measures.

[nemowolf]

Overall, they look very generic but dont give much for specifics. Things i would be asking are what Certifications they are targeting and/or using as a basis for training. What equipment will you be using for switches and routers. What percentage of the classes are going to be practical, handson training and not lecture or discussion.


This isnt English or Psych where a class can teach you just as much in lecture as in labs ... Computers should primarily be 50/50 or 40/60 with more time spent in labs then lecture. If they tell you that your going to be doing everything online or through virtualized equipment, BAIL. You can do all that on your own and save yourself a pretty penny.




I think something you need to ask yourself is why you are going back for a minor when you already have a college degree. Seriously, most employers at your stage of education dont care what you have a degree in as long as you got one. I am curious as to your motivations for going back to school with such a radical change in direction as well. Anyways, its completely up to you but i would be doing more leg work in surrounding schools before jumping into this one.


ALSO! Very important. Ask the dean to give you some basic stats like the number of students who have registered this as their major/minor. How many classes on average from this series are offered, which ones are offered only in series through the years and finally how many if any of the required classes have been canceled or dropped for any reason. That will give you a VERY clear impression of how good their program is and your likelyhood of completing it in a timely manner.



PS: I have a AA in Creative Writing and have been working in the IT field for over two years. I got a raise and a bonus this year for my efforts so dont think im some slacker. ohh and i do all my posting from work! Cheers!