Computer science, information science, and management information systems (MIS) with an information systems security focus – these are common majors for aspiring information systems security professionals. Fortunately, just about every technical school, most business schools, and most traditional colleges offer the degrees listed above. Depending on the institution, several learning formats may be available. These include online (entirely online), blended format (both online and on-campus) and of course, traditional (entirely on-campus).
Many working and adult education students find that the blended or online option is much easier to manage. Online students may also opt for this format if the school of their choice is too far to commute. In some cases, students would prefer not to relocate, so they may choose the online option as well. While all three learning formats provide a high quality education, some students might find that certain aspects of the online environment might be difficult to handle.
For starters, in an online learning environment, students are expected to be very disciplined and organized and they must work well independently. The student has more responsibility for his or her own actions as well. The online student must log in for a specific number of hours per course, he must submit assignments on or before set deadlines (this policy is strictly enforced), and he must also post to discussion boards in a timely and professional manner. Many discussion board posts have a word count limit of 300-500 words. A significant portion of the online students grade depends on participation. This is not really the case in on-campus environments where the student can show up, listen to the lecture, and leave without ever participating in discussions.
Finally, some students miss the physical interaction with classmates and the instructor, while others might see this is as a distraction. Fortunately, no matter which learning format you feel comfortable with, all three options are valid in the academic and career world.
When applying for online information systems security degree programs, just check to make sure the school is accredited by a recognized agency such as:
-Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
-Distance Education Training Council (DETC)
-Council on Occupational Education (COE)
-Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
-Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
-Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Top regional accrediting agencies include:
-Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
-New England Association of Schools and Colleges
-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
-Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
-Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Please visit the U.S. Department of Education at Ed.gov for additional agency listings.
To learn more about online information security degrees, including curriculum and program info, visit Top Online Colleges. To learn about information security career trends and salary info, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Written by WJContent