Expert: Susie Watts - 12/17/2009

Question
Hi...I have a B.A. in Psychology that I attained from Oral Roberts University in 2003. I have been working in the field of social services for the last 6 years. I do not want to further my education in anything related to social services (i.e. counseling, therapist, etc).  I would like to pursue a Master's in something under the umbrella of IT.  I also am looking to go online for school as I work full time and I just don't want to have to go to a traditional school if I don't have to. I have done a semester online at ITT Tech a couple of years ago and enjoyed the online experience. I was working on an Associate's in Computer Forensics.  I actually am highly fascinated with this field so I would like to pursue it at the graduate level.  

In the master's arena, it is not usually called Computer Forensics however.  I also am interested in learning how to program different applications on the computer.  What program would encompass computer security AND computer programming (software engineering)?

I have been debating between a few online colleges: (1)Kaplan (which has a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Information Security and Assurance). (2)University of Phoenix has a Master of Information Systems. This one is kind of broad but does have courses in information security and computer programming. (3) Virginia College has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This one is very specific and no computer programming courses. (4) Keller Graduate School of Management has a Master of Information Systems Management with a concentration in Information Security.  Lastly, (5) AIU has a Master of Information Technology with a concentration in Internet security.  Now, these are just the colleges that I have researched and I have spoken with the academic advisors and am considering attending (I've actually researched a few more but for whatever reason, I eliminated them).  

Out of the 5 online schools that I mentioned, are there any that you would personally not consider and why?? I have heard good stories and I have heard horror stories. All 5 of the schools I mentioned are accredited. Can you offer any other colleges or programs for that matter that may be a better fit that I can look into based off of the information that I have given you about myself??

I know I've written a lot of information. I just feel like the academic advisors at these specific schools are biased and I would love an unbiased point of view  Also, let me add this one last thing as a sidenote, I used to work with therapists as the case worker for sexually abused children. Our agency worked alongside the police department, sheriff's department, district attorney's office, etc., etc. This is when I really became involved in computer forensics, because I would love to know how to go into a suspect's computer and recover lost data that they think they erased (i.e. a pedophile with child pornography) and that is what the degree should provide for me. And as I said earlier, I would also like to know how to actually program applications or software on the computer that can be used in that field or even in other unrelated fields.  Please help...I am trying to make a decision by the end of the year with hopes of starting school in early 2010. I know I've said a lot and have written a book but this is actually the narrowed down version since I first started this process....

Thank you for your input...

Answer
I think your best bet is probably Kaplan.  From the information I have, their program is strong and respected.  That is important when you are choosing an online university.  Like any school, some will have complaints about one thing or another, but I have heard that the professors are great and the classes equally so.  That is probably the most important thing to consider.










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