Sup Everyone,

I'm kind of stuck on a decision on what I'd like to do for a career. I just graduated high school yesterday (Wooh!), and I've always wanted to go into Computer Science. Information Security has always been like an alternate field for me to want to go into. I've always been into programming and have a higher grasp of knowledge in the area. About a week or so ago, I scheduled a walk in appointment to ITT Tech and got word that they've discontinued their software engineering program. Instead they broke up their programming courses into their Computer Network Systems program. Thing is I have no interest in this program at all because they teach minor programming in it. I could go to the community college in my area but I've heard from alot of people the computer science teachers are slow and it wouldn't be too hands on (That's kinda why I wanted a trade school like ITT). I guess what I'm asking you guys is, should I start ITT Tech this summer going into ISS or should I wait around til the fall comes to look into seeing if they Re-Open up their Software Engineering program. It'd be good for you guys to offer some insight by letting me know if the security field is larger then the programming field (I've always thought there have been more InfoSec People then Programmers, so if I got a degree in Computer Science, I may be able to find a job easier). I also heard from my programming teacher in high school that it'd be easier to go into information security if you had a good experiance on programming, so I figured I'd go for a BS In Computer Science and then attempt to go into Penetration Testing. I was also told that the main school that focuses on programming is "Neumont" which is way too far away from me. Can someone throw me some good advice on a good tech college, maybe share their personal insight on their college experiance in doing programming / security. thanks for your responses in advanced.

KrisTeson

Hey Kris,

Congrats on your HS graduation. Is it too late or do you have no desire to go to a full four-year university?

As for deciding on a major, I'm not really the one to ask. I was never great at deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up. That being said, I know that many people get a degree in 'something' and then get a job in 'something else.' What I would do is decide where you want to go, and then find out what different programs are offered. They may have similar core curriculum, and this will buy you time to figure out if you need to change majors/programs or not.

Let see how others answer, and we'll continue the conversation.

Don

When I had started going back to school.. I pondered going for ITT Tech.  Then I met an ITT Tech... who didn't know jack.  That said, you can meet people from any school who somehow get through and don't know jack.  But, when it was simple computer stuff, and he was clueless... and falling behind in a community college A+ course... I wasn't impressed.  The guy had been kicked from ITT for beating up a kid in the parking lot.. and obviously had anger issues, but the fact that he was a couple months away from graduating ITT tech.. and didn't know a thing kind of turned me off.  That and I talked with another friend of mine who's doing similar studies to myself, and he told me horror stories of his father's company hiring ITT techs and them not knowing jack.  He said they liken it to a quick/dirty tech factory, that pumps out cheap but quickly produced workers.  

What I decided to do was go for a BS in Computer Science, and take all my certs along the way.  The school I'm at has Network +, A+, Linux +, CCNA, a couple M$ certs, and other 'prep' classes as requirements for the degree.  Hense, you get your cert training... and the degree all at once.  That's what I am doing, and it is in no way right for everyone I suppose (hard as hell when doing full time work too), but it has potential for me.  

Thanks for the info...you just killed my dream of going to that college...just joking...I was thinking about going for some certs as well.

kk, I'll look into the college, by the way, I know what you mean on the boring 8 hour a day lectures. Thanks.