Hey I currently have one semester left at my community college and will transfer fall 2018. I was wondering whats the best school for cyber security.
Gw has a BPS (bachelors of professional studies) degree in cyber security which has less electives and is more focused on the actual curriculum. This would not be at the main campus, but actually at the Ashburn campus. Also has a masters program.
George Mason has a BAS degree which is a terminal degree meaning that’s the highest in education i could get.
Marymount has a BS in IT with a specialization in cyber security.
Would love to hear thoughts on which school you think would be the best and do the degree types matter? (BPS, BAS, BS)
Would it be difficult finding jobs with a BPS or BAS?
Mason, BS in Cyber Security Engineering is one the best in the nation. 80% to 90% of Cyber Security student from GMU during senior years are recruited by the Government and 3-letter agency in the DC metro area. GMU BS in Cyber Security graduate student can easily make close to 6-a figure before earning Master degree.
However I am not doing the BS in cyber security engineering at gmu, but just the BAS degree in cyber security. I had an interview with GW today and they told me they only accept 30% of the students. So I am thinking that I wont get accepted and comparing Marymount and Mason
For the money, Mason is a better deal. Excellent internship and career placement opportunities, low tuition. I wouldn’t take on any debt to get your degree from Marymount or GW when Mason’s program is as good or better.
I work at Mason as an advisor, but I’m not super familiar with the particulars of the BAS program. I can say that it’s definitely growing, and it’s my understanding that the degree is considered as rigorous as any at Mason. The prerequisites for the cyber security program are extensive, and if you qualify, you’ll come in well prepared to complete the degree. I don’t think the BAS degree is terminal, that you can’t go on to earn a Master’s–in fact, I work with some students in the similar BIS program at Mason, and they are admitted to grad programs in my unit regularly.
Great, really appreciate the help. Means a lot. Thanks. Will most likely attend if I get accepted as I currently attend NOVA and I know the BAS cyber security degree is meant for people with experience in the work field. Will most likely attend Mason though if i get in think i have a negative chance of actually getting into GW lol.
When something is described as a “terminal degree”, that means that there is not yet a further degree in that specific specialization. It does not mean that you cannot eventually earn a more advanced degree, or that a further degree will never be developed for that specialization. For example, the MBA and MFA formerly were considered terminal, but now there are plenty of DBA and DFA degree-awarding institutions out there if you really want one of those degrees instead of a PhD in a related field.
George Mason, that is my opinion. I have a friend working now at swiftcomm.co.uk, that finished a BS in Cyber Security. He told me that most of the students who finished there are working now for big companies or even for the government. In fewer words, this is the best choice for you. But still, you are the one to decide. George Washington also offers some great quality studies, but if I am right, it will cost you a bit more to make your BS at Washington.