Which Degree to choose?

saintsfan0990

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Jun 18, 2016
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Hey guys, I can really only afford to take one college course at a time, and do to other limitations right now as I can only realistically do online schooling. I want to do something tech, I have chosen UMUC as my school of choice as they tend to work with big companies like lockheed and martin and other big names in the military industry which is where I want to work when I am done with my e degree and they are credible. They offer the follow five tech degrees and I wanted to know what would be the best one for someone who is interest in engineering education, and programming. I would happily work in any of these categories but I was hoping you could tell me which one would be the best for income. They are

Computer Networks and Cybersecurity
Computer Science
Cybersecurity Management and Policy
Digital Media and Web Technology
Information Systems Management

Software Development and Security

I like programming. I am trying to choose a platform which will help me get my some programs I have started working on complete as soon as possible to supplement my income. Programming is my main interest.

also, the Software development and Security program is focused around Java which I don't really like, but was wondering if anyone had any ideas if anyone knows if an education in Java is worth it or not. Thanks!
 
Solution
The two big demand areas today fall into Cybersecurity and Software Engineering. I would recommend you explore your options in those two areas within the UMUC offerings.
Choose the one you would most see yourself excelling in(the one you probably have interest in most). You're likely to be more valuable in the position you're most happy in - you'll be more effective and your job performance will be better in job you really enjoy rather than a job you don't like as much. (you may not hate either job, but you may like or be interested in one more than the other).
 
Looking at the goal of working for defense contractor for doing programming then I would suggest Software Development and Security.
Security is a HUGE aspect right now and not having it will limit the amount of doors open to you.
Java basses languanges (not just JAVA, but PERL, Python, etc) are much more utilized then microsoft .NET basses languages.

The other question I geuss comes down to more what kind of programs are you wanting to develop. Front end bassed programs would be built on Java languages while programs to manage hardware are still more built around C languages
 


I want to program around hardware.



Is this hard to achieve?

 


If you wanting to make drivers, lower level OS functions, loadsets etc then that is more C bassed.
If you want front end applications, firmware, etc that is more java bassed.

Security + is not that difficult, just need to study and have/get a understanding of networking and cyrptography.
 
Here are the requirements for a DOD IT specialist job. You can find positions like these on USAJobs.gov


Job Overview
Job Overview
Summary
Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

***This is a re-announcement - if you previously applied to vacancy announcement (SCBK1645243191808146EHA) you will need to reapply to be considered.

This position is being filled under the Expedited Hiring Authority for Shortage Category and/or Critical Need.

About the Position: Serve as the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command's (USASMDC & ARSTRAT's) Information Technology (IT) Specialist. The incumbent is the Command's authoritative source of technical information for all Information Security matters.

Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens

Duties
Responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal, DoD, and Department of the Army (DA) IA policies and regulations.
Responsible for developing, maintaining and overseeing security databases.
Provide training to system administrators and Information Assurance Security Officers (IASO) on all administrative IA subjects.
Provide weekly reports to the Information Assurance Manager (IAM) of all Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation status.
Travel Required
Occasional Travel
This position requires up to 10% temporary duty travel.
Relocation Authorized
No
Job Requirements
Job Requirements
Key Requirements
This position requires Information Assurance Management Level II.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
This position is subject to random drug testing (see "other requirements").
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Experience required: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job.

Specialized experience is defined as: Experience with providing policy and technical expertise on the security aspects of networks and systems; develop, maintain and oversee databases for Information Assurance (IA)/ Cyber Security and Certification Accreditation (C&A). This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12/NH-02).

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills, abilities) in the following areas:

Knowledge of Information Assurance (IA) Certification & Accreditation (C&A) policies and standards
Skill in developing Information Technology (IT) system requirements and interface capabilities
Ability to coordinate and provide training on Information Assurance (IA) policy and system compliance
Minimum Experience:
Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. (This experience must be reflected in your resume to receive further consideration.)

1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Other Requirements: Click here for expanded definitions.

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
One year trial/probationary period may be required.
Direct Deposit of Pay is Required.
Personnel Security Investigation required.
 

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