Norwich University : Information Assurance Reviews
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Riffjim4069
(Graduate) on May 30, 2010
(email verified)
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Cream of the MSIA Crop
The Norwich MSIA degree is a top-notch information assurance program from a management perspective. After conducting extensive research into graduate programs providing curricula in information assurance, security engineering and network security, I concluded the Norwich program was best suited for my particular interests and career development goals. Prior to beginning this degree I had more than 27-years of federal IT experience, with 12-years supporting various government information security programs. Therefore it was a prerequisite that the school I selected be recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE). Norwich meets this requirement.
During the evaluation period I considered graduate degree programs Capitol College (MSIA), Capella University (MSIT), Norwich University (MSIA), and Southern Methodist University (MS in Security Engineering). Of course, this is after having quickly disqualified nine (9) other programs. I found the format of the MSIA program at Norwich University to be outstanding; it was well-structured and highly-flexible for the working Information Assurance professional (much appreciated), yet extremely demanding given the amount of weekly reading assignments, discussion topic postings, written essays, exams (from the C-level perspective), and seminar term paper. To be honest, the Norwich MSIA was the only program I found to have no disqualifiers:
Capitol College – their program (completed two courses) was also in-tune with my education and career development objectives. However, there were too many synchronous online lectures that interfered with my job as an systems security engineer and program manager. While the program was somewhat more technical in nature, their courses adding little to my existing technical acumen and only lightly addressed security program management.
Capella University – decent course content using asynchronous delivery; however the program focused too much on IT and not enough on security. I did not feel the program would add substantially to my IA acumen.
Southern Methodist University - offers a solid graduate degree in Security Engineering through an “on site” partnership with my company. Unfortunately, their program focused way too much on Systems Engineering and not enough on Systems Security Engineering - and almost nothing on the security program management
I am industry certified (CISM, CISSP-ISSEP, CAP) and have served in a variety of security management, security administration, and security engineering billets over the years. However, I have always preferred leading teams of security analysts, engineers, and IA professionals in order to meet specific business goals and objections. Clearly, the Norwich MSIA will help me achieve my professional goals by developing my information assurance knowledge, skills, and abilities.
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Anonymous
(In Progress) on April 8, 2009
(email verified)
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Excellent, Challenging Program
My current career field is Information Assurance, specifically an engineer in the profession with a vast technical background. I researched Norwich extensively based on quality, reputation, and the program's professor. This program is recognized as a Center for Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency, the professor's material is widely published and recognized across the industry, and the school's reputation is impeccable. In fact, alumni of other prestigious institutions recognize the reputation of Norwich: every West Point alumni I have spoken with has a very high opinion of Norwich.
The real value in the MSIA program is the material it provides: concepts, principles and framework associated with Information Assurance. It is most assuredly big picture stuff, and for those who expect it to be a technical exercise in hacking will be woefully disappointed. This program is designed for the overall science of Information Assurance, to include its foundations, laws, policy making, risk analysis, and organizational concepts. It provides methodologies and strategic value vital to a Chief Information Security Officer, a strategic planner, or anyone otherwise responsible for subject matter expertise in IA. Technical skills are important to know, but they are only part of the picture when it comes to the total IA experience.
I highly recommend the Norwich MSIA program for anyone who wishes to pursue IA as a profession. You will be writing (a LOT), and you will be challenged and forced to defend your research, but what you learn here will well prepare you for the real world, whether it be the boardroom, a government program, or consultancy.
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Trsims1
(Graduate) on June 19, 2008
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Norwich MSIA
I finished the MSIA course work in November '07. Completed the week long residency capstone last week. This was an important piece in solidifying my relationship with Norwich. Residency week is truely an experience in and of itself. The Norwich MSIA program has been an exceptional experience. As a health care IT professional, it is important to maintain infosec knowledge and skills to be able implement and sustain a sound information security program to protect the privacy of patient and employee records. The Norwich MSIA program provided solid resources and instructors to help me with this endeavor. Working a flexible schedule, the online aspect of the Norwich MSIA program allowed me to coordinate studies and assignments and still make submission deadlines on time, even while traveling. The instructors were amazing. As experienced and well known professionals in the field of IA, I couldn't ask for more. Some of my instructors included Dr. Peter Stephenson, Sanford Sherizen, Rebecca Herold, and Padgett Peterson. Certainly some well known experts in the field. All interacted with my cohort and provided excellent feedback throughout each seminar.
Any skepticism I had early on was removed through a little research on NU. Of course, living close by, I was very familiar with the university. As a very prestigious institute, well known throughout the world, and an NSA center of academic excellence in IA, it just made sense for me. The case study approach allowed a smooth implementation of much needed security programs at my organization.
The program and support staff were always responsive, helpful, and understanding throughout. I would highly recommend this program.
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Anonymous
(Graduate) on February 26, 2007
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MSIA - Norwich
Separate yourself from the crowd -- get a degree from a University that will mean something. Not that others won’t but there sure seem to be some diploma mills out there. I have been approached (more than once) by someone saying, "You're a Norwich graduate?" It's a good feeling -- the school is thought of highly within the military (I don't know about the civilian side).
Anyway, the cost is high, the quality is high, and the time you'll have to put in is about 10-20 hrs per week. I loved the graduation! Except they need AC on campus in the dorm and in the graduation hall -- it was sweltering and I was told this wasn't the first time a heat wave hit at the wrong time in Vermont.
I learned a lot and the staff was EXCELLENT. The teachers were good but each had their own style so you would have to readjust from term-to-term-to-term. It was hard getting used to each teacher’s likes, dislikes, and points of emphasis.
There is a LOT of writing. Don't worry if you are a poor writer because by the end of the program, if you put in the work and get your papers in early, you will not be a poor writer any longer. They REALLY work with you on your writing.
The work is not too tough...there is just a lot of it. Lots of reading and writing and analyzing. I just think it is a perfect Master's degree.
Try to prepare for the CISSP at the same time you are doing your school work. Easy for me to say (I didn't/couldn't) but I wish I had. With the MSIA coursework and one of the CISSP self-study books, you should be ready for the CISSP by course end (or so I'm told). I am preparing for the exam now and the MSIA sure gives you a big leg-up.
Anyway, I have ZERO regrets about going to Norwich to attain a Master of Science in Information Assurance. The degree and school actually mean something. Remember the old adage; you get out what you put in...time, money, and reputation.
Good luck!
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Anonymous
(Graduate) on August 25, 2006
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Very High Quality
The Norwich School of Graduate Study staff in general is incredible. Topics are primarily management in nature, if your looking for a HIGHLY technical security program you will probably be disappointed. The intent is to train cyber-security managers and teach people to think deductively. Emphasis is on writing and thoughtful expression. If you do not want to venture out of the server room, you should probably consider another program. They will not let you slide by. They do not tolerate plagerism, more than one student in my cohort was expelled when caught using other's work as their own.
One criticism, more than one or two exam questions during the program prove to be wrong. Students end up challenging incorrect exam questions on every exam; however, they will likely not grant your challenge and you can still pass with honors in spite of this. Program should do a much better job of doing quality assurance on the tests since some of these wrong questions are blatently wrong and contradict the assigned study materials.
Once completed, you are considered a fully equal graduate with any other Norwich grad, whether civilian undergrad or Corps of Cadets. Excellent alumni.
Legitmate IA program, worth the $30,000+
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