Online Information Assurance Degrees
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Information assurance specialists work within an organization, to help ensure that its data is protected from security breaches. Computers and the Internet have revolutionized the way we communicate and store information. While today's government agencies and businesses depend on IT to function effectively, this dependence has also led to an increasing concern about the security and privacy of sensitive information. Information assurance analysts are the IT specialists who develop strategies and policies for keeping an organization's information secure. They must also make sure that the policies they develop are in-line with the government's regulations on information security, for various types of businesses and information. Information assurance professionals may work in a management position, to develop information privacy policies, or they may be in charge of information assurance for one aspect of the firm's information technology.
A bachelor's degree in information science, management and information systems, computer science, or a related field is the usual requirement for beginning a career in this field although a master's degree in information assurance or management and information systems may be required for career advancement. Information assurance is still a relatively new field, and job opportunities should be excellent in this area in the coming years, for professionals with a relevant degree and security experience.
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What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: Information technology managers are also often in charge of maintaining information security; they may also direct teams of information assurance specialists.
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians: These professionals handle sensitive health and medical information on a daily basis, and they are often tasked with creating information assurance policies and ensuring the privacy of data.
- Network Administrators, Database Administrators, and Systems Analysts: These IT workers have to ensure information security in their particular IT area; network administrators secure the network from breaches and attacks, and database admins make sure that stored information is protected from corruption.
What degree levels are available?
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 1-2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 4-5 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
Information assurance is still a relatively new and emerging career field, and the education requirements can vary by the type of establishment and its information security needs. Some information assurance specialist positions may only require a bachelor's degree, although upper-level and management positions may require a relevant master's degree. While most colleges do not offer a specific information assurance degree at the bachelor's level, an IT-related degree in computer science, management information systems, or information science can be good preparation for this career. These degrees usually contain course work in computer programming, network administration, database administration, and hardware and software upgrading—all skills that are useful for protecting information from sophisticated hackers.
A master's degree in information assurance, management information systems, or computer science can be helpful for career advancement. Information assurance master's programs are becoming more widespread, and some schools offer them for particular types of professionals, such as engineers or health services managers. These degrees generally require classes in operating systems, data communication networks, algorithms, cryptology, and advanced computer systems and networks topics. Many of these programs are geared towards current professionals, and have flexible evening, weekend, or online classes.
Individuals interested in going on to advanced academic or research positions in information assurance may be a good fit for the PhD program in information assurance. This intensive, four- to five-year program is usually located in the computer science department of colleges and universities. Students spend the first year or two of the program taking advanced classes in algorithms, operating systems, software construction, and the like. Students then devise a research project in a particular information assurance area, with the help of their faculty advisor.
While additional certifications aren't necessarily required for beginning a career in information assurance, they can be helpful for finding employment or for advancing in your job. The Global Information Assurance Certification program is one such voluntary credential, which requires applicants to take one or more proctored exams in specific information assurance areas. The GIAC offers certification in over 20 information assurance topics, from management issues to software security and IT forensics.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
Students of information assurance will focus most of their curricular efforts on developing strong computer literacy skills. Therefore, many classes in computer science can be expected, likely starting with introduction to computer programming. Computer programmers create the computer programs that we use every day by employing programming languages and writing code, and information assurance students need to have these skills. Similarly, students of information assurance will probably take a class in computer manufacturing. Computer manufacturing involves the use of hardware, which is as essential to the work of an information assurance student.
Among the most important classes in an information assurance degree program is network security. Protecting computer networks is essential for information assurance professionals, as information transmitted via networks is usually the most vulnerable. Similarly, students will take a class in information security. This course will introduce students to the principles involved in protecting technologically maintained information. Understanding the evolution of information technology is also important for information assurance professionals. A course in information storage and protection systems is essential for information assurance students, who need to be able to navigate such systems effectively.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
Some information assurance programs can be completed online without the need for any on-site training. Because it is a computer-based degree, it makes sense that all necessary components can be completed online.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Information assurance is a relatively new degree, and there are many degrees related to it, each of which contributed to the formation of the information assurance field in some way. The immediate predecessor of information assurance is information technology, and network security is equally similar. Computer science is the general umbrella degree program that often includes specialization options in computer assurance and information technology.
