Master's degree in Accounting or IT (Specialization in Information Assurance)?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:34:53 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 11:38 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:38:57 -0400

2LT Private RallyPoint Member depends on what you want to do with your life. IA is evolving and is an up and coming field as the world learns to address cyber threats. Accounting is a field that has applications across all industries. You have picked two good options for future success.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jul 29 at 2016 11:41 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:41:14 -0400

As someone in IT with a degree in Information Assurance, I'm a little biased. But either are good. Dollar signs with numbers aren't going away any time soon. But the digital age is only getting more and more pervasive in society, and the IA field is going through rapid expansion.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 29 at 2016 11:55 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:55:06 -0400

IT degrees are good, but most employers in my experience are looking more for real life experience and advanced certifications. I personally would get the Master's in Accounting (if that is something you enjoy) and focus more on experience and certs on the IT side.

Response by SGT Eric Flores made Jul 29 at 2016 12:01 PM

SGT Eric Flores — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 12:01:43 -0400

The degree is good and as another colleague mentioned IA is evolving. However, don't forget to get your certifications right away don't leave things for last minute. The degree plus the certification ads more weight to you as an IA professional.

Response by Sgt Chris Lima made Jul 29 at 2016 12:21 PM

Sgt Chris Lima — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 12:21:35 -0400

If you have accounting experience or an undergrad degree in it, go for your CFE (certified fraud examiner). It's a master's program and it's a field that coming up, both in government and the civilian side. It pays nicely, too.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 29 at 2016 4:37 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 16:37:40 -0400

2LT Private RallyPoint Member, I really know very little about either. However, my first cousin has been a practicing CPA for over thirty years , and he's told me that a Masters of Accountancy is no walk in the park. For many accounting schools, you don't just declare your major in accounting as it was when I was in college. You have to be accepted into the accounting school for an undergraduate degree! I would assume you have such a degree or wouldn't be posing the question. However, I assume that acceptance criteria for a masters program may be required also.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 5:32 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 17:32:39 -0400

Thank you all! For the great and helpful advice! I decided to pursue my Master's degree in IT. Have a great day everyone!!!