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There are several factors to consider when determining whether a full-time or part-time program is the right fit. Time commitments, personal learning style, finances, and personal career trajectory should all be weighed in the process of deliberation. Earning an online master’s in cybersecurity can be quite demanding as students study in depth about programming, network defense, laws & policies, and information security systems. It is important that you choose the type of enrollment that will maximize your chances of success. Both part-time and full-time students receive the same course content, professors, academic resources, and level of education, so one thing you don’t have to worry about is whether this decision will impact the quality of the program you choose.
Here are some considerations when determining whether to enroll as a part-time or full-time student:
Enrolling in an online master’s in cybersecurity program full-time may grant you the focus to give all your energy to your studies.
Benefits of Full-Time Enrollment
Students enrolled in a part-time online cybersecurity program may have greater flexibility and can possibly work a full-time job while completing their degree.
Benefits of Part-Time Enrollment
Drawbacks of Part-Time Enrollment
As you look for online cybersecurity schools you may want to ask yourself whether your learning style lends itself to working independently and on your own schedule or in sync with other students on a set curriculum. The answer to this will let you know whether a synchronous or asynchronous program would best suit you and ensure the quality of your experience in an online master’s program.
In synchronous programs classes are offered and held on a set schedule for all enrolled students. Classes are held via video or webcam at a set times throughout the week, and all students are expected to attend, participate in group discussions, and learn in tandem with one another. Synchronous programs are less flexible than asynchronous ones, but in turn offer a more structured and streamlined schedule and experience for progressing through courses.
In asynchronous programs students create their own schedules, attending classes and complete coursework at their own convenience. Lectures are pre-recorded and available to watch at any point. There is little to no interaction with other students, and all assignments are submitted online according to set deadlines.
Many programs offer a hybrid option. For instance, some programs require students to attend a single online lecture at a predetermined time every week. These programs may be suitable for students seeking flexibility who are still able to attend a small number of scheduled class activities.
Which type is better for you?
Deciding which program type is better for you is a personal choice you should give a considerable consideration. If you are more productive when working within the parameters of a formal routine, you may want to focus on a school with a synchronous program. If you are prefer the ability and freedom to create your own schedule, or if your schedule outside of school is difficult to predict, an asynchronous program may be right for you. If you have varying amounts of flexibility in your schedule, a hybrid program might give you the camaraderie of a peer experience without the rigidity of a fully synchronous program.
Accreditation of a university is a process whereby endorsement from the U.S. Department of Education is obtained for their academic programs. In obtaining accreditation at the program or university level, higher education institutions must meet a specific set of standards. Each type of accrediting agency will have their own set of requirements such as requiring that universities offer associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Other agencies may require that programs follow a set curriculum that has been researched to provide a foundation for careers, post-grad. Accreditation is voluntary process initiated by a school and is administered by independent agencies. There are several different agencies and each one maintains their own standards for accreditation through rigorous analysis of the university and its program.
When looking at schools for a master’s program in cybersecurity that is offered online, it is important to pay attention to whether a school has regional or national accreditation.
Regional accreditation agencies are often considered to be more prestigious. The independent regional agencies are overseen by either the Department of Education or Council of Higher Education Association. Usually, nationally accredited programs will accept credits for regionally accredited schools, but regional institutions will not accept credits from national programs.
National accreditation agencies will often focus on and award accreditation for specific disciplines. There are national agencies for business and nursing schools and other programs.
The National Security Agency (NSA) sponsors accredited recognition for two types of Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) programs: Cyber Defense (CD) and Cyber Operations (CO).
With the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the NSA sponsors the CAE-CD program which grants accreditation and recognition to programs who:
Designation as a Center for Academic Excellence – Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) program last for five academic years, at which point all programs will need to re-apply and meet any new criteria.
The criteria for CAE-CO or CAE-Cyber Operations designation required programs to be based within a computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or related technical depth department. In order to become a CAE-CO fundamental or advanced designated and accredited program, universities must meet the following:
There are several options for pursuing a CAE-Accredited online cybersecurity program. Other accreditations for programs may be as valuable for students as a CAE accreditation. Specific CAE designations may also help students seek programs that provide different tracks for different career paths such as cyber defence (CAE-CD) or cyber operations (CAE-CO). Enrollment and course instruction styles may vary as well. Choosing the right online cybersecurity program for you may depend on a variety of factors. Take a look below to learn more about how cybersecurity online programs may vary.
In obtaining accreditation at the program or university level, higher education institutions must meet a specific set of standards. Each type of accrediting agency will have their own set of requirements such as requiring that universities offer associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Other specific agencies may require that programs follow a set curriculum that has been researched to provide a foundation for careers, post-grad.
A master’s degree could be a significant commitment of time and money. There are many reasons why you should attend only accredited schools:
If you’re ready to review some cybersecurity programs, check out our degree guide on earning your online master’s degree in cybersecurity.
