Hi,

I have a B.A. and an M.A. in an arts related discipline, but I'm looking for a career change. I'm very interested in getting into the cybercrime field, but I have no formal training in it. I'm not sure what the best option is for someone like me. I'm in my 30's, own a business, and have a family so I'd do best completing a degree online, but there are so many programs to choose from! I assume I would need to get a B.A. in order to get the knowledge I would need. I'm also trying to find out about scholarship information. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!  

What kind of money do you expect to make, and what do you expect to be doing?

You said you are interested in getting into the cybercrime field, what does cybercrime mean to you?
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Why order a taco when you can ask it politely?

Alan B. "A man can live a good life, be honorable, give to charity, but in the end, the number of people who come to his funeral is generally dependent on the weather. " 

Hi,

As far as salary, I'm in the arts now, so anything over 40K would be super for me

I'm trying to decide whether I'd be happier doing cybercrime investigation/forensics or information assurance. I'm looking mainly at Utica and UMUD but not sure how to compare their programs.  

- sk8zm8

Hi,

As far as salary, I'm in the arts now, so anything over 40K would be super for me

I'm trying to decide whether I'd be happier doing cybercrime investigation/forensics or information assurance. I'm looking mainly at Utica and UMUD but not sure how to compare their programs.

If you're new to the industry, expect half that.

Remember, regardless of your previous salary in your previous industry - you will be starting at the bottom of this one.  

Greetings,

There are positions available in the US for $40K. That is not an unreasonable starting salary *if* you have good credentials, work at developing connections, and get a bit lucky.

Now, trying to support a family while getting into cybercrime could be more challenging. Sacrifices might be required, and that's hard to do when trying to support others.

I'm not convinced you need another degree, and the time and money you invest in acquiring one might be better spent elsewhere. You already have two degrees and that demonstrates that you can apply yourself when motivated.

I'd look at the various SANS offerings. Consider taking one that strikes your fancy. How you do in the course will give you some valuable insight into your own passion and aptitude for this field, it is great education, and it is a good opportunity to network and to talk with people about the field.

-David
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CISSP, CCE, EnCE, Licensed Private Investigator (CA)