InfoSec Bachelors? Which degree do I take?

Im a bit confused on what I need to take on a four year degree level (bachelor's) for the career path i want to get into.



Basically my goal is to get into computer networking, and specialize in the security aspect. Engineering a system from the ground up, knowing how to use and configure all the hardware, to implementing and maintaining on the software side, to protection of the system in general/anti-hacker. As of now, the end all be all kind of job id want is working for like the CIA or NSA doing networking and general communications security. Like this, http://www.nsa.gov/careers/career_fields/ia.shtml

Im currently at a junior college getting my Associates degree in Information Systems Security.



A pattern I've noticed in terms of employment is nearly everyone wants to see a Bachelors degree, so Im considering pushing up to this level. But I'm having a difficult time narrowing down what major to pursue.

The two universal ones I seem to find are Computer Science and MIS/CIS

The problem is neither of these really seem to be going down the path im looking for? Computer science seems to be full of the programming/engineering/intense math side. It feels like one large general degree that dabbles a little into everything with a major emphasis on programming, which i really have no interest in to such an extent.

MIS/CIS seems to be focused more on the business aspect, with light courses in some entry level programing and networking ect.

Basically nothing seems to be providing an in depth education in computer networking on the degree side. There are tons of very good certifications, particularly from Cisco (and im already working on CCNA), or CISSP, ETC, but this doesn't help me when an employment requirement is a bachelors degree (and most the time they don't even care what kind as long as its some form of bachelors).



So what am I missing? Am I looking at the wrong Majors here or what? And if so what is it that I'd be looking for? And furthermore, what real universities (not online schools or university of pheonix type deals) have the programs im seeking for a 4 year bachelor degree?InfoSec Bachelors? Which degree do I take?
I believe you're on the right track so far with what you're already doing. There are universities and colleges that offer the kind of program you like, and I'm going to brag about my alma mater for a second, the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. They recently added a program called ';Information Technology'; which focuses on exactly what you want:



http://www.unf.edu/ccec/cis/SoChtml/SoCI鈥?/a>



I have an Information Science degree from them, and I did a lot of the work you're planning to do in my career, but in recent years, I've focused on development.



Anyway, UNF can't be the only school offering such a program. You may have to search a bit, but I'm sure there are other schools that offer a degree program like this.



By the way, I work in a filed similar to what you're seeking. I'm a contractor in the DOD, and worked in the intel community in the past. One other thing you want to pay attention to is your background. Jobs at places like NSA and CIA will require clearances and background checks, so be prepared for that in your future.



Good luck. You sound like you're on the right road and know exactly what you want.