Security Student

A few days ago I was given an offer to get my masters degree for free essentially if I teach a few classes while I’m doing it. The pay would not be good by any stretch of the imagination so I would most certainly have to get a good job to go along with this, which not a big deal at all. With the contacts I have I’m sure I could get something that will make me happy and financially stable while I do the masters program. Both teaching and getting a masters degree are pretty attractive to me at this point in my life, but I would be sacrificing some very good job opportunities that could lead to a few great careers so I’m stuck and having trouble figuring out what the hell I’m going to do…

Masters of Science in Information Assurance @EMU Pros:
1. A Masters degree of any form is a damn good thing on a resume in a time where BS’s and BA’s are becoming common place.
2. To get the masters degree I wouldn’t have to take all that many more classes, maybe a year and a half at most.
3. I will have the support of an educational facility to continue my research.
4. I am already familiar with the faculty members and have an easier time getting things done than if I were to go to another university like Indiana U or Purdue.
5. EMU’s IA program has a lot of very useful and nice connections that are very interesting.
6. I have helped build EMU’s IA program, influenced it, watched it evolve, and grow from a tiny 40 student program to over 200 students now. Currently I’m helping to design and build the new lab, and frankly I want to see my baby grow. It would be very intrinsically rewarding to see new students come in, teach them, watch how they utilize the lab, and see the creativity flow.
7. I already know that I will be a life long student, this new development seems to be a chance to both get paid, and further my education to a higher level degree at the same time while doing something that I love.

Masters of Science in Information Assurance @EMU Cons:
1. Finances may be rough, teachers do not make much, and while I know I can find a good job, masters work is pretty intense.
2. Opportunity knocks once, if I pass up a kick ass job today will I have that same opportunity after the masters program?
3. Will the state of cyber security be the same in the future or is obama’s cyber security initiative a bunch of PR bullshit?

The pro’s are pretty powerful, but I have to admit that in this economy that passing up a kick ass job scares the bejezzus out of me. I’ve been told that it will work out, and yes I feel that is true, I just wonder how it will work out.

I’d appreciate any comments from anyone on this.