WWL:

I have to admit I've never heard of a 'Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures' degree. Could you describe the program?

JW

It's a Masters in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures. This is a unique program, the first of its kind--it's designed for specialists in the field. We were the first graduating class. The degree is offered through the Department of Urban Design and Planning.

WWL:

What were some of the classes included in the program?

JW:

The coursework covered various areas of security management: Epidemiology, Cyber Security, Constitutional Law as it relates to terrorism, Risk Management, etc.

WWL:

Why did you decide to pursue a degree online?

JW:

This particular program was only offered online. It's a very specialized area, and the program is geared to professionals with at least ten to fifteen years experience in the workforce. People from all over the world participated: some were in the Army and Air Force, stationed abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan; some worked in the public sector, and some in the private sector.

WWL:

Sounds like a world congress of security specialists. So the online format made it possible to convene these disparate people--business managers, engineers, military personnel, policymakers--from around the world?

JW:

Yes. It was a wonderfully eclectic mix of interesting people.

WWL:

Were you able to maintain a full work schedule while going to school?

JW:

Yes, I continued working full time and went to school full time.

WWL:

How did you manage your time?

JW:

It affected my family time and work time. I worked when I could, I usually could find time at night. It was a busy time.

WWL:

Can you estimate how much of a time commitment the degree was?

JW:

Well, it was a two-year degree (at least for me), and I would say I spent on average 8-10 hours per week on it.

WWL:

How were the classes set up?

JW:

There were different types of classes: discussion, pseudo-programming classes, writing assignment classes. So the class structure was determined by the focus of that particular class. We typically had weeklong assignments, and set our own schedule. There were no exams, but in addition to the weekly assignments we had two capstone projects.

WWL:

Were you able to swap experience and expertise with the other students?

JW:

Not in real time. It was just too difficult logistically, with all the different time zones. We didn't have an adequate chat room. But we did have a dedicated class website where students could post written work and comment on other people's work.

WWL:

Were there any collaborative projects, and if so, how did that work?

JW:

There were several joint assignments and group projects. The capstone projects included individual and group components. The projects drew on each of our areas of expertise, and involved gathering information and data, then reporting back to the group.

WWL:

What was the focus of your individual project?

JW:

It was relevant to what I do. Basically, I developed a case to teach other students what I do for a living.

WWL:

What is your specific area of expertise?

JW:

I work on computer security for industrial control systems including power plants, refineries, water systems, and other industrial infrastructures.

WWL:

Would you say you benefited from the program? Would you recommend it to others?

JW:

Yes, I would recommend it.