[floatingatoll]

Would it be less offensive to the HN community if her degree was in Math?

And, then, given that Music is entirely dependent on mathematical principles, and Music Theory especially: What are the chances that, as an MFA in Music, she has a rock solid background in mathematics?

Does that make her choice of degree less distasteful?

Would we be having this conversation if she had no degree? (Of course not.)

[phailhaus]

> What are the chances that, as an MFA in Music, she has a rock solid background in mathematics?

Unlikely? There is no standard math requirement for music majors, and that's pretty well known.

> Would we be having this conversation if she had no degree? (Of course not.)

Yes, even more so! A chief security officer with no degree presiding over the security of a nation's credit data?! I mean, she's already under scrutiny because Equifax has been hit by three big stories in the past couple weeks demonstrating their absolute lack of concern for security: the breach, the "random pins", the admin/admin credentials.

[floatingatoll]

Does it change your views if I restate this as (using just her public LinkedIn profile):

"A chief security officer with 15 years of experience and peer accolades in the fields of banking-grade security and human data management"

Typically, this is where most people don't even ask what a degree is. However, as you indicate "no degree" is unacceptable: Which domain-relevant degree programs, initiated 20+ years ago and completed 15 years ago, would satisfy your terms?

[phailhaus]

Anything remotely technical. Remember, we wouldn't be having this conversation if Equifax wasn't making embarrassing amateur mistakes with everyone's personal data. Their CSO appears incompetent.

[floatingatoll]

Which qualifications does a "remotely technical" degree meet to operate security at Equifax that a "non-technical" degree does not?

You imply that Music is a non-technical degree, which is arguable, but it's certainly an Arts degree rather than a Science degree. If that's the distinction by which you draw the line, you're wrong to do so. If you reject job applicants to a technical role on that basis someday, that's more overlooked high-value opportunities for others to hire instead :)

[aslkdjaslkdj]

Math is not arithmetic. What are the odds she can prove basic theorems in undergrad math like rank-nullity or intermediate value?

[floatingatoll]

What are the odds someone who can prove whatever those things are can also talk about harmonic resonance equations and the practical matters of designing instrument-compatible chording arrangements, two topics entrenched heavily in mathematics (and physics, and materials science, and human usability concerns) but with a completely different specific focus?

The odds are near zero. Everyone learns their own domain. Quoting random properties of a specific subdomain of a branch of all possible learning demonstrates your knowledge, not disproves theirs.

[aslkdjaslkdj]

You mean she might have had to memorize a simple formula? Such "rock solid" mathematical chops.