It most definitely is worth it! I started going to WGU 7 years ago to get by B.S in Information Technology Network Operations and Security. I have since completed my MBA Information Technology Management which allowed me to go from making peanuts around 11.25 and hour to now making over 6 figures in my current role. The beauty of WGU is not only do you get a degree but you also have to get certifications in the undergraduate programs. This will separate you from other degree holders from typical brick and mortar schools. It does take a lot of work to complete but totally worth it!
@@nicoleenesse if someone needed to start from scratch, yet really wanted to become a data analyst where and how should they start. I myself need to learn to type properly and I also barely know basic math, I have kids and I'm the only family they have so this is what I need to do to be able to parent and provide properly. I'm not confident I'd be able to succeed even at WGU with those aspects regarding skills/capabilities missing.
I graduated with my Bachelor's in Human Resource Management from WGU in 2021 and within a few weeks of graduating, I found a new job making almost double my previous pay. It was WORTH IT! The flexibility WGU offers made it possible to work FT with 11 hour long days while finishing college. I am currently finishing my MBA at WGU now and I am hoping it has the same effect.
Nicole, allow me to say thank you! I came across your videos some time last year speaking about WGU which I hadn't heard of at the time. I researched them and was very pleased with what I learned about them. I am currently enrolled studying cybersecurity at WGU and it has been an AMAZING experience... I don't know your intent for videos but you can say that you have helped atleast one person for sure... I can't thank you enough! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
WGU Alum here. I'm so glad I went to WGU.🙂 I would definitely say, you must be disciplined and do your work. (Because the proctored exams do NOT allow notes and the proctors watch you like a HAWK😩). So you MUST be competent in your studies).
I'm looking into doing a business degree in wgu, how quick we're you able to find a job in your field? Did you have any experience in the field you work now before going to WGU?
As someone who got certifications but didn't finish my BS, it is absolutely required in some job markets to get an interview. Now I'm going back to school later in life to get half decent opportunities.
Great video Nicole! I plan on attending WGU in February. Also, Id like to start a youtube channel about what Im learning and my journey, however, I feel like im not qualified, and I dont want to misguide people.
Nicole, if you started with WGU in their CSIA BS degree, you will gain SSCP and CCSP. Having either one of these will grant you membership to ISC2. This will give you a 20% discount to future ISC2 certifications. This assists in a more affordable undertaking of CISSP.
Do you think it’s better to go that route first? The BS route? I was thinking of going straight for my MS since i already have my BS but it’s in psych. so I’m unsure! Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you!!
@@xthformhaseo Is it worth it paywise to get the certs? For someone with not a lot of IT experience, would it be better to start with a Bachelor even if later in life?
Wow... I'm going to do this soon! I'm already learning on my own daily and studying more than ever. I've had the traditional college experience already and feel like there's too much unnecessary fluff. Many people I know graduate with their degrees and don't actually know anything anyways. But not having one is just a conversation you don't want to have with potential employers.
Thank you for sharing. This has helped a ton. I haven't done much research but from what I've seen so far it looks like WGU is the route I will take for my bachelor's and masters. I already have 8+ years of IT experience and a T2 and T3 engineer at my job so getting these should be quick and easy.
You state that one need not even a B.S. for a career in cyber forensics. If one has no IT background, what path would you suggest to land a first job? Right now, per your excellent videos/information, I am enrolled in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate (which, I'm very much enjoying). Thank you for providing this important content.
Learn IT fundmentals, then cbersecurity fundmentals, then dig deep into forensics. Create projects, reach out to people in the field already ( use linkedin)
I’ll be honest with you forensicsie not an entry level career path, if you have none IT experience, first you need to get your foot wet, so some kind of IT job, do that for about a year, from there gain certifications, projects, your best bet is to go through head hurters, such as Apex systems, Teksystems, Mantech, the such, these companies will help you get into the IT field, but with the government, so contractors, you’ll get a security clearance, make more money with less experience. I just graduated it January, already making almost 6 figures, but outside the contractor route, I would have gotten paid less, typically those with less experience will get into network admin, help desk, SOC, my first IT job was Telecommunications Technician, which has nothing to do with cyber, but will my route I now work for Northrop Grumman, cybersecurity and the job is paying for my masters, but Northrop Grumman values degrees over experience, unfortunately, in this market, if you want to be looked at, your degree, certifications will be the main fact. Anyone want an actual plan or advice, let me know!
If you’ve ever done A school in the military, it’s more of that approach you need to maximize wgu. My friends used them. It is intense. But you do get the information while it’s still relevant.
So I’m getting ready to start my classes March 1st for a BS in Cybersecurity information and assurance at WGU. Do these classes teach you everything from scratch as if you have no experience and can learn? Also do they have hands on learning to practice what your learning like with labs and projects?
I also work for Amazon to, after my tuition from them is spent the classes are free to me until the start of the next calendar year. So I don’t need to rush through the classes.
Good thing for me is that MITRE will pay for my CISSP exam once I get there. Currently an Intermediate Cyber Risk Manager. Looking for that senior position next year. The pay for a senior ISSO is between $120,000-$189,000.
I have a B.S. in Business Management from WGU, which I received in 2013. I never used it but there’s a long story as to why I went there in the first place. I’m glad to hear that others are happy with their experience at WGU, and life afterwards. I think I would be taken more seriously in the work force with a degree from a regular state university. Lately I have been looking into cybersecurity and other related fields. If I decide to go back to school and at WGU, should I get a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity or a Master’s?
Hi Nicole! Thank you for all of this great information. I have a question. I am transitioning from sales into cybersecurity, and already I have a bachelors in Business Management. Would you recommend I go to WGU to get another Bachelors in cybersecurity or do a six to nine month cybersecurity Boot Camp? If I do enroll in WGU, do I need any basic IT experience being that the courses have no instructors and are self paced? I only have basic computer skills like using the internet, sending emails, troubleshooting, etc. Any advice you can give is appreciated.
I would go for the Masters Program in Cybersecurity. Always go for the higher degree. I believe you may need to get the Security+. You can finish it within a year, and cost way less than a bootcamp. Also, includes several certs.
I dont know if I am late for this comment because I just saw it now but I would say go for the degree. My brother went to bootcamp at a uni and it has been hard for him to find a job in the field.
Is a business degree worth it on WGU? Have college credits already for Business, wondering if I should pursue a Business degree or switch fields to like IT?
If you have a bachelor's degree in an UNRELATED field like business or education, you can apply for the master's program without a bachelor's degree in cyber security or IT?
Im currently a returning student and mom. I’m at my local community college and will complete my associates in Psychology and Biomedical next year so I can apply at a nursing program. But, I’m not really excited about it. I have only heard bad things about nursing and I’m in my 30s and my body already hurts. To imagine being on my feet for 12 hours and dealing with bodily fluid and eck…. I’ve always wanted to work with computers but just never went for it. I’d really like to do this cybersecurity program but am worried about finding a job after
Thanks for the video. Very informative. I have 30 years IT/Cyber experience and already in management. Finishing my BA soon and considering my masters in cyber. Not sure if it t is worth it to help me get into upper management before I retire.
I thought I heard you say that it was mostly writing papers. Can you elaborate more on that? I'm finishing up my bachelors right now and I am not interested in continuing education if it involves writing more papers. Around what percent of the curriculum was writing?
continuing education always requires writing. thats why they make you take two entire classes on english for any degree program in the USA. college is writting, writting, more writting, and you guessed it... more writing.
Why is better to pursue a bachelors in cyber security or masters in cyber security? I already have a bachelors in psychology and I have security+ cert. I was accepted to the master program in cyber security but I’m not sure if it’s better to pursue the masters program at WGU or Bachelors at WGU. Please advise 🙏🏽
What I don’t understand is-aside from the vendor-specific material embedded in the program-what makes the education at WGU “good” and respected in the IT world? I mean, by your own admission in another video, WGU’s own materials are “not good”. Furthermore, WGU lacks staff, educators, tenured lecturers that tease out the critical thinking required to deeply understand topics. From what I gather, what gives technical MS degrees from WGU their weight are those vendor embedded materials…exclusively. Is that a fair assessment?
Thank you for all the great content I getting my BS in cybersecurity through SNHU right now. But they don’t offer the certifications. How are test taken at WGU? What about the certs, does WGU give you study material and a voucher for the exam and then do you take the exam when ready? I’m thinking about transferring due to the fact that they offer the certs.
Nicole do you think having that master's degree from WGU is good for leverage in salary when a company is comparing you and other candidates with similar certifications and experience? If it does, could you potentially be looking at a bump of $15,000 or more in salary in negotiations? Maybe $20,000?
Excellent video. Could you elaborate on the Personal Knowledge Management system you spoke about that you wish you had developed? What did you mean by that?
I just started the Google IT Cert program so I can start WGU in the Fall. I’m going to be doing the Bachelor of Cybersecurity also. Hopefully when I’m done I can double my income.
How appropriate of a school is it for me since I have no experience in my area of study? Is wgu online best for double checking your knowledge and proving you deserve a degree? Is wgu practical as a way to learn from the ground up?
I'm confused. Nicole, I have a BA, econ. I was considering the Bachelors information management. You recommended going for the higher degree? I have no experience in IT. And the IT undergrad comes with certs and the masters does not, except for the ethical hacking. Do I get another bachelors with certs? Thanks for all your content.
Hi Nicole I am thinking about going to WGU in cybersecurity but I have no knowledge or experience with any IT is there anything I can go over that can help prepare me before beginning the course?
Hi ,Nicole,I just finished cloud computing in WGU,which took me 18m. I want to jump straight to cybersecurity master,would that be very hard for me or take a very long time to complete?
Possibly a weird question but are the calls phone calls or Teams calls? and are they compulsory? I just have a whack schedule and would love more details about these minimal contact hours?
Did you have you BS in cybersecurity also? I have my BS but it’s in psychology. Would i need to get my BS in Cyber first or can i go straight for my MS? Also. I noticed the BS program has more certifications than the MS, do you know if i would also need to get the certificates from the BS program?
You likely can but they may have you do CompTIA first. I suggest contacting an enrollment specialist from WGU tho and see if they can take a look at what you’ve got done so far. :)
You can be the degree won't do much for you if you don't have work experience in IT. Keep in mind cybersecurity is not entry level and most jobs require 5+ years experience. If you are looking to start in general IT and move your way up, then yes. But don't expect a cybersecurity position right after graduating.
@@smiles1113 Help desk is a good starting position if you can find a place that will hire people with limited or no experience. You will need to build up knowledge and experience on networking before getting into cybersecurity or it will be like trying to run before crawling or walking, so after help desk, js system admin is a good next step. I would recommend doing the Google IT cert or Comptia A+ to have a bit of knowledge before jumping into help desk but it's usually not a requirement.
Nice video. Very helpful. For someone changing careers and brand new to cyber security, I understand that the masters program prepares you for the CISSP (no vouchers), CEH and CHFI with vouchers. How can I prepare for and take the security + exam which is also needed for entry?
The question I have is WGU enough? You received your masters from WGU but are you better prepared because you earned your batchalors at another school.
I’m quite self-motivated having gone back to school during the pandemic plus my endorsement application for the CISSP is pending, I’m just concerned at about the papers and coursework! What were the papers like?
Hi just reaching out for some help, so I’m currently enrolled for their cloud computing (AWS) bachelor’s degree. And I’m a noob at everything IT is their anything I should be studying to better prepare myself before my start date? Books? sites? Forums? Anything would help ty!
I'm not sure if you will reply to this or not. Thanks I'm advance if you do. I was told I need to compete the Google cert b4 going to WGU. Is this true? If so do you have a link for the Google cert.
Do they send mails or anything to you? I'm tryna beat the system cause it's not available for my country.....so if I have a close friend in the state I could just use his mail address. how often did you received mails or calls?
I'm looking into attending WGU for Cybersecurity, but I have no experience whatsoever in coding or in the IT. I have experience in online education. Should I still consider enrolling?
Hi Nicole, I came across your videos while searching for information on school. I must admit, I'm not very comfortable with the idea of attending school. However, I have an AA in Math and Science, as well as certifications like Sec+, CISSP, and a job in cybersecurity. In one of your videos, you mentioned WGU. I'm considering pursuing a BS degree before moving on to other things. I wanted to ask you about any helpful websites or resources you found useful during your own studies. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Kevin
It sounds like you have to teach yourself the material. I was looking at this school and one in my state that has a cybercrime master’s track. If I the instructors don’t actually teach, I don’t know how helpful that would be.
This degree is accepted from other university, incase we get degree from there and want to master to other university. Can international student accepted to enrol
I'm looking at this field as a career change and am computer literate. I'm looking at bootcamps as an option. I don't really need to get a masters as you say but am not sure where to start. Is this program for people at ground zero in cyber security?
