WGU Review - 1 year after graduating update | WGU Masters Degree in Cybersecurity Review
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2024
- To work with me to start and advance your career, Apply To Upskill To Cyber at learn.nicoleenesse.com/Upskil...
00:00- Intro WGU Review
0:29- Who is WGU For?
1:27- WGU Pros & CONS
7:05- IS WGU A SCAM?
7:46- Has the WGU Masters Degree Helped Me?
9:03- My Regrets as A WGU Cybersecurity Student
9:56- IS WGU Worth It & WHY
10:40- WGU Review Resources- Continue Research
Social Media
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All opinions or statements in this video are my own and do not reflect the opinion of the company I work for or have ever worked for* 
Наука
To work with me to start and advance your career, Apply To Upskill To Cyber at learn.nicoleenesse.com/UpskillToCyber
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!
Thanks for the testimonial!
I need your help brother 🫱🏼
Why do they call it brick and mortar school?
@@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.
Hey @Joseph how did you prove to your hiring managers that you had the necessary years of experience?
Its worth it! I got the B.S in IT and that doubled my salary. Gave me the foundational knowledge so I can pursue my masters in cybersecurity.
That is amazing!
What was your Major?
Is there a way I could contact you and ask a few questions?
Are you a cybersecurity analyst?
awwwwwwe
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.
Im so excited I start my classes in February
before you went into your current job, did u have any experience in the field already?
Is this a real college?
@@shashandriadouglas yes it is accredited by NWCCU which is regional also they take Fasfa
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!
You are so welcome!
Very timely to find this !!! Thank you❤❤❤ Will likely do WGU masters in fall 2023
I appreciate this video so much! I'm in the process of choosing schools and have been skeptical of WGU but this definitely made me feel relieved.
Glad it was helpful!
Just got my acceptance letter in eight I am starting classes this week very excited ! Appreciate your video - loved it
Congrats!! Reddit is a great source if you get stuck on any classes
@@nicoleenesse thanks !
Glad I found this video I’m literally going there next month for the same exact degree!
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.
Great to hear! WGU is great for people who already have experience
I am looking/interested in the BS Cybersecurity program at WGU! Glad I came across this information ☺️
"I like structure in my learning." You and me both, sister🤜🤛
😁
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.
Thank you for your service, didn't know that fact! and again thank you for your videos
Thanks!
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.
Did you end up doing this??
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).
Thanks for the Comment Terry!
Is this college a scam because I have a meeting with them tomorrow?
@@shashandriadouglas No
Can you retest???
Thank you so much, so very helpful;. Did you get financial aid? If so how does financial aid work?
I love WGU as a MBA Alumni. I had children and a business and they were so supportive and their system helped me along.
Glad to hear that Queen Ana
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?
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.
Thank you for this video!
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?
Insightful perspectives
Looks like a good school and degree overall that covers solid stuff with certifications. A lot of military do it (me).
Can’t beat it man. Especially with how chaotic our schedules are.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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!!
@@armybrat323 depends on your goal. Just want “master’s” then go the MS route. Want to get certs you don’t have, bs and then continue on
@@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?
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?
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?
Stan, the Security+ training and voucher is included in the WGU B.S. in Cybersecurity.
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.
Wgu is better
Does WGU have any partnerships with companies to help you get a job in your degree?
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.
A lot of the classes have projects. But you could also find projects for every class on RUclips and build your own hands on
question, do i learn the same thing if i go for the master in cyber security as appose to the bacholers? or do i learn all that plus more?
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?
I'm about to start Cyber security degree next April, I'm so happy it's fully online.
It is the best part!
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.
@@nicoleenesse Thank you so much for the advice ☺️
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.
@@Evycakez Thank you!
@@dannellethomasHow is it going? Did you start the Master’s in Cybersecurity at WGU?
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?
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.
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!
thank you! you saved me 16,000!
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?
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)
@@nicoleenesse Thank you for taking the time to reply to my queries, and for the expert advice.
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!
@@jimquill5491 Thank you for your thorough and informative reply. It is much appreciated.
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
I was looking into WGU for their Cybersecurity course. I'm working towards an Ethical hacker. I just don't know if their degree is worth it.
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?
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?
Yes, I do believe it can help you earn at least 20k more a year
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.
Did you use your GI bill or do they offer other sources for vets?
Yes I have been looking at it for some years now but sadly they don’t include my country
Did you receive the 14 certifications in this program? I’ve been seeing a lot about that and I believe it is for the undergrad program?
I applied for the Masters of Cybersecurity this week! I'm happy to see someones experience.
Yay! It's a great program
How is it?
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?
Coursera Google IT cert will get you in to WGU. They won't accept you without any cert.
Nicole, can you add a time segment where you mention the knowledge management and maybe a link to the person you are referring to?
Tiago Forte
Please, can you use WGU Msc to do PhD in any school?@nicoleenesse
@oluwatosinayobamitaiwo1344 yes. You can do education PhD. I believe it's geared for teachers.
@@nicoleenesseThis is gold. Thank you so much
This girl give a lot of valuable information and is the reason why I’m going to WGU now. But her editing skills need work.
I hate editing lol
Where can I find a personal knowledge management system to reference?
I need 60units/credits to be eligible for a promotion. What would you advise?, Thank you!
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.
That is good!!
@@nicoleenesse I love your channel. Keep up the great work!
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?
Yes, that is correct. I beleive you might have to get the Comptia Security+
What happen when you fail a test? Can you retake the test right away?
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
Reddit was a saver! There is a whole WGU community and they post for different classes
@@nicoleenesse thanks!! "WGU community" as in a forum in the student portal?
Im on the WGU website now, I don't see cyber security as a master's degree option?
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 am not a good essay writer should I still get into the Master program AT WGU?
I'm the type to piece things together from the internet, but I was still able to use this throughout WGU. 4:50
I wouldn't recommend CISSP unless you just want to be a manager, which is designed for not analysts OR engineers.
Thanks for your video
Do you recommend for Nursing program? Also, is it Accredited?
Not sure about their nursing program
I know I'm late, but my mom is a nurse and she got her Bachelor's from there. But she also had 20 years of experience.
Everyone has different experience and is well worth it for me and my sister
Would you recommend me doing VET Tech first then WGU? I have no IT experience, but looking to get into tech/cybersecurity.
Yes. I did
@@RJ-is9ko what school you go to for VETTEC I went to ACI Learning?
Aci learning is trash
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?
That depends on a lot of factors
Why not a job in cloud?
Did you have to take statistics?
I was looking at this or the Georgia Tech one, but not sure if Companies or Gov, jobs care which one have the masters from?
Hey man, I would recommend getting the BS from WGU and completing the masters program at GA Tech.
So what's the admission requirements to get into wgu?
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.
That is great to hear Tyler
Good luck and keep us updated
See the thing is I have a BS in criminal justice .. I’m not sure if that will allow me be in cyber security ? What do you think
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?
Yes, I beleive you have to go through the IT support cert
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.
You don't need to as there are other options. However you will need to complete one of the other options
do you think i would be able to get a masters in cybersecutiry from here if my bachelors is in social science?(crim+psych)
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.
@@lulz4lulz what type of general IT job can i get without experience
@@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.
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?
Yeah
Hmm, I’ve decided to transfer to SANs Institute from a brick-and-mortar university. Cheers!
Can I go in right after high school?
Hello i am looking at wgu to do my bachelor's degree. What tips do you have for the cybersecurity degree which is the one i am going for.
Set SMART Goals to finish as quickly as possible
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.
Enough for what? I am better prepared because I have industry experience. It doesn't really matter the degree
What’s the link to the portal?😊
So in the program do we not have to take the CEH and CHFI to recieve our degree?
No, only CEH for the Masters
@@nicoleenesse okay awesome!
What high school GPA is required?
On your resume did you put 6 months for the dates for your degree?
You put the year that you graduate
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?
Are you still currently in Washington or taking up mentorship
I don't do 1-1 currently sorry!!
DO THEY TAKE IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
Anyone here doing accounting or know anyone doing bachelors in accounting at WGU?
Saved thousands on regular college but wanted a 10% discount on that last bit lol
lolol
How or when do you take your certs ? Do you take your cert quiz (ex sec+) during your classes as you move through the courses ? Or do you take them after you finish the schooling then it’s up to you to take them ?
For the vast majority of the ones in the BSCSIA courses you take the exam to pass the class. For Net+, Project+, CySA+, Pentest+, and ITIL4, I took them from home. SSCP must be taken from a traditional testing facility. This is due to ISC2 not trusting candidates to adhere to the ISC2 code of ethics. For EC Council's Certified Encryption Specialist, you take the course and then they give you a voucher to take this optional certification.
Is WGU good for network
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.
Yes but the assignments that you turn in are based on what you would do in real life in the career field.
make that 2
I am working on my Master in Cyber Security and I have hated every second of it.
Why
To be specific, I mean a first job in forensics.
look at what job descriptions are asking for, reach out to people in the field, and build a portfolio around forensics
Is it worth it for computer science
Yes
Taking the Cloud BS, my second Bachelors with WGU and I hate the ZyBooks python
LOL yeah, I understand