Key takeaways
- Reports show a rise in cyberattacks, which has led to an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals.
- Choosing a cybersecurity degree online or on-campus is a good decision for the increasing demand in the job market.
- WGU cybersecurity degree is a fully online program, known as the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, catering to various student needs.
- The program includes detailed coursework covering essential courses like IT fundamentals, network security, ethical hacking, and more, with a focus on practical learning.
- Students can earn industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) while studying from WGU, without paying extra.
- WGU offers enrollment counselors and mentors to guide students throughout their time at WGU.
- The tuition is approximately $3,950 per term, making it more affordable than many other on-campus cybersecurity degree programs.
- You can explore a variety of financial aid options such as government grants, FAFSA, and scholarships.
- Graduates can pursue various jobs roles, including Information Security Analyst, Cyber Security Consultant, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
- Success in the program demands a high level of self-discipline and motivation due to the online, self-paced nature of the coursework.
- Students need reliable internet access and a suitable computer to participate fully in the online cyber security classes.
Many reports and studies show the rapidly increasing number of cyberattacks that have caused harm to so many companies and organizations. Naturally, the increase in such incidents is causing a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals. In such a market, the WGU cybersecurity degree powers through, offering knowledge, skills, and excellence to students everywhere in the nation and beyond.
Western Governors University, better known as WGU, offers a completely online program for cybersecurity. It is a bachelor’s degree that entails comprehensive coursework, along with electives, capstone projects, and so much more.
Moreover, the program’s online availability makes it accessible for so many different types of students with varying needs. So, here is everything you need to know about the WGU cybersecurity degree online.
Program overview of the Western Governors University cyber security degree
Without a doubt, the cybersecurity industry is going through a surge in demand for professionals who can troubleshoot and problem-solve for different types of organizations. Therefore, an IT security degree from the best cyber security colleges is essential for leading you to professional prosperity.
Consequently, the Western Governors University cyber security degree is the ideal pick for many types of students around the US. This is one of the leading cyber security programs online, allowing students to enjoy the many benefits of getting an online degree in cybersecurity.
The program is 100% online, ideal for full-time working students. In addition to this, it is a popular online program amongst many other top cybersecurity colleges. Particularly, the cybersecurity degree at WGU is called the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University (WGU), and is offered through its technology school.
So, if you have stumbled upon the WGU cybersecurity program, you might want to learn everything about it here. So, here are the program details that you don’t want to skip looking into!
Accreditations
One of the many notable features of the WGU cybersecurity program is its industry-grade certifications. These certifications add credibility to your degree, enhancing your career prospects and worth in front of future employers. The certifications that WGU cybersecurity degree has are:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA Project+
- (ISC)2 certs
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Optional Voucher
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Furthermore, the college has recognitions and accreditations from many official bodies and organizations. As a result, you can rest assured that the degree granted by WGU cybersecurity is recognized and valued in the professional market. Some of the accreditations received by WGU over the years are:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) for leadership in distance learning
- CIQG Quality Award from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation/International Quality Group
- Advanced-level accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission for computer science program
Coursework
WGU cybersecurity degree has one of the planned, detailed, and comprehensive coursework that focuses on practical learning and developing core competencies in students. Even though this is an online cybersecurity program, it matches industry standards and focuses on maximizing learning.
So, here are some of the courses you will be studying in this online degree:
- IT Fundamentals
- Network Security
- Cyber Defense
- Ethical Hacking
- Digital Forensics
- Cyber Defense and Countermeasures
- Cloud and Virtualization Security
- Data Management
- Scripting and Programming
- Risk Management
- Web and Cloud security
- Cyber Law
Moreover, the B.S. The Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree program also includes a capstone project, which is one of the few requirements of completing the degree. Furthermore, if you are transferring from another college, you may be waived off some of the courses depending on your transfer credits.
More importantly, the best part about the WGU cybersecurity program is that you can complete the courses as fast or as slow as you may prefer. This means that without paying anything extra, you can complete a number of courses before time, and move on to the next term.
Admission requirements and process
When it comes to admissions, WGU ensures that students are catered to in the best way possible. WGU does this by providing students with a faculty team, enrollment counselors, and mentors at the very initial stages so they can find the right advice and guidance.
Moreover, this program’s admission requirements may differ from those of other more conventional programs like a bachelor’s in human resources and bachelor’s in sociology. For the most effective college planning, make sure you explore the admission requirements beforehand, which may include but not limited to the following:
- Option 1: Submit transcripts of previous IT coursework.
- Option 2: Possess a bachelor’s or associate degree from an accredited institution.
- Option 3: Demonstrate at least two years of IT work experience.
- Option 4: Submit records of completion of IT certifications.
- Option 5: High school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.75 GPA. Additionally, a B grade or higher in an S.T.E.M. course.
Furthermore, you can also transfer some of the IT certifications to enroll in this degree program. Find the complete list of eligible certifications here. Additionally, students are not required to take standardized tests like SAT and ACT, unlike many other colleges that have this requirement.
Skills and competencies
Ike every college degree, the WGU cybersecurity online program also prepares students for the professional world. It instills competencies, skills, and knowledge in students that can be applied to the challenges of their professional careers. Therefore, the skills and competencies you can get with the WGU cybersecurity degree are:
- Technical competencies like network knowledge, network security, coding language, firewall configuration, digital forensics, cloud security and management.
- Soft skills or transferable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, emergency response, leadership, and time management.
- Knowledge base regarding cybersecurity and ethics, laws, and legal regulations.
WGU Cybersecurity degree — how much does it cost?
One of the most notable benefits of pursuing cyber security programs online is the cost-benefit. On-campus programs typically require you to opt for campus housing options, which come at a hefty cost. Moreover, commuting every day to and from the college also adds on to the extra costs of getting a 4-year degree.
Additionally, colleges charge for basic campus facilities, some of which you may never even use. Therefore, all these costs are non-existent in online programs, bringing the total down significantly.
Here is a rough estimate of the overall costs of getting a Western Governors University cyber security degree:
- Tuition per 6-month term: $3,950
- Resource and Program Fees, per term: $295
- Total per term: $4,245
- One-time application fee: $65
In addition to this, WGU allows students to use acceleration in their degree. This feature enables students to decide how much time they need to complete a set of courses, allowing them to pay the fee depending on the time they need to complete the degree. This significantly brings down the total cost, and gives the students full control over their fees.
According to a report by IPEDS, the WGU cybersecurity degree has lower average tuition costs compared to the national averages. Moreover, you can also seek help and support from financial aid options. Since WGU is an accredited institute, they have a number of financial aid options that you can choose from.
You can opt from:
- Scholarship for cybersecurity and technology degrees
- Financial aid by U.S. Department of Education for all degree programs (FAFSA)
- Federal Direct Loan Program for student loans
What are the pros and cons of getting a WGU cybersecurity degree?
To make sure you take the right steps and make the right decision about your college journey, you must compare all the available options. Therefore, consider the following pros and cons of pursuing a WGY cybersecurity degree.
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Pros
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Cons
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What resources will you need for enrolling in the WGU cybersecurity program?
You must come prepared for all kinds of requirements and additional aspects of a bachelor’s degree. For cyber security programs online, the requirements and resources needed may be different from those in on-campus programs. Moreover, attending cyber security classes will require your full preparation, attention, and participation. Here are some things you must come prepared with:
- Good internet connectivity
You will need stable internet connectivity to attend your cyber security classes.
- Necessary hardware
Make sure you are equipped with the necessary equipment and hardware. This may include a reliable laptop or PC, along with headphones or speakers for audio output. You will also require microphones for speaking with your teachers and classmates.
- Documentation required for admission
For admissions, you must gather all relevant documents such as high school diploma and certification completion documents.
- Registration number and other enrollment details
You will need your enrollment details like your registration number to take classes, submit exams, and so on.
What career prospects and roles can you find with the WGU cybersecurity degree?
With a cybersecurity degree from WGU, graduates can pursue various roles in the cybersecurity and IT sectors. However, you should also take a look at the career prospects of different college majors so you can make an informed choice. Here are some amazing college majors and their career paths:
- Career options for entrepreneurship degrees
- Career options for criminology majors
- Career options for sociology degree holders
Here is a list of jobs you can do with a WGU cybersecurity degree:
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Make your mind about getting a cybersecurity degree online!
In summary, we can all agree to say that the WGU cybersecurity online program is one of the best options for those seeking virtual or online education. It hosts a variety of benefits such as higher affordability, self-paced learning, and excellent support from college faculty.
However, like everything else, there are certain challenges in pursuing a degree from cyber security schools online, such as lack of in-person interactions. Therefore, you will need self-discipline and motivation to fulfill this 4-year commitment.
Yet, the benefits, such as lower tuition costs, make it an attractive option for those looking to enter this dynamic field. Moreover, exposure to online learning tools and platforms can be an additional skill that you can apply in your professional work places.
Lastly, choosing the right program is crucial to your professional journey. If you’re ready to step into the world of cybersecurity, the WGU program could be the key to unlocking your potential and securing a successful career in this critical industry.