Best Cyber Security Degree Program (2021)

[@DrewBarkerOk]

i added up the basic exam only cost of the certification in the WGU cybersecurity BS.. the tests alone were $4085 or so - for an extra 200 you get to add a BS to your resume instead of just the certifications. Many automated hiring processes reject any resume with out degrees. So it's absolutely worth it - IF you can knock it out in 6months.

[@NicolasMoy]

The math doesn't lie 😉

[@Myce]

It isn't humanely possible to do it in 6 months tho right? it takes at least 3 terms

[@airflare7285]

@@Myce its possible, but thats only if you have prior IT knowledge or you cram as much as you can.

[@mark38699]

Just pull 12 hour days every day for 6 months. Cram, cram, cram 😝😫😛

[@jarvisbryant8502]

Great Video Bro! I’m in the military & I have a security clearance. I’m looking to get into cyber security or Cloud systems. WGU works great for service members. I have 82 college credits so hopefully they transfer over well & shorten up my degree path. Thanks for the video, very insightful

[@NicolasMoy]

They definitely will transfer over! Just contact an admissions counselor and discuss your situation and when you send the transcripts they can sort out what is applicable and map it to the curriculum of interest.

[@jessiegonzalez8488]

im in as well do i only have secret tho do you have top secret if you dont mind me asking?

[@Anthonydp]

@@NicolasMoy If you see this can you answer this question. I'm 30 years old a have a bachelors degree in sports management and a minor in business management. I currently have no certs and not major IT experience. I've been considering between cyber security, cloud computing, or general IT. In my situation what would you suggest? I have a interest in security but not sure if its a good place to start for a beginner.

[@hankmoody5514]

I'm 3 months in and 5 classes down. I feel like I'm blazing through this while working full time with a family.

[@NicolasMoy]

Is pretty great, isn't it? 😀

[@royalapples9707]

WGU Is definitely a really good program, and I can say this with confidence being in the industry for about 10 years, having having multiple certifications, as well as having a Masters in Cybersecurity! I do like how they have certifications included it because honestly. Now, If you want to do research, and go maybe a research track, then a bigger University is probably the better option since they get grants, funding, and professors that are working on research so that is something to think about.

[@NicolasMoy]

Thank for supporting!

[@housespecial1074]

Thank you so much! This really helped solidified WGU as my choice for bachelors in cyber security. I can't wait to get started!

[@NicolasMoy]

I'm glad you found this helpful!

[@ralph17p]

WGU looks like a great programme. I've just started an MSc with King's College London, and have been watching a few cybersecurity videos lately as background for coursework, hence the algorithm sending me your way. It's way more expensive - with none of the industry certs earned along the way, but it's a respected school, so I'm looking forward to see where it will take me.

[@NicolasMoy]

I think you’ve made a fine decision. Best of luck!

[@ericnwachukwu]

Nice video man. I’m getting into Cybersecurity and I’m currently looking into boot camps, but since I don’t have my Bachelors Degree anyway WGU looks like a strong option. Out of all the schools I’ve seen it looks like you get the most value.

[@NicolasMoy]

For being an undergrad program, it's the best. Glad you found this helpful!

[@JETSETSINDIKIT]

This is exactly the video I was looking for, thank you so much. Keep the advise coming for us, I’m tuned in.

[@NicolasMoy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamb8313]

This was a very helpful video for those trying to figure out their path into IT. I have a healthcare background and find it difficult knowing where to start with education and where to begin gaining experience.

[@NicolasMoy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BadWeatherfreak]

I am also in the Healthcare field. I am a making the switch too

[@CODBros36]

I love the set up bro! I've been thinking about doing this program so hopefully watching this will answer some of my questions.

[@NicolasMoy]

Thank you for watching!

[@BasedTexans]

I'm currently a student at Capella for cybersecurity and it's great too. I would have gone to WGU but my work paid for my school and had a contract with Capella.

[@NicolasMoy]

Hey paid for us paid for! Good for you!

[@Britany_Monroe]

Thank you 😊 I been doing my research on this school and boom 💥 your video comes across my screen. I’m currently in the legal field and I’m burnt out after 8 years. Cybersecurity has been on my interest board. Great video and WGU need to pay you lol

[@NicolasMoy]

Come join the dark side 🦾

[@ChristianCiocho]

Thanks for the video, gets me excited to start at WGU

[@Mizar4]

I really hope you do Ur best

[@NicolasMoy]

Good luck!

[@philamavikane9423]

This is blowing my mind, so hard to believe.. WOW!!!

[@NicolasMoy]

I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@billyum4302]

(READ THE EDIT) Something to add: I applied at WGU, with minimal prior college experience, military experience, and some other certs I had gotten while employed in law enforcement, and they've said they wouldn't accept my application unless I had prior IT/cybersecurity experience. So be careful about swapping careers they may not just take anybody. EDIT: I got in touch with an advisor, and he told me to take the coursera Google certified IT course, and that would count as my "previous IT experience" and would make my application passable. If anyone needs help with finding the right one let me know and I'll do what I can to help!

[@mustang9549]

I knew there had to be a catch. There always is with stuff like this. I’m still going to apply anyway. Thanks for the heads up man!

[@billyum4302]

@@mustang9549 hey no worries, education is important and I hate having to sidestep it. I ended up getting in touch with an advisor and he told me that I can take the coursera Google IT professional course (the certificate one) and that would count as my "previous IT experience" and make my application passable, so there are definitely workarounds to the process lol.

[@Puchika9641]

@@billyum4302 thank you for the tip!!

[@Damo_LowEnd_or_NoEnd]

When heaven sends a 😇 angel good job bro💪🏾

[@NicolasMoy]

That’s awesome!

[@egoinvalorant]

Crazy that you went to a uni in Lakeland!!! I’m from here and still living here going to WGU at 20.

[@NicolasMoy]

That’s awesome!

[@stevencantave9164]

Nicolas - Thank you so much for this video. I'm now subscribed to your account. keep posting videos and tips, please. I'm in the same course Cyber Security Degree Program

[@NicolasMoy]

Nice!

[@tylax2]

Thank you so much for this informational video! I’m currently in the military, do you have any suggestions on how I can gain experience while going for my bachelors degree?

[@CharlieJ2588]

Also in the military, have you looked into possibly cross training into any kind of cyber operations career field? Client Systems Technician, Network Infrastructure, Servers etc. all good career fields to get your foot in the door. I’ve spent the last five years doing networking in the military and it’s one of the most foundational disciplines in cyber security. If that’s not an option talk to your supervisor explain to them your long term goals and develop a game plan together to get there, see if your leadership will let you volunteer to help the comm. squadron. Speak to the civilian contractors at your base who work with clients servers networks and ask if they could use an extra hand as a volunteer. Not only will that be volunteering hours but that’ll get you away from your usual duties and you’ll gain some experience. There is cyber security involved in so many aspects of DOD networks and you’ll get that hands on experience! Hope this helps and good luck!

[@treysutherland8436]

Hi Nicolas, thank you for the incredibly thorough video! Would you say that this Cyber Security program is suitable for people with no IT experience or knowledge? I'm wanting to make a career change from a non-IT field and just curious what route I should take. :)

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes, absolutely. We have a lot of members who are experienced and not so experienced. We help you get the experience though!

[@taylorcruz1272]

Thank you so much for your video!

[@NicolasMoy]

You are welcome!

[@Wetterwet]

Thanks for sharing. Planning on going from healthcare to cybersecurity. Would love to work remotely. Only clinical experience, for me at this time. I have a lot of college credits that will hopefully knock out some classes for WGU. Do you recommend getting any certificates before starting WGU cyber security? How can I beef up my resume with no IT background ? Thank you!

[@NicolasMoy]

I wouldn’t worry about it!

[@Andromedaxterr]

Hey Nicolas. I love the channel and admire your content. Do you think is it worth doing a cyber sec undergrad and then completing a masters in cyber sec ?

[@leobonilla9039]

Hey so I've been in the dental field for almost 10 years and I wanted to make a career change. I'm 31 right now and have no experience in IT or cybersecurity but it fascinates me. I want to learn and I haven't felt this drive in many years. I have an AA in Dental Hygiene and a BS in Nutrition, would you recommend me getting my BS cyber security or taking a cyber security boot camp?

[@ov7769]

I’m in kinda the same situation!!

[@keyalee1605]

I’m in the same situation except in a nurse! Trying to figure out the best way.

[@AliviaChen]

Thanks for the video Nicolas! If somebody already have their BS degree but completely in a different field and no prior exp to cybersec, should they still go for BS or would you recommend MS?

[@NicolasMoy]

If you want to get a degree and already have one, then focus on your MS.

[@brodymacfarlane3202]

Hey man, I went to a web dev boot camp after high school, and I’ve been working a full-stack web dev role professionally for the last few years. I’m now looking to get my degree and make a transition to the cybersecurity field. My plan consists of obtaining a bachelor’s from WGU, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity potentially from Georgia Tech. After certs and experience, I hope to find the end goal being a position at a tech company as a senior cybersecurity engineer. I much prefer working with code, building and penetrating systems, and prefer SWE tasks and projects over a standard IT/sysadmin role. Which BS degree at WGU would you recommend for my case? I’m currently thinking just standard CS, but would love to hear your thoughts and advice on what you would do in my shoes. Thanks!

[@KA-yj5pv]

How long have you been doing the job? Was it easy to get a job with just the bootcamp?

[@TheH0mi3]

What kind of computer set up do you have? I’m enrolling at WGU but need to buy a desktop. What do you recommend? I need something with two or three screens.

[@NicolasMoy]

Hey! For WGU you can get away with any basic windows or mac computer. I would say 8GB of RAM and a Core i5 or Ryzen 3 or 5 should do just fine. Here is a list of the requirements from their website: www.wgu.edu/admissions/computer-requirements.html

[@Thenatethomas]

I start at wgu next month lucky for me my job is paying for me to go to school as long as I work for them I can only take one class at a time since my job is paying for it hopefully I can finish quick and get my degree but I'm also going to take my time as well there program is the best for mainly because I can take my time I wasn't the best in school my main reason on going is I can do it at my own pace

[@NicolasMoy]

Thats great, Nate! WGU does work by semester, not necessarily course. So if its possible, I would bundle as many courses in that 6-month semester as possible. Best of luck!

[@Thenatethomas]

@@NicolasMoy one of the rules since my job is paying for it is that I have to do it by course my enrollment counselor told me this but I can still go as fast or slow as I want but can't wait to start!

[@Supple_Leopard]

Currently majoring in cs thinking about switching online cause like you said traditional college is extremely bias today.

[@NicolasMoy]

Smart move! 💪

[@brianmedina4852]

Hi! Nice vid btw! I appreciate your experiences and input on being as a student in WGU. However what do you think about WGU for students that JUST graduate from high school? I've been hearing that people just don't recommend it at all because you NEED at least some type of work expierence (based off the degree you apply to) to get through these courses. I'm planning on applying for a BA cyber security degree, however hearing that people just don't reccomend applying to this school without work expierence is kind of demotivating me to attend. I would really appreciate it if I got input on this, and it would help me be more comfortable on deciding on other options besides WGU. If I do want to get work expierence on the field without any type of degree besides a highschool diploma could I still possibly apply to a help desk job? Or something similar to the field that I am interested in? Thanks!!

[@NicolasMoy]

Good question! Honestly, I wish I had gone straight to WGU before working or trying another university. You can do WGU while you work part time or full time. So if you are trying to get into IT, find an entry level job or internship while in school and knock it out of the park until you graduate. By the end you could have 4 years of work experience, 4 year degree and a whole bunch of certifications!

[@jc-xo8yd]

@@NicolasMoy I think he meant hhis question like, can you get through this program with very little IT experience starting out?

[@whatchyagonnado]

I am doing this major at WGU and I have no prior college or IT experience. I'd say you can definitely do it, just make sure you are thorough about looking for answers to questions that you don't know. I got my CompTIA A+ certification through WGU Academy and that was really good for getting the basics down. Just like anything else, with focus and dedication it can be done. :)

[@zidanesellami9828]

@@whatchyagonnadohow are you doing?

[@imainx5883]

same boat, graduated with a 2.3 gpa and honestly scared asf

[@edrickreyes-melendez4215]

I'm a UCF student looking at different schoold as they don't offer a cyber security degree and I'm glad to see the comparison. Do you pick date and times for classes like traditional universities or how does picking classes work?

[@NicolasMoy]

Classes are on demand so you don’t have to worry about scheduling. You can just live life and do your school work when it’s best for you! It’s awesome!!

[@ashleymarie200]

So what if you have no type of experience or knowledge with technology and wanted to get in this field will a person who has no experience with cyber security will that school and program help you learn to get your degree or is it hard ?

[@NicolasMoy]

Great question! This program at WGU will help you get started with technology in general. You don't need to have previous experience before going into the degree program.

[@ashleymarie200]

Thank you

[@T-rexdestructions]

I am getting a B.S in cyberceurty from wgu. I have been able to go pretty fast. I have been trying to make videos about it also.

[@Anthonydp]

Did you already have a IT background?

[@T-rexdestructions]

@@Anthonydp I had never worked a job in the IT industry but had been learning to code for several years and had learned about a little cybersecurity just for fun.

[@NicolasMoy]

That’s awesome!

[@T-rexdestructions]

@@NicolasMoy thanks

[@HO-vt5pk]

@@T-rexdestructions so u don't need any experience in IT to apply? and also how's it going so far is it worth applying for

[@Cyber-Hound]

Great video and gives really good insight. The only question I do have is if it is worth investing 2-3 years getting this degree or would a cyber security bootcamp be any better?

[@ultimatepower65]

Go for the degree! It is well worth it. Way more in depth and its look AAY better to employers. Most of those programs will have you ready to get your certs. Coding bootcamps make sense for the most part but i wouldnt do one for cyber security

[@ralph17p]

Degree. Absolutely no to a boot camp unless you're already in a job and have a fair bit of dev and systems experience. They'll just dump way too much information in too short a time for enough to stick. I don't think many hiring managers will look at a boot camp on a resume and give it the time of day. If not a degree, build up a portfolio of certs and work your way up, getting workplace experience.

[@NicolasMoy]

Bootcamps are terrible. I offer a mentorship program which is much better!

[@noemiluz2323]

Do you recommend this school to a person who has no experience in cyber?

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes I do! I didn't have as much familiarity to the cybersecurity concepts prior to attending this school. By the time I was done I had realized that I had more experience in cybersecurity than I thought just from doing my job in systems engineering. That being said, if you are new to IT all together this program is great for you as well.

[@BadWeatherfreak]

Hello. I am starting a cloud computing degree from Purdue Global. How difficult was the WGU degree?

[@NicolasMoy]

Not hard. Just time consuming.

[@Jjinxed009]

I’m going to start school for network administration. Can that lead into cyber security?

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes it can! I would focus on gaining experience in security for networks and obtaining certifications to help you out.

[@maddibunni9177]

Will this still be a good school to go to even if I don't have any IT work experience?

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes it is a great option if you don't have a technical background. You'll learn everything you need from start to finish!

[@christinabehnke8739]

Does mgu have military options? Or friendly for active duty military? Since, it’s online anyway?

[@Hakainu_FGC]

So I’m currently an automotive technician but always loved computers messing with them learning about them/ building them. I’m wanting to make a career change and cyber security really peaks my interests. Can I do this WGU B.S. in cyber without previously attending any college? Or do I need to already have an associates degree for this?

[@dann547]

You do not need an associates degree. You may start as a first year student. You may also want to check out Josh Madakor on KZbin as well for WGU info as well as this channel.

[@ferengiprophet2185]

I have heard that (some) of the course materials are out of date: is there any truth to this claim?

[@NicolasMoy]

Unfortunately yes but what college doesn’t have this? Honestly, just suck it up and pass the test as fast as possible. Then you can learn something you find more interesting!

[@ferengiprophet2185]

@@NicolasMoy I understand. Thank you.

[@tcc5750]

It seems CyberCorps doesn’t allow online universities sadly. They want all SFS in person/on campus.

[@NicolasMoy]

I did look at CyberCorps for my graduate education and yes, they appear to want you to not be working and be present on campus for the duration of your education.

[@geevee9582]

im applying, after this coming tax season. i think ima have a better chance with financial aid for next year.

[@NicolasMoy]

Heck yeah 👍

[@101marsi]

I have a bachelors in health science therefore, would I need to go for the bachelors or do you think I can go for the masters program? Thank you!

[@michaelblack7949]

I had the same question when researching which path to take since I already had my bachelors in a completely different field. I decided to go the BS route (which I start in 3 days) instead of MS, because the courses provided really seem to help build a solid foundation of IT concepts and principles (especially for someone like me not having a technical background). Also, a lot of the entry-level certs that jobs are looking for are included with this program. The MS only provides 2, albeit highly desirable, certifications through 8 classes of coursework and a capstone.

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes you certainly can, however, you may want to ensure you understand some fundamental IT concepts prior to going for it. Maybe checkout the Network+ and Security+ certifications prior to jumping into the Masters Program.

[@zmoo3788]

Is the masters in cyber security a good program?

[@Tavivi29]

Great info bro. Unfortunately they don't take international students😢

[@NicolasMoy]

Aw I am sorry to hear that. I'm sure you can find other great programs abroad!

[@patrickbello8130]

Wow that’s ridiculous

[@BadWeatherfreak]

I know is out of topic but if I enroll in a 100% online program then I cn deduct our of my taxes let's say the necessary equipment to be able to go to school like a computer?

[@NicolasMoy]

Talk to your CPA

[@jamisonrounds6523]

watching this 2 years later...do you think WGU is still the best route to go for a bachelors degree in Cyber Security?

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes, 100%. If you need a degree, I wouldn't go any other way.

[@ToothpasteNorangejuice]

Hey, I have no knowledge whatsoever about this. I do have confidence in my learning ability’s but I was wondering if this would be a good choice for someone like me who is absolutely confused and lost and just wants a bright future i n cybersecurity. Feedback would help a lot!💯.

[@NicolasMoy]

You need to join my free student community! We will definitely help you out there skool.com/cyberpro-community

[@jc-xo8yd]

How old are you. I really wanted to go with Penn state bc it's Penn state. But I could always do that with my masters

[@NicolasMoy]

I’m 28

[@gunix28]

So if you pass all these certifications do they give you credits for already having these certs??

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes you do get credit for having the certs already!

[@raulmiguel4486]

Hey so I looked up the school cause I’m fixed on doing cyber security and taking advantage of the certificates they offer. Although I have a concern cause they have a lot of one star reviews. How was it for you actually taking the courses and dealing with the teachers, counselors, advisors, etc. ???

[@mistersaints4482]

My thing is I just don't want to do 4 yrs

[@NicolasMoy]

You don’t have to wait 4 years before you work. The idea of this school is you can do it on the side.

[@theyellowbus2754]

I have AA deg but no experience in IT. Can I finish in 1.5 yrs? How much of a stretch is that time frame for a student without IT experience?

[@NicolasMoy]

If you work hard you definitely can!

[@blesstrisotni]

That is only for us residents( Any alternatives for int?

[@NicolasMoy]

I don’t know to be honest

[@bhanuprakashpinnamaneni1887]

Hello sir, i am from india i did my bachelor degree in ece. But i am very passionate to do cybersecurity. So, I want to pursue Master degree in cybersecurity. following points. 1. Which university is best to pursue master degree in cybersecurity 2. Before applying university should i need any prior knowledge related to cybersecurity. 3. Can u suggest me which country is best for doing a master degree in cybersecurity. 4. How much score is required in english proficiency like ielts,gre,pte, and toefl.for wgu university.

[@neilpatrickmilan5365]

Hi Nicolas, Is it Possible for me to finish my cyber security degree in 6 months?

[@NicolasMoy]

It is but it is entirely up to you and it will be a lot of course work. But I've heard of people doing crazy stuff like that before!

[@Pikedownkid]

If you do not obtain an associates and you have some college credits are you still eligible for the B.S. course

[@NicolasMoy]

You would need to speak with WGU about this

[@cullen2106]

How long does it take?

[@NicolasMoy]

So its a typical 4 year degree. If you have certifications already or have a 2-year degree you can definitely cut down that time. Best recommendation is for you to reach out to WGU Admissions.

[@nicolaygarciavelez949]

What about the INCS program at BCIT in Canada?

[@NicolasMoy]

Not sure about that one!

[@jvvreckz3009]

What do you think of pursuing the IT Management degree on WGU when it comes to getting a job in Cybersecurity? I want this degree because It looks like I can get through the courses much faster which also means spending less money and because I can always get certifications after getting the degree. When I search for cybersec jobs they always require experience and I need to start somewhere entry level. In order to get maybe a security analyst, pen tester or security engineer role I need that prior hands on experience. Do you think employers at an interview will look down or not count the degree because it’s not necessarily a cybersecurity degree even tho I will make sure I have my security + , network+ and oscp certs?

[@NicolasMoy]

Hey Juan, it all depends on your current experience and qualifications. I'd be happy to setup a 1-on-1 coaching session with you to chat more about what makes sense for your next steps. www.buymeacoffee.com/nicolasmoy

[@nmesomaonyeka]

can I do it online or is there any university I can get a degree in cybersecurity online cause I am not in USA and WGU is only for people in USA

[@NicolasMoy]

I am not so sure about degrees outside of the USA that offer online bachelors in cybersecurity but I will take some time to check and possibly make a video on my findings!

[@nmesomaonyeka]

@@NicolasMoy thank you very much

[@housespecial1074]

Were you able to find a job pretty easily?

[@NicolasMoy]

Yes, but it took my developing of skills before I could land the job.

[@MadFantasist]

I think there is only online master program, right?

[@NicolasMoy]

WGU has a bachelors program

[@MadFantasist]

@@NicolasMoy which program?

[@MadFantasist]

@@NicolasMoy when i checked their website, there is no mester program. Only graduate and undergraduate

[@shellylemons]

Can you access the PDF it using a Kindle?

[@NicolasMoy]

I’m not sure I’d check with WGU admissions

[@techstack2765]

Can I do this from india?

[@NicolasMoy]

I do not believe so as they mainly serve residents in the USA.

[@tcc5750]

I was interested but I’ll probably go for WGU’s CompSci degree. Just too stressful dealing with PearsonVue for online exams imo.

[@NicolasMoy]

I'm pretty sure you still have to take PearsonVue certification exams for the CompSci degree.

[@tcc5750]

@@NicolasMoy The CompSci degree has just two certs. ITIL which is ProctorU, and Project+, Project+ can be bypassed by transferring in Sophia’s Project Management course which is open book. Saves a lot of time.

[@DailylifeUSAAlaa]

No it’s not worth it because it's not provides you with a GPA!

[@NicolasMoy]

It actually does. Everyone who graduates gets a 3.0.

[@john_jacob_jingleheimerschmidt]

Wgu is probably the worst cybersecurity degree you can get. It's basically like taking security+ over and over.

[@NicolasMoy]

I completely disagree with you. From cost benefit perspective it gives new infosec professionals a very good chance getting a job.

[@faysalhasan1729]

❤️❤️❤️

[@NicolasMoy]

Thank you Faysal!