Best Cybersecurity Masters Program? Possibly (WGU MSCSIA)

[@JoshMadakor]

🔒Josh's Hands-On Cybersecurity Course + Internship🔒 joshmadakor.tech/cyber

[@cleightr2333]

@JoshMadakor, how different is Ethical Hacking from Security Operations?

[@TheITCornerbyJR]

WGU is the Best! I am actually starting this Degree in the Fall. Finishing the BS degree now. That Dang paper is important in this job market. Good stuff. Sir!

[@hillguantv4121]

Is the ms degree online only?? Or there is an in person session

[@TheITCornerbyJR]

@hillguantv4121 WGU is an 100% online University for all programs.

[@itachisolosmadara]

I LOVE your videos. You should cover the sans masters program and other obscure degrees like that. :)

[@JoshMadakor]

Thank you! That's actually on my list

[@Geomaverick124]

I feel like the ISC2 CC cert should have been placed in the BS cyber degree and a cloud security cert added to the Masters

[@JoshMadakor]

Lol yeah, it's pretty basic but somehow they put it in the masters, haha

[@mouradali8270]

@@JoshMadakor They clearly put it as a marketing strategy, it's a free exam, and it knocks off a course.

[@DigitalHoplite]

I’m enrolled right now, transferred 2 classes by having NET+, SEC+, and CYSA+. Honestly I think my biggest struggle is both finding the time to do the courses and try and do extra stuff outside of school like homelabs, CTF etc. while working full time. In some ways I’m not sure if I should just focus on the degree or if I should be trying to find a balance between doing extra things outside of class to make myself overall more employable.

[@alexandriarichard7671]

Thank you for this awesome information I am super encouraged and pumped to start in June with my masters :)

[@Pwnappetit]

FYI D486 Governance Risk and Compliance is actually C727 Cybersecurity Management 1. Same PA and the welcome email actually links to a panopto video on C727.

[@JoshMadakor]

TY!

[@DRSRPrime]

ISC2 CC might still be free. I got mine in 2022 November and took my security+ 2022 December.

[@Theinsomniac826]

Thank you so much Josh! You are the best!

[@JoshMadakor]

You are!

[@tesfayelemma9734]

WGU should pay you 💰!

[@JoshMadakor]

I know, right? lol, oh well.

[@Rashad5000i]

Very nice and in-depth video really appreciate these from you!

[@JoshMadakor]

ty! good to see you ^^

[@shameermulji]

Great review. Would love to see a review of the current Cloud Computing degree program.

[@JoshMadakor]

I do have this one, but it's a year old now, did they change it? hehe kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX3Nq3p5ZaqSm5Ysi=68zd0pahJt8Fig1p

[@shameermulji]

@@JoshMadakor From what I understand, it's changed slightly

[@Ccollinsthe1]

Thank you!!! Very informative

[@dmarsh]

This look very cool and I definitely want to start it as soon as I get a job. Unfortunately, I graduated with the B.S. in Computer Science a month ago and have not gotten an interview even with 150+ applications. I can't even get low end help desk work so far. What's unique about my situation is that I'm still very young and I one termed my bachelors degree. So with being a young person with no experience at all, finding a job is really hard. Do you have any suggestions? If I got a say, I think it'd like working in Software QA the most.

[@SportChannel-dh8tg]

Do you have LinkedIn accounts? If not create one and If so improve your profile and create connections with cyber security professionals in LinkedIn and also improve your resume

[@JoshMadakor]

Hey! Congrats on getting a BSCC, best degree IMO. Def check out these videos: How I would get into Cyber with only the google cert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYGzpKicl697nrcsi=lELoI4Bjwt6gchDH Employability Framework (what you need to consider): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7TpJ6wi8SKh80si=RF7djU17XMui3uMx

[@starwolf0018]

Go state or local government.

[@nonapplicable9590]

One caveat for clarification the MS degree **IS NOT NSA CAE** certified, only their BS is. I made this same mistake and so I will be completing the MS here purely for the benefit of certs an "having a MS" and will go on to do another at an NSA CAE, I only point this out to clarify because with the requirements for cybersec jobs getting more stringent I have seen specifications for degrees that are NSA CAE specifically for higher paying DOD positions.

[@JoshMadakor]

I think it’s the school that’s gets the designation right? Thoughts? www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2946340/us-naval-community-college-selects-western-governors-university-for-competency/#:~:text=WGU%20is%20regionally%20accredited%20by,by%20the%20National%20Security%20Agency.

[@PacketWatchDog]

WGU MBA IT Management or MSCSIA for upper crust job series 2210 IT Federal jobs assuming you already have 5-10 years paid IT experience and a fully endorsed CISSP? (Pay grade GS 12-14) Thanks

[@JoshMadakor]

Assuming you have CISSP, i don't think it matters. If it were me, I would probably go with MBA IT to get more business knowledge. If you already have 5 years experience and CISSP, I don't feel there is a real need to pile on more cyber credentials. just IMO

[@icexix9701]

Thank you for asking this question. And for the answer Josh. I was heavily deciding on what to do as I have my CISSP, and plenty of work experience. I want my masters but the only thing to deter me away from the MSCSIA is all the certs. They are very good but honestly IMO and in my experience, CISSP is the end game. CISM and some GRC certs are good but I lve seen plenty of higher ups federal side only with CISSP. So I'm considering the MBA now, thank you both.

[@justinmjohnson]

​@@JoshMadakor to add on, what's your opinion on the MBA masters at WGU vs the masters in IT management, coming from a degree in Cybersecurity already, CISSP and then some, and 6+ years in the field.

[@albertusmeiring]

Anyone can do all of those certification for less than the price of this Masters program.

[@0206-b8z]

You need both

[@albertusmeiring]

@@0206-b8z No you don't. Anyone can buy a exam voucher to any of those institutions and sit for the proctored exam. You don't need anything else.

[@albertusmeiring]

@@0206-b8z No you don't. Anyone can buy a exam voucher to any of those institutions and sit for the proctored exam. You don't need anything else.

[@WM44444]

@@0206-b8z yea thats the problem with this country. college degrees dont matter. i met alot of people with cybersecurity degrees that know less then someone who only has a security+. thats sad. i talked to alot of people in discord IT servers and all the people with cyber security degrees are way dumber then the people who have certs. our country needs to stop this piece of paper stuff.

[@JoshMadakor]

>Anyone can do all of those certification for less than the price of this Masters program. Yep

[@1anre]

In the online band for the buck market, it's still very hard to find an MSc. that beats WGU's MSCSIA program

[@georgerobbins5560]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@justingolay]

Great video! Can you do one discussing the merits of the doctoral program you had mentioned in another video? Does a doctorate equate to a higher income in cyber security? Thanks!

[@JoshMadakor]

Great suggestion! I added it to the video pipeline. I wouldn't say you are guaranteed a higher salary, but it's not going to hurt you haha. It's definitely something to do for the sake of wanting to do it, not to get more money (since there are easier ways to do that)

[@kiramc4997]

Hey Josh! Are you going to do more interviews with successful cybersecurity students who took your course soon?

[@JoshMadakor]

Yeah! I just did one this morning! (I've done 3 in the past 2 days, then I have 2 more scheduled.) I should start releasing them in the next 3 weeks or so.

[@kiramc4997]

@@JoshMadakor awesome!

[@118timbale]

Just want to add the CASP is not optional. I'm studying for it now

[@chamaragunasena6437]

Awesome Thanks for the Video 👌👌👌 ❤❤❤

[@Phantom76938]

Perfect timing

[@jasonsmart3141]

Josh is it possible to do ISSO work 100% fully remotely? I DONT want to be stuck in an office.🤦🏿‍♂️

[@craigspencer4306]

Now that josh has quit his job to make videos , i am gonna have to quit my job to watch josh.

[@JoshMadakor]

Hahaha, thank you ^^

[@legendkiller718]

Do you recommend getting the certs prior to starting the program? My employer allows $10k a year for continuing education which covers education and certs. I currently have Sec+ and 2 AWS certs so I’m familiar with the process of acquiring certs and am ok with doing that if it saves money & time

[@gerainecomer8223]

I have a bachelors already in psychology but I’m trying to switch over to tech ..right now I’m enrolled in Google cybersecurity program and thinking about going to WGU for my Masters. I’m not sure if that’s the right decision though should I get my bachelors first ? Recommendations and tips would help a lot fr

[@takethepillingodwetrust1510]

Look for cybersecurity internships or look for full time help desk jobs

[@stefangorgievski4899]

I have quite a similar situation. I think if you get that master in Cyber Security it will be enough. Then you get rid of that master degree barrier. I have a undergraduate in Marketing and I'm doing a traineeship in Cloud Engineering right now. After I finish this, I'll do this master trying to finish it within 1 year. I also finished te Google Cyber security cert and it was a great experience. I learned so much about different aspects in IT/cyber security. Go for it man

[@lololololololol444]

Do you really feel like cism is worth it without the 5 years in management?

[@JoshMadakor]

Ehhhhhh, I don't know. I went my whole career without getting CISM, but I had CISSP. CISM has a lot of hits, so it's probably alright, but "worth it" probably just depends on your preferences/goals etc

[@A_L90]

According to Comptia Cysa+ superseeds security+. What gives?

[@JoshMadakor]

It sounds like they are saying CySA+ contain all of Security+ objectives and more. I haven't investigated this, but that would make for an interesting video. Thanks :)

[@Salih.EduBlock]

Thanks

[@burgbored102]

CEH on way more job boards than PenTest+.

[@eddisonlewis8099]

Great Video - Josh How do you view TCM range of courses?

[@maunekaakadiala6370]

Can Indian student who completed one masters can get into it? Please make a video

[@Uncle_lekan]

Please is there any equivalent of WGU that’s not limited to USA resident?

[@dayanna024]

do you recommend the masters cybersecurity degree for someone with no tech background who seeks a career change? I have a bachelors in biology looking to get into cybersecurity and thinking of pursuing this program to obtain both the certifications/education in one go and break into the industry. How difficult do you think it would be to complete this in 1-2 terms if so? TIA

[@JoshMadakor]

You can def do it in 2 terms. Doing it in 1 term depends on your natural aptitude, time available and dedication. Sure, go ahead and get it if you are super interested, just know that the MS is probably not what will ultimately get you your job. It's nice to have though. The certs (and sec+, if you get it) along with your portfolio is going to help a lot though

[@danielsooko4123]

I have a question I want to get into this comparing so many schools and many certifications. I only have my AS in Computer Info & Network Administration plus some certs but beyond that should I start & get my BS first and then after go for the MS?

[@SportChannel-dh8tg]

I have 11 years experience in IT 13:56 and now want to switch to cybersecurity . What are your suggestions?

[@JoshMadakor]

Certs are really handy when trying to move from 1 domain to another (or break into a field). If you have 11 years in IT, you've no doubt hit at least 2 of the CISSP domains, making you eligible to get CISSP. I would do a FAT cyber project (for ex, do my course or something similar 3x to build intuition) and consider getting CISSP. (Free test bank: joshmadakor.tech/cissp). Also consider watching these videos to get some more ideas on how to approach: How I would get into Cyber with only the google cert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYGzpKicl697nrcsi=lELoI4Bjwt6gchDH Employability Framework (what you need to consider): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7TpJ6wi8SKh80si=RF7djU17XMui3uMx

[@greenfire182winter7]

If I already have some of these certifications I still need to take the class?

[@JoshMadakor]

Nope, if you have it already, it will automatically satisfy the class

[@thechillmaster5836]

Why do you use Azure over the most common AWS?

[@MuminjonGuru]

AWS is common around smaller companies. I did a few weeks of training in a consulting company and almost 90-95 percent of their clients were using Azure.

[@MuminjonGuru]

Health, agriculture, finance firms just use what they get from consulting companies and consulting companies have a kind of partnership with Microsoft services...

[@JoshMadakor]

I'm more familiar with Azure and Azure has been catching up to AWS. I suspect it will pass them eventually: www.statista.com/chart/18819/worldwide-market-share-of-leading-cloud-infrastructure-service-providers/ Also I'm not a huge fan of Amazon and AWS as a company

[@balexandra848]

I need to get a help desk job first, but I also have a huge gap in my resume and only 6 months of previous IT support experience. Would it help or hurt to get cybersecurity certifications before even landing a help desk job? Should I just get general IT certifications first?

[@paul5311]

I've been in a similar situation as you, I'm now a sys admin. I'd suggest getting the A+ first and then start applying for help desk jobs while studying for the Network+. Cyber certs are not really useful for entry level jobs. Good luck!

[@JoshMadakor]

I just did an interview with someone who landed a Jr SOC Analyst/IT Analyst role with zero certs or degree. They did go through my cyber course, but I don't want to say it was because of the course. Basically, you can make up for lack of certs by having fantastic projects and being very personable (which is what he did). The "fantastic projects" part came from my course, but of course you can just do this on your own for free, it just depends on how much time/energy you want to spend putting something together. Highly recommend watching these videos for more context: How I would get into Cyber with only the google cert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYGzpKicl697nrcsi=lELoI4Bjwt6gchDH Employability Framework (what you need to consider): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7TpJ6wi8SKh80si=RF7djU17XMui3uMx Having said all of that, certs will definitely help you break in. I recommend well known certs like the CompTIAs. Completing Google's Cyber Cert also gives you a 30% off voucher for security+: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaikZ3VsZpWChKcsi=VcRMwrMNwEVibRVI

[@balexandra848]

​@@paul5311 Thanks so much for the recommendation, I looked into the A+ and I'm studying for the exam now!

[@balexandra848]

@@JoshMadakor Thank you, I'll definitely watch those! And I was debating whether or not to get both Google's Cyber Cert and security+, so that's great to know about the voucher. Planning on getting both after taking the A+

[@maximilian4171]

Didnt you also finished the masters within a few months? Or was it the bachelors (or was it a different guy🤔)

[@JoshMadakor]

Lol yeah, I finished: BS IT: 5.5 Months MSCyber: 12 days (lol) BS CompSci: 2 months Lots of pre-gaming for the last 2 though, and I was working as a Cybersecurity PM doing Vulnerability Management at the time of the Cyber Masters so it was incredibly easy. I also already had CISSP and several other certs, so I just had to go through the motions of doing the assignments without much study.

[@maximilian4171]

@@JoshMadakor hats off! having those real-world experiences definitely gave you a leg up! (goes to show how much value experiences are in the field - both theoretical and technical)

[@davidpalafox6978]

If I have a full time engineering job would you suggest doing the course in a 2 year span?

[@locostar1701]

So I have the BSCSIA from WGU and CISSP, what classes would e left for me to complete?

[@keljtjdk]

How often do you use Linux? And do you have any knowledge of Linux Red Hat?

[@JoshMadakor]

I don't use linux now that I'm not working in a corporate job. Before, I would use it sometimes. A lot of our tools, utilities, and platforms were installed on linux so I would have to periodically troubleshoot or something. Very minimal knowledge of Red Hat specifically.

[@keljtjdk]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@kazi1]

Hi

[@JoshMadakor]

Hi :D

[@NsahTheIdealist]

How would one enrol into WGU if they aint located in the US?

[@takethepillingodwetrust1510]

wgu is only available for legal residents in the usa and some programs are available for canadian residents

[@harumytamaryanezherrera2045]

Can't believe people actually want to go to WGU

[@JoshMadakor]

You are clearly the same person commenting multiple times on the same video with different names. Do you mind coming on the channel and doing a video interview with me? I want to share your perspective wit my audience and give you an actual platform. Please email me at the email address on my channel and we can set something up.

[@TheVeganReviewer865-hd5ig]

WGU is trash

[@JoshMadakor]

You are clearly the same person commenting multiple times on the same video with different names. Do you mind coming on the channel and doing a video interview with me? I want to share your perspective wit my audience and give you an actual platform. Please email me at the email address on my channel and we can set something up.

[@manifresh1264]

Lol clown school

[@JoshMadakor]

Where did you go? What do you do?

[@manifresh1264]

@@JoshMadakor Significantly better school. Red teaming. I hire, and I throw WGU resumes out.

[@thundora1]

@@manifresh1264why even comment lol. You just sound butt hurt 😂😂 and like you’re compensating for something. I bet you aren’t even a part of a red team.

[@manifresh1264]

@@thundora1 believe whatever you want. Dosnt change the fact that it is a clown school

[@manifresh1264]

@thundora1 You sound like someone who is unemployed. WGU will do that to you