WGU Cybersecurity Online Masters Program | Is Cybersecurity Degree Worth it? | My Experience

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[@ShaneHummus]

Glad we got a cameo role from Kitty!

[@nicoleenesse]

he is the real star!

[@joshuahardy5626]

Super helpful review, thank you!

[@nicoleenesse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ahmedshahab4105]

You do a great job of working right through when you get tongue tied. Keep these videos coming.

[@nicoleenesse]

More to come!

[@RAZREXE]

I was checking my LinkedIn feed and I got this ad about a cybersecurity scholarship program from wgu and I was really excited about it so I googled about it and this video came up. Amazing video Nicole, but as I was filling up the application I noticed that it's only for US residents :/ Well atleast I found an amazing channel on KZbin, keep up the good work 🙌

[@nicoleenesse]

Thank you!! I appreciate the feedback.

[@engagingtragedy5895]

This was extremely helpful!

[@nicoleenesse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sabrinaiturbe4031]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@nicoleenesse]

Glad it helped!

[@KevinMO91]

Good video overall, I'm actually starting WGU in February, just have to have to go through the VA process to use my GI bill. I actually ended up doing the Google IT professional certificate to meet the requirements for the program. I only had 28 credits from a criminal justice major and was lucky to get 16 CU from WGU still thankfully. Hoping to knock the degree out in no later then a year.

[@nicoleenesse]

That is good to know about how you met the requirements. The VA process goes pretty smoothly, it didn't take too long to process.

[@aleclarson55]

I am also starting in February, I will be working on my masters in information technology management. Good luck! I earned my bachelor's degree in IT 8 years ago from ITT Technical Institute.

[@Chanvyx]

I’m a little upset every Err errr try o

[@thatawesometutor605]

Hi there! As you are well aware, fall terms are about to start and although you may be learning in a different way, ThatAwesomeTutor is as ready as ever and ready to help answer your questions. Our tutor quality is stronger than ever and can help take your work and grades to the next level. No matter what subject you need a helping hand with - from poetry to rocket science - there is a ThatAwesomeTutor ready to work with you. Email: [e-mail]

[@M1n7z]

Hi Nicole, I have been looking at the Masters program at WGU. I already have a STEM degree, but nothing related to IT. I been working help desk for three years. Would it be smarter to go through the bachelors program and get a 2nd one or just go towards the masters and get certs on my way? Thank you in advance :) Your videos are valuable!

[@nicoleenesse]

I would go the master's route. I actually had started doing a 2nd bachelor's degree at WGU, but quit because I had 0 motivation for a lateral degree. The certs in the bachelor's programs aren't that expensive, and you can do the certs on your own time for little cost. A master's degree is also a lot shorter. I had 9 classes, so was able to knock it out in 6 months. Certain programs also offer certs. the M.S. in cybersecurity I got my CEH and a voucher for the CHFI.

[@aaronsimmons1201]

Great overview of the program. I do have a few questions: 1. I just finished my MBA where I initially had concerns about the math requirements. How are the math requirements for this program? It does not appear there are many if any at all. 2. Through my MBA program I was essentially able to find all the theories and formulas I needed in the textbooks provided by the school. Was this your experience with this cybersecurity program? 3. I work in the cybersecurity area at my company now and have a general knowledge of the CIA triad, pen testing, etc. but nothing in detail in the tactical way it is performed. How would you rate the difficulty of comprehending these concepts for practical application? Appreciate your assistance in advance.

[@nicoleenesse]

1. There are no math requirements for the program. Didn't touch a single algorithm! 2. A lot of the information was provided in the books. The CISSP book was used heavily, and the courses go into depth of each of the domains. You can check it out here www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP 3. Hmmm, rating it would be difficult as I do not know how much IT experience you have. I have 7 years in IT infrastructure, so for me, it was not difficult at all. I applied the concepts to my current job so it really "stuck". If you don't have IT experience, it could be a little difficult, but not rocket science..

[@esadbajramovic41]

Hey Nicole!! Great video. Quick question, is it possible to go for a master degree if you have your cyber security associates and relevant work experience/ certificates?

[@nicoleenesse]

No, you will need an accredited bachelors degree first

[@bgeriani76]

Hi Nicole, maybe you can shed some light on my decision or choice. I am torn between taking the BA In cybersecurity, and cloud computing degree but now after watching your videos and one of your responses to a question, I'm thinking if getting my MA in cybersecurity is better then getting the 2nd bachelors, which I'm already qualified for because I have a STEM degree. However, what holding me back is that it doesn't have all the certificates that the BA has and also I thought that MA Are only for those that want to get into management roles which I don't want. Also I have about 10 yrs Help desk experience and not sure if that will help me get into a cybersecurity role after finishing my masters.

[@nicoleenesse]

Yes, definitely get an MA over another BA. higher level degree is always better, but you are right it is for more management type roles. if you want a more technical role than certificates would be the best options to change positions or move up

[@222jerms]

I have a minor in computer science, lots of programming side projects, and 2 internships one in IT/ administration and one internship that involved programming with python and MYSQL The only thing is i have a bachelors in arts (communications) Do you think i would make it into the program? I know alot about computers and IT , linux , servers, programming, OS processes etc so i think i should know enough to get waivered Thanks!

[@SneakXL]

I have a Bachelors of Science degree, the security plus certification, as well as an Associates degree in Network Administration and IT work experience and I was not accepted into the MS in Cybersecurity program at WGU. This was about 6 years ago and my job at the time would have paid for the tuition.

[@shanicewilliams1687]

Hi Nicole, I’m considering going to WGU. I’m unsure if I should do BS or MS in Cybersecurity. I already have both a BS & MS in a non related field and no prior IT work experience. Which do you think would be the better choice ? Thanks!

[@nicoleenesse]

Hmmm, that is a tough one. I would say a higher degree is better but a BS will teach you more of the foundations and has more certs included. IF you want to go into management, I would say a masters degree. If you want to be a cyber tech, than a bechelors degree

[@gstoner8432]

Thanks for the review Nicole. If you did this in 6 months for all the courses and capstone, how much time each day did you dedicate towards this?

[@nicoleenesse]

I would spend an entire weekend doing one things...so 15-16 hours with maybe 1-2 hours during the week

[@alaeldinali1871]

Nicole thank you for all very good information and I did learning alot. But can you discuss the elementary education teacher. Thankfully.

[@nicoleenesse]

Not sure if I recall. What do you want to know about the elementary education?

[@erickryanmartinezful]

Can you make a video about the different jobs that someone would be qualified for Including bachelors vs master level jobs?

[@nicoleenesse]

That is a great idea. I will put it on the list!

[@Crypt0ro]

If I don’t have a bachelors degree but I have the a+ net+ sec+ and experience as a security analyst can I skip straight to the masters?

[@nicoleenesse]

No, you will always need a bachelors degree before getting a master's degree. You can do the bachelors degree in 6 months, but it will be a lot

[@Anonymous_moron]

Your cat is super fluffy and I want to pet him!

[@nicoleenesse]

ahah he is amazing!!!

[@MikeSanders55]

not sure if you're still responding to this video, but i need Tips for c725 :( i've been struggling a lot and failed my 3rd attempt. this is my first class and i dont want to lose motivation, they wont let me take the 4rth and asked me to move on to the next class for now but i'm tired of the c725. the questions are very tricky i know that i studied the material multiple times it's just the exam gets me everytime with the long tricky questions :(

[@nicoleenesse]

Hey Mike, What are you doing to study? Are you reviewing the pre-assessment questions, and figuring out why each answer is right or wrong?? The assessment is very similar to the pre-assessment, but you must know why the answer choice is correct or incorrect. I suggest going through the pre-assessment and reviewing each answer choice, and then take the pre-assessment again, and see if you can figure out the correct answer. This will also reveal to you if you are catching on to the concepts. For Instance, Which two secure methods should be used to keep track of passwords? 1. Encrypt text files of them on the user’s workstation 2. Store them on a sticky note in a convenient spot 3.Share them with a trusted manager or coworker 4.Organization-approved password storage software You need to evaluate the questions, so it must be secure, but also must be able to keep track of passwords. 1. Would Encryption do this? Why or Why Not? 2. Is storing them on a sticky note be secure? 3. Would sharing them with a manager or coworker be effective in keeping your passwords secure and in place? 4. Would password storage software be secure and help you keep track? I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@MikeSanders55]

@@nicoleenesse The problem is that i passed the pre assessment easily. and i studied a lot, but the OA makes me forget everything, like after the OA i forget all the questions i got literally everything. i can't even discuss with the CI. maybe i have difficulties i dont know :( i will be talking to the student success center.

[@issajouda7549]

If i am a complete beginner . How long will it take to complete the bachelors degree and then the masters degree. Considering i am a quick learner. Also, can i get a job with only the bachelors from wgu? or do i need the masters ?

[@nicoleenesse]

I would give your Bachelors's Degree 2 years and 1 year for your master's degree. You could definitely get a job with just a bachelor's degree!

[@brandonrides8953]

I'm 25 with Sec+ as a Contractor in an operations environment. I have give or take 6 hours a night of time (not consecutive) to be on the computer at my desk potentially working on a degree. I'm applying for B.S. in Cyber security at WGU, with that info do you suspect I could get through it in a fairly decent amount of time?

[@nicoleenesse]

Yup, definitely. Especially if you already have a good base knowledge

[@Ian-fg7dw]

What do you think about Cyber Security Bootcamps? Do you think it’s worth it?

[@nicoleenesse]

Depends on goals and the program

[@TMartins379]

What if you already have the CISSP?

[@nicoleenesse]

CISSP qualifies you for a lot of jobs, however a lot of state, government, and teaching jobs really like M.S. degrees. It will depend on what you want to do.

[@TMartins379]

@@nicoleenesse I’m a government contractor with CISSP. I’ve been thinking about my masters for a while but I noticed that most cyber security masters prepare you for the CISSP. So why get a masters that only prepare you for a certification you already have?

[@OiVinn-eq1ml]

Basket Weaving has became an infamous major on YT 🤔😆

[@nicoleenesse]

aye

[@regionneur1872]

What's a high salary do you think for a start?

[@nicoleenesse]

70-80k depending on location

[@regionneur1872]

@@nicoleenesse Not bad for a starter. But transitioning careers wise thats a hefty drop. I wonder if there are ways to get a higher one? Thanks for the video.

[@Lauren-7777]

0:17 lol ... Kitty!

[@nicoleenesse]

[@coachAiman]

Do they offer Scholarships??

[@nicoleenesse]

yes

[@coachAiman]

@@nicoleenesse how to apply?