WGU Review- 3 Year Update - Is Western Governors University Worth It?

Want to cut through the Bullsh*t and learn the serious skills for cyber? Start with the Free Masterclass here: upskilltocyber.com
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[@nicoleenesse]

Want to cut through the Bullsh*t and learn the serious skills for cyber? Start with the Free Masterclass here: upskilltocyber.com

[@Kelz48]

2x Grad here - WGU is a God send. Absolutely game changer and leaps and bounds above many brick and mortar schools. I have a degree from a major b&m university as well. The price has gone up of course as all things but join now and change your life.

[@emilyau8023]

I don't know what university you went to, but mine was very helpful and had updated information. The alumni and internships it had were great too.

[@robertw9584]

I had an AS in graphic design. Got my BS in Cloud Computing from WGU. It landed me a great government job. WGU was so worth it. Best $9k I ever spent. I doubled my salary with my new position.

[@mcbjvhgurl]

How long did it take you?

[@romanlukichev4971]

Do you use javascript in your job? or more databases and clouds?

[@robertw9584]

@@mcbjvhgurl 2.5 years for the degree. I got a job 2 years after I started. So I didn't even graduate yet when I got a job.

[@robertw9584]

@@romanlukichev4971 neither really. I am customer support. Think more like local specialized help desk. It pays 6 figures a year and I have a nice pension. I think I just got really lucky. But without WGU I didn't have a chance.

[@DRSRPrime]

How is that cloud computing major? I am deciding now between cloud computing and information security & assurance. Do you think there a lot of overlap between the two? I am leaning towards cloud computing because I have been studying cybersecurity for a couple years now and have my security+ already but no luck with jobs as of yet

[@dvn3605]

Needed this video. I had a bad semester. A lot of life happened this last year making me fall back and it’s hard to keep the focus with that and my overnight 12’s. When things settle a little bit i will take the non FA semester and get back on track.

[@JacoNotorious]

I'm enrolling right now and I super appreciate you doing these videos. It makes me feel confident going forward that my choice in WGU for an undergrad in cyber security was a good choice

[@Vuden13]

Update?

[@RunOs3]

I really feel bad for anyone going to a traditional state school or private school where they have to fight for a spot in a class of 20 people, pay for books that cost as much as the class, and sit around and listen to professors who haven’t worked a real job in over 30 years talk about how much they enjoyed cyber security.

[@Vuden13]

Community college lil bro

[@RunOs3]

@@Vuden13 I say naw lil homie

[@Vuden13]

@@RunOs3 wut

[@RunOs3]

@@Vuden13 you bussin now? Aight den.

[@MalamIbnMalam]

Pay for books that cost as much as the class? E-books, ever heard of them? With that said, state schools are quite a bit better than WGU.

[@minae9935]

Thank you for this! Your other video is what made me finally go through with the decision. I’m getting my masters in cybersecurity and information assurance as well and start March 1st.

[@ultravioletiris6241]

Very cool! Im starting soon after you!!

[@skatealex1]

Currently in WGU for cybersecurity studying CompTIA Core 1. So much to memorize but I hope to do good at in due time.

[@Frontend969]

Same here lol

[@kindofcool]

Same as well just started in February in Intro to Information Security now

[@Steeeeve777]

Same I’m hoping to test for core one in a week or so

[@epixdevo3180]

Cant fcking stand the A+ and I've already worked in technology.

[@MrRandyMarsh1]

How the clases going ? I’m starting cybersecurity to put this TS/SCI to use when I finish the associates and later bachelors eventually

[@jtexasboyz3805]

That Masters in Cybersecurity degree now gives you CISM, Casp, Pentest+ and Cysa+, no more CEH.

[@cyberlocc]

Yep its a shame.

[@thechillmaster5836]

@@cyberlocc why? CEH is garbage

[@cyberlocc]

@thechillmaster5836 Because CEH is expensive and it be nice to get it free. "It's garbage" ya I hear that all the time, and that may very well be the case from an actual learning/content standpoint. However at the end of the day it is the second most requested Cyber Security Cert by HR and it's not by a small margin. What is the value of certs to you? Industry recognition? The Industry says they are all trash. Learning? I don't think most of them are very practical but learning can definitely be a second. HR? Well the CEH is king in this regard, no matter how much people don't like that. At the End of the day the CISSP, OSCP, CEH, and Sec+ are the only certs HR cares about (and Sans) so they are the only certs that really have any value at all.

[@SupportSquirrel]

Yeah...the CISSP isn't horrible but it just feels draining. At some point you just get enough certs that you feel drained every year from getting a new one or having to get CEUs for existing ones...

[@Theinsomniac826]

I plan to start WGU for a Bachelors in Cybersecurity June 1st. I completed my Associates degree in Cybersecurity last December.

[@just_shaeee]

I graduated with my undergrad nursing degree at WGU! I actually love the school.

[@adamtorres2014]

How long did it take you to complete and have you had any luck finding jobs?

[@DigitalLiquid]

I start in March 1st. I was grinding Sophia classes the past few months. Now I'm studying for the classes left to stay ahead.

[@TySunshineTy]

I’ll be trying to same thing soon, good luck.

[@romanlukichev4971]

Thanks for mentioning WGU. I will seriously consider it for getting my education.

[@carossetti]

Do it.

[@DigitalHoplite]

Great video! I have a bachelors in liberal arts already and my full 36 months of gi bill. My plan is to knock out the masters at WGU in a year, I can then use the remaining time on SANS grad cert pathways which you can use your gi bill for (these are separate to the sans degree program and are based on learning pathways).

[@angelgueosepulveda3151]

This is my most likely path. I am in my capstone for the MSITM, and I plan to go to SANS to get a graduate certificate with what I have left in the GIBILL.

[@DigitalHoplite]

@@angelgueosepulveda3151 yeah my goal is to land a job as a SOC analyst once I’m done with my masters, then use the sans graduate path to specialize from there based on what I want to go into since they have incident response/pentesting/cloud etc

[@angelgueosepulveda3151]

@@DigitalHoplite I think it is a good plan. SANS have really good pathways of certifications in whatever you want to specialize. I wish you good luck on your future education.

[@redyson0415]

Hey Nicole ... thanks for the video. I looked over the SANS pathway; they seem really expensive compared to WGU. For example, the Essentials, Advanced, and Expert are 8k + per course. If you have the time, could you do a video on why you feel a SANS may be a better route for some (if you don't already have one)? Thanks again

[@nicoleenesse]

only if you have the GIBILL

[@angelgueosepulveda3151]

Yeah, SANS courses and certificates are very expensive. For individual courses, it is over 8k and another 1k for the exam. But they have the SANS Technology Institute, that have certificates and an MS. Each class is the same as the cert class, but it is 6.5k with the exam, which is still ridiculously expensive. That is why SANS focuses on getting people that either their employer or GI Bill can pay for it.

[@PDM-95]

I got a bachelor’s in sport management back in 2000. If I wanted to go the WGU route, would I need to get a bachelor’s of something in IT before looking to get into one of their master’s programs? I’m 47 with ZERO tech experience or knowledge. I know it’s daunting, but I am hungry and excited to learn. As I am a bit advanced in age, I need to ensure that I go with the most efficient and effective path. Any advice would be tremendously appreciated!

[@romanlukichev4971]

As an immigrant and US citizen, who has a foreign degree, I can tell you. That WGU has affordable certifications, which will cost you about 4,000 dollars. It is just a starting point, after it you will need to make your own project, and become a life long IT Learner. And maybe you land a tech job, if you put a lot of effort into it.

[@romanlukichev4971]

It depends if your brain is in the good shape!

[@Theinsomniac826]

I'm 46 and I start WGU on June 1st. You can do it.

[@jlprescott7243]

I am currently attending SANS and pursuing the Bachelor's in Applied Cybersecurity. Earned my first GIAC GFACT cert in March and studying for the GISF cert next. Previously, I was a double-major in UHWO and was pursuing bachelors in cybersecurity and information security & assurance before transferring. It was when I participated in the National Cyber League competition that I heard about SANS reputation. Cheers!

[@TheSauuron]

I think we served together, small world huh! thanks for the content.

[@nicoleenesse]

Aye!

[@jewboy2506]

I'm 40 and circumstances have put me in a situation where i have to start over in a brand new career. I want to do a physician assistant program and I'm thinking WGU and University of New England science prerequisites. Loma Linda University will accept this plus my former career takes care of my paid healthcare experience. I'm thinking of health ans human services degree but would like to know if it would be possible to finish that in a year if a person treated it like a 12 hour a day job? also how are the tests structured?

[@PacketWatchDog]

MBA in IT or Masters in Security for Federal sector 2210 management jobs assuming you already have years of paid IT experience, Bachelors in IT, and a Security+?

[@jbs2763]

My long term goal is getting on with DFAS, wish my security clearance didn’t lapse like 20 years ago lol

[@justinokpalaobi6350]

Please, if I finish my second semester before 6 month interval, would i be allowed to proceed to the next semester?

[@Nop3.1]

I know someone that got a BS in 6 months and a Masters in 3. That should answer your question.

[@jennyd9947]

There aren't many people can learn a lot of new information within six months.

[@ChrisBlackburn-id6pi]

IS it better to go straight for the masters or bac?

[@CenturionKenshin]

IMHO while certifications could indeed teach you some techniques - university degree (real university study) teaches you how to think in a special way. At BSc it is one level, at engineering degree it gives you additional perspective, Master Degree gives you more academic way of thinking - where you can build your system of knowledge correctly and communicate it to the other people in the area of your specialization, PhD :) - this one is crazy and if it done correctly (even if not finished) gives you even more insight in how to think and see how details are really influencing bigger systems and how areas of technology and science really interconnected and opens your mind (again if it is done correctly and not just for degree and publications).

[@christ_is_coming_back9118]

In some areas of study. I’ve worked with several folks who have degrees and are some of the dumbest colleagues

[@abefromen1]

I've been thinking about WGU Online or Navy Cyber Warfare Technician What would you recommend?

[@derekchamreun3939]

I wouldn't recommend the military route. Its really hard to land that Navy Cyber Warfare job. Most of the time they will screw you over and make you take a different job and lie to you saying that you can change it later.

[@abefromen1]

@@derekchamreun3939is this what you’ve experienced? Or just 2nd and 3rd hand information?

[@scotthearts9634]

😅🤣

[@derekchamreun3939]

@@abefromen1 Speaking from personal experience. But who knows maybe you’ll be luckier than me.

[@J.Giovanni]

@@abefromen1 Happened to my brother in the Navy. Air Force is the better branch for cyber security anyway.

[@mrgene8385]

Wish she would get to the point 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@imbrion7981]

you sound ignorant, she structured the video well and answered a lot of questions as well

[@imbrion7981]

and a veteran like myself i get paid to get to school which she shows that it made it worth with that aspect

[@MrRandyMarsh1]

@@imbrion7981I’m starring cybersecurity associates next with with the GI bill. Do you think wgu was better than going to a college since it’s “faster”?

[@ezequielbaez8500]

Reason is that a 10 min video can get more per view

[@miraclessite3522]

I called WGU the say they only give you one class at a time. Can you please explain

[@mmtz816]

You only work on 1 class at a time, but you have 4 classes in a term. This is way easier because this has allowed me to finish certain classes within 1-3 weeks.

[@Nop3.1]

Just means you can’t juggle multiple classes at a time. But there’s no limit to how many you can do in a term.

[@PeeShivers]

Your point of not getting the CISSP is kinda on your end. Looking like external locus over on this channel.

[@bigbrotherinlife1654]

Great video what is Sands im curious to know

[@TheITCornerbyJR]

WGU is Fantastic! Great video ✌🏽😎

[@Vzori]

i'm doing the bachelors in software engineering. i'd say WGU gives you the foundational knowledge but outside learning is required

[@renolddurosel6524]

Is WGU good for beginners to IT

[@XPayne-bf7do]

I'm currently studying BSCS at UoPeople and I'm thinking to transfer credits to WGU just to get WGU Degree can I do it?

[@Justmy4cents]

WGU will take University of the People credits because UoPeople are DEAC-accredited. I would suggest you at least complete your Associate degree at Upeople before transferring out.

[@XPayne-bf7do]

@@Justmy4cents Thank you for your reply, I am also to planning transfer my credits at my last term at UoPeople and complete my bachelors at WGU what do you think?

[@davidbradham3515]

Sophia Learning is also a good program to use to save time and money

[@emilyau8023]

I got hired specifically cause I have an IT degree. I'm not a cybersecurity person, but after graduating I only had to apply for less than 2 months.

[@thegeth4293]

Was it from wgu? I have an associate degree in cyberscurity but can't get a call back from IT jobs to save my life

[@Theinsomniac826]

​@thegeth4293 Same. I got an Associates Degree in Cybersecurity from Moraine Valley Community College. I stopped applying to jobs. Yesterday I sent WGU my transcripts because the Associates Degree counts towards the WGU Bachelors degree in Cybersecurity. I plan to start WGU June 1st. Have you ever thought about getting a Bachelors degree?

[@thegeth4293]

@@Theinsomniac826 I start at WGU on May 1 for their IT degree. I'm also doing a CCNA course on udemy in the mean time. It sucks, I got my 2 year degree and can't get a job to save my life, I checked LinkedIn's analytics, and about 60% of my competition for entry level help desk jobs have a bachelor's degree

[@Vuden13]

How much do you make?

[@jesslvrde6027]

going to enroll

[@craigspencer4306]

WGU cybersecurity program just got the stamp of approval from the NSA

[@milesdyson5211]

Actually Companies just need a degree, regardless of what it is.

[@claudiamanta1943]

2:21 Then that’s not a proper school. Cybersecurity is not primarily about knowing what off the shelf anti- hacking software to use and pressing some keys like a virtuoso pianist following an algorithmic musical sheet. Robots can do that.

[@Vuden13]

Ong

[@kyledefreeze7799]

100% worth it

[@coreyleath4662]

I'm currently a sophomore at Devry University and was thinking about transferring to WGU but I hear so many bad things about how you barely have any support and it's more of a diploma Mill at WGU.

[@hookedonhustle5103]

lol you’re at a Degree mill and think WGU is one too? No… it’s not.

[@coreyleath4662]

@@hookedonhustle5103 Just going by what I've heard. Getting bachelor's and master's in 8 months doesn't seem legit to anyone with a half a brain 🤣😭 but ok.

[@coreyleath4662]

@@hookedonhustle5103 I have to do more research. WGU was founded in 1997 so that’s extremely new for a not Degree Mill. At Devry I have support academic advisors, career advisors, and The degree is well rounded. Getting a bachelor’s in months makes WGU sound illegitimate. Anything worth accomplishing should take time and should be easy . Just my take.

[@LDrumsOhio]

You’re at a for profit school that’s been sued successfully multiple times for lying to students and about student success resulting in nearly 100 million in pay outs, but are worried about a state sponsored nonprofit public university that’s online like WGU? Just my personal experience working in big tech, and also in the same city as Nicole… DeVry is a terrible school and its legacy of poor quality graduates can impact students getting jobs. As in, the perception of the school is not great and like schools like Liberty University etc, has a stigma that can lead to your resume being automatically rejected without a lot of experience. I’m not even a fan of WGU but DeVry has such a poor track record, and there are so many better options that are cheaper and offer better outcomes it’s just a poor choice.

[@justech]

Anyone who thinks it is a diploma mill should try some of the WGU quizlets that students have put out there and see if they can pass them cold. Spoiler: unless you already know the material, you can't.

[@Theswazzer]

yes this school has been a nightmare. And because i'm using VR@E I'm stuck with it now. Go somewhere else

[@thechillmaster5836]

SANS masters is a waste of the GI Bill

[@claudiamanta1943]

0:46 Really?… 😃

[@francis6610]

you have really pretty feminine eyes

[@anointedroe7391]

I say this with love, please color your hair. The grey ages you at least 10+ years. You have a beautiful face the grey is not fitting.