Why Should I Enroll at WGU?
One of the many benefits that come from being a student at Western Governors University is being enrolled in a competency-based program. WGU recognizes that you may have obtained experience in the Tech field before enrolling and values the knowledge you already bring with you. When you start a class, it is entirely up to you how long you spend studying for the objective assessment (i.e., a proctored exam) or working on your performance assessment (i.e., a paper or a project). As long as you prove you know your stuff through any of the assessments, you'll be good to go!
Another advantage is obtaining certifications from well-known organizations within the Tech industry at no extra cost to you along with your bachelor's. A class that offers you a certification will provide you with all the materials to succeed during the certification exam. Passing that class means passing the third-party exam. For the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (BSCIA), you have the chance to obtain CompTIA certifications (such as the A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and Project+), the LPI Linux Essentials, the ITIL Foundation from Axelos, and (ISC)2 certifications (SSCP & CCSP, with the latter being optional and the voucher being valid for a year).
If you are pursuing a different IT degree, feel free to check out WGU's IT certification page, which includes all IT certifications offered by WGU according to each program. It is valid to mention that CompTIA stacked certifications are automatically obtained when you complete certain certifications. All certifications within the BSCIA are taken through PearsonVUE, which give you the option to take the certifications at a test center or from the comfort of your home. The only exception is the certifications from (ISC)2, which although are still through PearsonVUE as well, you must go in person to a Pearson center instead of a college/university that is associated with Pearson.
How to Get Started: Planning Stage
Take a look at WGU's BSCIA page, which provides more information about what the BSCIA program is, what classes you will need to complete, and much more. There is a menu on the left side of the page that will help you navigate between the different sections should you want to go back to a previous section, for example. If you'd like to contact someone at WGU to know more about the BSCIA or even another program, feel free to use my referral link. That way, you'll obtain more information and I can also receive a little gift as well. It's a win-win! And yes, if you enroll, you will also be able to participate in this referral program, which is great if you have friends or family members who would love to obtain their bachelor's at WGU.
Now that you are more familiar with what WGU offers, it's time to get prepared for enrollment! If you go to the Admissions section of WGU's BSCIA page, you'll find different options that you can use to get enrolled in the program. Read each one carefully and make sure you fall into one of those categories. You must have a high school diploma no matter what option you will choose. I, for example, already had an Associate of Arts before enrolling at WGU, so I was under Option 2. WGU offers an enrollment checklist, so make sure to check it as well and keep track of which step of the process you are in.
When you are ready to apply, go back to WGU's BSCIA page and click on "APPLY TODAY." The application cost is around $65, but WGU often offers discounts, so most of the time you will be able to apply for free! As soon as you apply, you will be placed with an Enrollment Counselor (EC). They will be your guide throughout the enrollment process and will ensure you stay within the timeline each step of the way. Do not be afraid if you feel like your EC is not the best match for you! You can always call WGU and see if there is someone else available to assist you.
Your next step is submitting transcripts of previous college work as well as any certifications that you may already have. Now it's also a good time to apply for scholarships! Make sure to check WGU's Scholarship page so you're more familiar with your options. When you're ready to apply, head over to WGU's ScholarshipUniverse page and start sending out applications. It may take a few months to get a response back, so don't worry if you haven't heard anything yet. WGU will make sure to refund you if you do get a scholarship at any time during your degree! Do make sure to complete your FAFSA at this time as well if you're using financial aid to pay for tuition. The earlier the better since orientation can open up on the 15th of the month, but only if you have already made payment arrangements.
When you're officially accepted at WGU, you will be able to schedule the intake interview with your EC by the 15th of the month. This is a standard call, but your EC will just make sure that WGU has your updated information and confirm that you will be ready to start on the 1st of the next month. You should also celebrate because this is the last step that you will complete before Orientation, which is a way for you to get used to WGU's policies, how to submit performance assessments, and take a look at the portal you will be using to complete your classes.
Once you complete Orientation, you will receive a link to order your welcome kit for free, which is very exciting! You'll be able to choose between a very soft blanket, a blue tumbler, or a cool mug. All gifts come with a dry-erase board, which will be useful when taking your proctored exams (it will be your best friend for mnemonics, trust me). This is also the time when you will be assigned a Program Mentor, who will be your number one support throughout your degree program. You will usually have two calls with them before starting your program on the 1st. Make the most out of them because it is their job to assist you with any questions you may have before starting your program!
What Is the BSCIA?
As I previously mentioned, BSCIA is the acronym for Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. According to WGU's BSCIA page, "WGU's online degree in cybersecurity will help you be prepared to outsmart cybercriminals and be the front line of support for governments and top organizations." If you like to understand more about how to protect computers from cyberattacks, then the BSCIA might be the right program for you!
I highly recommend you search for as much information as you can about the different areas of Cybersecurity (yes, you can do multiple things with a BSCIA). WGU also offers a list of prospective careers that you can get into once you hold your BSCIA. It might be worth checking it out so you start looking for jobs and what skills companies are looking for. You'll have plenty of time to acquire them while enrolled at WGU.
What to Expect
The BSCIA program will teach you the most valuable skills to be in the Cybersecurity field. If you haven't already, you will learn the foundations of IT, including networks. You'll also see topics such as data management, scripting (including Python), a little bit about the Linux environment, the business side of IT, legal issues, emerging technologies, forensics, cloud security, penetration testing, and more. I would say the difficulty level of classes is well-balanced. The program is set up in a way that will help you build your skills from the ground up, no matter what your current knowledge already is. As long as you put in the effort, you will be fine!
At the end of your degree, you will have the opportunity to develop a Capstone project, applying all the knowledge you have learned throughout your terms. Upon finishing your degree, you'll be more than ready to enter the Cybersecurity market and make a difference out there! Make sure to also engage in clubs (even if you're about to graduate or have already graduated) so you can practice your skills, build connections, and make the most out of your learning during your WGU journey.
I hope this guide has assisted you with understanding WGU's full enrollment process and what the BSCIA is. Remember to take one step at a time and also celebrate every win, no matter how small or big it is. You got this! Today is your day to become another WGU Night Owl.
Comments