If you’re interested in cybersecurity, you’re going to love this detailed look at a fantastic online program that can get you amazing qualifications. The Cybersecurity Masters program from WGU has recently been improved and comes with a raft of great reasons to consider signing up.
The Masters Program Overview
For those unfamiliar with WGU, it’s a self-paced, accredited online university. What sets WGU apart is its unique term-based system. Each term lasts for six months, and students can complete as many classes as they are able to in that time. This flexibility could potentially allow you to complete the entire program in just six months! You can also use Study.com to earn some transferable credits before applying to the WGU CyberSecurity Master program to save extra money! Check out the video below as well as the mapping spreadsheet to find out more about the steps to transfer credits.
The Cybersecurity Program Details
The Masters program in Cybersecurity at WGU aligns with real-world requirements and government initiatives. Here are some of the alignments:
- The NICE framework, which guarantees that you’re learning skills that are relevant today.
- The NSA’s Center of Academic Excellence guidelines, ensuring the curriculum meets real-world needs.
- The CISSP common body of knowledge, recognized for security domain relevance in the market.
- The Government’s DoD 8570 and DoD 8140 initiatives, which detail the certifications required for different levels of government work.
Comparison:Old Program vs. New Program
A comparison of the old and new program shows that the reworked program aligns better with the needs of the industry. New courses have been added, while redundant ones have been removed. The changes in the curriculum reflect an increased focus on cloud security, risk and compliance, secure software design, and cybersecurity architecture, among others.
The Certifications on Offer
All the certifications offered through the program hold good value in terms of job demand and employer recognition. For instance, the CompTIA CySA, CASP, and ISACA’s CISM certification have good recognition in the job market. Even the optional certifications have significant value, and if you get a voucher for free, taking these certifications is highly recommended.
Check out the link below for practice tests to help you pass the certification exams!
Post-Graduation Prospects
If you’ve completed the program, your resume could look impressive with relevant degrees and certifications. These qualifications could help secure positions such as a Cybersecurity Program Manager or a Principal Cybersecurity Analyst. Check out the video below as well as the Employability framework to power through the interview and actually land some job offers!
Sums Up:
If all these reasons are exciting you, then this might be the right fit for you, especially if you have the time and financial resources. Whether you are just starting, thinking about making a career switch, or you are looking to advance in your role, the WGU’s Cybersecurity Master’s program can be a significant step in the right direction!
By the way, don’t forget to check out my Hands-On IT and Cybersecurity Course to help you bridge the gap between just being skilled and actually landing a job!