Need help WGU vs GMU?

yellowpad

I have done my homework and need to start making my decision shortly whether to continue with WGU w/ the MSISA or GMU. WGU, I can finish it quickly..my goal, 8 months where i can grad in 8/2016. GMU, I can only take 3-4 classes max per semester. With 11 classes....that will take me down to 1.5years starting 8/2016 gets me down to fall again.

Here's my dilemma on these; "finish quickly w/ WGU or slow n' drag with GMU for better name recognition" ....I would appreciate you guys chiming in ...good or bad.

Danielm7

I think it's really a personal question and what you'd like to do. I also think it depends on where you are in your career already. Since you already have a CCNA, S+ and A+, are you already working in IT? If so, would you be able to handle 3-4 "regular speed" classes at the same time while working?

For me, I've been in IT a long time, the BS is a checkbox at this point, most of my coworkers don't even know I have one, whether it's from X or Y school at this point doesn't really matter as long as it's not from a seedy for-profit school or the other extreme where it might be from an ivy league.

Also, about the MSISA, are you in security or at least shooting for that as a goal?

yellowpad

Thank you for replying so quickly. I am in IT now w/ 5% of security related stuff for 6yrs now with a gap of 1.5yr off to travel and see the world. With that said, have been working to prepare myself to go into IT security at 100%; I am trying to get my foot in the door in the security field. At this point, I am finishing up with WGU shortly with Security...and thinking if MISISA's completion will and really help me get there. Thus, my thought of doing the MS w/ WGU as fast as I can.....since I don't sleep much.

Danielm7 wrote: »

Also, about the MSISA, are you in security or at least shooting for that as a goal?

markulous

What's the tuition cost difference? WGU's name is catching on more. When I got hired on here at VMware the HR person knew exactly what the school was and knew of its good reputation.

Segovia

markulous wrote: »

What's the tuition cost difference? WGU's name is catching on more. When I got hired on here at VMware the HR person knew exactly what the school was and knew of its good reputation.

Aside from my really good friend in WGU for HR management, still have not run across anyone who has heard of WGU before. But I don't care makes me feel like a hipster :P

cshkuru

Segovia wrote: »

Aside from my really good friend in WGU for HR management, still have not run across anyone who has heard of WGU before. But I don't care makes me feel like a hipster :P

A couple years ago I would have said the same thing, but since it was accredited I didn't care, lots of small no-name schools out there. Now it's different people do know the name at least. Of course here in WA State the advertise constantly.

nachodba

GMU will always sound better around this area, plain and simple.

Segovia

I agree, they even had a setup at the Puyallup fair this year (WA state fair now). They were giving away stuff with logos on it. Snagged a couple pens Just because nobody I have spoken to haven't heard of it, I heard of it from someone.. And now because of me more people have now heard of it. That's how it works!

yellowpad

thanks guys...the one good thing about WGU is speed. I am seeing quite a few threads regarding 3 to 4 months to complete. I am just speechless and I like to make that as a challenge to see if I can do it as well. I am just hoping that having completed that MSISA will push me over the edge to an entry-level IT Sec arena....if not, G9 w/ the Fed to kick-start my career. I love my job now and I am really good at it....but my work needs to align with my path of study.

Gess

I wouldn't put WGU in the same conversation with GMU. Not even close.

Once upon a time I wanted to go to GMU for law, but fell into IT instead. Strange the direction life will take you sometimes.

yellowpad

the only reason that i am putting them in the same conversation because i like to determine whether i should go for WGU to speed up my completion time in MSISA and be done w/ it next year.............versus going to GMU traditional route w/ similar Master degree and get it done in end of 2018 w/ the registration for fall 2016. i am trying to weight the pros and cons in "getting it done quick" vs. "name recognition".

i am asking the forum here because i like to follow the consensus path or guidance of the mostly IT professional we have.

Gess wrote: »

I wouldn't put WGU in the same conversation with GMU. Not even close.

Once upon a time I wanted to go to GMU for law, but fell into IT instead. Strange the direction life will take you sometimes.

Segovia

I would say go for WGU if you really need it quick. But if you have a pretty nice job and have the time and/or money to do GMU go for that.

ratbuddy

I'd suggest WGU only if you're already in the field and just want a degree fast. If you are young (under 30, I'd say), go for the B&M degree.

dmoore44

Why is speed such a primary consideration? Are you factoring other considerations such as alumni network, professor and student interaction, total time commitment (i.e. commute times to campus, if you're going in-person), etc..?

yellowpad

I live around the corner from GMU...the reason time is important to me because I am getting old. I turned 43 this pass weekend. I changed my career at 39....I need to get my expertise factor caught up with you guys. For that, I need to get my Master quickly so I can focus on improving my IT career 100% level. I guess I will stick to WGU....My ex. Professor recommended the same.

Guys...thank you!!!!!

dmoore44 wrote: »

Why is speed such a primary consideration? Are you factoring other considerations such as alumni network, professor and student interaction, total time commitment (i.e. commute times to campus, if you're going in-person), etc..?