WGU MSISA - Start Date 1-1-16

So I was a bit on the fence of when I was going to start my Master's. Initially, I was going to wait a while and focus more on certs, but once I saw that they offered the CEH and CHFI, I was a little intrigued. Then once I saw how much I'd have to start paying in student loans, I decided hey why not? Those are two certs I wanted to try to get anyway, although I'm not sure how it'll work out with the experience requirements for the CEH since I have two years of IT experience but not directly security related.

Either way, I'm excited. Hopefully I can complete it in two terms, but no more than three. I thought this program was the best one since I plan on getting into infosec within the next year and it's the most interesting program by far. I don't see many jobs yet asking for a Masters, but definitely can't hurt and should only help me in the long run.

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Comments

usman4673

Markulous: You should be called marvelous. I sincerely appreciate your time you took to reply. There isnt any difference b/w MSISA and MS CSIA than the name and maybe one course of Cyberwarfare than Crypto. Isnt it?

markulous

Disaster Recovery done.

3 courses left: Vulnerability Assessment, Security Policies, and the Capstone.

PJ_Sneakers

Nicely done Mark. How much time you got left in your term?

markulous

About 6 weeks. So I'll probably submit my Capstone Abstract for approval and start some one of the two courses, but not submit anything until January.

Dakinggamer87

markulous wrote: »

Disaster Recovery done.

3 courses left: Vulnerability Assessment, Security Policies, and the Capstone.

Almost at the end!!

markulous

We're right there. Just a few more months!

Dakinggamer87

markulous wrote: »

We're right there. Just a few more months!

Yup sooo close man

markulous

Took a break. Now that my new term started I'm about halfway done with Task 1 for Security Policies. Hopefully I can finish this course this month.

markulous

Security Policies done once Task 4 is good (I just submitted it).

So Vulnerability Assessment I'll start today. Then it's just my capstone, which I have my abstract approved.

cdx

markulous, can you see the light at the end of the tunnel? It must be an exciting feeling!

markulous

Yes, I can't wait to be done with school forever.

Dakinggamer87

markulous wrote: »

Yes, I can't wait to be done with school forever.

You and me both haha...

markulous

Security Policies done. Task 1 is done for Vulnerability Assessment and I just turned in task 2. Hoping task 3 is done by next week so all I'll have left is the capstone.

markulous

Vulnerability Assessment all done. All tasks passed on the first go, pretty straight forward class.

Got capstone abstract approved. Just gotta finish the rest of the capstone and I'm done with school forever.

markulous

Capstone written all done. Just have to do my oral presentation this Wednesday and that's it. Graduation should be official this week!

Dakinggamer87

markulous wrote: »

Capstone written all done. Just have to do my oral presentation this Wednesday and that's it. Graduation should be official this week!

Welcome to the club buddy!!

PC509

Congrats!

The oral presentation is a piece of cake! I did mine this morning (MS:ISA) and I'm officially complete!

Congratulations!

PCTechLinc

I missed out on the last few Graduation Ceremonies due to financial issues... since this next one will be my last, I really hope I don't have to miss it. I may apply to be a speaker. I've heard they give discounts if you're chosen.

I love hearing the positive progress and success stories of those who are working through any type of program. Much respect and congratulations!

markulous

Thanks! Feels good to be almost finally done.

Yeah, I haven't ever been to a graduation ceremony since 8th grade. I should be there, but may not participate.

coffeeluvr

Congratulations!

Blucodex

markulous wrote: »

Capstone written all done. Just have to do my oral presentation this Wednesday and that's it. Graduation should be official this week!

How long does the presentation need to be?

markulous

Blucodex wrote: »

How long does the presentation need to be?

It's recommended 10-15 slides. There's a rubric for it, so basically just have to answer a few questions about the project, what you learned, etc. I've got 12 slides, which should be enough. Guessing it'll be around 10-15 minutes also.

Blucodex

markulous wrote: »

It's recommended 10-15 slides. There's a rubric for it, so basically just have to answer a few questions about the project, what you learned, etc. I've got 12 slides, which should be enough. Guessing it'll be around 10-15 minutes also.

Man, that's pretty easy. No pressure!

PCTechLinc

I think my presentation was around 25-30 minutes. I had 15 slides, and when I was done with my presentation, no one had any questions. The evaluator told me that my presentation covered all the required objectives, and I would get a "Completed" email before end of day. That was pretty rewarding. The presentation honestly is very easy, especially compared to the written assignments.

Dakinggamer87

PCTechLinc wrote: »

I think my presentation was around 25-30 minutes. I had 15 slides, and when I was done with my presentation, no one had any questions. The evaluator told me that my presentation covered all the required objectives, and I would get a "Completed" email before end of day. That was pretty rewarding. The presentation honestly is very easy, especially compared to the written assignments.

It was more of a formality the oral defense but it definitely was so rewarding getting that email at the end of the day.

markulous

Blucodex wrote: »

Man, that's pretty easy. No pressure!

Yeah, I feel pretty confident going into it. Can't really see a scenario where I get super stressed out.

PC509

It's extremely easy. There is no way you'll fail the oral presentation. No way. Unless you pull a Ron Burgundy, you'll be fine. No pressure at all, it's a wham bam thank you maam formality. From what I've heard in the past and my recent experience - very anti-climatic. It's presentation, Thank You, You're done.

It's the easiest task out of any of them... I'd say even easier than the timeline part of the capstone!

markulous

That's what Dakkinggamer was saying too. I don't think there will be any challenges with it. Just talk for a few minutes and all done.

markulous

All done. Submitted my graduation application and everything.

Oral presentation was pretty easy. I just talked for about 15 minutes and only the capstone director and my student mentor was there. No questions or anything.

canito487

Congrats on your pass! No more school!

I'm also currently working on my MS:CISA. Done with two courses: Cyberwarfare and CEH, just need Risk Management for this term.

I'm also excited to be done with school forever! haha