WGU's Return on investment?

newjack

I have been talking to a lot of people on WGU. I am absolutely considering the masters degree in cyber security over there and am probably going to do it just because its cheap and I don't have to go into school and can go at my own pace (really want to get this done in a year)

What was the return on investment? Did more people get in touch with you for jobs? Were you already working in security, and for those of you already working in security were the courses easy?

I live in NYC and was wildly considering CUNY John Jay, but spoke to the program director not too long ago for the Digital Forensics and Cyber Security program and they don't offer online classes and its a 4pm-10pm class time frame, which unfortunately would suck for 2 years, and is about 5500 per semester vs the 3000 for WGU.

Thank you

PCTechLinc

I got laid off back in October from a company I'd been with for almost 2 years, since they decided to outsource IT. I honestly don't think I would've gotten the job offer I did if I didn't have my MSISA degree from WGU (which has been changed to the MSCIA). My new job pays me the same as I was making at my last job and teaching combined. That is my experience though. Others may have completely different stories.

adam220891

I've had a higher response rate after getting my B.S. from WGU (IT: Security). I also added experience in that time frame too, though.

I am interested in pursuing the M.S. in IT Management there as it seems like a natural next step to take. I mentioned this to someone and they asked if it would be as useful being from WGU. From a financial perspective, I'm sure it doesn't command the same salary as someone with equivalent experience and an M.S. from a top-tier school, but it can't hurt is my thought. Also, the cost is so low (and potentially free based on many company's tuition reimbursement policies) that you don't need as high a salary for it to be worth it.

My only concern is if I can actually complete it and how much value that degree would have for someone who would only have five years experience by the completion of the degree.

Dakinggamer87

After I completed my B.S. at WGU (IT-Security) I have had a lot more job openings open up and responses overall from many job sites and LinkedIn. I just completed my M.S. IT - Management a few weeks ago at WGU so I'm hoping the ROI in collaboration with my technical/business/social skills will drive up better opportunities and pay in the future.

So, I can't measure it too much yet but I will keep being persistent and faith will place me in the right job at the right timing.

NetworkNewb

It will fill the checkbox that you got a Masters degree. Which can open up the job opportunities that ask for it. Is it going to amaze anyone? probably not.

If you have a lot of experience and high level certifications. It probably wouldn't matter as much where your Master's degree says it was from. In those cases WGU is cheap and fast way to get that checkbox filled and opens up more opportunities. Otherwise I haven't been impressed about what people say about the actual material.

markulous

NetworkNewb wrote: »

It will fill the checkbox that you got a Masters degree. Which can open up the job opportunities that ask for it. Is it going to amaze anyone? probably not.

If you have a lot of experience and high level certifications. It probably wouldn't matter as much where your Master's degree says it was from. In those cases WGU is cheap and fast way to get that checkbox filled and opens up more opportunities. Otherwise I haven't been impressed about what people say about the actual material.

I personally think the material is a bit too far spread out and a bit repetitive. I think if you put someone through a CISSP bootcamp and then a SANS course for a GCIH or something, and give them the vouchers, you'd get the same education (with 2 nice certs also). But it does check off a box and shows that you are strong at self-learning (or investing in your career). I don't regret going through it.

NetworkNewb

Right, its definitely not be a bad investment and is still a very good accomplishment completing it. Not to mention, there is definitely a handful of people smarter than I on here that have completed their Master's from there as well.

yellowpad

Return on my investment........After BS-IT Security, I got promoted to a Security Analyst. After I complete my MSCIA tomorrow, I will get a 5.25% raise and two cert will get me a bonus of $1250 each. My outcome in my case worth way more than my time and tuition paid.

DatabaseHead

It helped me out, I was skeptical at first, but after about 2 years I started to get considered for positions I normally wouldn't have. I am under the conclusion it was helpful and affordable.

Legacy User

Return on Investment well after I updated my resume with my BS IT from WGU on different job sites I was contacted by recruiters all throughout the day because I hit all of the check marks employers were looking for. My current job the preferred educational requirements wsa to have certain certifications and a bachelors degree but the mandatory minimum was a bachelors degree. I'm glad I finished my BS at WGU best decision I ever made.

In regards to your question it depends on your current experience. As others mentioned it really is just a checkbox. For technical roles I know in the interview when the manager is a technical person they will assess your technical background and not care where your degree is from since thats more of an HR prerequisite but I found interviewers that weren't prepared or had no idea what to ask start asking about the college but unless if its a local state school or well known school they probably would not have heard of it regardless if its an online school or a unknown college in another state so that makes no difference.

If you have already been in the field already and just want to have a MS to satisfy a common requirement for your field it would be perfect and if you work in a state/fed job getting a MS would bring you to the next pay bracket. I'm not to sure the ROI for people that graduate from WGU that don't have experience but then again that puts them in the same pool of grads from other schools that have a hard time getting that first job regardless of the school.

Blucodex

markulous wrote: »

I personally think the material is a bit too far spread out and a bit repetitive. I think if you put someone through a CISSP bootcamp and then a SANS course for a GCIH or something, and give them the vouchers, you'd get the same education (with 2 nice certs also). But it does check off a box and shows that you are strong at self-learning (or investing in your career). I don't regret going through it.

Having been through a 5 day CISSP bootcamp myself and self-studied for the next 4 weeks I don't think the CISSP is at all a very deep or difficult curriculum. Your statement if accurate, doesn't bode well for WGU.

markulous

Blucodex wrote: »

Having been through a 5 day CISSP bootcamp myself and self-studied for the next 4 weeks I don't think the CISSP is at all a very deep or difficult curriculum. Your statement if accurate, doesn't bode well for WGU.

CISSP is like an inch deep mile wide, which is kind of what this was. I don't think it was bad necessarily.

TLeTourneau

When I was promoted the B.S. was definitely a part of the compensation calculation and has more than paid for itself. I am pursuing the M.S. because it was recommended for career advancement and my company's tuition reimbursement covers all but about $300.00 a year. Seemed like a good idea and it will help me advance so I can safely assume a decent ROI for the M.S. as well.