Just wanted to start a thread to document my adventure with WGU, in case it may help someone else in the future.
Short intro: I was laid off on 3/13/2017, and found myself in the job market. I have 20+ years experience in IT, with the last 5 exclusively in Information Security and Compliance. The job market makes it pretty clear that certifications and/or a degree are a pretty common prerequisite, and I didn't have either that were applicable. My goal is to complete my BSITSec degree in 1 term.
Starting point certs. All were taken 10+ years ago.
MCSE 2003: Security
MCSE 2003: Messaging
MCDBA
MCTS: SQL Server 2005
MCITP: SQL Server 2005
I had been aware of WGU as an idea, but had not actively pursued it. With the change... that changed. I started the application process with WGU on 3/15/2017. I was initially planning to enroll on 5/1, but have since pushed it back to 6/1, in order to knock out some certs and exams ahead of time. On 3/30, I received my transcript evaluation from a few aborted attempts at college 20 years ago. I received credit for 3 classes:
Intro to Humanities - Complete (Short Fiction)
Intro to Geography - Complete (Intro to Psych)
Intro to Biology - Complete (General Biology)
I submitted an appeal with regards to the Biology class, as it had included a lab, which I had not received credit for. The appeal was granted.
Intro to Humanities - Complete (Short Fiction)
Intro to Geography - Complete (Intro to Psych)
Intro to Biology - Complete (General Biology)
Natural Science Lab - Complete (General Biology Lab)
On 4/4, I signed up for my Security+ certification. Given the number of DoD jobs in my area, it was an easy decision, and it also gives credit at WGU. I took the test on 4/5, and passed with a 781. A subsequent evaluation gave credit for two additional classes, as a result of the Sec+.
Intro to Humanities - Complete (Short Fiction)
Intro to Geography - Complete (Intro to Psych)
Intro to Biology - Complete (General Biology)
Natural Science Lab - Complete (General Biology Lab)
Network and Security - Foundations - Complete (Security+)
Network and Security - Applications - Complete (Security+)
On 4/5, I signed up for Aleks, to knock out some General Education credits. Between 4/5 and 4/16, I completed Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra and Introduction to Statistics for ACE credit. As an aside, completing College Algebra will not grant credit for Intermediate Algebra. I had to go back, but was able to pass on the initial assessment for credit.
Intro to Humanities - Complete (Short Fiction)
Intro to Geography - Complete (Intro to Psych)
Intro to Biology - Complete (General Biology)
Natural Science Lab - Complete (General Biology Lab)
Network and Security - Foundations - Complete (Security+)
Network and Security - Applications - Complete (Security+)
Intermediate Algebra - Complete (Aleks ACE Credit)
College Algebra - Complete (Aleks ACE Credit)
Introduction to Statistics - Complete (Aleks ACE Credit)
On 4/17, I signed up for a CLEP test for College Composition (Essay, not modular). I took the test this morning (4/1
, and I am feeling good. Will update here once I get the score back. Right now, I am doing some review to knock out my A+ either late this week, or early next week. I am also planning to knock out some other General Education credits using StraighterLine.
Any questions, let me know. Will keep this updated to document my progress.
