Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

DoubleNNs

Why not just get your A+ on your own and push back your enrollment date a month or 2?
It'd be easier, cheaper, and faster.

About7Narwhal

I am not sure about WGU, but with the exception of some community colleges I have seen, changing degrees requires acceptance, similar to initial enrollment. I know UT does that, if you go from one degree to another, they have you apply to that particular college (eg: College of Business to College of Communications, etc)

Hatch1921

Hi all,

If you are currently enrolled in the MS IT Management program or you've completed the degree... would you mind sharing your experiences with the program?

I have one year to go with NAU here in AZ to complete a BS in Tech Management... looking over what WGU has to offer... this might be a good fit for me. Just curious to know what you think of the program. If you did complete the degree... how long did it take you start to finish?

Thanks,
Hatch

emelyn1

Hi everyone,

I have a couple of questions regarding the IT - Software degree offered by WGU. I know WGU is a Microsoft Academy partner, so it makes sense that they don't offer other OS options such as Linux, Android, or Apple. Do you feel shortchanged in any way by not being exposed to other systems? Do you feel some classes, like the Server Admin class, were put in as filler because they can't offer other options? Or does the Server Admin class tie-in with the programming focus?

Thanks for any input you have. I'm comparing several programs. WGU has multiple positives, but I'm a little worried about the limited options.

DoubleNNs

The security track includes Linux.

And I don't think it'd be too hard to gain experience in other OSes on your own time.

milieu

I'm currently in the Software program. It is a very broad focus program, that gives you a lot of coverage on a lot of topics. Bear in mind that it is not a CS or Software Engineering degree. It's an IT degree, with a few extra courses in programming. Other than those changes, it's not very different from the network admin or security emphasis programs they offer.

I didn't feel that the Microsoft influence is the reason for their course choices. Most of the programming courses are either Java-based, or Web programming (typically CIW). The only OS courses in the program are Windows, but they are really admin courses, not courses on programming windows, or a CS operating systems course. I don't think they're filler; they are part of the IT degree. Like it or not, but Windows is still the majority OS in most business environments, so an IT degree needs to cover it.

If it were up to me, I would probably drop the Windows admin courses, and probably the second Network admin course from the Software degree, and add additional programming topics. I think an Android course would be perfect for the degree since they already study Java. But they didn't ask me.

Backpacker

I have decided to go for the BSIT track and get my CCNA on my own. Will I have access to any resources for the CCNA

Matavi

You'll have access to the online library, which I just checked and does have books on the CCNA like the For Dummies book. You'll also have access to dreamspark if any of that software is useful. As for the actual class book, practice tests and learning communities, unless the book is in the ebrary you won't have that as you'll only have access to the classes for your emphasis.

ie, I'm in the software emphasis and can access Software I and II even if I'm not technically enrolled in those classes yet, but I have no access to the class for the ccent and ccna in the track that offers it.

On another topic, anyone have any suggestions for DJV1 - Software Development Fundamentals? I've tried doing some forum searches and just get posts about schedules.

I'm trying to use the MTA text provided, but something about it just kinda sets me off. I've seen suggestions of MeasureUp for MTAs but having options is always a good thing.

gunbunnysoulja

For the online, at-home proctored exams, I was just curious if you're allowed to use any notes/resources during the exam?

Psoasman

I don't believe you are.

boredgamelad

The remotely proctored exams have the same rules as you'd have if you went into a testing center. So no, you can't.

gunbunnysoulja

That is what I thought, and just wanted to double check!

Haunt

So I found out some good news today that Microsoft is extending the expiration date for receiving the MCITP: EA Windows Server 2008 from July 31, 2013 to January 31, 2014. I'm on the ND&M track at WGU so this is really good news as I'll now have time to complete that certification before MS expires it in January. WGU is changing the MCITP: EA courses to in-house exams rather than certification exams but now that MS has extended the expiration date, I'm hoping WGU will still allow current ND&M students to take the certification exams so that we can earn the certification while we still can. Any of you know if this is possible?

Also, what has been your experiences with your mentors on getting them to let you take courses out of order? For example, according to the program PDF guides, the MCITP: EA courses are the last classes to take in the program. I still have the N+, Sec+, Project+ and some other classes to complete until I can start the MCITP: EA classes. But considering the new expiration dates, I want to go out of order and start the MCITP: EA classes ASAP so I can pass them and earn the certification before they expire in January. Is it common to do this or will I have to petition or something to get them to let me do this?

I'm going to talk to my mentor about this but I wanted to ask for your experiences.

Psoasman

You can pretty much take classes in whatever order you want. Mentors may have some basic guidelines, but they'll work with you. I did my tech writing and capstone before the final java classes, for example.

Do you have all the EA classes to take? If so, that's a lot of work. It's nice to mix up those course with some other ones, especially if you are on FA and need to be really on top of your SAP.

Haunt

Yeah I have to take all the EA classes. I have to take the MCTS Windows 7 exam too as it is a pre-req for taking the EA cert exams. I have 2 months left in my current term so I plan on finishing the Windows 7 course before it ends so that when I start my second term in September, I can focus on the EA classes only.

Each EA class is 6 units so I would only sign up for 2 officially to make 12 units for the term and I would add the following ones as needed.

Drovor

@Matavi

I just passed DJV1 and the videos helped me out. First few lessons in the Microsoft text are horrible. You can watch the Learnkey videos that are linked in your COS. Also you can go to Lynda.com and use your WGU login to access videos. Here is the one I went through for C#: C# Essential Training | Video Tutorial from lynda.com

Matavi

That looks exactly like the type of stuff I needed. I could've sworn I checked Lynda though. Thanks mate!

Drovor

Matavi wrote: »

That looks exactly like the type of stuff I needed. I could've sworn I checked Lynda though. Thanks mate!

Welcome! I thought that Joe Marini does a great job of breaking it down in the C# videos.

SephStorm

Hey guys, I am looking at the programs for WGU, and im seeing three math courses as part of the degree programs, Foundations of College Mathematics, Foundations of College Mathematics, and College Algebra. What can you guys tell me about these classes? Its concerning because I was planning on using external systems like CLEP to waive some GE requirements, but I think they generally only waive a set number of credits, usually 3-4 not the 8 for these three classes...

Blade3D

Does anyone know if you are able to receive grants for any of their masters programs?

Danielm7

Blade3D wrote: »

Does anyone know if you are able to receive grants for any of their masters programs?

If you mean Pell grants from the government, they will only give them to you up to the bachelors level.

Blade3D

Danielm7 wrote: »

If you mean Pell grants from the government, they will only give them to you up to the bachelors level.

Ya any free money I can get. I figured there probably wasn't.

Danielm7

Probably still scholarships you could look into, and you'd still qualify for student loans through the government most likely. But sadly the pell grants are out of the picture, just found this out when my wife went to look into her MS.

Blade3D

Danielm7 wrote: »

Probably still scholarships you could look into, and you'd still qualify for student loans through the government most likely. But sadly the pell grants are out of the picture, just found this out when my wife went to look into her MS.

Thanks, I have no plans on taking loans out cause I am still paying off loans from my bachelor's degree. I could pay for it myself, just hoping there was a way to lessen the blow.

natx808

finished 90 credits in 7.5 months, with a 3 year old and a full time job.

wgu exceeded my expectations. going to enroll in the masters in info assurance and security now!

coffeeluvr

@natx808...Congratulations on completing your BSIT!!!

Shinjin

Hey guys,

I'm starting my BSIT: Sec track this coming August 1st. Any immediate tips/guidelines to jump start my semester? I want to hit the ground running. I know pre-assessments are a sure way to accelerate, but is there anything else that comes to mind? Do you guys generally read all your material on your PC screens or have some of you invested in some kind of tablet/mobile device? If so, what size/brands/models come to mind?

Thanks!

forza_roma

For those that have already graduated from WGU with a "BS in IT" no emphasis, can you please share your experiences on what courses you took first and how you planned out your degree? I have no prior IT experience. Below is a table outlining the courses I have to complete. Using the table below what would be your preference or choice on how to plan out the syllabus?

I will be starting 1st week of September. Since I already had a bachelors degree non IT related, I was able to clear 45 CU, which means 77 CU is needed to graduate? Thanks!!!




CODE
ASSESSMENT TITLE


WFV1
IT Fundamentals I


EAV1
It Fundamentals II


EBV1
It Fundamentals III


EUP1
Project in Web Development Fundamentals


EUC1
Web Development Fundamentals


CUV1
Web Tech


DHV1
Windows OS Fundamentals


D1V1
Windows Server Admin Fundamentals


CWV1
Network Fundamentals


CRV1
Networks


DJV1
Software Development Fundamentals


BOV1
Web Programming


DEV1
Security Fundamentals


CTV1
Security


TXP1
Project in Intro to Programming


TXC1
Introduction to Programming


BNC1
Organizational Behavior and Leadership


TYP1
Project in Intro to OO design and development


TYC1
Intro to OO Design and Development


R1T1
Leadership Concepts and applications


TPV1
Project Management



Principles of Management


SBT1
Technical Writing



IT Capstone Written Project

Psoasman

I'd do the IT fundamentals 1,2,3 first. Your mentor will most likely want you to, as well. It's also wise to group up courses, so take the Network fundamentals and Networks courses together. Studying one will get you through most of the other one.

RIT1, TPV1, and MGC1 - principle of managment also go well together, overlapping on concepts. I'd save the tech writing and capstone for your last courses, but it's a good idea to have your idea in mind before you get to them.

Depending on your experience and time available, I'd say you were looking at 2 or perhaps 3 terms. Some of the courses are pretty easy if you have experience or knowledge in them. RIT1 took me 2 days to complete, just 4 papers to write, for example.

Bundiman

Shinjin wrote: »

Hey guys,

I'm starting my BSIT: Sec track this coming August 1st. Any immediate tips/guidelines to jump start my semester? I want to hit the ground running. I know pre-assessments are a sure way to accelerate, but is there anything else that comes to mind? Do you guys generally read all your material on your PC screens or have some of you invested in some kind of tablet/mobile device? If so, what size/brands/models come to mind?

Thanks!

I only use a computer for my classes so far. With the classes I have taken so far for BSIT: Security track I think using a tablet would not be practical in my opinion.