Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

joemysterio

I contacted my mentor and he told me that even though programs change from time to time, I'm locked in to what I have now. He didn't tell me nor did I ask about switching... but if I switch from Network Admin to Security, will that still hold true that whatever classes are set for me until graduation are locked in?

W Stewart

If you were to switch to the security track then some of your classes are going to change. I switched from network admin to programming to security and lost credits in the process that don't apply to my security degree. If you're not completely sure whether you'll change degrees or not then talk to your mentor about only doing classes that are relevant across all degree programs.

Cisc0kidd

[QUOTE=joemysterio;843509in until I contacted my mentor and he told me that even though programs change from time to time, I'm locked in to what I have now. He didn't tell me nor did I ask about switching... but if I switch from Network Admin to Security, will that still hold true that whatever classes are set for me until graduation are locked in?[/QUOTE]


I believe they are locked in until the end of the term. Before then you can request a reevaluation or transfer but it won't happen until the end of the current term.

Rell24

How long does it normally take for WGU to finish grading your assessment and admit you?

Bundiman

The assessment is instantly graded. You can talk to the EC during your next meeting and they will let you know.

TomkoTech

joemysterio wrote: »

I contacted my mentor and he told me that even though programs change from time to time, I'm locked in to what I have now. He didn't tell me nor did I ask about switching... but if I switch from Network Admin to Security, will that still hold true that whatever classes are set for me until graduation are locked in?

No. If you switch from NA to Security you would be switching to whatever the "new" Security track is. Any NA classes that you have taken that apply to the Security track would switch over with you. Other than that they would be gone. If you then wanted to switch back from Security to NA you would then be on the new NA track instead of your old one.

zidian

TomkoTech wrote: »

If you then wanted to switch back from Security to NA you would then be on the new NA track instead of your old one.

I'm in the software track, but I switched out some of the java classes for the new program java classes without any problems. I did it in the middle of my term and didn't even have to change tracks to get it done.

Tom Servo

Can anyone that has finished the MSISA give any insight as to how the degree is viewed by employers/recruiters? Any promotions or job offers since completing the degree that you don't think would have come your way without it? Do you feel it was worth the time and effort involved?

Cisc0kidd

zidian wrote: »

I'm in the software track, but I switched out some of the java classes for the new program java classes without any problems. I did it in the middle of my term and didn't even have to change tracks to get it done.

Good to know. I'll check with my Mentor.

DoubleNNs

They've added the Linux+ to the BS IT degree. Seems to make it a little more difficult, and makes venturing into the other emphasises more worthwhile.

DoubleNNs

Does anyone have an updated Transfer Guideline that shows which certs transfer into the new, updated curriculums for each emphasis, and for how many credits?

Think I'm finally going to start WGU late summer/early fall.

Nemowolf

My mentor informed me that they are updating the General track as well.

They are removing TXP1, TXC1, TYP1 and TYC1.
Increasing the CU for BOV1 from 4 to 6 CUs and "two OS classes" but we couldn't identify which ones exactly.

He has put in a request with Records to see what my specific required courses will look like after the changes go into effect 5/1. Once i hear back, I will let you know.

Cheers

EDIT1:

It appears the two OS classes are the Linux + exams. Not sure if i like the idea of Linux or Java worse … sigh.

EDIT2:

Not including any of the General Ed classes, I did a quick comparison from the General IT track I have right now on my Degree Plan to that which is published in their PDF online right now dated 4/9/14.

They have removed the Intro/Lab to Programming and Intro/Lab for Object Oriented Programming totaling 8 CUs.
They have replaced Web Development Fundamentals with a class and Lab, originally 3 CUs now split 2 and 1 respectively.
They have upped the CUs for BOV1, Web Programming to 6 CUs.
They have added the two Linux+ certification tests as OS I and OS II.


My Term is ending in June so i have asked my Mentor to confirm that the changes will be effective once I start my new term because it would effect primarily classes I have not taken yet. Again, once i hear back, I will post another reply.

iBrokeIT

Just completed the transfer eval the other day. The MCITP:EA now counts for 40 credits towards the BS:IT - Net Admin track.. sweet!

DoubleNNs

I'm thinking of the new Security track - looks like I'd get ~ 28 credits for my certs.

Nemowolf

I got confirmation from my Mentor with my evaluation that the PDF on the WGU site is accurate for the changes taking effect next month. My mentor is working with me to get transferred over to the new track when i start my next term.

TheChameleon

What? Can you elaborate on this. What courses does it eliminate? Isn't the MCITP like three exams?

iBrokeIT wrote: »

Just completed the transfer eval the other day. The MCITP:EA now counts for 40 credits towards the BS:IT - Net Admin track.. sweet!

runeba

Western Governors says that current IT certifications can waive courses.

So does that mean that you can come in possessing all the certifications in one program and they'll all be waived to the effect that you'd be able to finish in a semester (supposing that you already have an associate's degree)?

ratbuddy

Yeah, as long as you do at least 30 CU with WGU.

joemysterio

Has anyone done student loans with WGU? I just found out that my recovering credit score just got hit by 15 points all across the board because of just this term. Is my credit report and score going to get hit EVERY term???!

Danielm7

Probably because they do a credit check before allowing you to take the loan. I doubt it would go down every term, it isn't a WGU thng, it is a loan thing.

Cisc0kidd

Plus the hit from an inquiry will be gone in 30 days or so.

TheChameleon

Question about Network and Management track. They list 9 certs as required but when you look at the PDF requirements, it essentially shows you need a MCITP in addition unless I'm missing something? Does Network+ and 3 MTA exams replace MCITP?

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Project+
• CIW Web Foundations Associate
• CIW JavaScript Specialist
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Windows OS Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Security Fundamentals

TomkoTech

What are you basing the requirement for an MCITP on? None of the exams for a MCITP are in the requirements.

TheChameleon

Looking at the difference between their Program Guide on the site and the Transfer Guidelines. It appears that DPC1, EYC1, EHC1 and EOC1 are there which requires Microsoft 70-640 (DPC1), 642 (EYC1), 643 (EHC1) and 70-647 (EOC1) = MCTS + 70-620(FEC1) = MCITP) or 70-647, 648, or 649 which are actually upgrade paths from MCSA to MCTS. Their transfer guide doesn't show that any other certs satisfy these requirements unless they aren't listed or are considering the combination of the 9 certs to satisfy them.

The three MTA on the list are: 365, 366 and 367 which correspond to: FEC1, CWV1, DEV1. Other than FEC1 if appears that if you have Network+ and Security+ then you don't have to do these unless FEC1 is satisfied elsewhere.

Conversely, if you have a MCITP then it seems like you can satisfy a heck of a lot of requirements? (EAV1, EBV1, DPC1, EYC1, EHC1, EOC1, DHV1, FEC1, CWV1, CRV1) unless I'm wrong. I think someone said 40 CUs but looks like it should be 50.




http://www.wgu.edu/wgu/prog_guide/BS_IT_NTDM.pdf
https://kb.wgu.edu/utility/getfile.aspx?rid=1264

TomkoTech wrote: »

What are you basing the requirement for an MCITP on? None of the exams for a MCITP are in the requirements.

DoubleNNs

The degree used to have the MCITP included. Now instead, they are replaced by 3 proctored exams instead of actual certifications. So, even tho you don't get an MCITP/MCSA for completing the curriculum, you can at least transfer it in to bypass the respective WGU courses.

iBrokeIT

You can transfer in the MCITP:EA for credits into WGU since the MCTS exams are considered a higher level than the MTA exams. When you take the class at WGU they have you take the MTA exams which do not count towards the MCITP:EA.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

I transferred in my MCITP:EA for 40 credits towards the BS:IT - Net Admin track.

Techguru365

Hi everyone. I am in the process of applying to WGU to the BS-IT program. Is there anyone who would be kind enough to give me a referral? Thanks in advance

iBrokeIT

Techguru365 wrote: »

Hi everyone. I am in the process of applying to WGU to the BS-IT program. Is there anyone who would be kind enough to give me a referral? Thanks in advance

Make sure you have PMs turned on then send me a PM with your full name and email address.

TheChameleon

Thanks DoubleNNs and iBrokeIT,

So if I understand, you can do the MCITP which will eliminate many courses (see my list, seemed to be more than 40 CUs) or you can take the MTA path and proctored exams? So "proctored" exams are internal exams? What if you take the Microsoft Exam? Do you still need to do the Proctored exams?

I kind of like the idea of taking some of the MCITP exams but I'm sure are much harder than MTA. I don't want to make things take longer.

So now I need to figure out which courses the MCITP erases.

Currently I have the ITIL, Security+, all CIW requirements including CIW Security Professional. Trying to figure out what path to go next, Microsoft MCITP or A+ or Linux+, Project+, Network+ but that depends of what the MCITP removes from the requirements.

Thanks!

DoubleNNs wrote: »

The degree used to have the MCITP included. Now instead, they are replaced by 3 proctored exams instead of actual certifications.~

iBrokeIT wrote: »

You can transfer in the MCITP:EA for credits into WGU since the MCTS exams are considered a higher level than the MTA exams. When you take the class at WGU they have you take the MTA exams which do not count towards the MCITP:EA.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

I transferred in my MCITP:EA for 40 credits towards the BS:IT - Net Admin track.

DoubleNNs

You can't get the MCITP anymore. Only the MCSA.

I think what you get next depends on which emphasis you plan to take. Just remember, you need to fulfill at least 30 credits w/ WGU. And any cert/class you'd be able to bang out relatively quickly would be a waste to get before enrolling. Anything you'd be able to finish quickly, wait until you start WGU and have them pay for it.

Once you enroll, you can't transfer more credits in.