Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

cablegod

earweed wrote: »

Those are all really good questions. It's mostlt dependent on how much time the individual has to put in.

1) For courses like Founadations, if your experience level is high and you already have EARNED a lot of other certs then when you take the preassessment your mentor may have you refer for the assessment right away. You first go to your AAP and request to refer for the exam, your mentor has to approve this. When you refer for the assessment you do a kind of prescheduling as was mentioned by cablegod in which you specify your testing center and 3 date/times at least 2 weeks away. It then takes a day or 2 ( depends upon your assessment scheduler) to get your voucher info. You then schedule your exam with prometric or Pearson-vue and this date doesn't necessarilly have to be the same date you pre-scheduled or even the same testing facility but does have to be the same testing provider (prometric/pearson-vue).
Others who have the MCITP:EA have done the Foundations course in less than 2 weeks total. This is just due to their knowledge and experience level.
2) Most people take at least a couple of months on it. I'm already working on the Technical writing phase but I'm not taking the actual course until next term (starts Sep 2010) and plan to knock it out quickly after I officially enroll. The biggest part about the tech writing/project classes is that you need to be organized, thorough, original, and write good well stuctured papers.
3) People who have time do work on other certs. I've been working on learning Linux well enough to get the Linux+ but may or may not actually go for the cert. I'm also studying for the Windows 7 cert although I may not actually take the test (haven't decided yet).
Those other certs you mentioned would be a really good idea to get and if you were to pursue them as a WGU student MS has a student discount where the test is only $60.
I'd personally like to see WGU add elective IT courses to the Network Design and Management curriculum and have SCCM, SCOM, Hyper-V, and Exchange as electives. Perhaps if WGU were to have a General IT Masters or a NDM masters program these could be incorporated into that.

Those would be some good classes to add, but think about it this way: The program was just changed by removing several classes to better align with a 4-year degree program time-wise. As it was before, if you didn't have any transfer credits, it would have taken six years to graduate while working at the suggested pace.

Maybe split the program up into separate programs like this:

Network Design: MCITP:EA track

Network Management: MCTS track with SCCM, SCOM, and Nagios/Cacti to add a little vendor-neutrality.

Virtualization: VCP, Hyper-V, Xen

earweed

cablegod wrote: »

Those would be some good classes to add, but think about it this way: The program was just changed by removing several classes to better align with a 4-year degree program time-wise. As it was before, if you didn't have any transfer credits, it would have taken six years to graduate while working at the suggested pace.

Maybe split the program up into separate programs like this:

Network Design: MCITP:EA track

Network Management: MCTS track with SCCM, SCOM, and Nagios/Cacti to add a little vendor-neutrality.

Virtualization: VCP, Hyper-V, Xen

Good suggestion.
I don't see WGU ever having any VMWare cert. Unless VMWare were to wave taking the Mandatory class (at around $3K) then WGU would never have it. About the only way WGU would ever have VCP as a part of any curriculum is if they put a disclaimer on the requirements and stated that the student would be responsible for taking and paying for the VMWare class.
Keeping the education affordable is one of the big things with WGU. It's one of the reasons I chose WGU.

cablegod

earweed wrote: »

Good suggestion.
I don't see WGU ever having any VMWare cert. Unless VMWare were to wave taking the Mandatory class (at around $3K) then WGU would never have it. About the only way WGU would ever have VCP as a part of any curriculum is if they put a disclaimer on the requirements and stated that the student would be responsible for taking and paying for the VMWare class.
Keeping the education affordable is one of the big things with WGU. It's one of the reasons I chose WGU.

You're right. I never thought about that. Maybe VMWare could negotiate a deal with WGU to add VMWare to the cirriculum, which actually helps VMWare sell to more businesses, and drastically drop the price or wave the fee for WGU students enrolled in the virtualization program. It would benefit VMware, WGU, and the students in all aspects. Another way would be to waive the course requirement add a second exam to the VCP track for WGU students, and have simulations similar to CCNA? I think a virtualization/storage/HPC track would be beneficial.

jschreck

Wow, from what you guys tell me the capstone writing class sounds VERY intemediating. Maybe I am looking to far in the future but you know. The security part is what intrests gah even thinking about starting something like that is a bit intemidating.

earweed

We don't mean to make it sound intimidating. By the time you finish your Language requirements you will be a competent writer and be able to write the paper. With the knowledge you have gained through your other classes you will be able to do it. It's not as hard as it sounds. It's not a cakewalk but neither is it going to be so hard that it would keep you from graduating. You will just have to do the work.

cablegod

earweed wrote: »

We don't mean to make it sound intimidating. By the time you finish your Language requirements you will be a competent writer and be able to write the paper. With the knowledge you have gained through your other classes you will be able to do it. It's not as hard as it sounds. It's not a cakewalk but neither is it going to be so hard that it would keep you from graduating. You will just have to do the work.

The man is right, again It is intimidating if you haven't went through the other classes. It is not a particularly hard assignment. The Capstone & Proposal area mentor will send you a sample proposal and capstone for you to get an idea on how to structure it and how it should flow. I am trying to get the point across that WGU is no cakewalk, like the stigma attached to a lot of online schools. I know some tend to think that the graders might pass questionable work for shady reasons, but that is not the case at all. The work IS very doable, but especially for these two classes, you have to cross all of your t's and dot all of your i's to pass. They just scrutinize it more than the rest of the coursework.

jschreck

I know, like i said looking to far in the future. going from a 30k salary to 60k salary sounds a bit intimdating, but through training you can get it. Not being able to see the process is the biggest part of it I beleive.

Tato500

sb31 wrote: »

I can't pm for some reason. my email is MODERATED

Done. Check your email.
Good luck

mikej412 wrote: »

No need to post emails in the forum for the SPAMBOT email harvesters to find -- it looks like you setup up the option to receive email from TE members.


Click on sb31's username in their post and you should get the option to send them email through TE. That will send them your TE registration email -- and you'll have their email address when they reply....

Thanks, but i cant find that option

mikej412

Tato500 wrote: »

Thanks, but i cant find that option

When you're logged into TE and click on the user name of a post you should get a drop down menu of options.

If you click on the user name of a post without being logged in, then you just get sent to the user's profile.....

Either way its a good thing I PM'ed you the email address (maybe it is possible I see the send "email option" because they elected to receive email from Admins, and Moderators count as Admins for email purposes ). Thanks for taking care of the referral.

colemic

After thinking long and hard, I don't think this Master's program is right for me... I LOVE the delivery method and structure, but I am not convinced that the certs they offer/require will give me knowledge equivalent to what I consider to be at a Master's level... the GIAC G7799 and the EC Council's Disaster Recovery I would be interested in, but I have zero interest in CEH and a little for CHFI, but I would like to see something more along the lines of CISSP-level instead of Network+.

If anyone knows of a good Master's IA program that has similar delivery methods to WGU, please PM me the name.

earweed wrote: »

CERTIFICATIONS ACCEPTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS:
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Must be the exact exam or certification as indicated below. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]Must have been taken within the last 5 years. [/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=Palatino Linotype,Palatino][FONT=Palatino Linotype,Palatino]Systems Security / Security Planning and Management [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]CODE [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]ASSESSMENT [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]CU [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]REQUIREMENT FOR TRANSFER [/FONT][/FONT]
____________________________________________
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]GIV2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Network Security Fundamentals [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]3 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]CompTIA Network+ Certification [/FONT][/FONT]
______________________________________
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]FZV2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Securing Wireless Networks [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]CWSP® Wireless LAN Security (PWO-200) Certification [/FONT][/FONT]
______________________________________
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]FXV2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Enterprise Continuity Management [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]3 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]EC Council Disaster Recovery Profession Exam (312-76) [/FONT][/FONT]
_______________________________________________
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]FMV2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Forensics and Network Intrusion [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]3 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]EC Council Hacking Forensics Investigator CHFI Exam (312-49) [/FONT][/FONT]
___________________________________________
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]FNV2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Ethical Hacking [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]EC Council Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures Exam (312-50) [/FONT][/FONT]
_____________________________________
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]FYV2 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Security Policies and Standards Compliance [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]and Certification [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]3 [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]GIAC Certified ISO-17799 Specialist (G7799) [/FONT][/FONT]

Formatting didn't copy but this is straight from handbook for what transfers in to the masters

sb31

I am applying to wgu I was wondering if IT software is a good degree to go for. Is there alot of jobs in that area or should I go for something else in the IT field? I don't want to pick one that won't get me a job

mikej412

sb31 wrote: »

I am applying to wgu I was wondering if IT software is a good degree to go for.

Both Programming & Networking have been very very very good to me.... but not everyone has the "programming gene" and the desire to sit in front of a computer monitor typing away all day (and into the night and sometimes even the early morning hours).

azjag

colemic wrote: »

After thinking long and hard, I don't think this Master's program is right for me... I LOVE the delivery method and structure, but I am not convinced that the certs they offer/require will give me knowledge equivalent to what I consider to be at a Master's level... the GIAC G7799 and the EC Council's Disaster Recovery I would be interested in, but I have zero interest in CEH and a little for CHFI, but I would like to see something more along the lines of CISSP-level instead of Network+.

If anyone knows of a good Master's IA program that has similar delivery methods to WGU, please PM me the name.

The Net+ exam is one of the requirements for the degree. The MSISA degree is, from my understanding, has classes that help to prepare you to take the CISSP. Coming from the intro paragraph on the program guide.

WGU MSISA
The Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance is a
competency-based degree program that encompasses the 10 security
domains that are the foundation of the Certified Information Systems
Security Professional (CISSP®) body of knowledge, which was
developed following strict guidelines for information security and
assurance education as prescribed by the National Security Agency. The
MS–Information Security and Assurance degree builds logically on the
body of knowledge associated with the protection of network,
communication, and data channels, and incorporates a set of core
competencies in both technology and business as it relates to planning,
implementing, and managing enterprise level security.

Capella MSISA
This online master's specialization in Information Assurance and Security is designed around the domains of knowledge in the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification. The curriculum addresses core information assurance and security topics, including enterprise security and security risk management, as well as such emerging areas as wireless security and computer forensics. It combines technical and policy-focused course work that will strengthen your ability to protect information system security while supporting organizational goals.

These are the two schools that offer this degree in the format you are looking for. Good luck in finding an MS in CISSP.

tomahawkeer

I got my first email from my mentor today Awais Asif Ameen, and just wondering if anybody had him, and what he is like etc?

colemic

The point I was making, is I would like to use my CISSP as credit towards at least one of the classes ('Network Security Fundamentals') and possibly even 'Network Security Practices and Policies.' A Network+ can count as credit, would be nice to see the CISSP count for something.

I already have the Network+ but that's not the point - if I did not have it, they seem to be saying that the CISSP is not good enough to qualify as external credit. There should be a mechanism to recogize those that already have the CISSP and have it count for something, if Network+ is good enough.Those two certs are not even close in comparison.

azjag

colemic wrote: »

The point I was making, is I would like to use my CISSP as credit towards at least one of the classes ('Network Security Fundamentals') and possibly even 'Network Security Practices and Policies.' A Network+ can count as credit, would be nice to see the CISSP count for something.

I already have the Network+ but that's not the point - if I did not have it, they seem to be saying that the CISSP is not good enough to qualify as external credit. There should be a mechanism to recogize those that already have the CISSP and have it count for something, if Network+ is good enough.Those two certs are not even close in comparison.

It is up to the University to decide what transfer credits they will accept for any of their degree programs. Since you have the CISSP and the MSISA program was designed with those core competencies in mind, you would have an advantage in that you would already have a solid foundation to build upon.

After speaking with the enrollment counselor the only certifications they accept as transfer credit for the MSISA are N+, CWSP, CEH, CHFI, EDRP and the GIAC G7799. This is because they are directly related to the program.

With all that being said, Just because you have a certification that the industry rates highly, doesn't mean they have to accept it as external credit in their program.

TheDailyMel

tomahawkeer wrote: »

I got my first email from my mentor today Awais Asif Ameen, and just wondering if anybody had him, and what he is like etc?

I got my first mentor email today as well. My mentor is Tabarus Phillips. Anyone else have him? Our first phone call is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

tomahawkeer

TheDailyMel wrote: »

I got my first mentor email today as well. My mentor is Tabarus Phillips. Anyone else have him? Our first phone call is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

I spoke with my mentor last night (Awais Asif Ameen) and everything went smooth as could be. Nothing really surprising or jumped out at me or what not. The process was very smooth. Hopefully it will go the same for you Mel.

tomahawkeer

Anybody starting new today (July 1) been able to get in and claim your account to start on EWB? I must have missed something on my welcome letter becuase im not really seeing anything to claim, that is changing what I currently see in my student portal.

earweed

Have you looked on your "My AAP" tab page?

veritas_libertas

FYI, I have just added a Refer-A-Friend thread for all of you who would like a Referral to WGU.

http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/55634-wgu-refer-friend-thread-those-seeking-referral.html

tomahawkeer

earweed wrote: »

Have you looked on your "My AAP" tab page?

Actually I didn't, I had to call IT because for some reason my account didnt roll over when the date did. I can see it now, and im waiting on my Mentor to approve the learning resource for EWB. I dont know if this is the same thing or not, however I cannot access the EWB modules on the mindedge server either.

veritas_libertas

Start making phone calls right away. It should be available for you immediately on the first day you start your classes.

puckstopperga wrote: »

The only problem I've heard is if you do not complete the program and attempt to transfer out, other schools may give you little to no transfer credit (which isn't an unusual problem in higher ed) toward another bachelor's. But I've never heard of an employer or graduate school not accepting a degree from WGU as a standard 4-yr bachelor's degree.

Your dead on with your thoughts there. My Associate degree from a community college back in MI does not transfer that well either. I knew that going in, and I know going into WGU that if I decide to go somewhere else it will be difficult.

I also know that WGU has a very good reputation, and that numerous students have gone from WGU to major universities for their graduate studies. WGU is accredited both nationally and regionally.

NWCCU Institutions of Utah

Anyway, I'm hoping the bashing isn't going to be a regular pattern on this thread. All this debating does nothing but make this thread even more difficult to sift through.

puckstopperga wrote: »

The only problem I've heard is if you do not complete the program and attempt to transfer out, other schools may give you little to no transfer credit (which isn't an unusual problem in higher ed) toward another bachelor's. But I've never heard of an employer or graduate school not accepting a degree from WGU as a standard 4-yr bachelor's degree.

Your dead on with your thoughts. My Associate degree from a community college back in MI does not transfer that well either. I knew that going in, and I know going into WGU that if I decide to go somewhere else it will be difficult.

I also know that WGU has a very good reputation, and that numerous students have gone from WGU to major universities for their graduate studies. WGU is accredited both nationally and regionally.

NWCCU Institutions of Utah

Anyway, I'm hoping the bashing isn't going to be a regular pattern on this thread. All this debating does nothing but make this thread even more difficult to sift through. My main intention for this thread is not to discuss the pros and cons but simply to just give information out. I do realize the WGU is not for everyone, and the Western Governors that formed WGU did not intend it to be either.

mikej412 wrote: »

As has been mentioned in the thread you can't get your transcripts evaluated until you apply and submit the official transcripts. And with the refer-a-friend option you only need to pay to have your transcripts sent.

So far that seems to be the biggest issue for some people -- they want to know what credits will transfer without spending any money to send their official transcripts.

Mike, I have to agree with your statement. That does seem to be the most common gripe, and also the most misunderstood process for colleges. Any public university you go to is going to require a fee to process your credits, and sometime to get your credits in order to send them to another college get processed.

I know that this was the case for the University of South Carolina and Greenville Tech here in Greenville, SC. It was also the same thing when I was comparing online colleges such as Capella, and of course WGU.

Just because you pay a fee to be admitted (which I guess I am with USC and GVLTEC) does not mean you are committing to taking classes.

thenjduke

Okay I just finish up EWB and have not talk to my mentor on phone yet but via email. I have to take the assesment for EWB but was wondering what is some good courses to start with for general edu courses?

petedude

I happen to like that thread a lot for us enrolled WGU folks.

(hint, hint)

earweed

I'll even bump it and give you folks a link. This thread here is really long and stressed out already..lol http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/52825-student-experiences-western-governors-university-wgu-11.html

veritas_libertas

Question to the WGU students out there on the Internet. How many classes do you typically take each semester? I have done the math, and in order to graduate by end of next year I will have to take six classes per semester.

cablegod

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Question to the WGU students out there on the Internet. How many classes do you typically take each semester? I have done the math, and in order to graduate by end of next year I will have to take six classes per semester.

Six is very doable. I did right at or more than 6 per term the whole time. It varies from person to person.

asurania

My goal is 9 . I am ahead of scheudle

arwes

Did any of you start out in the program with no college credit or associate degree? I'll just be transferring in certifications, but I'm hoping to get this finished within 3 years. Is that realistic?