Student Experiences at Western Governors University (WGU)

This thread is intended for students to write about their experiences at Western Governors University.

Please keep it civil, and do not spend your time bashing the school, and its policies. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you have a problem you need to take it up with your professor or mentor. Please no Flaming on this thread.

You can ask for help with a referral (used to avoid paying the application fee) on the following thread: http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/55634-wgu-refer-friend-thread-those-seeking-referral.html

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Comments

coffeeluvr

spiderjericho wrote: »

Well, my WGU journey never got started due to serious medical issues with my daughter. I was supposed to start in December, and it's now looking like April due to delays in getting tuition assistance from my employer.

My intake interview is next Tuesday.

My term consists of CIW Java, CIW Web Specialist, Microsoft Web MTA and Organizational Behavior.

Hopefully, I can knock these out in two to three months and then do technical writing, capstone and management principles.

ERP has me interested in attending a commencement. I opted out of attending my commencement at UMUC.

Spiderjericho, I hope your daughter is doing well...I have had to deal with a child w/medical issues & it is a hard road both mentally & physically. I am glad it is working out for you to start WGU in April. How did you like UMUC? I have a friend that is going to be starting there soon....I couldn't convince them to give WGU a shot.

spiderjericho

coffeeluvr wrote: »

Spiderjericho, I hope your daughter is doing well...I have had to deal with a child w/medical issues & it is a hard road both mentally & physically. I am glad it is working out for you to start WGU in April. How did you like UMUC? I have a friend that is going to be starting there soon....I couldn't convince them to give WGU a shot.

A sick child is truly a difficult thing to deal with. Children are a handful period, but a sick child or born with a disability is definitely a roller coaster ride of emotions, nerves and prayer.

I graduated from UMUC last Spring. I attended the school when the semesters were 16-weeks long. You had reading, writing and participation assignments due every week. I attended Miami Dade and FIU beforehand, and UMUC was, to me imo, a more difficult/rigorous program. They make you work for that grade/degree.

I always thought all online schools were like that, but after talking to people who attended University of Phoenix or AIU, they're not all created the same.

They just recently changed their classes to 8-weeks. If they accepted industry certifications for credit, I'd go there for my B.S. but they don't.

It's pretty frustrating to say you're an MCSE and MCTIP and still have to go through their server classes.

I took a class that was based around the Sybex CCNA products. And I don't feel like I was equipped to take the cert exam afterward. I hope the Microsoft courses aren't like that.

But this thread is about WGU. A few weeks before I start, I definitely have to go through Swild's thread, as he is taking similar courses.

erpadmin

spiderjericho wrote: »

A sick child is truly a difficult thing to deal with. Children are a handful period, but a sick child or born with a disability is definitely a roller coaster ride of emotions, nerves and prayer.

I graduated from UMUC last Spring. I attended the school when the semesters were 16-weeks long. You had reading, writing and participation assignments due every week. I attended Miami Dade and FIU beforehand, and UMUC was, to me imo, a more difficult/rigorous program. They make you work for that grade/degree.

I always thought all online schools were like that, but after talking to people who attended University of Phoenix or AIU, they're not all created the same.

They just recently changed their classes to 8-weeks. If they accepted industry certifications for credit, I'd go there for my B.S. but they don't.

It's pretty frustrating to say you're an MCSE and MCTIP and still have to go through their server classes.

I took a class that was based around the Sybex CCNA products. And I don't feel like I was equipped to take the cert exam afterward. I hope the Microsoft courses aren't like that.

But this thread is about WGU. A few weeks before I start, I definitely have to go through Swild's thread, as he is taking similar courses.

I have a brother who's mentally challenged (hence why I'm personally sensitive about the "r" word....but that's the only word I'm sensitive about...just about....) In any event, I do know what you're going through and it's partially the reason I don't have kids yet, though I'm considering adopting when I'm good and ready.

In any event, make sure family is first, for sure. A stable home will always ensure that you can always provide for it...be it through work or studying to get better work.

gshoemaker

It is official! I am all paid up for the term beginning March 1 and have already taken the EWB and 4 pre-assessments for fun

I am looking forward to getting started and accelerating this as quickly as I can.

spiderjericho

erpadmin wrote: »

I have a brother who's mentally challenged (hence why I'm personally sensitive about the "r" word....but that's the only word I'm sensitive about...just about....)

It's all a joke when we use words like retarded, gimp and *** and not realize the implications or there are people out there who have family who are dealing with these things.

During my daughter's almost 9 weeks in the hospital, I've come across a myriad of cardiac and other issues.

Adoption is a noble thing ERP. I ran into a white Canadian couple that adopted a black child with a trach. I couldn't believe. They had to stay here in PICU for almost two months while the hospital tried to give him a fighting chance to live.

Changing gears, My girl friend and I were leaving the hospital yesterday driving home and we were rear ended. It seems like my bad luck continues.

robweb

I stumbled across this website while researching WGU. I am interested in some of their IT degrees; however my background is more of a computer novice than an IT professional. I am not stupid when it comes to computers, but just never had a job in the IT field (mostly sales and customer service). So my question is what would be the best IT degree for someone with my type of computer experience or should I look at another degree program with WGU?

spiderjericho

Do you have an interest in IT? It's more than computers.

It's about facilitating communication (via VOIP, computers, Servers, routers, switches, firewalls), network defense (OS hardening, ACLs, VPNs, AAA, firewalls, auditing logs, intrusion detection, etc), maintenance/patching/troubleshooting.

A computer repair technician is probably the lowest on the totem pole and your pay will reflect it.

The great thing about the WGU program, is it will give you a well rounded foundation.

The Network Admin program is good. The others are good too, but you have to know what specialization you're interested in.

Psoasman

robweb wrote: »

I stumbled across this website while researching WGU. I am interested in some of their IT degrees; however my background is more of a computer novice than an IT professional. I am not stupid when it comes to computers, but just never had a job in the IT field (mostly sales and customer service). So my question is what would be the best IT degree for someone with my type of computer experience or should I look at another degree program with WGU?

It depends. Do you want to get a degree in IT? If so, I would think the regular B.S. in IT would be a good fit for you, then. WGU has nice marketing and sales degrees, which would line up with previous experience you have.

Do you have any previous college?

daddysbroke

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum and WGU! I will be starting on April 1st in the IT:Security program. I'm a Intelligence Analyst currently so I work with a ton of computers and gadgets so I thought IT would be a good way to go for me. I hope to get to know all of you very well!

robweb

I understand it's more than computers. I have interest in networking and was looking at the basic IT degree to be well rounded. I have about 20 hours of college credit, not sure what will transfer to WGU.

archimedes

Hello Everyone,

I am new to game here.. I just applied to WGU and finished my financial aid forms. I need to take my entrance assessment and also wait for my uni credit to transfer.

I have an algebra class and two english classes that will transfer. I am doing the IT-Software track. I have been a sys admin for about four years. How long do you think I should expect to take to finish the program? Any words of advice before I officially sign up? Should I prep for the assessment test?

Psoasman

archimedes wrote: »

Hello Everyone,

I am new to game here.. I just applied to WGU and finished my financial aid forms. I need to take my entrance assessment and also wait for my uni credit to transfer.

I have an algebra class and two english classes that will transfer. I am doing the IT-Software track. I have been a sys admin for about four years. How long do you think I should expect to take to finish the program? Any words of advice before I officially sign up? Should I prep for the assessment test?

Do you have any certifications? They can take some time off. As far as finishing, its different for everybody. WGU is self-paced, so you can definitely accelerate through the program. There is an option to take some of your exams at home. They send you a secure webcam and you are monitored by a proctor. It's convenient, but you must schedule the exam at least 5 days ahead. Take that into account when working on the easier courses. Some courses can be completed within a week to 10 days.
Keep in touch with your enrollment counselor about the transcripts.
The assessment exam is fairly easy, set aside a couple of hours where it's quiet. The math goes up to basic algebra, with a bit of geometry. There is a reading comprehension exam and you write an essay.

archimedes

Psoasman wrote: »

Do you have any certifications? They can take some time off. As far as finishing, its different for everybody. WGU is self-paced, so you can definitely accelerate through the program. There is an option to take some of your exams at home. They send you a secure webcam and you are monitored by a proctor. It's convenient, but you must schedule the exam at least 5 days ahead. Take that into account when working on the easier courses. Some courses can be completed within a week to 10 days.
Keep in touch with your enrollment counselor about the transcripts.
The assessment exam is fairly easy, set aside a couple of hours where it's quiet. The math goes up to basic algebra, with a bit of geometry. There is a reading comprehension exam and you write an essay.

I have an ITIL certification but it does not appear they accept that as a transfer.

Would it be worth the time and money to go ahead and study for the A+ and Network+ tests and transfer them or just take them as part of the coursework?

Pishof

archimedes wrote: »

I have an ITIL certification but it does not appear they accept that as a transfer.

Would it be worth the time and money to go ahead and study for the A+ and Network+ tests and transfer them or just take them as part of the coursework?

You will be much better off pre-studying the material for those and then taking the exams with WGU vouchers in your first month of the term. Comptia exams can be pricey and there isn't any reason to pay for them when your tuition will cover them. It will only cost you more to sit the exams beforehand.

freenrgy2

I decided on getting the B.S. in IT Management. This is the route I want to move in. Certs are fine, but not essential for what I want to do, which is manage.

I've been fighting an upper respiratory infection for over a week, so I delayed taking the readiness assessment until last night. Received and email a couple hours after I finished everything stating I had passed. Next up is the intake interview.

Still awaiting word on my previous college courses and their transferability but, using WGU's transfer guide, it looks like 8 - 10 courses should transfer. Really hoping the math courses are all taken care of.

I'll get the financial aid process started this week as well.

Again, I really appreciate the feedback about this institution on this site. Your comments were most influential to my decision-making process.

rep21

Quick question for you guys: would it be advisable to work on finishing the java courses before starting work on the SQL database courses? I am just wondering how much of that programming knowledge I will need to carry over. I'd like to start and finish the sql courses soon as there are always positions available at my work for someone who can run queries and things in ms sql.

Lemonade727

rep21 wrote: »

Quick question for you guys: would it be advisable to work on finishing the java courses before starting work on the SQL database courses? I am just wondering how much of that programming knowledge I will need to carry over. I'd like to start and finish the sql courses soon as there are always positions available at my work for someone who can run queries and things in ms sql.

I'm not familiar with all of the Database courses that are introduced in that program specialization, but from what I'm encountering right now in KFT1 I would do the database course prior to KFT1. Not that it would be extraordinarily beneficial doing it that, just that I don't see how taking the Java course would assist that much with your database courses, but having working knowledge of databases and MySQL would assist with understanding how your Java application integrates with the database when you create it in KFT1. Opening doors to different windows with your employer is just another plus, I say prioritize the database work.

archimedes

rep21 wrote: »

Quick question for you guys: would it be advisable to work on finishing the java courses before starting work on the SQL database courses? I am just wondering how much of that programming knowledge I will need to carry over. I'd like to start and finish the sql courses soon as there are always positions available at my work for someone who can run queries and things in ms sql.

It would depend on how you are going to use it on your job.

Are you writing queries from Business Object, the command line, or some other tool? If so, then I don't see how Java would help you.

But, if you are supporting Java application or an OS where you have to debug Java commands hooks into a database, then I could see the value in learning some Java.

rep21

Thanks guys. The positions are like a Data Analyst position. I think most of the stuff the position does are running scripts and queries or whatever in Toad or SQL Developer applications then returning the data to users in excel. I don't think they use java that much. I just figured that a Data Analyst type of position puts me closer to my end goal of being a database admin when compared to helpdesk/desktop support that I am doing now. Thanks for the advice

erpadmin

rep21 wrote: »

Thanks guys. The positions are like a Data Analyst position. I think most of the stuff the position does are running scripts and queries or whatever in Toad or SQL Developer applications then returning the data to users in excel. I don't think they use java that much. I just figured that a Data Analyst type of position puts me closer to my end goal of being a database admin when compared to helpdesk/desktop support that I am doing now. Thanks for the advice

A lot of companies might have web front ends that point to a DBMS. They may not be using Java, per se, but the front end will be programmed in some Object-Oriented Language (OOL.) PeopleSoft, for example, uses it's own OOL called PeopleCode, which is very, very much like Java. In fact, one of my colleagues didn't know a lick of PeopleCode before she was hired, but her Java was very strong. She was able to pick up PeopleCode in minutes (as did another colleague who graduated with a CS degree and was hired after graduation at the lowest step possible as a developer...)

Trust me, OOL and Databases tie in very nicely...it's not my cup of tea, but I do see the value in it.

hiddenknight821

I just finished my program for Task 1 for KFT1 (ABT1 & GUT1), but I'm still stuck on it, because I have no clue what to do next. Can someone please clarify what exactly are REQUIRED to submit in the Taskstream since the instructions are pretty vague? I have a partner, but I just realized I don't need one to begin with. I can't believe I wasted my time searching and communicating with my partner. I kind of rushed through the first task, because I didn't want to slow him down or anything. Although, I do honestly feel a lot of pressure from having a partner. If I don't need a partner, then I can tell my partner that he's officially single again.

From my understand, the first two tasks, all I have to do is complete the evaluation (for Task 1) and checklist (for Task 2) after understanding how to perform the implementations of the codes. For the third task, I have to create a Powerpoint, and evaluate my own presentation. The final task is the real deal.

I would like to go straight to the goals of all tasks and not go through all that hurdles that they had me going through since they aren't gonna verify it anyway. This is really getting silly, especially for us non-software-emphasis students. Thanks in advance for your inputs. I would really appreciate them.

Lemonade727

hiddenknight821 wrote: »

I just finished my program for Task 1 for KFT1 (ABT1 & GUT1), but I'm still stuck on it, because I have no clue what to do next. Can someone please clarify what exactly are REQUIRED to submit in the Taskstream since the instructions are pretty vague? I have a partner, but I just realized I don't need one to begin with. I can't believe I wasted my time searching and communicating with my partner. I kind of rushed through the first task, because I didn't want to slow him down or anything. Although, I do honestly feel a lot of pressure from having a partner. If I don't need a partner, then I can tell my partner that he's officially single again.

From my understand, the first two tasks, all I have to do is complete the evaluation (for Task 1) and checklist (for Task 2) after understanding how to perform the implementations of the codes. For the third task, I have to create a Powerpoint, and evaluate my own presentation. The final task is the real deal.

I would like to go straight to the goals of all tasks and not go through all that hurdles that they had me going through since they aren't gonna verify it anyway. This is really getting silly, especially for us non-software-emphasis students. Thanks in advance for your inputs. I would really appreciate them.

The only things that are actually required to be turned in for those tasks are...

Task 1 - Evaluation Form only
Task 2 - Checklist Review only
Task 3 - Presentation and Checklist Review
Task 4 - Program, SRS Document, SDS Document, and Test Plan

hiddenknight821

Lemonade727 wrote: »

The only things that are actually required to be turned in for those tasks are...

Task 1 - Evaluation Form only
Task 2 - Checklist Review only
Task 3 - Presentation and Checklist Review
Task 4 - Program, SRS Document, SDS Document, and Test Plan

Thanks for pointing that out. +1.

swild

hiddenknight821 wrote: »

... This is really getting silly, especially for us non-software-emphasis students. Thanks in advance for your inputs. I would really appreciate them.

I have to agree with you on that. I just started KET1 and due to work issues all of a sudden, have barely been able to start programming. I really think that the Security emphasis is a little heavy on the software/web programming. 8 courses on programming is a bit much. I do think that CIW's Perl course would be beneficial, but only if it is instead of, say, the one of the MTA courses.

hiddenknight821

swild wrote: »

I do think that CIW's Perl course would be beneficial, but only if it is instead of, say, the one of the MTA courses.

+1 Totally agreed with you. Perl or Python would make sense for a security professional.

CmptrFrk

Passed CQV1 (ICND2) on Monday, finally! I am now a CCNA.

I started GAC1 and HHT1 yesterday. While working through HHT1 (my first Taskstream class) I am a little confused. Do you guys really write 1-2 pages for Task A Section 3? So far Im at about a paragraph.

Hypntick

CmptrFrk wrote: »

Passed CQV1 (ICND2) on Monday, finally! I am now a CCNA.

I started GAC1 and HHT1 yesterday. While working through HHT1 (my first Taskstream class) I am a little confused. Do you guys really write 1-2 pages for Task A Section 3? So far Im at about a paragraph.

Congrats on the ICND2 pass! That's one of the ones I plan on doing in my free time when I finish up at WGU. Hopefully I can still remember a lot of that by then.

Lemonade727

CmptrFrk wrote: »

Passed CQV1 (ICND2) on Monday, finally! I am now a CCNA.

I started GAC1 and HHT1 yesterday. While working through HHT1 (my first Taskstream class) I am a little confused. Do you guys really write 1-2 pages for Task A Section 3? So far Im at about a paragraph.

Congrats on the pass! I just looked at my HHT1 work as I couldn't remember off the top of my head, but yeah mine actually came out to be a little over 2 pages for that section with all of the sub-components included.

Edit: Was able to submit Task 4 for KFT1 just now, hopefully none of it has to come back for revisions. That gives me 2 months and a week to finish Tech Writing and Capstone, looks like graduation this term has just been confirmed

Received approval from my supervisor that I could use a project we did last summer and had her sign the employer verification form. Emailed my mentor to add TWA1 to my AAP and am drafting up the idea paper now to make sure it will be a valid topic for the proposal and capstone.

usagent27

just got my transfer eval and now when i look at my degree plan i have a bunch of classes that say Requirements Satisfied. Whats this mean?

jmasterj206

usagent27 wrote: »

just got my transfer eval and now when i look at my degree plan i have a bunch of classes that say Requirements Satisfied. Whats this mean?

Basically, what it says. You don't have a transfer but have a similar course the meets the requirements for the credit. Such as saying you have your CCNA and they required you to take Network +. If you already have your CCNA Network + is not needed so you met the requirements. If you had your Network + and they required Network + it would be a transfer. That is the basics of it anyway.