Starting WGU...Net Admin

illuminus

Hey everyone...This is my first thread. I've been reading about WGU and I'm getting ready to start at WGU on 9/1/12. I got my transfer evaluation and I need to complete the following classes:



BNC1
Organizational behavior and Leadership


BOV1
Web Prgramming


TPV1
Project Management


CSV1
Operating Systems


CTV1
Security


CUV1
Web Technologies


COV1
CQV1
ICND1
ICND2


AHV1
Directory services


AIV1
Network Design and Management


AJV1
Server Administrator



I had my intake interview today and I was told that it would take about 2 years to complete my classes. I was hoping to finish in 1 year, maybe sooner. Am I being too ambitious or should I plan on 2 years? Any recommendations as to which class to start with? I'm dreading the Web programming and web tech classes. I don't have any certs. I transferred in an AAS from ITT (wish I would have known about WGU before ITT). any advice would be appreciated...:D

joehalford01

I think you can defintely knock that out in a year if you work hard. The MCTS tests are giving me the most trouble for sure but otherwise if you read fast and keep your nose to the grindstone, you can move pretty fast.

paulgswanson

Me personally Id take:
CSV1
AIV1
CTV1
AJV1
AIV1
COV1
CQV1

And the rest in whatever order suits you. Reason I say this order is because the next builds and has overlapping info making them easier for you. Rather than Hopping all over the place. Also thats totally do-able in 1 year, you can do it if you work hard.
BUt thats just my 2 cents

causan

Hey illuminus, I just received my transfer eval today and it is identical to yours and Im also starting on September 1st for the Network Admin emphasis degree. Not to derail your thread but after reading the sticky WGU threads it seems like the consensus from WGU alumni is to not go the emphasis route and get the standard BSIT degree and to get the CCNA and MCTIP:SA on your own. I am wondering if anyone knows if this is a better way to go if you are trying to get the degree done in 1 term?

illuminus

Interesting...I'm wondering how time I would need to spend on CCNA and MCITP? It may be better to get them after completing my degree. Anyone else agree with this? can you post the sticky?

causan

The stickies I was referring to are the Student Experience at Western Governors University (WGU) and WGU Questions and Answers and here is another thread kinda discussing this as well. Im really thinking this is the route I will go.

TLeTourneau

You can't get them after completing your degree, they are part of your degree.

illuminus

I was responding to Causan's post. If I were to change to the generic BS IT degree then I wouldn't need to worry about the ccna or mcitp:sa. I could take those after completing the generic BS IT degree. Hope this clears it up.

Valsacar

Why would you do that? If you think CCNA and MCITP:SA are useful certifications for your goals, why not do them as part of your degree where you get the training material and the voucher at no additional cost?

illuminus

The only reason I would consider doing that is so that I can finish my degree sooner but it may not be that advantageous. Since the CCNA and MCITP:SA are part of my cert goals then I might as well get them done while I'm in school. I appreciate your perspective.

Krones

I would say it depends on a few factors. If you are paying out of pocket there is a very real possibility that it will take you 1 term or more to complete all of those certifications at WGU. One term is give or take 3 thousand dollars - not including any outside supplemental materials you might want to use which many WGU students from these forums do invest in extra materials. Add up the costs of materials and certification vouchers and it is likely to be under 3k on your own. On the other hand, if you feel that you need the pressure or a more structured environment the WGU route is worth the extra amount. I think there is a real chance that it could take more than 1 term to finish those certs if you have a lot of other obligations or not that much experience with the technology. If you decide on the general IT track if you work hard I think you would finish in 1 term.

spiderjericho

They waived the capstone, tech writing and management principles?

illuminus

No. I'm sure I have to take those classes but they weren't on my transfer evaluation

spiderjericho

You might want to check. They should be the last two classes you take.