News for BS-IT Security students at WGU

Bundiman

Just spoke to my mentor and she said starting May 1st Java would be removed from the Security track. One month to late for me .

Danielm7

Wha.. what...? I have just my capstone and java left, hah, I'm going to call my mentor now.

joemysterio

Was there a reason why?

Bundiman

Update.... TYC1 and TYP1 for 2 credits each would be replaced by Net+ CRV1 for 4 credits. I know Net+ was part of the degree before and they removed it. Well looks like its coming back.

markulous

Oh that's some BS. I just started the security track this month too.

Bundiman

Here is what someone else determined today looking at the new guide

""actually the PDF's on the website are now updated for the IT-Software and IT-Security tracks. I just glanced at them and noticed a couple things.

For security, they rescored some classes up in CU's (10 credits added that way) and added Network + for a total 14 new cu's... but dropped: Leadership Concepts + Applications (3), web programming (4), proj in intro to programming (2), intro to programming(2) database fundamentals(3), project in ood (2) and ood (2)....

interesting...""

Madmd5

For students like myself who started Security emphasis before May, there is nothing we can do about this correct? In other words, we still have to complete the java courses instead of taking network+?

Bundiman

You can switch to the new degree program when your new term begins. So just try to avoid the ones you do not want to do and that are going away. But you should also make it a point to do any of the classes you want that are being removed in the new program.

ITcognito

How's that a bad thing? How useful is Java for a security professional? I can see the benefits if you plan on being involved in secure software development or analyzing software for vulnerabilities especially Android apps. Otherwise, you're better off knowing Python, C, Assembly and web programming languages (PHP, JavaScript, etc.).

xiny

Hmm Interesting, I start in May and i have pretty much every course waived except Java and and Relational DB Design. I wonder if i can still waive java, hmmm.

Cert Poor

It's kinda weird to require Network+ and CCNA in the program now. I was kind of looking forward to reviewing some Java since I haven't coded in Java in years.

ratbuddy

They also boosted the Javascript class to 6 CU and removed the Windows server admin fundamentals course from the IT-Software track, apparently. Didn't notice any other changes, but I'm sure they're there.

anoeljr

It also looks like they removed the Java classes from the standard IT track, and they added Linux+ to the program. It seems they're making changes everywhere.

MSP-IT

What'd I'd do to switch my MCTS to a Linux+... Almost makes me wish I started later.

TomkoTech

It looks like they removed the CCNA from the NA track.

ratbuddy

I think this is all aligning with the new system of in-house classes, with cert vouchers being optional upon passing the in-house exam on the first attempt. Hopefully they make some announcements soon, so existing students know what the hell is going on.

TomkoTech

Yeah I sent an email to my mentor for an update on this. I'm in the NA track and really want the CCNA. It's not really a huge deal to me as if it is in fact the case I will take the MCSA Server courses and then just switch to the Security track. I just want to know if I should do that now or later lol.

Bundiman

As long as you are already in a term and do not change your degree plan these changes will not effect you. If you like a change you see finish the classes you want first that are not in the new degree plan then request a degree plan change at the end of that term.

markulous

My mentor just replied and said he will switch me over to this new change when it is in effect. So much better. I did not want to do any more Java.

Danielm7

markulous wrote: »

My mentor just replied and said he will switch me over to this new change when it is in effect. So much better. I did not want to do any more Java.

Is that in the middle of a term or did they say you have to wait until the next term?

TomkoTech

My mentor replied as well and stated that the changes may affect me depending on my certification goals, and she would go over the options with me on out weekly call next week.

markulous

Danielm7 wrote: »

Is that in the middle of a term or did they say you have to wait until the next term?

He didn't say. I just started my first term this month so I'm not sure. It will work out okay though since I'll just avoid taking Java classes and focus on the Security+, Project+, and some of the GE courses.

malias

Yes! I feel like I timed my term break well here...I wasn't exactly looking forward to all of those Java courses. I took a 2 month break due to a job change, at my mentor's advisement-my break ends at the start of May.I came into the security program with my CCNA/CCNA Security..and I've already completed Linux+ and Security+ last semester. I have a heap of the management and "humanities" courses left to go, then I had Java, web programming, a database course, and capstone as my remaining technical classes...I wonder how this will work. Looks like I'll be contacting my mentor.

matai

This is great news to me!

dsqueo1309

Wow, i was just about to change my program to IT:NA and now there's no CCNA!!

Should i Just go onto the Security Track or just take the CCNA on the side

markulous

dsqueo1309 wrote: »

Wow, i was just about to change my program to IT:NA and now there's no CCNA!!

Should i Just go onto the Security Track or just take the CCNA on the side

If that's the only difference between those tracks, I'd say just switch to Security. No reason to pay for it out of pocket.

dsqueo1309

markulous wrote: »

If that's the only difference between those tracks, I'd say just switch to Security. No reason to pay for it out of pocket.

Well then if i switch to Security track there wont be MCSA Win 2008...But i guess thats cheaper

Bundiman

So switch over after you get your MCSA 2008.

W Stewart

I wouldn't be so quick to pass up the java classes. I took them already and they allowed me to skip the MTA software fundamentals exam and get two for the price of one. I'm not sure if the new track will allow you to do that.

Legacy User

Thanks for the update. I emailed my enrollment advisor to see if the change will effect me in my May 1st start date. While the omission of the Java classes sounds great but now its replaced for Linux LPIC 101 and LPIC 102. I heard that the Linux exams are no slouch. I actually chose to enroll in the General BSIT instead of the BSIT Security track since I was trying to avoid the Linux exams. Whats the difficulty of the exams? Is it indeed the lesser of two evils between JAVA and Comptia Linux+.

Bundiman

The Linux+ exam are the only technical exam I have taken that had fill in the blank. You need to know your stuff or you will fail these exams. I studied for about two weeks for each. But the fill in the blank was a eye opener.