Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

I did a thread search in TE for all WGU related content, and much to my surprise I found numerous threads with WGU at least mentioned in them. For that reason I have decided to start this thread to bring them together and also provide a dedicated thread to future WGU questions, and comments.
I hope this of use to those curious about Western Governors University, and interested in sharing your experiences at the WGU.
Many are willing to help you out with the Refer-a-Friend (used to avoid paying the application fee,) and you can ask for help with this on the following thread: Refer-A-Fried Thread
About Western Governors University:
Press Release
WGU College of Information Technology
WGU Student Hall:
WGU Student Hall - Index
TechExams.net Threads (click for all tagged WGU threads at TE)
Questions about WGU:
Western Governors University
Admission Requirements for IT degrees at WGU
Transferable IT Certifications
WGU Certification Transfer Questions
WGU Entrance Exam
Photo of the diploma with frame
Scanned image of the diploma
Hardware and Software Needs
http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/72845-new-wgu-tips-tools.html
Questions about WGU's M.S. Information Security and Assurance
Western Governors University - MS Information Security and Assurance
WGU's MS:ISA has been certified by the CNSS
WGU INFOSEC Bloginars
Security Certifications related to the MS in INFOSEC
TE member Foxer answers questions about the MS program at WGU
Students from TechExams.net
WGU Student Roll Call
Talk about your experiences at WGU
Student Experiences at WGU
I hope this of use to those curious about Western Governors University, and interested in sharing your experiences at the WGU.
Many are willing to help you out with the Refer-a-Friend (used to avoid paying the application fee,) and you can ask for help with this on the following thread: Refer-A-Fried Thread
About Western Governors University:
History of Western Governors University:Western Governors University is an online university driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs. WGU has flourished into a national university, serving over 17,000 students from all 50 states.
The university continues to open doors for adult learners who need flexibility to achieve their education and career goals. WGU’s innovative competency-based academic approach makes it possible, allowing individuals to fit their education into their lives, not the other way around.
Western Governors University - IndianaWGU was founded by the governors of 19 U.S. states. At no other time in the history of higher education have the governors of several states joined together to create a university. WGU is also supported by over 20 major corporations and foundations who believe in WGU’s commitment to producing highly competent graduates.
Press Release
Information Technology Degrees at WGU:WGU Indiana is an online, competency-based university established by the state of Indiana through a partnership with Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Indiana residents.
WGU College of Information Technology
WGU Student Hall:
WGU Student Hall - Index
TechExams.net Threads (click for all tagged WGU threads at TE)
Questions about WGU:
Western Governors University
Admission Requirements for IT degrees at WGU
Transferable IT Certifications
WGU Certification Transfer Questions
WGU Entrance Exam
Photo of the diploma with frame
Scanned image of the diploma
Hardware and Software Needs
http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/72845-new-wgu-tips-tools.html
Questions about WGU's M.S. Information Security and Assurance
Western Governors University - MS Information Security and Assurance
WGU's MS:ISA has been certified by the CNSS
WGU INFOSEC Bloginars
Security Certifications related to the MS in INFOSEC
TE member Foxer answers questions about the MS program at WGU
Students from TechExams.net
WGU Student Roll Call
Talk about your experiences at WGU
Student Experiences at WGU
Currently working on: Linux and Python
Comments
Thanks Johan!
Forum Admin at www.techexams.net
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdmurray
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If anybody has any questions about the MSIA program and my experiences thus far I'd be happy to help. Current WGU students can add me to the WGU Messenger using nickname "mjsteinhilber" if you want to chat.
If anyone has questions about that degree I'll do my best to answer.
Also I would love to hear about possible alternative/competitors as online schools.
Please keep the alternative colleges discussion to the: http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/50644-can-i-get-some-recommendations-accredited-online-colleges.html thread. This one is meant for WGU conversations.
I would say the choice comes down to whether you want to specialize in Cisco or Windows. Their security emphasis is Cisco, so if you want to specialize in Windows I would suggest the Network Design and Management.
On a completely different topic connected to WGU, I should mention that I was surprised to have my mentor inform me that all my books for my current courses were being shipped to me! Imagine my surprise since I thought I would have to purchase them
Idk about NDM, I have no interest in designing networks, sort of when I look at MCSA vs MCSE, the Admin path interests me more than the Engineer path.
thoughts?
Will do.
Forum Admin at www.techexams.net
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdmurray
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jdmurray
Which courses are you currently taking? They normally send books for the certification courses, but not for the other general education courses (science, writing, math). For the ones they don't send you there are "free" online version available or you can buy the books yourself.
How do you get off that easy? I dropped ~$350 for books this term. The only one I didn't have to pay for was ONV2 (the Network+ exam) but I never cracked that book open.
Shame you!
and here I just figured it was because I am special!
Writing courses, A+, and CIW Essentials.
I think the stated textbook policy is a bit of CYA. They really can't afford to send books for everything and keep tuition down, but in some cases electronic materials just won't cut it. I'm just glad tuition covers the majority of materials.
--Will Rogers
I've had books provided for all CIW and CompTIA based courses, and it seems like the other books you need are available through your student subscription to Books 24x7.
Several of us have been posting links to corrections in the client/server community.
Nice to see so many WGU students here.
I must have missed your announcement of this life-changing event on Twitter!
Forum Admin at www.techexams.net
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdmurray
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jdmurray
Degree: A.A.S Electronic Systems Technology
In a tough economy, schooling discussions in general will likely draw more interest than usual.
Given the nature of the programs and their accessibility to this board's users, WGU discussions should be even more popular.
--Will Rogers
According to some of the folks I have talked to at WGU Student Hall there have been several students who have gotten their BS/BA and gone somewhere else for Master degree. I am at this moment considering East Carolina for my Master Degree in INFOSEC. Don't forget that WGU has multiple accreditations. If you are really concerned I would contact the institution you are intersted in getting your Master degree at and ask them.