Online B.S. or M.S. in Cybersecurity from WGU

Cybersecurity threats are continuously changing, with hackers and cybercriminals deploying advanced viruses, malware, and scams every day. These risks jeopardize the essential data that our society relies on. WGU’s online cybersecurity degree prepares you to outsmart cybercriminals and establishes you as a crucial defender for governments and top organizations.

B.S and M.S Cybersecurity Degree

The WGU cybersecurity program seamlessly incorporates 15 industry-recognized certifications into its IT degree. This enables you to obtain valuable credentials alongside your studies, enhancing your resume without incurring additional time or costs.

This degree in computer systems offers a solid grounding in essential IT security principles, including:

• Secure Systems Analysis & Design
• Data Management
• Web and Cloud Security
• Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Ready to Start a Cybersecurity Career?

If you have a passion for cybersecurity and are looking for a fulfilling career path, obtaining a degree is the vital first step. A degree in cybersecurity can significantly improve your job prospects, raise your earning potential, and unlock exciting opportunities for advancement.

B.S. or M.S. in Cybersecurity – Choosing the Right Path

With various degree options available, selecting between a bachelor’s or a master’s degree can be daunting.

This guide will delve into the different cybersecurity degrees offered at WGU, aiding you in finding the best fit based on your current experience and career objectives.

• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.

1. Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Who is this Degree for?

This degree is perfect for individuals with a basic grasp of IT. This includes those who have:

• Completed prior IT or STEM courses: At least 300-level or higher.
• Substantial IT experience: Alongside relevant certifications.
• A bachelor’s or associate degree: From an accredited institution.
• At least two years of professional IT experience.
• A high school diploma with a strong academic background: Including a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a “B” or higher in an advanced mathematics course.

These qualifications ensure you have the foundational knowledge required to meet the rigorous demands of this program. However, qualified high school graduates with a strong math foundation may also be considered.

Core Courses in the B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Program:

• Secure Systems Analysis and Design
• IT Fundamentals
• Business of IT
• Web Development
• Network and Security
• Scripting and Programming
• Information Assurance
• Data Management
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response
• Technical Writing
• Ethics and Cyber Law
• Web and Cloud Security
• Wireless and Mobile Technologies
• Risk Management
• Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
• Penetration Testing

Included Industry-Recognized Certifications:

Pursuing your WGU bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity equips you with essential skills and prepares you for a variety of industry-leading certifications.

With your tuition, you’ll have the chance to pursue:

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Associate of (ISC)2 designation
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) – Associate of (ISC)2 designation
• ITIL® Foundation Certification
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
• CompTIA Network Security Professional
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Security Analytics Professional

These valuable certifications improve your job prospects and showcase your expertise to potential employers.

Begin Your Cybersecurity Career:

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity paves the way for a multitude of exciting career paths, including:

• IT Security Specialist
• Forensic Computer Analyst
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Information Security Manager
• Risk Manager
• Network Security Analyst
• Information Security Analyst
• IT Consultant

2. Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Who is this Degree for?

This advanced degree in cybersecurity from WGU is crafted for professionals aiming for career progression. Ideal candidates:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (STEM, business, or a quantitatively focused discipline).
• Have prior IT or security experience.
• Aspire to leadership roles such as CISO, CIO, CTO, cybersecurity manager, or director.

The program offers comprehensive knowledge in cybersecurity management, digital forensics, and information assurance.

Important Note: This is a challenging program. To ensure your success, specific qualifications must be met:

• Option 1: Have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM area, business (quantitative analysis, accounting, economics, finance), or a similar quantitative degree.
• Option 2: Possess any bachelor’s degree AND one of the following:
  • Two years of relevant work experience.
  • Current and relevant IT certifications.
  • Related IT coursework.

Cybersecurity Certifications Available in this M.S. Program:
WGU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity equips you for several sought-after industry certifications, including:

• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• CompTIA PenTest+
• Optional CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Voucher
• Optional ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Voucher
• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

No Out-of-Pocket Costs:

Unlike conventional programs, WGU covers the certification exam fees through your tuition. You won’t have to spend on pricey preparation courses or study materials.

Key Courses in the M.S. Cybersecurity Program:

• Secure Systems Analysis and Design
• Network Design and Management
• Cybersecurity Management
• Security
• Hacking
• Forensics and Network Intrusion

Career Opportunities with an M.S. in Cybersecurity:

A Master’s in Cybersecurity empowers you to assume advanced roles in the field, such as:

• Forensic Computer Analyst
• CIO (Chief Information Officer)
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Information Security Manager
• Risk Manager
• Information Security Analyst

Choosing Between B.S. and M.S. in Cybersecurity:

The field of cybersecurity is highly specialized. While both our B.S. and M.S. programs necessitate IT expertise, the M.S. requires a more advanced level of experience and preparation.

• B.S. in Cybersecurity: Ideal for individuals with some prior IT experience, including coursework, certifications, or work experience.
• M.S. in Cybersecurity: Tailored for professionals who possess a bachelor’s degree, extensive IT experience, and ambitions for leadership within cybersecurity.

Reflect on your current experience and career aspirations to identify the most suitable degree path for you.

Why WGU Stands Out?

• Career-Ready Graduates: Our accredited programs collaborate with industry leaders to provide the relevant skills and credentials sought by employers. 97% of surveyed employers would rehire another WGU graduate.
  • Source: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
• Land Your Dream Job: 85% of WGU alumni are employed in their fields of study, with 87% working full-time.
  • Source: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
• Affordable Education: WGU offers flat-rate tuition that is 47% lower than the national average, making it a cost-effective investment in your future. Generous need-based scholarships are also available.
  • Source: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2022. WGU average rate excludes the WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
• Work While You Learn: WGU’s flexible learning model allows you to complete coursework, take exams, and graduate on your own timetable. Many of our students successfully juggle their studies with full-time jobs.

Affordable IT Degrees at WGU

WGU’s innovative tuition structure makes earning your IT degree more budget-friendly. You pay a flat rate per six-month term, regardless of the number of courses completed. This enables you to accelerate your studies by mastering material swiftly and advancing through the program at your own speed. The faster you progress, the sooner you graduate, ultimately reducing your overall educational expenses.