Fastest Path to a Master’s: WGU vs. UMPI (Stacking Sophia, and Certs)

[chrisv]

Hey everyone,

I’m working on building a fast, affordable path to a master’s degree and wanted to get some thoughts from those who’ve walked this path already. I’ve got a slightly unconventional situation and I'm trying to decide between two options—WGU and UMPI—for the bachelor’s, and ultimately, the master’s.

 My Background
- I’m currently finishing two tech cert programs at a technical college (Ogden-Weber Technical College): one in Software Development, one in Networking & Cybersecurity
- I can bridge those credits via Utah Valley Univesity or Snow College to a transcript that WGU or UMPI would accept
- I plan to use Sophia.org and Study.com to knock out most general education credits (already started)
- Long-term goal: Master’s in IT Management or something similar

My Two Proposed Paths

Option 1: UMPI A.A. in Liberal Studies ➜ WGU B.S. IT ➜ WGU M.S. IT Management
- Use OTech + Sophia + Study.com to complete A.A. at UMPI
- Use that A.A. + certs to transfer into WGU’s BSIT
- Stack certs (A+, Net+, Sec+, etc.) and finish in 2–3 terms
- Roll directly into WGU’s Master’s program

Pros:
- A.A. from a public university looks more traditional/credible
- WGU gives certs + fast bachelor’s
- Master’s is lined up seamlessly after BSIT

Cons:
- More steps: AA > BS > MS
- May still be 2 years start-to-finish

Option 2: Direct WGU BSIT ➜ WGU M.S.
- Skip UMPI entirely
- Transfer Sophia, OTech, and Study.com credits straight to WGU
- Knock out BSIT and certs ASAP
- Transition into WGU M.S. program

Pros:
- Fewer moving parts
- WGU is designed for acceleration
- Finish everything in ~18 months if aggressive

Cons:
- “WGU only” on transcript—some employers might see that as less traditional?
- Missing the “degree-in-hand” milestone of an associate's

My Questions
1. Which route gets me to the master’s fastest and with the least cost?
2. Is the UMPI A.A. worth it for credibility or résumé padding?
3. Do employers really look down on WGU-only paths?
4. Is there any strategic reason to do the AA just to build momentum?

I’ve read tons of posts here where folks get a UMPI degree in 1–2 terms or knock out WGU in record time. I’m trying to follow in those footsteps but don’t want to make an unnecessary detour.

Appreciate any insight—especially if you’ve done either path!

Thanks in advance 
—Chris

[bjcheung77]

Hmm, I just wrote this a few minutes ago, I suggest reviewing it for the triple trifecta: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...#pid441384
My suggestion is an UMPI BBA PM & IS route as I mentioned in your thread here, (get the MAOL afterwards): https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...-preferred

With the energy, money, time you're putting into it, the triple trifecta I mentioned above, it will take you about a year to finish the BBA PM & IS plus MAOL, instead of 18 months for the WGU BSIT/MSITM option.  Plus, it saves you cash and energy, in addition to being overall faster to complete.

WGU route: $1800 for UMPI AALS, $4K for BSIT, $5K for MSITM, 18 months, $10K
UMPI route: $1800 for UMPI BBA PM & IS, $2350 for UMPI MAOL, 4 months, $4150
With the extra energy, money, time, you can further that with an extra UMPI degree!
And/Or, take the time to work on that triple trifecta of certs, degree, experience, etc...

[chrisv]

Thank you!

It's kind of wild we both posted the exact same thing. Most mean the universe is giving a sign that it's the path to follow.

Thanks for the input, as always!