MS IS&A experience at Western Governor's University

[jtalama]

Since I've been getting PM's about it, I decided to start a thread on my experience at WGU.

I started at WGU on January 2nd, 2013 in the M.S. Information Security & Assurance. I am registered for 4 classes for my first term: LOT2 (Hacking), LKT2 (Network Security/Policy), COV2 (Cisco CCENT Cert) and TFT2 (Cyber Law). I already completed LOT2 and LKT2 and am approaching midway through COV2. I'm far ahead of schedule since a term lasts 6 months at WGU and I'm already about 75% done with Term 1 in my first month. I've been in IT security since 1997, so I happen to find the coursework to be plentiful but easy; but a less experienced student might find it quite challenging.

There are two types of assessments that serve as your final. Objective - which consist of industry certifications (ie: CEH, CHFI, GIAC and CCENT) and Performance - which consist of a series of written assignments. I've been able to transfer in my CEH certification and knock out an Objective Assessment class. So far, I've only done the Performance Assessments and while I found them to be time-consuming, they are not terribly challenging for an experienced person. So far, my assessment of the written assignments have been excellent and awesome examples of real-world scenarios.

My mentor has been absolutely great to work with. I had a few issues getting registered because I'm a returning student, but she stood by me to see that they were resolved. I meet with my mentor once a week via phone to check in and see how things are progressing and if I have any questions. They usually last 10 to 15 minutes.

I'm still new to the school and am learning my way around. I'll post more in a few weeks. Hopefully someone here finds this useful.

[Ace_King]

Nice. I am really really interested in WGU..

Question, not that it matters.. does WGU require proctored examinations? I would figure they do if WGU required Straighterline proctored exams way before the proctor for all schools went into effect? Just something I want to know before I enroll into WGU and my schedule. I just found a 2nd job , so I don't know if I will be able to find a proctor with my schedule... unless I use the Proctor U services?

[rebel100]

Nice. I am really really interested in WGU..

Question, not that it matters.. does WGU require proctored examinations? I would figure they do if WGU required Straighterline proctored exams way before the proctor for all schools went into effect? Just something I want to know before I enroll into WGU and my schedule. I just found a 2nd job , so I don't know if I will be able to find a proctor with my schedule... unless I use the Proctor U services?

At the Masters level (MBA) its been all writing for me, no proctors at all.

[Ace_King]

Ah nice, thanks. I might be interested in the MBA... hm...

[rebel100]

It may be a little different if you pursue the IS degree....I'm in the plain Jane MBA in Strategy and Management.

[lumpylump]

Nice. I am really really interested in WGU..

Question, not that it matters.. does WGU require proctored examinations? I would figure they do if WGU required Straighterline proctored exams way before the proctor for all schools went into effect? Just something I want to know before I enroll into WGU and my schedule. I just found a 2nd job , so I don't know if I will be able to find a proctor with my schedule... unless I use the Proctor U services?

I pulled a few excerpts from the student handbook on the WGU portal:

(On test scheduling)
When a student is prepared to take an assessment, the student or the mentor makes an assessment scheduling request through the Degree Plan. To submit a scheduling request, students click on the "Schedule Now” button for the assessment to be scheduled. Students are presented with three options for scheduling of the exam.
- Online Proctoring - use a WGU-issued webcam to take your assessment from home, work, or other suitable location
- WGU-Approved Testing Center - use a proctor at a local Community College, testing center, or similar location
- WGU assessment at a Prometric Center - WGU assessments can be scheduled through Prometric Testing Centers

(Note: I was always able to use a Prometric center)

(On online proctoring)
'Online Proctored exams are monitored via webcam by professional proctors. In order to maintain the credibility of our testing sessions, students are required to follow strict guidelines during said sessions. If any of the outlined guidelines is violated the proctors will discontinue students’ sessions and an internal investigation will be launched to evaluate violations."

This video was offered as a tutorial for setting up your environment for online proctoring - OLP Video Tutorial - Camera Position

Based on the above, I do not believe you would ever have to worry about finding your own approved proctor. The second and third options above, WGU-Approved Testing Center and Prometric Test Center, are searchable lists of centers and all you do is pick three and preferred times and WGU does the scheduling busywork.

[jtalama]

Ditto what lumpylump said...

[rebel100]

I pulled a few excerpts from the student handbook on the WGU portal:

(On test scheduling)
When a student is prepared to take an assessment, the student or the mentor makes an assessment scheduling request through the Degree Plan. To submit a scheduling request, students click on the "Schedule Now” button for the assessment to be scheduled. Students are presented with three options for scheduling of the exam.
- Online Proctoring - use a WGU-issued webcam to take your assessment from home, work, or other suitable location
- WGU-Approved Testing Center - use a proctor at a local Community College, testing center, or similar location
- WGU assessment at a Prometric Center - WGU assessments can be scheduled through Prometric Testing Centers

(Note: I was always able to use a Prometric center)

(On online proctoring)
'Online Proctored exams are monitored via webcam by professional proctors. In order to maintain the credibility of our testing sessions, students are required to follow strict guidelines during said sessions. If any of the outlined guidelines is violated the proctors will discontinue students’ sessions and an internal investigation will be launched to evaluate violations."

This video was offered as a tutorial for setting up your environment for online proctoring - OLP Video Tutorial - Camera Position

Based on the above, I do not believe you would ever have to worry about finding your own approved proctor. The second and third options above, WGU-Approved Testing Center and Prometric Test Center, are searchable lists of centers and all you do is pick three and preferred times and WGU does the scheduling busywork.

Screw that...do the MBA (of course some people like to test instead of write...I'm the opposite)

[Ace_King]

Right, I am considering the MBA most likely. Nothing else really fits me...

But thanks guys for the valuable information. You guys are all the best!!

[GoodYellowDogs]

I hope I don't have to find proctors for the Healthcare MBA - that would suck - I'd much rather write.

Screw that...do the MBA (of course some people like to test instead of write...I'm the opposite)