WGU Degree Plan for Cybersecurity Degree

[EducationSeeker]

Hi,

My son is still a High School student, but, he is considering Cybersecurity as a major and we are looking at WGU as a cost effective way for him to get this degree. I know from research that the CBE programs can not be price effective if a student does not complete classes in an assertive and timely way maximizing classes and value obtained during a 6 month term. 

Is there an age minimum for being admitted to WGU? I believe UMPI is 20, but, I think WGU is either 16 (his current age) or 18?

Is there a general degree plan for someone starting from scratch for Cybersecurity at WGU?

Thanks,

Education Seeker

[carrythenothing]

Admissions requirements: https://www.wgu.edu/admissions/it-requirements.html

To be considered for enrollment into a College of IT bachelor's degree program, students must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following: 

Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework. IT coursework must be 300 level or higher.
Option 2: Possess a bachelor’s or associate degree (A.A, A.S. or A.A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Option 3: Demonstrate at least two years of IT work experience through resume review.
Option 4: Submit official records of completion of current and active IT certifications, some of which may provide transfer credit into various programs. 
Option 5: (For applicants to the B.S. in Information Technology, B.S. Network Operations and Security, B.S. Data Analytics and Data Management, and B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance) Submit high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.75 GPA and a B grade or higher in a S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) course. *Only advanced mathematics courses will satisfy this requirement.

[EducationSeeker]

If my son selects the Cybersecurity program at his STEM High School, I believe he could get a COMPTIA Network + or A+ by his graduation date. If he plans his credits, I think he could also earn an Associates degree through local free CC credits, CLEP/DSST, or ACE credits from Study.com, he could get entry into the WGU Cybersecurity program. Otherwise, it looks like he would have to do Option 5 with at least a 2.75 in one of his High School courses by his graduation in the next 3 years? While it would be ambitious, if he could get closer to 90 credits by the time he graduates, it sounds like obtaining the remaining 30 credits in 6 months to 1 year for a Bachelors in Cybersecurity at WGU would be feasible?

Thanks,

Education Seeker

[origamishuttle]

If my son selects the Cybersecurity program at his STEM High School, I believe he could get a COMPTIA Network + or A+ by his graduation date.

As my WGU enrollment counselor said, "Stop right there." This is Option 4 in the requirements, and it's what many people use for acceptance to the College of IT. Any certification that can be transferred will qualify.

And if he can accumulate 90 CUs by the time he graduates high school, then he will have a better chance than most at completing the remaining 30 in one six-month term. However, be aware that WGU can change their degree programs without warning, so the longer it takes to start, the higher the chance that one or more courses he prepared to transfer will go to waste. This is true of any school, to a certain extent, but because WGU is very specific about their degree plans and what is accepted for transfer, and there's no way to lock it in before you enroll, it is definitely something to consider.