WGU Revamps Cloud Computing Degree(AWS, Azure, Multicloud Tracks)

[MNomadic]

WGU has completely revamped the Cloud Computing degrees and now offers the option to choose between separate tracks focused on either AWS, Azure, or both. A lot more certs are included now, though it also appears that the tuition for that degree was bumped up slightly more than the other non-cyber IT degrees($3790 vs $3625 per term, a difference of $165). 


Degree details


Tuition details

Certification comparison

Keep in mind that it appears the info posted on the site and transfer guidelines likely aren't fully updated yet. For example, the main page shows that AWS CCP is part of all tracks in the cloud foundations course but the comparison sheet shows that it's not included in the Azure track. Since AWS CCP and Azure Fundamentals are roughly the same level/material it wouldn't make sense to make their students take 2 separate "cloud foundations" courses.

[origamishuttle]

Exciting changes! I just started the BSCC April 1st, but I'll likely stay on the old degree program because I'm closing in on 100 of 123 CUs already. One thing to note is that the term tuition for Cloud Computing has been $3,790 for at least the past few months. Hopefully they won't raise it again when the new degree tracks are introduced.

[bjcheung77]

That's cool... they're making changes to streamline their degree offerings.  I keep forgetting, do they grant the vouchers for the certifications?  If so, which of the certs would be the best bang for the buck?  From the chart, is there an option that shows "all the certs", so you can do a "Both" as mentioned.  I don't see one where each and all of them are X out... how does that work out if you want "both".  

[origamishuttle]

I keep forgetting, do they grant the vouchers for the certifications? 

Some certs are required for the degree, like the CompTIA certs, so they pay for the first two attempts, then the student pays for attempts three and four. Not sure if they allow a fifth attempt.

However, in the new degree tracks, it appears that the AWS and Azure certifications are not required for the degree. Instead, there will be a WGU exam, and then the student gets a voucher to take the certification on their own. That's what the double asterisks seems to signify.

I don't see one where each and all of them are X out... how does that work out if you want "both".  

That's the idea here - either A, or B, or a little of A & B. If someone wanted all the certs, they could theoretically complete all of A, then change track to B, but that would likely end up costing far more in tuition than the certs themselves. For example, the three AWS certs only cost $75 each if you pass them on the first attempt, so $225 total.

[bluebooger]

> how does that work out if you want "both"

multi-cloud column

[MNomadic]

That's cool... they're making changes to streamline their degree offerings.  I keep forgetting, do they grant the vouchers for the certifications?  If so, which of the certs would be the best bang for the buck?  From the chart, is there an option that shows "all the certs", so you can do a "Both" as mentioned.  I don't see one where each and all of them are X out... how does that work out if you want "both".  

https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/it...tions.html

Also, any of the individual degree pages have a section stating which certs are included. 

A side note about the Microsoft Certs is that there are a lot of ways to get those free/discounted(some methods mentioned on this board) and they aren't that expensive to begin with, so while it's nice that they're included, it's not a total game-changer in my opinion.

---

Also of note is that the degree includes a "managing cloud security" course which looks like the same course in the BSCSIA degree, which includes a voucher for isc2 CCSP. Would be really cool if the cloud students could get that as well.

[origamishuttle]

A side note about the Microsoft Certs is that there are a lot of ways to get those free/discounted(some methods mentioned on this board) and they aren't that expensive to begin with, so while it's nice that they're included, it's not a total game-changer in my opinion.

Good point! I'm not sure about the other exams, but the student discount for the Azure Administrator Associate cert is 45%, which brings it from $165 down to $91.

[MNomadic]

Another note is that the Transfer cert page doesn't reflect some of the new certs that *should* transfer in like Azure Fundamentals. My guess is that it just hasn't been updated yet.

https://www.wgu.edu/admissions/transfers...tions.html

[origamishuttle]

Also of note is that the degree includes a "managing cloud security" course which looks like the same course in the BSCSIA degree, which includes a voucher for isc2 CCSP. Would be really cool if the cloud students could get that as well.

This is still in question, as the FAQ page lists "D320" as the Managing Cloud Security course ID, not "C838" like the current Managing Cloud Security course.

[MNomadic]

Also of note is that the degree includes a "managing cloud security" course which looks like the same course in the BSCSIA degree, which includes a voucher for isc2 CCSP. Would be really cool if the cloud students could get that as well.

This is still in question, as the FAQ page lists "D320" as the Managing Cloud Security course ID, not "C838" like the current Managing Cloud Security course.

Good point!