WGU MS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance?

[jsd]

Since I've just about wrapped up my bachelor's, I've been trying to figure out what's next. My degree won't actually be conferred until December (but my last class ends in a week), so I have some time, but I thought I'd look ahead a bit.

Has anyone gone through WGU's MS CSIA? My BA is in an unrelated field, but I have the professional experience required for admission.

Any insight anyone might have would be helpful in making a decision. Are the courses more technical, or more theory based? What time frame were you looking at? What were the assignments like?

Thanks in advance!

[ajs1976]

MSCIA is the new version of the MSISA. The change took place about 6 months ago. It is at least 2/3 the same maybe more. One change was the Cryptography exam was replaced with Cyberwarfare.

stretcharmy made it through the MSISA in one 6 month term working 35-40 hours a week. http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...iew-7.html

mednat started the MSISA as a 2nd Masters from WGU and then stopped. http://www.degreeforum.net/graduate-scho...ience.html

There are a number of threads about it at techexams.

It is one of the programs I am considering, but I'm the fence about it.

[jsd]

Thanks, I'll check out these threads, I appreciate it.

[bjcheung77]

Thanks, I'll check out these threads, I appreciate it.

Here is another thread in regards to the program and requirements.
http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...areer.html

I was curious what professional requirements have you satisfied?
What would you recommend as the certification to get for admissions?

[jsd]

Here is another thread in regards to the program and requirements.
http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...areer.html

No one in that thread has taken the course or provides their experience on it, you just told the poster to take a masters in cybersecurity because he was curious about the IT world. I'm don't see how it's relevant, to be honest (and I think this program is a horrible idea for someone without background in the field).

I was curious what professional requirements have you satisfied?
What would you recommend as the certification to get for admissions?

Here are the admission requirements, you'd pick one of the three options...

Demonstrate IT security experience through at least one of the following three methods:

• Have earned a bachelor’s degree in IT security or IT networking that covers at least two CISSP CBK domains. (You can find the domains listed here.)
  
• Hold a CISSP, CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, CCNA Security, CEH, CHFI, GIAC 2700 or GCWN certification that is valid and earned within the last five years.
  
• Submit a resume for review showing recent significant IT security experience, of at least three years, which demonstrates at least two CISSP CBK domains.
  

If you don't fulfil either of the other two and want to go the cert route, the CEH would probably be the "easier" cert, but it's also included in the Masters program so you're kind of tossing away your own money to get it. Same with CHFI. If you want to avoid that, my guess would be GIAC GCWN (2700 is discontinued) if you have a Windows security background, know your way around Active Directory and such.

That's a very subjective opinion. Others will have different opinions.

[ajs1976]

The SANS courses are expensive and I think taking the exam without the course is $1000. Not sure if that outways the hassle of dealing with EC-Council for the CEH.

If I do the program, my experience / resume should be enough, but I think I could justify it from a degree perspective too. Networking TECEP is one domain and the Cybersecurity DSST could cover the other. Initially they were not being very picky but something changed a few years ago and they do seem to pay more attention now.

[jsd]

Wow, that's quite the cost.

Many companies will pay for their IT/IS employee's certs, but if youre lucky enough for that it means you've probably already met the professional experience requirement anyway (as long as you can make a case for the domains)

[JTP]

If you don't fulfil either of the other two and want to go the cert route, the CEH would probably be the "easier" cert, but it's also included in the Masters program so you're kind of tossing away your own money to get it. Same with CHFI. If you want to avoid that, my guess would be GIAC GCWN (2700 is discontinued) if you have a Windows security background, know your way around Active Directory and such.

Having taken both the CEH and CHFI exams in the last year I can say the CHFI is by far easier. Neither was overly challenging, but the CEH had a ton of memorization of commands in it. If the CHFI wasn't paid for by my employer I would be kind of upset with the quality of the cert. The exam was a joke, compared to the study material, and I definitely do not feel qualified for any sort of forensic work upon completing it.

If someone was just taking it to get admission I think CHFI would be the easiest route.

[jsd]

I'd definitely take your word over mine. Makes sense.

Out of curiosity, since you just finished your BS in Cybersecurity, will you be taking a stab at this or a similar grad degree next?

[JTP]

I've started the process of applying to the program, but I'm not 100% certain it is what I will go with. It seems to make the most sense to go with WGU as I already have 2 of the 10 requirements completed, and it would be one of the cheapest options. From personal ego stand point I would like a degree with big name recognition like Cornel or John Hopkins but time and money is vastly different. Since I'm already in a career level position and the government only cares about checking that box with a regionally accredited degree program name doesn't seem to matter too much.

I also don't know if I could stand to sit through 16 week courses again after completing so much self study/pace courses.