Forum newbie headed to WGU for BSCSIA (I think)

[raekwon]

(I don't remember what Google search brought me to this forum, but I'm glad that I found it.)

So... I'm looking to start my first term at WGU in February 2022--or at least I was before I did some browsing around here. As it stands, I should be starting off with at 21 CUs already taken care of before even trying to try to test out of anything, due to professional certifications and one AP exam. I was planning on CLEPing out of algebra and English Comp (1 and 2?) with Modern States materials and vouchers, but now I'm wondering if I should try to test out of anything else via CLEP or other providers before enrolling.

I know that there's a ton of info on these forums and I'm looking through it slowly but I'm wondering if there's a general consensus on what exam providers give the best bang for the buck (and that are obviously accepted by WGU).

Glad to be here.

[rachel83az]

CLEP is good for English Comp, but I would suggest Sophia for Algebra as listed on the wiki here: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/WG...egree_Plan If you're not strong in Algebra already, I would suggest using ASU's self-paced Algebra class for FREE access to ALEKS as listed here: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Ar...al_Learner That way, you'll be able to understand the higher math that WGU will throw at you.

[quigongene]

The program has changed a bit since I took it, but the spreadsheet in my sig is the path I took for the BSCSIA. The main thing to keep in mind is once you're enrolled, you can't bring in any other outside sources of credit.

[raekwon]

The program has changed a bit since I took it, but the spreadsheet in my sig is the path I took for the BSCSIA. The main thing to keep in mind is once you're enrolled, you can't bring in any other outside sources of credit.

Yep, exactly why I might not be starting in February after all. Trying to figure out exactly what classes I can (and want to) test out of before actually enrolling. Even considered taking a class or two at a local community college, but that'll likely be more expensive than it's worth.

[bjcheung77]

Basically, I would recommend taking a look at the https://partners.wgu.edu website and selecting the alternative credit providers such as CSM, Saylor, Sophia, StraighterLine, Study.com, etc and see which courses can be transferred in. Take the max outside of WGU and then take the only remaining ones offered at WGU that can't be transferred in, get close to that 90 credit threshold before you enroll at WGU.

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I also highly recommend you creating a "spreadsheet" documenting the required courses, then using the list above and providers mentioned, to establish a list of courses that can be completed with alternative credits and ones that must be completed at at WGU. Enroll once you have the courses complete and you're ready for WGU, if needed, you can ask to delay your enrollment.

[rachel83az]

No need to go to partners.wgu.edu and compare! We have some WGU degree plans on the wiki now.

[LevelUP]

You can CLEP out of English Comp I & II.

College Algebra I would only CLEP out if you can do it without studying. Otherwise, Sophia Foundations of Algebra is probably an easier/quicker path.

Then do Sophia's courses.  After that do Study.com courses.

Certifications are free to do at WGU, though you could transfer in some of the hardest certs to give you a bit of a head start.  Not sure which are the hardest, but I would guess CCSP, SSCP, CySA+, PenTest+. (ask quigongene) Most of the other certs people can do in a couple of weeks.

Check the DF Wiki for the WGU Cybersecurity plan.

[raekwon]

Certifications are free to do at WGU, though you could transfer in some of the hardest certs to give you a bit of a head start.  Not sure which are the hardest, but I would guess CCSP, SSCP, CySA+, PenTest+. (ask quigongene) Most of the other certs people can do in a couple of weeks.

Check the DF Wiki for the WGU Cybersecurity plan.

Already have A+, Net+, and Sec+. Won't have to worry about PenTest+ if I pass this CEH exam I'm sitting for in a couple of weeks. **fingers crossed**

I'll have to check the wiki for that plan

[MNomadic]

Certifications are free to do at WGU, though you could transfer in some of the hardest certs to give you a bit of a head start.  Not sure which are the hardest, but I would guess CCSP, SSCP, CySA+, PenTest+. (ask quigongene) Most of the other certs people can do in a couple of weeks.

Check the DF Wiki for the WGU Cybersecurity plan.

Already have A+, Net+, and Sec+. Won't have to worry about PenTest+ if I pass this CEH exam I'm sitting for in a couple of weeks. **fingers crossed**

I'll have to check the wiki for that plan

From sophia, I'd definitely do:

- communication at work
- stats and algebra foundations
- project management
- web dev foundations
- intro to IT if you need it
- environmental science if you need a science
- all of these all of the above can be done very quickly

Do both your data management classes at study.com(lots of overlap). 

Save critical thinking/logic and ethics in tech for WGU, since both of those are very quick. 

In addition to the above sources, and CLEPs, look into Saylor as you can potentially knock some courses out for $5 each(if they're available) link

As mentioned, feel free to reference WGU's own transfer partner pages to verify transfer courses: link

Also, which AP exam have you taken?

[raekwon]

Also, which AP exam have you taken?

Macroeconomics, which I'm assuming will cover the Intro to Geography class, whose transfer requirement is "one course, equivalent to 3 units, in geography. This requirement can also be satisfied by one course equivalent to 3 units, in the behavioral or social sciences (history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, or political science)."