IT Security Career Change Mid-Career?

[bjcheung77]

Hi There,

I'm scheduled to graduate with a BS Business Administration later this year.
I was wondering if I will be able to apply to a Masters in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.
I am very much interested in the program and the field, but I am not in IT.

My expertise is in Business/Retail Security and I have been a manager for a few years now.
I was hoping my managerial skills will be sufficient if I ever wanted to move into an IT Management role.
Furthermore, I would like to learn more and earn the CEH/CHFI certification mentioned for MSCIA.

After viewing the webpage for MSCIA - Online Master
My question is, with a BSBA. Can I meet the entry requirements after I obtain a CCNA certification?
Or are there other requirements? As there are 3 options: I think earning the CCNA is sufficient as per option B below.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, and must also demonstrate IT security
experience through at least one of the following three methods:

A) 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.)
B) 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.
C) Submit a resume for review showing recent significant IT security experience, of at least three years, which demonstrates at least two CISSP CBK domains.

As options A and C aren't available/completed by me, I was wanting to go for Option B and complete one of the Certifications, specifically CCNA.
Can someone get back in touch with me, please?
Thank you for your time, Bjcheung77

Hi Bryan,

Option B would provide you a pathway into the MSCIA program. I will recommend that our first step will be connecting with enrollment.

The CCNA certification is a heavy exam. I will encourage you to utilize the appropriate study guides and resources to ensure absolute preparation.

Should any questions come about please feel free to contact me.

Enrique Arvayo
WGU WA
Community Relations Manager Western Washington
20435 72nd Ave S, Suite 301
Kent, WA 98032

P: 253.905.7181
Email: enrique.arvayo@wgu.edu

Sent from my iPhone

So, to satisfy my assumption and curiosity, I actually sent an email to WGU asking about the MSCIA and admission to it.
For the OP, I think there's no harm in calling or contacting the enrollment team or the person who responded back to me.
Again, there are no other requirements but the CCNA - You can take your time in completing it if you are new to IT.

Everyone has to start at some place, the CCNA maybe a "harder" exam, but not by much as it has no prerequisites.
If you are admitted to the program, you're not thrown to the dogs, you have terms to learn your CEH and CHFI certs.
Also, spend some time with your IT dept director and ask what he/she looks for in a manager role for IT prerequisites.