Explore WGU's 2023 Cybersecurity Courses List: Build skills, secure data. Learn about web development, network security, ethics, and more. Enroll today for a brighter IT future
In today's era of rapid technological advancement, the prevalence of cybercrimes is on the rise. With hackers exploiting the digital landscape, the importance of cybersecurity has escalated, becoming an indispensable necessity.
These hackers, often referred to as cybercriminals, possess the ability to infiltrate various devices and gain unauthorized access to sensitive and confidential information, which they can then exploit for personal gain or malicious purposes.
Among the multitude of cybercrimes, financial theft through unauthorized access to credit and debit cards is a prevalent threat. These criminal activities occur frequently, perpetuated by numerous hackers who exploit vulnerabilities in online systems.
Despite the daunting nature of this evolving threat, dedicated teams of professionals work tirelessly to shield us from these unscrupulous individuals. The realm of cybersecurity is committed to developing and refining software solutions that fortify the security of our devices, ensuring they remain safeguarded from potential breaches. Through constant innovation, cybersecurity strives to create a resilient digital environment that can withstand the ever-evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals.
If you're excited about the idea of working in cybersecurity and protecting people from online criminals, here's a quick guide.
WGU stands for Western Governors University, where you can earn an online degree in cybersecurity. It's a smart career choice with lots of job opportunities and good pay. This is especially true in today's world where cybersecurity is crucial.
The WGU program teaches you all you need to know with 14 courses. These courses give you certifications that are like badges of expertise in cybersecurity.
The best part is that you can learn online while you work or study, which sets you apart from others. This makes your resume stronger and gives you an edge in the cybersecurity field.
WGU Cybersecurity Courses: A Closer Look
Certifications hold immense value in the IT industry, which is why all the certifications provided by WGU come at no extra cost. The B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from WGU includes three well-regarded certifications.
These certifications are Network Vulnerability Assessment, Security Analytics, and Network Security. These certifications demonstrate that an individual has acquired several CompTIA certificates, showcasing the sought-after knowledge and practical skills necessary for advancing in an IT career.
These comprehensive certification courses are specifically designed for mid-level IT professionals who have around two to five years of experience in the specific field.
Here is a list of the courses offered at Western Governors University (WGU) for those interested in pursuing a career in this field:
Secure system analysis and design:
Learn essential concepts and practices in international information security.
Understand basic security measures and how to plan and control them within organizations.
IT Fundamentals:
- Explore scripting, programming, and data management technologies.
- Examine connections between various technology areas and their business applications.
General Education:
- Develop critical thinking and logical reasoning skills.
- Get introduced to subjects like Geography, physical sciences, ethics in technology, Probability and statistics, English, and Algebra.
- Gain insights into American politics and the US Constitution.
- Enhance communication skills.
In addition to the aforementioned courses, the curriculum also covers vital subjects such as American politics and the US Constitution. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the development of exceptional communication skills, ensuring a well-rounded education that goes beyond technical aspects.
Business of IT:
The "Business of IT" curriculum delves into the realm of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), covering fundamental terms, policies, concepts, and system structures.
This program focuses on managing IT operations, encouraging students to grasp the core principles of ITIL. Beyond that, it equips students to ready themselves for diverse career opportunities in IT, as well as roles in business management or process ownership.
Web Development:
- Learn HTML5 and CSS for web design.
- Gain proficiency in essential web development techniques.
Network and Security:
- Understand computer network components and communication protocols.
- Learn network vulnerabilities and migration techniques.
Scripting and Programming
- Grasp design concepts, flow controls, and data types.
- Survey programming languages and differentiate between compiled and interpreted languages.
Information Assurance
- Understand cryptographic algorithms and protocol usage.
- Learn how protocols protect data confidentiality.
Data Management
- Get acquainted with basic terminology and SQL.
- Learn about Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML).
Digital Forensics and Incident Response
- Explore digital forensics and evidence handling.
- Learn incident management and cybercrime consequences.
Technical Writing
- Improve communication skills, editing, and presentation.
- Enhance both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Ethics and Cyber Law:
- Understand ethics, legal principles, and data protection.
- Learn operational policies and reduce cyber threats.
Web and Cloud Security:
- Protect sensitive information on cloud platforms.
- Solve security issues related to cloud-based technologies.
Wireless and Mobile Technologies:
- Explore new wireless technologies and risk factors.
- Understand technology adoption and risk awareness.
Risk Management:
- Analyze security programs in relation to business goals.
- Understand the connection between information security and business objectives.
Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques:
- Study security from a hacker's perspective.
- Learn practical hacking methods and countermeasures.
Capstone Project:
- Integrate educational experience into a critical project.
- Develop a technical work proposal, implementation, and post-implementation report.
Penetration Testing:
- Plan and execute penetration tests.
- Gather confidential information and assess vulnerabilities.
WGU's curriculum covers a wide range of topics in the IT field, providing students with practical skills and knowledge to succeed in various aspects of information technology.
Admission Requirements and Process for WGU's Cybersecurity Degree
For prospective students interested in pursuing a cybersecurity degree at WGU, certain admission criteria need to be met. These include:
Educational Background:
- High school graduation or equivalent from a reputable institution.
- ACT or SAT exam scores are required for admission.
Prior IT Coursework:
- Completion of an IT course at a level equal to or above 300.
- Possession of an Associate or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in the IT field.
- Submission of any relevant IT certifications.
The admission process for WGU's cybersecurity degree involves several steps:
- Application Submission.
- Apply for admission and pay the application fee.
- Document Submission.
- Upload all required documents.
- Financial Aid Application.
Tuition Payment: Tuition fees must be paid by the 22nd of the month.
By meeting these admission requirements and following the outlined steps, aspiring students can take the first steps towards securing a cybersecurity degree from WGU.
Tuition and Financial Support at WGU
Research shows that a significant 45% of WGU students graduate without relying on student loans.
WGU is committed to ensuring affordable education by maintaining low tuition fees and providing scholarships, thereby alleviating financial burdens for students.
Beyond delivering quality education, WGU has effectively removed financial obstacles that might hinder the learning journey.
WGU employs a flat-rate tuition structure, where students pay a set amount for a six-month period. During this timeframe, students can complete numerous courses without incurring additional costs.
The ingenious design of their competency-based programs empowers students to learn at their own pace, enabling them to cover multiple courses while saving both money and time.
Additional Certification Courses at WGU University
Apart from offering certification courses in cyber-security, WGU provides a diverse range of other courses, including:
Information Technology Professions Job Board:
Explore various IT career opportunities and pathways.
Health Professions Job Board:
Discover job prospects in the health field.
Nurses:
Courses tailored for nursing professionals.
Health Information Management:
Learn about managing health-related data.
Business Job Board:
Explore different career options in the business sector.
Accounting:
Courses focused on accounting principles and practices.
Business Management:
Learn about effective business administration.
Human Resources:
Gain insights into managing human resources in organizations.
These diverse certification courses cater to a wide range of professions, helping individuals develop skills and knowledge for success in various fields.
In conclusion, pursuing an online degree in cybersecurity equips you with the necessary coursework to adeptly safeguard confidential data for diverse organizations. This educational journey not only imparts insights into the existing cyber landscape but also fosters continuous growth as you stay updated with emerging technologies.
Such a program empowers you to not only understand current cyber systems but also play a pivotal role in developing new, robust security systems. Whether you opt for an undergraduate or graduate certification, this degree can significantly elevate your career trajectory and distinguish you from your peers. Armed with the knowledge and skills gained, you'll be well-prepared to excel in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.