WGU Cybersecurity Degree In B.S. or M.S Online

Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly, with hackers and cybercriminals unleashing sophisticated viruses, malware, and scams daily. These threats endanger the critical data our society depends on. WGU’s online cybersecurity degree equips you to outmaneuver cybercriminals and become a vital defender for governments and leading organizations.

B.S and M.S Cybersecurity Degree

The WGU cybersecurity program integrates 15 industry-recognized certifications directly into its IT degree. This means you’ll earn valuable credentials alongside your coursework, boosting your resume without extra time or cost.

This computer systems degree program provides a robust foundation in key IT security principles, including:

• Secure Systems Analysis & Design
• Data Management
• Web and Cloud Security
• Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Ready for a Cybersecurity Career?

If you’re passionate about cybersecurity and seeking a rewarding career path, earning a degree is the crucial first step. A cybersecurity degree can significantly enhance your career prospects, increase earning potential, and open doors to exciting advancement opportunities.

B.S. or M.S. in Cybersecurity – How to Choose

Various degree options are available, choosing between a bachelor’s or master’s degree can be challenging.

This guide will explore the different cybersecurity degrees offered at WGU, helping you determine the best fit based on your existing experience and career goals.

• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.

1. Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Who Should Pursue this Degree?

This degree is ideal for individuals with a foundational understanding of IT. This includes those who have:

• Completed prior IT or STEM coursework: At least 300-level or higher.
• Significant IT experience: Including relevant certifications.
• A bachelor’s or associate degree: From an accredited institution.
• Two or more years of professional IT experience.
• A high school diploma and a strong academic record: Including a minimum 2.75 GPA and a “B” or higher in an advanced mathematics course.

These qualifications ensure you have the necessary background to succeed in the rigorous demands of this program. However, qualified high school graduates with a strong foundation in mathematics can also be considered.

Key Courses in the B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Program:

• Secure Systems Analysis and Design
• IT Fundamentals
• Business of IT
• Web Development
• Network and Security
• Scripting and Programming
• Information Assurance
• Data Management
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response  
• Technical Writing
• Ethics and Cyber Law
• Web and Cloud Security
• Wireless and Mobile Technologies
• Risk Management
• Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques  
• Penetration Testing

Industry-Recognized Certifications Included:

Earning your WGU bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity equips you with in-demand skills and prepares you to achieve a range of industry-leading certifications.  

As part of your tuition, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue:

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Associate of (ISC)2 designation  
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) – Associate of (ISC)2 designation  
• ITIL® Foundation Certification  
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)  
• CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
• CompTIA Network Security Professional
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Security Analytics Professional

These valuable certifications enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

Launch Your Cybersecurity Career:

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity opens doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities, including:

• IT Security Specialist
• Forensic Computer Analyst  
• Cybersecurity Analyst  
• Information Security Manager  
• Risk Manager
• Network Security Analyst
• Information Security Analyst
• IT Consultant

2. Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Who Should Pursue this Degree?

This advanced cybersecurity master’s degree from WGU is designed for professionals seeking career advancement. Ideal candidates:  

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (STEM, business, or a quantitatively focused degree).  
• Have prior experience in IT or security.
• Aspire to leadership roles such as CISO, CIO, CTO, cybersecurity manager, or director.  

The program provides in-depth knowledge in cybersecurity management, digital forensics, and information assurance.  

Important Note: This is a rigorous program. To ensure your success, you must meet specific qualifications:

• Option 1: Possess a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, business (quantitative analysis, accounting, economics, finance), or a similar quantitatively focused degree.  
• Option 2: Possess any bachelor’s degree AND one of the following:
  • Two years of related work experience.  
  • Relevant and current IT certifications.
  • Related IT coursework.

Cybersecurity Certifications Offered in this M.S Degree
WGU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program prepares you for a range of in-demand industry certifications, including:

• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)  
• CompTIA PenTest+  
• Optional CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Voucher  
• Optional ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Voucher  
• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

No Out-of-Pocket Costs:

Unlike traditional programs, WGU covers the cost of certification exam fees as part of your tuition. You won’t need to invest in expensive preparation courses or study materials.

Key Courses in the M.S. Cybersecurity Program:

• Secure Systems Analysis and Design  
• Network Design and Management  
• Cybersecurity Management  
• Security
• Hacking  
• Forensics and Network Intrusion

Career Opportunities in M.S. Cybersecurity:

A Master’s in Cybersecurity empowers you to take on high-level roles in the field, including:

• Forensic Computer Analyst
• CIO (Chief Information Officer)
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Information Security Manager
• Risk Manager
• Information Security Analyst

Choosing Between B.S. and M.S. in Cybersecurity:

Cybersecurity is a specialized field. While both our B.S. and M.S. programs require IT knowledge, the M.S. demands a higher level of experience and preparation.  

• B.S. in Cybersecurity: Suitable for individuals with some prior IT experience, including coursework, certifications, or work experience.
• M.S. in Cybersecurity: Designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree, significant IT experience, and career aspirations in cybersecurity leadership roles.

Carefully consider your current experience and career goals to determine the best degree path for you.

Why Choose WGU?

• Career-Ready Graduates: Our accredited programs are designed in collaboration with healthcare leaders to equip you with the in-demand skills and credentials employers seek. 97% of employers surveyed would hire another WGU graduate.
  • Source: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
• Land Your Dream Job: 85% of WGU graduates are employed in their field of study, with 87% working full-time.
  • Source: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
• Affordable Education: WGU offers flat-rate tuition that is 47% lower than the national average, making it an excellent and affordable investment in your future. Generous need-based scholarships are also available.
  • Source: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2022. WGU average rate excludes the WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
• Work While You Learn: WGU’s flexible learning model allows you to complete coursework, take exams, and graduate on your own schedule. Many of our healthcare students successfully balance their studies with full-time employment.

Affordable IT Degrees at WGU

WGU’s unique tuition model makes earning your IT degree more affordable. You pay a flat rate per six-month term, regardless of the number of courses you complete. This empowers you to accelerate your studies by mastering material quickly and moving through the program at your own pace. The faster you progress, the sooner you graduate and the less you’ll spend on your education overall.