The M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program is an all-online program that you will complete through independent study with the support of WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 8 competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each 6-month term. (Each course is typically 3 or 4 units).

The WGU M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance online degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the experts on our Information Technology Program Council, ensuring you learn best practices in systems and services, networking and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT. The experts who make up the WGU IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be successful in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of information technology.

As I wrap up my journey with the WGU Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (MSCIA) program, I want to take a moment to reflect on the experience and share some insights. At 27, I’m still relatively new to the cybersecurity field, with two years of experience as a security analyst. While I don’t have a decade of experience or a CISSP certification yet, the MSCIA program has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and shaping my career trajectory.

After earning my bachelor's degree from a traditional university in May 2021, I decided to pursue the MSCIA in August of the same year. Having recently moved to the United States and with English as my second language, I found the program's emphasis on academic writing particularly challenging. However, this challenge ultimately strengthened my communication skills, which are essential in cybersecurity.

Before starting the program, I had earned the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) practical certification, which contributed to the Ethical Hacking course (C701). Despite this one-course transfer, much of the content in the program was new to me, which made the learning experience both enriching and rewarding. Although this degree is not highly technical, its focus on broader security principles, shaped by the CISSP framework, was incredibly valuable. One of the keys to my success in completing the program within six months was careful planning. With 182 days to complete eight courses, I aimed to finish one course approximately every 22 days. By breaking the workload into manageable chunks, I maintained a steady pace while balancing work and study. On average, I dedicated 12-15 hours per week, which allowed me to complete both objective and performance assessments on my first attempt.

The most significant takeaway from the program was the emphasis on compliance and security management. The coursework helped me transition from a technical, analyst-focused mindset to thinking more strategically as a manager. This broader understanding of cybersecurity, including risk management, policy implementation, and compliance, has already started to benefit me in my current role. While I won’t go into details about each course, as there are many resources available online, I do want to offer some general advice for those tackling the objective and performance assessments. Many of the scenarios begin with, “You are a newly hired security engineer at Company X,” and require you to think holistically about security issues. The goal is not to dive into technical specifics but to demonstrate your ability to analyze security needs, recommend appropriate actions, and think critically from a managerial perspective.

In cases where I felt like I was repeating information in different sections of a performance assessment, I found that visual aids, such as diagrams created in tools like draw.io, were helpful. This approach not only made my submissions more organized but also helped clarify key concepts more concisely. Additionally, I highly recommend using tools like Grammarly to polish your writing. For me, it was invaluable in ensuring my papers were clear, professional, and free of errors. The ability to write effectively is a crucial skill in cybersecurity, especially when communicating complex ideas to stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.

Ultimately, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to complete the MSCIA program at WGU. This competency-based model allowed me to move at my own pace, enabling me to finish in just six months while gaining substantial knowledge and skills. The degree is not just another credential on my resume—it’s a testament to the hard work, discipline, and growth I’ve experienced along the way. I’m confident that the knowledge I’ve gained from this program will serve me well as I continue to advance in my cybersecurity career. For anyone considering the WGU MSCIA program, I can confidently say that it offers a comprehensive education that prepares you for the challenges of the field.