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Why WGU’s BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance is Perfect for Degree Hacking
If you’re ready to fast-track your cybersecurity degree, WGU’s BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance is built for you. The program’s competency-based approach, six-month terms, and flexible credit transfer options reward your prior learning and industry certifications, helping you finish faster while still meeting WGU’s core graduation standards.
Here's why this program is great for degree hackers:
Online Flexibility & Transfer-Friendly
- 100% online with six-month terms, start monthly
- Competency-based pacing, move on once you prove mastery
- Transfer-credit maximum: up to approximately 75% of the program (residency requires at least 25% of total CUs at WGU including the capstone)
Cybersecurity Career Preparation
- Covers skills such as network and cloud security, scripting, forensics, intrusion detection, cryptography, AI and analytics
- Chances for target roles like Information Security Analyst, Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, and Penetration Tester
- Includes 3rd-party IT certifications in the degree program, without additional fees outside of the tuition
Why Most People Take 3–4 Years (And How to Do It in 6–12 Months)
Why Most People Take 3–4 Years:
Most students follow the traditional path, which is perfectly normal, but it spreads learning across longer timelines and higher costs.
Here is how the usual approach plays out in practice:
- They follow fixed semesters: Standard 12-to-16-week terms cap pacing and make it hard to stack assessments when you are ready.
- They transfer too little: Credits and industry certifications that could satisfy requirements are left unused without a mapped evaluation up front.
- They pay per credit: Per‑credit pricing encourages slower, course‑by‑course progress and spreads tuition over more terms.
- They don't plan courses with prerequisites well: Advanced cyber courses taken elsewhere often do not apply, then residency and capstone rules require retakes.
Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:
- Max transfer early: Bank all eligible lower-division general education and foundational IT credits before matriculation.
- Keep core courses at WGU: Keep upper-level cybersecurity, labs, and the capstone at WGU to satisfy residency and ensure alignment.
- Plan by term: Target 16–24 CUs per term using competency-based pacing, then lock exam dates.
- Result: 1-2 years for $9,220 to $18,440 total
Your BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree doesn’t have to take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars. Through degree hacking, you can shorten your graduation without breaking the bank.
Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack WGU’s BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Degree
These tips synthesize how successful WGU cyber students cut time and cost while honoring all policies. The goal: finish fast without sacrificing rigor, using competency-based pacing, approved transfer, and industry-aligned certifications.
WGU BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Pre-Enrollment Hacks:
- Leverage Study.com pathways - Use Study.com courses to pre-fill gen ed and IT foundations where WGU confirms equivalency, then reserve advanced cyber for residency.
- Bank CLEP and DSST credits - Schedule CLEP College Composition and College Algebra or DSST subjects to cover basics quickly with official scores sent to WGU.
- Stack eligible IT certifications - Earn or renew CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ or similar certifications that WGU applies directly to course requirements.
- Build a custom degree hacking plan - Request a personalized degree hacking map with provider IDs and residency strategy via DegreeHacked.org so you only take what you need at WGU.
WGU BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Degree Hacking Plan
BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn’t
Not every requirement moves you forward the same way. In WGU’s BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, a smart plan uses low-cost transfer credit, approved ACE or NCCRS coursework, and recognized certifications where they fit, and saves key assessments for WGU to take advantage of competency-based pacing and built-in certification prep.
Here is a clear look at how the 122 competency units (CUs) breakdown:
- ~36 CUs: General Education courses (transfer-friendly)
- ~82 CUs: IT Foundations and Cybersecurity Core courses (mix of transfer-friendly and WGU Only)
- 4 CUs: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Capstone (WGU only)
WGU Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy
Why Degree Hacking Works for Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Students:
- Lower costs: Front-load low-cost gen ed courses via Study.com and stack certs for direct credit
- Faster graduation: Competency-based terms reward mastering multiple courses per term
- Focus on what matters: Save WGU time for high-value cyber labs, projects, and capstone
Ready for Your Complete Plan?
Your custom roadmap includes the following:
✓ 120+ CU map with what to transfer and what to keep
✓ Provider and exam IDs for each recommended course
✓ Cost and timeline by term, plus tuition model
✓ Backup options if an exam or course does not fit
Your degree map is on its way. 🎉
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Applying to WGU for the B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
When to Apply: Best Enrollment Time
WGU term start dates are on the first of each month. Prepare for enrollment after you’ve completed all prior certifications, earned pre-enrollment credits, and so on to ensure that you can submit them for evaluation.
WGU Admissions and Transfer Logistics
- Apply online, typically 15–30 minutes
- Send official transcripts and exam or cert reports directly from issuers
- Transfer evaluation begins after all official docs are received
- Expect a course-by-course decision and a personalized degree plan
WGU Tuition and Other Aid Information
- Flat tuition per six-month term: $4,610, includes resources fee
- Federal aid available, WGU grants and scholarships, plus employer reimbursement
- Lower your tuition fee by finishing your courses faster through pre-enrollment hacks and affordable alternative transfer credit options
WGU's BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Career ROI
- Median salary benchmark: Information Security Analysts earn about $124,910 per year, national median
- Degree payback time: 1-2 months
- Roles prospect: Security Analyst, Engineer, SOC Analyst, Vulnerability Tester, and Incident Responder
Save time and money earning your WGU BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Many students can complete a degree for under $10,000 to $15,000 in just 6–12 months. Build valuable skills for careers in security operations, incident response, and penetration testing, and beyond. Enroll now and start paving the way to your future success!
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