Western Governors University Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

WGU's online B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance charges $4,425 per six-month term instead of per credit, so the faster you move, the less you pay. It bundles 16 industry certifications into tuition, including CompTIA Security+, and it's ABET accredited. It rewards self-starters who already know some IT, and it's a harder fit for anyone who needs deadlines to stay on track.

Western Governors University is a private nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, built around competency-based learning. You move through courses by showing what you know, not by sitting out a fixed number of weeks. The format is asynchronous and self-paced, and a new term can begin on the 1st of every month.

The program has 37 courses, and some can be satisfied through transfer credit. WGU says 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.

WGU also offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, with 11 courses and five certifications built in. The master's is the step up if you already hold a bachelor's, while this degree is the starting point for people who don't.

The full rubric is on the methodology page.

WGU's cybersecurity program is ABET accredited. The program says it holds a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation through 2026, so confirm its current status if that designation matters for the job you want, such as some federal roles.

On certifications, WGU says the program prepares you for CompTIA Security+, and the certification list includes CompTIA A+ and Network+. WGU states that it includes 16 industry-recognized certifications.

Where this degree can lead: Cybersecurity Degree Jobs.

Who It Fits

• IT workers with help desk or networking experience who can pass courses quickly because they already know the material.
• Self-directed adults who want to set their own pace and finish in fewer terms.
• People who want certifications in hand at graduation. The program prepares you for CompTIA Security+ and includes CompTIA A+ and Network+ in its certification list.
• Career changers who want to build up from the basics: the program starts with core IT, networking, programming and cybersecurity concepts.

Who Should Skip It

• Students who work best with weekly deadlines and live classes. The format is self-paced, and the pace is yours to hold.
• Anyone who wants to be in a cohort, since the model is built around individual progress.
• Students counting on a flat cost regardless of speed. Charging by term rewards speed and punishes stalling.

The notable courses include Network and Security Foundations, Network and Security Applications and Foundations of Programming in Python. Python is a practical language to learn early, since scripting is common in security work. The program finishes with a Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Capstone that pulls the skills together.

WGU lists hands-on work in penetration testing and digital forensics, which gives the degree a wider reach than a pure defense curriculum. In total there are 37 courses, and the competency-based setup means you can move quickly through topics you already know and slow down on ones you don't.

Courses the School Names

• Network and Security - Foundations
• Network and Security - Applications
• Foundations of Programming (Python)
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Capstone

Standout Features

• Hands-on technical experience with penetration testing and digital forensics coursework
• Includes 16 industry-recognized certifications at no extra tuition
• National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation through 2026

Tuition is $4,425 per six-month term, charged per term rather than per credit. You can complete as many courses as you can manage in that term, so total cost depends on how many terms you use. Someone who finishes in the 29 months WGU reports for 60% of graduates will spend fewer terms than someone who takes longer, and a faster pace costs less.

The 16 industry certifications come at no extra tuition, which can offset the exam fees you'd otherwise pay one at a time. Ask the school about certification vouchers and any other fees before you enroll.

The program is asynchronous, so you set your own schedule. There are no live classes to attend, and start dates fall on the 1st of every month, so you rarely wait to begin.

Competency-based learning has a trade-off. You get speed and flexibility, but nobody sets a weekly rhythm for you. The routine is yours to build, such as a set number of hours before work each day. Ask how advising and mentor support work before you sign up.

• Federal data shows a 47% completion rate at WGU, so self-paced study doesn't suit everyone.
• Cost per term is fixed, so a slow pace means paying for additional terms.
• No live cohort or set class times.
• The designation as a cyber defense center runs through 2026, so check renewal.

• How many of the 37 courses could my transfer credit or certifications cover?
• Which of the 16 certifications do I earn along the way, and who pays for retakes?
• How often will I meet with a mentor, and what happens if I fall behind in a term?
• How many courses do students typically finish per term in this degree?
• Is the NSA cyber defense designation current for this program?
• What penetration testing and digital forensics labs will I actually use?

Private nonprofit online university with competency-based programs and flat per-term tuition.

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• Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

  M.S., Master's

  Fully Online Score 65.3

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• Champlain College

  Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

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  Ohio $398 per credit Score 69.8

• Wilmington University

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  Delaware $439 per credit Score 67.2