What can you do with a Cybersecurity And Information Assurance degree from Western Governors University?

First, some facts. Of the Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates from Western Governors University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 25 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 84%, Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates from Western Governors University have a much higher likelihood (+17%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 84%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 16% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduate from Western Governors University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Western Governors University with a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity And Information Assurance. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Technology Technician III
South Coast ESD
Dec 2023 - Present
As a Technology Technician III, some technical skills may align with cybersecurity knowledge, but the core qualifications of the job do not require a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.

ABOUT

Highly skilled and dedicated Information Technology Technician with 8 years of professional experience providing support for small and large organizations. Specializing in helpdesk operations, I have extensive expertise in supporting Windows OS/Server, Office, Exchange, Active Directory, Android, iOS, Casino Gambling systems, Point of Sale operations, Property Management, and User Access Management. Complemented by a B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, I possess a strong foundation in data management, cryptography, legal issues, digital forensics, network security, offensive techniques, project management, and communications. My certifications include CompTIA Pentest+, CySA+, Security+, Network+, A+, Project+, ITIL v4 Foundations, (ISC)2 - SSCP, and Microsoft Certified Professional - MCP, aligning with DoD 8570 IAT Level II / IAM Level I / CSSP Analyst, Infrastructure Support, Incident Response, AuditorRecent Grad + Schedule A Special Hiring Authorities.

What jobs can you get with a Cybersecurity And Information Assurance degree from Western Governors University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


From analyzing the list of jobs held by graduates from Western Governors University with a degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, it's clear that many of them are landing roles that are very relevant to their field of study. Common job titles include Cybersecurity Engineer, Information Security Analyst, and Cybersecurity Manager, which all require specific skills and knowledge learned during their degree. A lot of these positions, like the Cybersecurity Practice Manager or Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, mean these individuals are getting to dive deep into the world of security strategies, vulnerability assessments, and even incident response — which is the stuff that really matters in cybersecurity!

However, not all of the jobs are a perfect match for their studies. Some positions, like Solutions Architect or IT Support roles, while they might use some tech skills, don’t focus heavily on cybersecurity principles. It's like getting a pizza instead of a salad when you're really craving health food — you get some good stuff, but maybe not all the greens you were looking for! Overall, though, a good chunk of the jobs held by these graduates are indeed relevant to Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, showing that their degree really prepares them for a solid career in this important field!

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates (this is across all Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Governors University):

What kind of career trajectories do Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates from Western Governors University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Based on the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from Western Governors University with degrees in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, it looks like these individuals are generally finding success in careers closely related to their field of study. Right after graduation, many are starting off in positions such as IT Support Analysts, Systems Engineers, and SOC Analysts, all of which are relevant entry-level roles in cybersecurity and IT. For example, a number of graduates from the class of 2021 have secured jobs ranging from Information Technology Security Specialists to Senior Cybersecurity Engineers, indicating a strong entry point into the industry. This trend continues with more recent graduates, many of whom are already stepping into roles like Cyber Security Manager and Information Security Officer shortly after finishing their degrees.

Fast forward five to ten years, and these graduates appear to be climbing the career ladder, often moving into managerial or senior positions. For instance, there are individuals who have transitioned into roles like Cybersecurity Practice Manager and Director of Information Security in just a few years. Overall, this indicates a positive trajectory where graduates are not only gaining relevant experience but are also advancing in their careers within the cybersecurity sector. So, if you're thinking about a degree in this field, it looks like there are solid opportunities waiting for you after graduation!

How hard is a Cybersecurity And Information Assurance degree from Western Governors University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance can be a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s generally considered challenging, especially if you’re diving into technical subjects for the first time. At Western Governors University (WGU), the format is pretty unique because it’s all about self-paced learning, which means you can speed up or slow down based on how quickly you grasp the material. If you’re someone who enjoys tech and is willing to put in the effort, you’ll find it engaging, but be prepared to deal with some tough concepts like network security and cryptography. Overall, it might be a bit harder than your average degree because you often have to manage your own study schedule and stay on top of everything. So, if you're ready to commit and stay disciplined, you can definitely handle it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Cybersecurity And Information Assurance.

Do Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates from Western Governors University tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates from Western Governors University, it seems like many of them are doing pretty well financially! Most have landed solid roles in cybersecurity and IT, which tends to pay well, especially with positions like Cybersecurity Practice Manager and Director of Information Security popping up. Even the ones just starting out or with less experience are getting into decent positions at companies like FDIC and Lockheed Martin, which is a good sign. Cybersecurity roles are generally in high demand, so I’d say they’re likely making decent money, especially as they gain more experience and move up the ranks!

What buzzwords do Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Cybersecurity And Information Assurance (this is across all Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Governors University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Cybersecurity And Information Assurance?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Cybersecurity And Information Assurance (ordered by the average relevance score of their Cybersecurity And Information Assurance graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Western Governors University 84 25