How I got my bachelors degree in 5 months at 22 (no debt)

Summary

In this video, the creator Dan shares his journey of obtaining a bachelor's degree in Cyber Security and Information Assurance in just five months and 10 days from Western Governors University. He explains the unique, self-paced, competency-based learning model of the university that allowed him to accelerate through the program. Dan also discusses his initial struggles with choosing a major and dropping out during the pandemic, his discovery of cyber security through social media, and his successful completion of the degree with eight certifications. The video serves as a testament to the potential of online learning and the importance of perseverance in achieving educational goals.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker, Dan, completed his bachelor's degree in Cyber Security and Information Assurance in a remarkably short time of five months and 10 days.
• 🏫 He attended Western Governors University, which offers an online, self-paced learning environment.
• 🤔 Dan initially dropped out of Montgomery College in 2020 due to indecisiveness about his major and feeling like he was wasting time.
• 💡 His interest in Cyber Security was sparked by a video on TikTok, which introduced him to the role of a penetration tester or ethical hacker.
• 🔍 After watching a successful student's video, Dan researched Western Governors University and its competency-based learning approach.
• 📚 The program at WGU includes earning various IT certifications as part of the degree, which can also be costly if pursued individually.
• 📈 The competency-based education model allows students to progress through courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the material, rather than being restricted by semester timelines.
• 💻 Dan studied intensively, investing four to eight hours daily, including weekends, to complete his degree rapidly.
• 💼 He is now applying for entry-level Cyber Security jobs and preparing for an upcoming interview, while also practicing security concepts through platforms like TryHackMe and Cisco Packet Tracer.
• 💰 The cost of tuition at WGU is $4,000 every six months, regardless of the number of courses completed within that period.
• 🖥️ All exams, including those for certifications, are proctored, requiring a webcam if taken at home or in-person at a testing center.

Q & A

What is the name of the school Dan attended to get his bachelor's degree in Cyber Security?

Dan attended Western Governors University to get his bachelor's degree in Cyber Security.

How long did it take Dan to complete his bachelor's degree from Western Governors University?

It took Dan five months and ten days to complete his bachelor's degree.

Why did Dan drop out of Montgomery College?

Dan dropped out of Montgomery College because he was indecisive about his major, switched it multiple times, and felt like he was wasting time.

What was the turning point for Dan to get back into education?

The turning point for Dan was when he discovered Cyber Security through a video on TikTok and became interested in pursuing it as a career.

How did Dan find out about Western Governors University?

Dan found out about Western Governors University from a TikTok video where someone mentioned they got their degree and certifications from there.

What is the main teaching method of Western Governors University?

Western Governors University operates on a competency-based learning system, allowing students to progress through courses as soon as they can prove they master the material.

What does competency-based learning mean in the context of Western Governors University?

Competency-based learning means that students' skills and learning are measured rather than the time spent in a classroom, allowing them to advance upon mastering the material, not just at the end of a semester or term.

What kind of certifications does Western Governors University offer as part of their degree programs?

Western Governors University offers IT-related certifications such as CompTIA A Plus, Network Plus, Security Plus, and other vendor certifications as part of their degree programs.

How does the certification process work at Western Governors University?

Students at Western Governors University receive a voucher to take a certification exam, which they can take online or at a testing center. If they pass, the corresponding class is considered complete.

What was Dan's daily study routine like during his time at Western Governors University?

Dan studied anywhere from four to eight hours every day, including weekends, to complete his degree quickly.

What is the approximate cost for a term at Western Governors University?

The cost for a term at Western Governors University is approximately $4,000 every six months.