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WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY

IT Events

At Western Governors University's College of Information Technology (COIT), we aim to give you the skills and training you need to be marketable in the information technology field. We offer high-quality online degree programs in Computer Science/Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and IT/Cloud. We also provide top industry certifications, included in our tuition.

Boost your résumé with the valuable online information technology degree and certifications you need to impress employers and be prepared for a successful career.

Connect with industry leaders live and in real-time or to learn about the program offerings and the unique competency-based model WGU has to offer.

Key Statistics for WGU's College of IT

94% full-time employed graduates

65% of graduates plan to pursue another degree or certification

31,000+ current graduates

College of Information Technology Open House

Wednesday, December 6, at 6:00 pm MST

Are you ready to take the next step toward an exciting and fulfilling IT career? Join us at our next WGU College of IT Open House and unlock a world of possibilities.

At this exclusive event, you'll explore the cutting-edge competency-based model that sets WGU apart. Explore how this innovative approach can propel your IT journey forward faster and more effectively. Whether you're an aspiring coder, cybersecurity enthusiast, data wizard, or tech strategist, our expert staff will guide you toward the perfect IT career path tailored to your strengths and aspirations.

Meet and connect with our dedicated staff members, who are eager to share their insights and help you map out your educational and career goals. With their wealth of experience, you'll gain valuable insights into the IT industry's latest trends and demands.

During the Open House, you'll have the chance to participate in interactive breakout rooms, dive deep into the specific IT fields that intrigue you most, and get answers to your burning questions. Our breakout room sessions are designed to provide personalized attention, ensuring you leave with a clear vision of the road ahead.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. The College of IT Open House is your gateway to an exciting future in the world of technology. Register now!

Breakout Rooms:

Join this breakout room to learn more about the B.S. Cyber Security and Information Assurance (BSCSIA) and the M.S. Cyber Security and Information Assurance (MSCSIA). These programs are designed for the IT professional preparing to excel in the discipline of Cyber Security and Assurance and leadership roles in the field.

Join this breakout room to learn more about our B.S. Network Engineering and Security (BSNES) program and associated tracks. This program is designed for the IT professionals who want to design, build, and maintain the secure networks that organizations run on.

Join the Data Analytics breakout room to learn more about the BS Data Analytics (BSDA) and the MS Data Analytics (MSDA) programs. These programs are designed for people interested in starting or elevating an analytics career by embracing all skill domains (within programming, math, and business influence) needed to truly effect change and drive measurable business value at nearly any company.

Join the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering (BSSWE) breakout room if you want to build your career in the software industry. This program is ideal for those aspiring to be the architects and engineers behind cutting-edge software solutions. You'll delve into the art of software design, development methodologies, and creating robust applications that meet real-world needs. You will learn about all the different types of offerings that we have at WGU that will prepare you for a role in software engineering.

Join the Computer Science breakout room should you envision a future within the software domain, artificial intelligence, and algorithms. This pathway is tailored to visionaries aspiring to craft and engineer revolutionary software solutions. Computer Scientists think algorithmically and use mathematics to solve complex problems--later modeled in software programs. Dive into the realm of software design, master diverse development methodologies, and forge resilient applications tailored to real-world demands.  Gain insight into the myriad offerings at WGU, equipping you with the skills to thrive in the dynamic realm of computer science.

The Bachelor’s in Cloud Computing breakout room will give you an overview of the Cloud programs, including AWS or Azure, or a multi-cloud specialization. It will also cover the 13 certifications and two WGU certificates available. WGU’s cloud programs can lead to jobs as cloud engineers, architects, or security analysts in various industries.

The Information Technology and Information Technology Management breakout room will cover the Bachelor’s in IT program, suitable for students new to IT or wanting to change careers. The Masters in IT program is for those who wish to advance their IT career. This session will also cover the Accelerated Masters in IT program, which combines both degrees into one program and can be completed in about four years, including all the certifications students can earn in any of these programs. If you are interested in jobs in the fields of IT analytics, networks, security, strategy, and leadership, attend the IT and IT Management breakout room for more information.

Stay tuned for a future COIT Open House event coming soon.

Dean's Fireside Chat Series

Stay tuned for more information regarding the next Fireside Chat Series.

Meet the Guest

Veronika Durgin
VP of Data at Saks

Veronika Durgin is an experienced data and analytics leader with over two decades of experience. Throughout her career, Veronika has developed skills in database administration, data engineering, platform architecture, data modeling, and analytics. In her current role as the Vice President of Data at Saks, the premier luxury e-commerce platform, Veronika is responsible for the overall data strategy, from driving enterprise digital transformation and governing enterprise data to enabling and supporting data engineering, analytics, and data science efforts. Veronika is a Certified Data Vault Practitioner and a Snowflake Data Superhero. She is passionate about her profession and sharing knowledge with others. Veronika is a frequent speaker at data conferences and events as well as an active mentor in the data community.

Veronika earned a master’s degree in computer software engineering from Brandeis University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two boys.

Meet the Host

Joe Dery, PHD
WGU College of IT's VP & Dean of Data Analytics, Computer Science, and Software Engineering

Joe Dery (WGU Dean of Data Analytics) and Kamal Distell (VP of Data Analytics and Data Science at Toyota)

Speakers (from top-left): Dean Joe Dery, Chitrang Shah, and Matthew Mesher

Featured Speakers (from left): Alicia Crowder, Amanda Dery, and Joe Dery

Featured Speakers (from top left): Dr. Joe Dery, Will Alden, Dr. Hema Seshadri, Matt Los Kamp, and Ranita Ghosh

Featured Speakers (from left): Dr. Ken Yu Zhang and Dr. Joe Dery

Featured Speakers (from top left): Dr. Joe Dery and Dr. Ben Flusberg

Featured Speakers (from left): Mandy Plante and Dr. Joe Dery

Featured Speakers (from top left): Dr. Joe Dery, Cindi Howson, and Jori Derrey

Featured Speakers (from left): Dr. Joe Dery and John Smits

WGU Cybersecurity Series

WGU Studios and WGU's Cybersecurity Department have teamed up to create a series of captivating, informative, upbeat, and energetic broadcasts to address current, trending topics and issues in the world of cybersecurity. 

Stay tuned for our next event!

Meet the Host:

Paul Bingham, CISSP, CPA, CFE
Senior Vice President and Executive Dean, College of IT

Host of Cybersecurity Series

Join the Cyber Series event with celebrity speaker Jack Rhysider, host of Darknet Diaries. Episode 5 explores "Cybersecurity Revealed: It's More Than Just Phish Stories!" Tune in on June 28th at 11:00 a.m. MT on LinkedIn for an engaging discussion with Paul Bingham, VP and Dean of Cybersecurity. Don't miss it!

Featured Speakers: Jeff Dooley and David Lewis

Computer Science / Software Engineering

Western Governors University’s College of Information Technology (COIT) offers robust computer science and software engineering degrees specifically designed to meet the fast-pace of change almost every organization faces in today’s hi-tech environment. Graduates are ready to seamlessly enter the workforce and increase their productivity and expertise. WGU is a pioneer in career-relevant, competency-based education. We remain the only institution offering competency-based degrees at scale, creating a model other colleges and universities are increasingly striving to replicate. WGU's Computer Science degree delivers in-demand skills such as logic, architecture and systems, data structures, Artificial Intelligence, and computer theory. WGU's Software Engineering degree offers scripting and programming skills, web development, mobile app development, user experience design, and software quality assurance. With over 4,000 graduates and 8,000 active students in these programs, we are setting the new standard in aligning workforce readiness to employer-needed skills in critical areas like financial tech software, real-time software, Internet of Things, gaming, etc.

 

Meet the Host:

Mike Peterson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CS/SE), WGU
Host of CS/SE Open House

Virtual Open House for Future Software Engineering Students

Dr. Mike Peterson will be hosting a webinar to discuss the new software engineering program. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and hear from a software engineering panel, which includes a recent software graduate. The panel will feature our Vice President and Dean of Software Engineering, Associate Dean, a course instructor, a program mentor, a career advisor, and an enrollment counselor. In addition to the bachelor’s degree in software engineering, you will learn how WGU supports your journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond!

Registration will open soon for the next event! 

Cybersecurity

WGU’s Cybersecurity programs are highly respected by both employers and learners. Our M.S. Cybersecurity program is ranked #3 by Fortune.com and has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). We deliver three high caliber programs in the security sector:

  • B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
  • B.S. in Network Engineering and Security
  • M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

We offer constantly updated and relevant courses in Secure Systems Analysis & Design, Web and Cloud Security, Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques, Network Engineering, Operations, and Network Security Management skills. We remain the only institution offering competency-based degrees at scale, creating a model other colleges and universities are increasingly striving to replicate. With over 13,500 graduates and 18,000 active students in these programs, we are setting the new standard in aligning workforce readiness to employer-needed skills in critical cybersecurity disciplines.

Data Analytics

Our data management and analytics degrees prepare graduates to serve as analytical change agents across a variety of industries & market sectors. Learners will master programming, math, and business influence skills in both our B.S. in Data Analytics (BSDA) and our M.S. in Data Analytics (MSDA). Scripting, data management, data wrangling, Python, R, machine learning and math skills, data science techniques, communication and critical thinking are all valuable skills that make our graduates high-value employees in almost any organization. With over 2,500 graduates and 3,000 active students our data analytics programs are expanding analytic skill sets that are critical to most any organization in today's high tech world.

WGU is a pioneer in career-relevant, competency-based education. We remain the only institution offering competency-based degrees at scale, creating a model other colleges and universities are increasingly striving to replicate.

 

 Meet the Hosts:

Joe Dery, Ph.D.
Vice President and Dean of Data Analytics, Computer Science, & Software Engineering

WGU Host of Data Analytics Open House and Fireside Chat

Eric Lagally, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Data Analytics, WGU
Host of Data Analytics Open House

Virtual Open House for Future Data Analytics Students

Dr. Dery and Dr. Lagally will be hosting this webinar to explain WGU's competency-based model of education and to discuss the analytics programs offered by WGU. 

Register Today for the Next Open House:
Monday, August 21st at 6pm MT

Dean’s Fireside Chat: Data Analytics

Join Dean Dery on Wednesday, August 15th at 6pm MT for an engaging episode in LinkedIn Live with Kristen Kehrer, a thought leader in analytics, entrepreneur, and AI developer advocate. As the founder of Data Moves Me, LLC, and a LinkedIn Top Voice in Data Science & Analytics, Kristen's insights and experiences will ignite your curiosity in the transformative analytics field.

Log in to your LinkedIn account to save your spot and see the event details:

Speaker Bio:

Kristen Kehrer has been providing innovative & practical statistical modeling solutions in the utilities, healthcare, and eCommerce sectors since 2010. Alongside her professional accomplishments, she became a LinkedIn Top Voice in Data Science & Analytics in 2018. Kristen is also the founder of Data Moves Me, LLC, and has previously served as a faculty member and subject matter expert at the Emeritus Institute of Management and UC Berkeley Ext. She holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Statistics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.

Joe Dery (WGU Dean of Data Analytics) and Kamal Distell (VP of Data Analytics and Data Science at Toyota)

Speakers (from top-left): Dean Joe Dery, Chitrang Shah, and Matthew Mesher

Featured Speakers (from left): Alicia Crowder, Amanda Dery, and Joe Dery

Featured Speakers (from top left): Dr. Joe Dery, Will Alden, Dr. Hema Seshadri, Matt Los Kamp, and Ranita Ghosh

Featured Speakers (from left): Dr. Ken Yu Zhang and Dr. Joe Dery

Featured Speakers (from top left): Dr. Joe Dery and Dr. Ben Flusberg

Featured Speakers (from left): Mandy Plante and Dr. Joe Dery

Featured Speakers (from top left): Dr. Joe Dery, Cindi Howson, and Jori Derrey

Featured Speakers (from left): Dr. Joe Dery and John Smits

IT / Cloud

Western Governors University’s College of Information Technology (COIT) offers robust Information Technology and Cloud Computing degrees specifically designed to meet the fast-pace of change most every organization faces in today’s hi-tech environment. Graduates are ready to seamlessly enter the workforce and increase their productivity and expertise.. WGU is a pioneer in career-relevant, competency-based education. We remain the only institution offering competency-based degrees at scale, creating a model other colleges and universities are increasingly striving to replicate. WGU's B.S. and M.S. IT degrees deliver in-demand skills such as scripting and programming, networking and security, systems and services, sources and planning, solutions development, and project management. WGU's Cloud Computing degree offers learners the choice of detailed Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Multi-Cloud degree options that all come with industry certifications built into our tuition model. With over 12,000 graduates and 8,500 active students in these programs we are setting the new standard in aligning workforce readiness to employer needed skills in critical areas like financial tech software, real time software, Internet of Things, gaming, and many more.

Dean’s Fireside Chat:
Computer Science and Software Engineering

This recurring fireside chat series features  thought leaders and experts across the country in the field of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Registration will open soon for the next event! 

Come and be a part of the fourth installment of the Dean's Fireside Chat: Computer Science and Software Engineering Series. Join Dr. Joe Dery as he engages in a conversation with David Lindquist, GM & Vice President Engineering of Red Hat Hybrid Cloud Management and Service Delivery. Together, they will delve into the fascinating realm of AI and Open Source and their profound influence on the field of Software Engineering. Don't miss this insightful episode!

David Lindquist is currently responsible for Ansible Engineering and Service Delivery of Red Hat’s Cloud Services. His leadership has extended across Hybrid Cloud Management and Automation at Red Hat, including: Advanced Cluster Management for Kubernetes, Ansible Automation Platform, and Insights. Dave has over 25 years of global engineering experience in Cloud, DevOps, and Management systems. He joined Red Hat from IBM, where he led IBM’s Hybrid Cloud Products. Prior, Dave led IBM’s Cloud DevOps and Insights, including: DevOps Pipeline Services, UrbanCode, Cloud Garage Method, and DevOps Analytics. Dave was the CTO for Tivoli and the Cloud & Smarter Infrastructure Division. In 2007, he was appointed an IBM Fellow, IBM’s highest technical honor for his innovation and industry leadership in management systems. His research has led to more than 200 patents, recognition as an IBM Master Inventor and election into the IBM Academy of Technology.

Featured Speakers (from top left): Jared Plumb, Dr. Sesh Murty, Dr. Andi Simon, and Wanda Burwick

Featured Speaker: Dr. Ram D. Sriram, Chief of the Software and Systems Division in the Information Technology Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 

Featured Speaker: Dr. Rama Akkiraju