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Spontaneous Rhythms: Life's Improv Stage and its Professional Echo

Join us by the fireside on March 20th at 4:00 pm ET/2:00 pm MT and step boldly into a harmonious future!

Join us for a special episode of the Dean's Fireside Chat featuring Laura Hall, a renowned Improvisational Pianist known for her work on the long-running improvisational television show Whose Line is it Anyway. In this engaging discussion, explore the transformative skillset of improv as it extends beyond entertainment, impacting our daily lives and professional careers. Uncover the secrets of agility, embrace the "yes and" philosophy, and cultivate resilience in navigating unexpected twists. Don't miss the opportunity to hear Laura's insights on how improv, especially musical improv, enhances collaboration and ideation, propelling us into a realm where spontaneity meets melody.

Meet the Guest

Laura Hall
Improvisational Pianist & Speaker

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 School of Technology's VP & Dean of Data Analytics, Computer Science, and Software Engineering

About Laura

Laura Hall is best known as the improvisational pianist on all 20 of the American seasons of the hit television show, “Whose Line is it Anyway?”.  Laura has toured extensively with “Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars”, including performances at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, a USO tour of the Middle East, and performances with “Whose Line Live” at the Adelphi, the Palladium, and Royal Albert Hall theatres in London.  

Laura got her start at The Second City and Annoyance Theater in Chicago and has gone on to perform with improv groups around the world, including Impro Neuf in Oslo, Norway; Improv Comedy Copenhagen, Denmark; Second City Toronto; ImprovBoston Mainstage; Arcade Comedy Theater in Pittsburgh; Unexpected Productions in Seattle; “Hyprov” with Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci, “Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!” in L.A., and many more. 

Laura has taught music improv extensively with her husband, actor and improviser, Rick Hall. Laura created “Improv Karaoke”, which are tracks for improvisers to learn how to do song improv. She co-wrote a book “The Improv Comedy Musician: The Ultimate Guide to Playing Music with an Improv Group”, and has created a series of instructional videos, “A Musician’s Guide to Improv Comedy”, to teach the specialized skills of being an improv Musical Director.

View more about Laura at www.laurahall.com .

Information Technology Bachelor's Degrees Online

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Computer Science – B.S.

Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...

Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:

Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.

  • Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
  • Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 38 total courses in this program.

You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:

  • Linux Essentials
  • Axelos ITIL Foundation

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Architecture and systems
  • Data structures
  • AI
  • Computer theory
  • Version Control
  • Linux
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Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.

  • Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
  • Tuition: $4,265 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 34 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:

  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
  • ITIL® Foundation Certification
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
  • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
  • CompTIA Network Security Professional
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Security Analytics Professional

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Secure Systems Analysis & Design
  • Data Management
  • Web and Cloud Security
  • Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
  • Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
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Cloud Computing – B.S.

A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...

A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.

  • Time: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
  • Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
  • Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
  • 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.

Certifications at no extra cost, including:

  • Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
  • Azure Fundamentals
  • Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
  • LPI Linux Essentials
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Project+

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Scripting and Automation
  • Managing Cloud Security
  • Development
  • Applications
  • Ongoing maintenance and security
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Network Engineering and Security – B.S.

Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....

Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.

  • Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
  • Tuition: $3,735 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
  • Two focus areas: Students can choose between a Cisco or general program, allowing them to learn and gain experience in their chosen specialty.

Certifications:

  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
  • LPI Linux Foundations

The Cisco program also includes: 

  • Cisco CCNA
  • Cisco DevNet
  • Cisco CyberOps

The general program  also includes: 

  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (Stacked)
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (Stacked)
  • CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (Stacked)
  • CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (Stacked)

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Network engineering
  • Network operations
  • Security management skills

This program will help you develop strong skills in network design, network operations, and security management.

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Data Analytics – B.S.

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:

  • Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,735 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 39 total courses in this program.

Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:

  • AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • CompTIA Data+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
  • MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
  • Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Data management
  • Data wrangling
  • Statistical analysis
  • Visualization
  • Leadership and management 
  • Model deployment & storytelling
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Software Engineering – B.S.

You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....

You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.

  • Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
  • Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:

  • CompTIA Project +
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 
  • ITIL®1 Foundation Certification

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Scripting and programming
  • Web development
  • Mobile application development 
  • User experience design
  • Software quality assurance
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Information Technology – B.S.

Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...

Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.

  • Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
  • Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 36 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:

  • CompTIA A+ 
  • CompTIA Network+ 
  • CompTIA Security+ 
  • CompTIA Project+ 
  • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist 
  • Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
  • LPI Linux Essentials

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Scripting and programming
  • Networking and security
  • Systems and services
  • Data management
  • Business of IT
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Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.

  • Time: Approximately 5 years.
  • Tuition: $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
  • Courses: 42 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:

  • CompTIA A+ 
  • CompTIA Network+ 
  • CompTIA Security+ 
  • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist 
  • Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
  • PMI CAPM
  • LPI Linux Essentials

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Scripting and programming
  • Networking and security
  • Systems and services
  • Data management
  • Business of IT

This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.

Health & Nursing
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Health Information Management – B.S.

A program designed for future leaders in HIM....

A program designed for future leaders in HIM.

  • Time: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
  • Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 36 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Medical Terminology
  • Healthcare System Applications
  • Health Information Law and Regulations
  • Healthcare Project Management
  • Data Analytics and Information Governance

This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam. 

Compare with B.S. Business – Healthcare Management

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IT Management – B.S. Business Administration

IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:...

IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:

  • Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
  • Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
  • Courses: 40 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include: 

  • Team Leadership
  • Operations Management
  • Communication
  • Agile Project Management
  • Analytical Techniques
  • Information Technology

Key competencies of these online courses align with industry needs: management and leadership, networks and security, and information systems management.

Information Technology Master's Degrees Online

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Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.

Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....

Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.

  • Time: 63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $4,555 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 9 total courses in this program.

Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:

  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
  • ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
  • (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Cybersecurity Strategy
  • Information Assurance
  • Incident Response
  • Penetration Testing

The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.

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Information Technology Management – M.S.

A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....

A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.

  • Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $3,940 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.

  • Technology operations and integration
  • Sourcing and planning
  • Risks and influence
  • Solutions development
  • Project management

Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up. 

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Data Analytics – M.S.

Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...

Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:

  • Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
  • Tuition: $4,055 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 11 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Data Analytics Lifecycle 
  • Data Science and Advanced Analytics Applications
  • Data Mining Techniques
  • Machine Learning 
  • Data Management

Master data mining, visualization, and SQL—and lead analytics at the business of your choice.

Technology
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Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...

Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.

  • Time: Approximately 5 years.
  • Tuition: $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
  • Courses: 42 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:

  • CompTIA A+ 
  • CompTIA Network+ 
  • CompTIA Security+ 
  • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist 
  • Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
  • PMI CAPM
  • LPI Linux Essentials

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Scripting and programming
  • Networking and security
  • Systems and services
  • Data management
  • Business of IT

This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.

Business
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MBA Information Technology Management

Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...

Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:

  • Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
  • Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
  • Courses: 11 total courses in this program

Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:

  • Management
  • Project Management
  • Leadership
  • Innovation
  • Communications
  • Information Systems Security

Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.

Information Technology Certificates

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Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate – School of Technology

Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...

Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of the Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate from the School of Technology.

  • Time: 5 months from start to finish.
  • Cost: $2,950 for the certificate.
  • Courses: 4 courses total in this program.

This certificate also offers two industry certifications, Linux Essentials and AWS Cloud, which will add extra power to your portfolio of experience. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.

This program is ideal for individuals who have 3-5 years of IT experience and a basic understanding of scripting languages and SQL. Prerequisites include: Experience with either Python or Java or another high-order OO (object-oriented) programming language along with Git, experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with a major DBMS (database management system) - MySQL (preferred), SQL Server, Oracle, MariaDB, etc.

 

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Front End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology

The Front End Web Development Certificate equips learners with the skills...

The Front End Web Development Certificate equips learners with the skills necessary to create responsive, visually appealing, and functional websites.

  • Time: 6 months from start to finish.
  • Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
  • Courses: 6 courses total in this program.

This certificate is designed to help aspiring web developers begin their journey, gain valuable experience, and add a critical credential to their résumé. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.

This certificate can help build fundamental skills in front-end development, and also help those with no technical background begin to build vocational identity for a long-term career in IT. Learners will gain critical skills including version control, scripting, web development, JavaScript programming, and UI design. 

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Back End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology

The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical...

The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.

  • Time: 6 months from start to finish.
  • Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
  • Courses: 5 courses total in this program.

This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away. In this program you will take courses that move directly into a School of Technology bachelor's degree at WGU, where you are guaranteed admission after completing your certificate. This program is an important step for your career.

Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.

Why WGU?

Be Career Ready

Designed with input from healthcare leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 97% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1

1: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.

Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have

85% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields—and 87% are employed full-time.2

2: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.

Save Money

With flat-rate tuition that is 48% lower than the national average3 and generous need-based scholarships, our degrees are an excellent investment that you can afford.

3: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.

Work as You Need While Going to School

At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our healthcare students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.