When I committed to Western Governors University this year, the obvious choice on paper seemed to be the B.S. in Network Engineering and Security (BSNES). After all, I’ve already built my career trajectory around infrastructure and security engineering, getting a decent foundation in each from the cybersecurity side (see my earlier CTFs), and the networking side with my CCNA, GNS3 labbing, & inclusion on network tasks at work. But after reviewing the curricula side-by-side, I made a deliberate decision to enroll in the B.S. in Information Technology (BSIT) instead.

Here’s why.

Emphasis on foundations, not pidgeon-holed into one role

The BSNES program is extremely focused – which is great for a mid-career engineer locking into a role. But I’m early in my journey, and the BSIT’s broader coverage gives me a more complete grasp of the IT ecosystem: scripting, databases, business systems, and even web development. For someone looking to potentially lead projects or transition fluidly between roles in networking, systems, and ops, that range matters to me.

Transfer Credit Overlap

The BSIT better aligned with my existing certifications: A+, Network+, Security+, and CCNA. It gave me a more flexible path to apply those credits toward actual courses. The BSNES includes additional vendor-neutral certifications in network security, and deeply specialized discrete math and cryptography coursework that, while valuable, could slow my pace due to minimal transfer overlap.

Flexible Capstone

BSIT’s final capstone is more open-ended, allowing me to craft a project that highlights my hybrid skill set: network operations, scripting, and security posture management. With the homelab I’ve built (that will hopefully be seeing a new rack server soon!), I want the freedom to design and showcase a system that bridges traditional IT and emerging network engineering standards.

ATS Knows the Acronym

Let’s be honest, B.S. in Information Technology is instantly recognizable to HR teams (and ATS). It’s flexible, widely respected, and doesn’t really require an explanation. I plan to specialize through certifications, projects, and experience; not by boxing myself into a degree title that may feel overly specific outside certain spaces.

Don’t get me wrong, the BSIT includes Network and Security Foundations, Linux Foundations, Network and Security Applications, and a number of courses where I can build and document technical work. And I’ll still stack additional certifications on top, like the Fortinet NCP, to show depth in network security and firewalls.

This comes after a long deliberation with mentors, peers (shoutout to my BSIT study buddy Brennan), other WGU students, and even my own boss at CVCC that’s been enabling me to get more into infrastructure.

I’m not stepping away from network security, I’m actually stepping into it through a wider lens. The BSIT gives me room to build, pivot, and lead in an industry where cross-functional competence and multi-vendor understanding is increasingly valuable (keep your eyes peeled for a post on my new ruckus switch stack setup).

If you disagree with my reasoning, or are weighing any WGU programs and have a similar background in networking or security, feel free to reach out through my contact page at /contact. I’m happy to share more about the decision-making process.

God bless.