Why Secure Software Design and Other Non-Transferable Courses Matter in WGU's Cybersecurity Degree?

When pursuing a degree in cybersecurity at Western Governors University (WGU), students benefit from the flexibility of transferring in credits from previous education or certifications. However, WGU also identifies specific non-transferable courses that must be completed directly through its curriculum. These courses are core to WGU’s educational philosophy and ensure consistent, high-quality learning outcomes. One such critical course is D487 – Secure Software Design.

What Are Non-Transferable Courses at WGU?

The following courses in the cybersecurity program are marked non-transferable, meaning students cannot fulfill them through prior coursework, degrees, or certifications:

These courses are foundational to WGU’s commitment to competency-based education and are designed to provide practical, real-world knowledge and experience in crucial cybersecurity domains.

Spotlight on D487 – Secure Software Design

D487 stands out as a pivotal course in the cybersecurity curriculum. Unlike knowledge-based certifications that validate what you know, D487 evaluates what you can do with that knowledge. It dives deep into the realities of secure coding, requiring students to understand and apply secure software development practices.

Key Topics Covered:

• Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC)
• Common coding vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting)
• Threat modeling and risk assessment
• OWASP Top Ten and secure architecture principles
• Secure DevOps (DevSecOps) integration

By the end of this course, students are expected to design secure applications, identify flaws in software systems, and implement remediation strategies. This experience equips graduates with critical skills highly valued in cybersecurity and software engineering roles.

Why Are These Courses Non-Transferable?

Each non-transferable course plays a unique role in shaping the WGU graduate's cybersecurity skill set:

D482 – Secure Network Design: Requires students to design and evaluate secure network infrastructures, a skill better assessed through WGU's internal project-based model. 

D485 – Cloud Security: Focuses on securing cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. Given the dynamic nature of cloud technologies, WGU ensures students receive the most current practices through its proprietary curriculum. 

D486 – Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Teaches the integration of security into business risk management. This subject relies heavily on situational analysis and regulatory context, best taught through WGU's frameworks. 

D487 – Secure Software Design: As highlighted above, this hands-on course demands practical secure coding skills, not easily verifiable through external credentials. 

D490 – Cybersecurity Graduate Capstone: The final capstone synthesizes everything learned, requiring a comprehensive project that demonstrates mastery of cybersecurity domains.

How to Prepare for Non-Transferable Courses

Since these courses must be completed at WGU, it’s wise to plan for them early in your degree path. Here’s how to succeed:

• Brush up on fundamentals: For D487, review secure coding principles and platforms like OWASP, PortSwigger Academy, or Secure Code Warrior.
• Stay current with cloud and compliance trends for D485 and D486.
• Practice network and architecture design using simulation tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 for D482.
• Capstone readiness: For D490, begin collecting artifacts and evidence of your learning journey throughout the program to simplify project preparation.

While transfer credits and certifications can fast-track your progress at WGU, the non-transferable courses are essential touchpoints that ensure all graduates meet rigorous academic and industry standards. In particular, D487 – Secure Software Design represents the intersection of theoretical knowledge and practical application—key for anyone looking to thrive in today’s cybersecurity landscape.