Western Governors University's (WGU) online Bachelor's in Computer Science is a game-changer for students seeking a flexible and affordable education.
The program is designed to be completed in as little as 2.5 years, with a competency-based model that allows students to progress at their own pace.
WGU's online format offers flexibility for working professionals and students with other commitments.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including software development, data structures, computer systems, and networking.
Program Details
WGU's cloud computing program covers a wide range of topics, including IT Fundamentals, Web Development, and Network and Security. Students can expect to learn about Cloud and Virtualization, Scripting and Programming, and Cloud Technologies, among other subjects.
You'll also earn certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Cloud+, and CompTIA Security+, which can be a huge advantage in the job market. These certifications are industry-recognized and can open doors to new career opportunities.
Here's a breakdown of some of the key topics covered in the program:
- IT Fundamentals
- Web Development
- Network and Security
- Cloud and Virtualization
- Scripting and Programming
- Cloud Technologies
Note: The exact courses and certifications may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with WGU for the most up-to-date information.
WGU IT Bachelor's
WGU's IT Bachelor's programs offer a range of specializations, including Cloud Computing, Computer Science, and Data Analytics.
You can earn top industry certifications, including AWS Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Cloud+, and ITIL Foundation Certification, as part of your degree program.
WGU's IT programs are designed to be flexible and affordable, with flat-rate tuition and generous need-based scholarships.
You can choose between two programming language courses in the software engineering program: Java or C#.
The software engineering program includes courses such as Computer Science, Data Management, Leadership and Management, and Scripting and Programming.
Here are some of the career paths you can take with a WGU IT Bachelor's degree:
- IT manager
- Cloud administration
- Computer systems analyst
- Computer and information research scientist
- Computer network architect
- Software developer
- Computer programmer
- Data scientist
- Data manager
- Data analyst
- Machine learning analyst
- Financial analyst
- Business analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Operations analyst
- Risk analyst
- Research analyst
- Marketing analyst
- Computer science analyst
- Data journalist
WGU's IT Bachelor's programs are accredited by ABET and designed with input from industry experts, giving you the skills and credentials today's employers need.
WGU graduates report an average salary increase of $17,691 after completing their degree program.
You can earn while you learn with WGU's IT programs, with top technology certifications built into the degree program and not adding time or additional costs.
WGU's IT programs are designed to be completed in a shorter amount of time, with 85% of WGU graduates employed in their degree fields and 87% employed full-time.
WGU's IT Bachelor's programs are an excellent investment, with flat-rate tuition that is 47% lower than the national average and generous need-based scholarships.
Here are some of the key skills you'll gain with a WGU IT Bachelor's degree:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
WGU's IT programs are designed to help you build a future as a developer of cutting-edge technology and software, with a range of career paths available to you upon graduation.
Trending Mandatory Assignments
I've noticed that some assignments are trending more than others in our program. Specifically, Assignment 2- Designing UML Diagrams has a 100% completion rate.
This is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of designing UML diagrams. The 5 points assigned to this task are a significant portion of the overall grade.
The chapter answers for Operating Systems are also popular among students. In fact, Chapter 3 Answers has the highest completion rate among all chapter answers, with 93% of students completing it.
Career and Income
WGU compsci graduates see a significant increase in income post-graduation, with an average annual salary increase of 21%.
The job market for computer and information research scientists is also projected to grow 21% through 2031.
With a degree in computer science, you'll be qualified for a range of job titles, including Software Engineer, Software Developer, and Computer & Information Systems Manager.
Some of the diverse industries that computer science graduates can work in include Technology, Aerospace, Banking and Finance, Military, and Consulting.
Major employers in these industries often look for candidates with a strong foundation in computer science, making it a valuable degree to pursue.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are almost 10 times more U.S. computing jobs open than there were students who graduated with a computer science degree in 2015.
Here are some potential career paths for computer science graduates:
- Cloud network architect
- Cloud developer
- AWS cloud architect
- AWS cloud engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Cloud automation engineer
- Cloud services administrator
- Computer and information systems manager
WGU compsci graduates have a high job placement rate, with 85% employed in their degree fields and 87% employed full-time.
Admissions and Requirements
If you're considering a computer science program at WGU, you'll need to meet their unique admissions requirements.
You can submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher, as long as you've also completed a precalculus course from a WGU-approved third-party provider with a grade of C or better.
Alternatively, you can demonstrate your math skills by earning a B grade or better in a high school honors, IB, or AP level advanced mathematics course with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If you haven't already completed precalculus, you can take it through WGU Academy before matriculating.
WGU doesn't require ACT or SAT scores for admission to this program.
Here are the different options for demonstrating program readiness for the computer science program:
- Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Possess a bachelor's or associate degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
- Submit official record of completion of a transferable IT certification
- Submit high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Submit transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework (must be 300 level or higher)
Tracks and Specializations
WGU's software engineering program offers a unique opportunity to specialize in a specific programming language. You can choose between Java and C# as your area of focus.
If you're interested in working with big tech centers like Silicon Valley, C# is a wise choice. Most large enterprises use Microsoft infrastructure and tend to need software engineers and developers who use C#.
On the other hand, if you're more interested in working with devices such as smartphones, smart appliances, and smart cars, Java may be a better language path.
Here are the two programming language paths you can take:
- Java: Ideal for working with devices such as smartphones, smart appliances, and smart cars.
- C#: Wise choice for working with big tech centers like Silicon Valley, where most large enterprises use Microsoft infrastructure.
Benefits and Value
A computer science degree from Western Governors University (WGU) is a highly respected and versatile credential. The degree is considered the gold standard for software engineers.
The flexibility of a computer science degree is one of its biggest advantages. It can be used for a wide range of careers, including coding and IT.
With a computer science degree, you'll have a strong foundation in computer technology, making you a valuable asset to any organization. This degree is also one of the most popular and recognized in the field.
Here are some of the key benefits of a computer science degree from WGU:
- Considered the gold standard for software engineers
- Flexible degree that can be used for a large variety of careers such as coding or IT
- One of the most popular and most recognized degrees in computer technology
Certifications and Comparisons
At Western Governors University (WGU), certifications are free, making it optional to pay for transferring them in. You can earn certifications outside WGU to maximize transfer credits or complete a degree in just one term.
Certifications included in WGU's computer science degree programs are worth noting. Industry certifications like Linux and AXELOS ITIL Foundation are included in tuition, saving you money as you enhance your skills. Earning these certifications before graduation gives you a boost on your resume.
You can earn valuable credentials on your path to a degree, including the Artificial Intelligence Optimization Developer, Back-End Developer, and Java Developer certificates. These WGU certificates demonstrate mastery and add credentials to your resume before you graduate.
Here are some of the certifications you can earn in WGU's software engineering degree program:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Project+
- ITIL Foundation Certification
Certifications Included
WGU offers free certifications, which is a great perk for students. You can earn valuable industry certifications on your path to a degree, including Linux certification and AXELOS ITIL Foundation certification, which are included in your tuition.
The cost of these certifications is included in your tuition, helping you save money as you enhance your skills. Earning certifications before you've even finished your degree gives you the knowledge, skills, and credentials that will immediately boost your résumé.
You can earn WGU certificates, such as the Artificial Intelligence Optimization Developer, Back-End Developer, and Java Developer certificates, which demonstrate mastery and add credentials to your résumé before you even graduate.
Here are some of the industry certifications included in WGU's computer science and software engineering degree programs:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Project+
- ITIL Foundation Certification
In some programs, you may also earn WGU certificates, such as the Back End Developer and Front End Developer certificates, which can be added to your résumé before you finish your degree program. Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor to learn more about the certifications included in your desired program.
Compare the Difference
WGU offers vouchers for certification exams, making the cost of valuable industry certification exams, which can range from $150 to $400, included in your tuition price.
The cost of tuition at WGU is charged per six-month term, not per credit. This means if you want to move faster through the online computer science degree program, you'll pay less.
WGU's online courses are flexible, allowing you to move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
Here are some of the certifications you can earn through WGU:
- ITIL Foundation Certification
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Project+
WGU's software engineering program allows you to pick between two courses of specific programming language study: Java or C#.
Learning and Resources
As a WGU compsci student, you'll have access to a wide range of practice materials to help you stay on top of your coursework.
You can find trending practice materials by checking out the WGU website, where you can view popular resources like packet tracer practice for VLSM design and implementation, which has been viewed by 33% of students.
Pre-assessment quizzes are another great way to gauge your knowledge before diving into a course. The pre-assessment quiz for American Politics and US Constitution has been completed by 100% of students who viewed it.
If you're looking for a study guide to help you prepare for a course, you're in luck! The study guide for C464 WGU has been viewed by 32% of students, and it's available for Introduction to Communication.
Packet tracer practice is a great way to get hands-on experience with networking concepts. The packet tracer practice for VLSM design and implementation has been viewed by 33% of students.
Pre-assessment quizzes are a great way to identify areas where you need to focus your studying. The pre-assessment quiz for American Politics and US Constitution has been completed by 100% of students who viewed it.
Here are some popular study resources:
- Packet Tracer Practice for VLSM Design and Implementation: 33% of students have viewed this resource.
- Pre-Assessment Quiz for American Politics and US Constitution: 100% of students have completed this quiz.
- Study Guide for C464 WGU: 32% of students have viewed this study guide.
- Packet Tracer Practice for VLSM Design and Implementation: 33% of students have viewed this resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is a WGU CS degree on Reddit?
WGU's CS degree is considered good enough for most industry jobs and even some top programs like GaTech's OMSCS, but its reputation may not match Ivy League standards
Is a degree from WGU respected?
WGU degrees are highly respected due to our institutionally accredited status with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a recognized gold standard for academic excellence. This accreditation ensures our programs meet rigorous standards, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
Is Comp Sci a hard degree?
Yes, Computer Science is considered a challenging degree due to its complex and mathematically rigorous nature. If you're up for the challenge, it can lead to a rewarding and in-demand career.
Sources
- WGU IT Computer Science Degree Plan (miraheze.org)
- ABET-accreditation (abet.org)
- 17% through 2033 (bls.gov)
- Comparing IT Bachelor's Degrees (wgu.edu)
- Computer Science - Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Studocu (studocu.com)
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