Editing WGU IT Software Development Degree Plan (section)

== Software Development Degree Plan ==
Here is a Software Development Degree plan for [[Western Governors University]] (WGU) as of approximately November of 2021. Please make sure that the suggestions are still valid before beginning to follow this plan.

The alternative credit courses were handpicked using experience from previous students as to what courses will be the easiest and quickest courses to take. In places with multiple courses listed, the first course is assumed to be the fastest/easiest course to take.

=== Doing Certifications at WGU vs Transferring Them In ===
Certifications are free at WGU, so it's optional if you want to pay the fees to transfer in certifications.

You would want to do certifications outside WGU if:

* You wanted to maximize the 90 credits of transfer credits
* You were trying to do a WGU degree in 1 term or few terms as possible

Use this [https://partners.wgu.edu/transferguidelines It Certification Exams Equivalent Guide] to find certifications that will transfer to this degree program.  (For example, adding CompTIA A+ & ITIL Foundation certs will add 12 transfer credits to this degree)

=== Advantages of a Software Development Degree ===

* Made for software engineers
*Easier and quicker than Computer Science degree, very little math required
* Flexible degree that can be used for a large variety of careers such as coding or IT

=== Tips on Order in Which to Complete Courses ===
Start with Sophia, do English Composition first. Unfortunately, Sophia only allows 2 courses open at one time, so after you start English Comp, do a course that doesn't have any touchstones (written assignments). Once done with Sophia, start doing Study.com courses, starting with non-CS courses. Once those are completed, do CS courses leaving Java/Intro programming and Data Structures for last.

=== How Long Will It Take To Complete This Degree Once I Finish All the Alterative Credits? ===
How long to complete depends on various factors such as experience, time commitment, the efficiency of studying, etc. However, considering you spend at least 20 hours a week on your studies, completing this degree should take 1-2 terms.    

=== Source of Credit ===

This degree plan was made using this source to map out all the alternative credits.

https://partners.wgu.edu/