WGU IT Information Technology Degree Plan

Computer Science Degree Plan

Here is a Computer Science Degree plan for Western Governors University (WGU).

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 It Certification Exams Equivalent Guide to find certifications that will transfer to this degree program.

Advantages of a Computer Science Degree

• One of the most popular and most recognized degrees in computer technology
• Considered the gold standard for software engineers
• 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/

General Education Requirements

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	Course Id	WGU Credit
English Composition I	3	Sophia	Foundations of English Composition, English Composition I	SOPH-0019, SOPH-0015	3
Introduction to Communication	3	Sophia	Communication at Work, Pubic Speaking	SOPH-0034, SOPH-0024	3
Technical Communication	3	Study.com	English 305: Advanced Technical Writing	SDCM-0058	3
Applied Probability and Statistics	3	Sophia	Foundations of Statistics, Introduction to Statistics	SOPH-0017, SOPH-0005	3
Integrated Physical Sciences	3	Sophia	Environmental Science	SOPH-0016	3
Introduction to Humanities	3	Sophia	Visual Communications (Lots of other options from Sophia)	SOPH-0009	3
Introduction to Geography	3	Sophia	US History II (Lots of other options from Sophia)	SOPH-0025	3
American Politics and the US Constitution	3	Study.com	Political Science 102: American Government	SDCM-0042	3
Natural Sciences Lab	2	Study.com	Biology 101L: Intro to Biology with Lab	SDCM-0188	2
Ethics in Technology	3
Totals	29				26

Core Courses

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	Course Id	WGU Credit
Introduction to IT	4	Sophia	Introduction to Information Technology	SOPH-0023	4
Data Management - Foundations	3	Study.com or Sophia	Computer Science 107: Database Fundamentals, Introduction to Relational Databases	SDCM-0212, SOPH-0047	3
Network and Security - Foundations	3	Study.com	Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking	SDCM-0213	3
Scripting and Programming - Foundations	3	Study.com	Computer Science 115: Programming in Java, Computer Science 109: Introduction to Programming	SDCM-0199, SDCM-0214	3
Web Development Foundations	3	Sophia	Introduction to Web Development	SOPH-0043	3
Business of IT - Applications	4
Totals	20				16

Additional Courses

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	Course Id	WGU Credit
Calculus I	4	Straigherline	General Calculus I (Strongly recommended because you can use TI-Nspire CAS calculator)	OOSL-0012	4
Discrete Mathematics I	4	Study.com	Math 108: Discrete Mathematics	SDCM-0210	4
Data Management - Applications	4	Study.com	Computer Science 204: Database Programming	SDCM-0218	4
Advanced Data Management	3	Study.com	Computer Science 303: Database Management	SDCM-0164	3
Scripting and Programming - Applications	4
Data Structures and Algorithms	4	Study.com	Computer Science 201: Data Structures & Algorithms (Take Java first since the assignment is in Java)	SDCM 0217	4
Fundamentals of Information Security	3		Computer Science 110: Introduction to Cybersecurity	SDCM-0215	3
Operating Systems for Programmers	3		Computer Science 106: Introduction to Linux	SDCM-0226	3
Business of IT - Project Management	4	Sophia	Project Management	SOPH-0013	4
Computer Architecture	3		Computer Science 306: Computer Architecture	SDCM-0202	3
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence	3		Computer Science 311: Artificial Intelligence	SDCM-0230	3
IT Leadership Foundations	3		Business 107: Organizational Behavior	SDCM-0009	3
Software Engineering	4	Study.com	Computer Science 307: Software Engineering	SDCM-0220	4
Software Quality Assurance	3
Software I	6
Software II	6
Total	61				42

Non-Transferable Courses

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	Course Id	WGU Credit
Discrete Mathematics II	4
Data Structures and Algorithms II	4
Computer Science Capstone	4
Totals	12				0

Total Transfer Credit

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	Course Id	WGU Transfer Credit
General Education Requirements	29				26
Core Courses	20				16
Additional Courses	61				42
Non-Transferable Courses	12				0
Total	122				84

*To copy this degree plan, hold down left mouse button, drag to select tables, then copy/paste (CTR+C/CTR+P) to Sheets or Excel.