WGU IT Computer Science Degree Plan

Computer Science Degree Plan

Here is a Computer Science Degree plan for Western Governors University (WGU) as of approximately June of 2023. 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

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/

Sophia ACE ID's

Study.com ACE ID's

General Education Requirements

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	WGU Credit
Composition: Successful Self-Expression	3	Sophia	English Composition I/II, Workplace Writing II	3
Technical Communication	3	Study.com	English 305: Advanced Technical Writing	3
Introduction to Communication	3	Sophia	Workplace Communication, Business Communication, Pubic Speaking	3
Global Arts and Humanities	3	Sophia	Visual Communications, Art History I/II, Intro to Ethics, Ancient Greek Philosophers, or Approaches to Studying Religions	3
Ethics in Technology	3
American Politics and the US Constitution	3	Sophia	U.S. Government	3
Introduction to Geography	3	Sophia	Macro/micro econ, US History I/II, Intro to Psychology, Intro to Sociology	3
Applied Probability and Statistics	3	Sophia	Introduction to Statistics	3
Health, Fitness and Wellness	4	Sophia	Introduction to Nutrition	3
Natural Sciences Lab	2	Sophia	Human Biology Lab, Introduction to Chemistry Lab, Microbiology Lab	3
Totals	30			27

Core Courses

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	WGU Credit
Introduction to IT	4	Sophia	Introduction to Information Technology	4
Data Management - Foundations	3	Sophia or Study.com	Introduction to Relational Databases, Computer Science 107: Database Fundamentals,	3
Network and Security - Foundations	3	Study.com	Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking	3
Scripting and Programming - Foundations	3	Sophia or Study.com	Intro to Java, Computer Science 115: Programming in Java	3
Web Development Foundations	3	Sophia	Introduction to Web Development	3
Business of IT - Applications	4	ITIL	ITIL Foundations Certification Note: Since certs are free to do at WGU, you can take the cert at WGU if you want. This is optional.	4
Totals	20			20

Additional Courses

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	WGU Credit
Calculus I	4	Sophia or Straigherline	Calculus I, General Calculus I Note: Use Symbolab or another calculator that can do Calculus problems. Note: Straigherline allows you to use a TI-Nspire CAS calculator, which makes Calculus much easier. 1/2 of the problems you should be able to solve using a plug and chug method.	4
Discrete Mathematics I	4	Study.com	Math 108: Discrete Mathematics	4
Discrete Mathematics II	4
Data Management - Applications	4	Study.com	Computer Science 204: Database Programming	4
Advanced Data Management	3	Study.com	Computer Science 303: Database Management	3
Java Fundementals	3
Java Frameworks	3
Scripting and Programming - Applications	4	Saylor	CS102: Introduction to Computer Science II Note: Salyor exams aren't easy to pass.	4
Data Structures and Algorithms I	4	Study.com	Computer Science 201: Data Structures & Algorithms Note: Take Java first since the assignment is in Java	4
Fundamentals of Information Security	3	Study.com	Computer Science 110: Introduction to Cybersecurity, Computer Science 202: Network and System Security	3
Linux Foundations	3	LPI, CompTIA	Linux Essentials, Linux+	3
Operating Systems for Programmers	3
Computer Architecture	3	Study.com	Computer Science 306: Computer Architecture	3
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence	3	Study.com	Computer Science 311: Artificial Intelligence	3
IT Leadership Foundations	3	Sophia	Principles of Management	3
Software Engineering	4	Study.com	Computer Science 307: Software Engineering	4
Software Quality Assurance	3
Back-End Programming	3
Advanced Java	3
Version Control	1
Total	65			42

Non-Transferable Courses

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	WGU Credit
Data Structures and Algorithms II	4
Computer Science Capstone	4
Totals	8			0

Total Transfer Credit

Course	Competency Units Value	Course Provider	Course Name	WGU Transfer Credit
General Education Requirements	30			27
Core Courses	20			20
Additional Courses	65			42
Non-Transferable Courses	8			0
Total	123			89

*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.