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WGU ACADEMY

Empower Your Future in a Few Months with WGU Courses and Certificates

A degree from WGU can make all the difference in your life’s trajectory. Just ask the over 300,000 WGU graduates. They consistently report how their WGU degrees have helped them advance their careers, earn more money, and realize their dreams. 

But not everyone is ready for a WGU degree program. You may need to take pre-requisite courses. Perhaps you’re curious about online learning and WGU’s competency-based education and want to take a course before committing to a degree program. You might desire your degree but have an immediate need to boost your career earnings with a short-term credential. Despite your reason for not jumping right into a degree, we provide an alternative launching pad for eventual success at WGU.

Whether you take a single course, a bundle of program specific courses, or opt for a certificate, not only will you differentiate yourself in the marketplace, but all your earned course credits will transfer to a WGU bachelor’s degree program when you’re ready. And if you opt for a certificate, not only will you differentiate yourself in the marketplace, but all your earned course credits will transfer to a WGU bachelor’s degree program when you’re ready.

We do education differently because we know every learner is unique. We embrace cognitive and metacognitive learning strategies and utilize multimedia content delivery options to meet you where you are. WGU course offerings and certificate programs are designed to strengthen your confidence, develop your learning and career-ready skills, and establish the foundation for eventual graduation from WGU with career success. 

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Single Courses: Launch Your Degree with Confidence

Our single courses are the perfect launching pad for your bachelor’s degree pursuit. Complete your admissions pre-requisite course. Try-out online learning, or maybe you just want to get started in your learning journey right away. Whatever your reason, a single course is a strong option. Our courses stack to a WGU bachelor’s degree program, so you can start your educational journey with low cost and low risk.

Choose from diverse courses that align with your interests and academic goals. The best part? You can complete your chosen course in less than 2 – 3 months, paving the way for a smooth transition to your WGU degree program. You'll embark on your bachelor’s degree journey with confidence from day one.

Course Bundles: Explore and Excel

Our course bundles are thoughtfully curated groups of courses that allow you to experience college coursework while exploring an area of interest. By enrolling in a course bundle, you'll gain valuable knowledge and the confidence to make informed decisions about your degree path.

Flexibility and convenience are key to our online, self-paced learning approach. Select a course bundle that aligns perfectly with your interests and academic goals. Complete your courses in just 3 months or less, and you'll earn 6 transferable course credits, bringing you closer to earning a bachelor's degree of your choice at WGU.

Certificates: Elevate Your Career with Specialized Expertise

A professional certificate can help you enhance your résumé by adding powerful credentials that show employers you know your stuff. Our certificate programs are designed to focus on real-world skills that are in high-demand, giving you the experience you need to find success. 

Certificates are part of our flexible learning model and contain courses that you complete at your own pace. Complete your courses in 4-5 months or less, earning a certificate and transferrable credits that will help you earn a WGU bachelor's degree.

Exceptional Support Every Step of the Way

We take pride in supporting our students at every step of their journey.  Our all-inclusive tuition covers individual or group coaching, unlimited 24/7 tutoring, exam, progress tracking, and much more – absolutely no hidden fees or surprises along the way.  You can confidently focus on your studies and career advancement, knowing we have your back.

Education on Your Terms

Affordable

Pay only for the courses you need.
 

Flexible

Start right away—and finish as quickly as you like.

Credit Earning

Earn transferable course credits to a WGU bachelor's degree program!

Explore Single Courses, Course Bundles, and Certificates


 

Choose WGU for your single courses, course bundles, or certificates, and take the next step toward a brighter future. Join our community of motivated learners and discover the opportunities that await you. Enroll today!

 

Single Courses

Course Bundles

Certificates

Course and Certificate Enrollment

Online Checkout Process

Enroll and Begin Today

Complete in Five Months or Less*

*Time to completion will vary for single courses, bundles, and certificate offerings.

WGU vs. Traditional Course Programs
Compare the Difference

Traditional Course Programs

 

PAYMENT STRUCTURE

Many have per-month models for courses

One price for a course or certificate, subscription model option

EXAM FEES

Typically cost an additional $50-$150 to take a final exam

No additional exam fees

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Most do not have assigned instructors for courses, and do not guarantee real-time support of any kind

Certified coaches, 24/7 access to tutors, and course instructors for math courses

TIME TO FINISH

Varies per institution and per course or certificate, not always clear

2-4 months with options to accelerate or extend

TRANSFER CREDITS

Not guaranteed to transfer to any institution or degree program

All courses are accredited WGU credits that stack into a WGU bachelor's degree program.

Traditional Course Programs

 

PAYMENT STRUCTURE

Many have per-month models for courses

PAYMENT STRUCTURE

One price for a course or certificate, subscription model option

EXAM FEES

Typically cost an additional $50-$150 to take a final exam

EXAM FEES

No additional exam fees

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Most do not have assigned instructors for courses, and do not guarantee real-time support of any kind

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Certified coaches, 24/7 access to tutors, and course instructors for math courses

TIME TO FINISH

Varies per institution and per course or certificate, not always clear

TIME TO FINISH

2-4 months with options to accelerate or extend

TRANSFER CREDITS

Not guaranteed to transfer to any institution or degree program

TRANSFER CREDITS

All courses are accredited WGU credits that stack into a WGU bachelor's degree program.

Frequently Asked Questions


 

Courses are largely self-paced. This means you will be studying independently on your schedule with 24/7 access to learning resources, including free e-textbooks. We also offer free tutoring, which we encourage you to use. You won’t regret it! Many courses have several quizzes or assignments along the way and a final test or assignment at the end. A strong pace and a regular study schedule will be key to your success.

Tuition is based on a low per-course fee, with all classes transferable to WGU. This means your small investment now could have an added bonus: reduced tuition at WGU.

WGU believes that what you learn is more important than how long a course takes. So, our emphasis is on assessing the competence of students in each course when they’re ready.

The assessment or grading approach for each course can be slightly different. Some courses rely upon objective questions (such as multiple choice) where there’s a known answer.

Other courses use graded assignments that require expert graders to evaluate your work against carefully designed rubrics.

Objective exams are proctored. A proctored exam is a test that is supervised by an approved, neutral person (a proctor) who ensures the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test-taking environment. WGU uses an online proctoring service called Examity, which connects to your computer and webcam while the test is being administered. You’ll learn more about the requirements for proctoring before your first exam.

You must receive at least a “C” in any course for it to transfer into a WGU bachelor's program. For most courses, retakes are allowed as part of your learning experience. Additional details about retake policies will be covered during Orientation.

Recommended Computer Settings: Operating System -  Windows 8 or later, Mac OS X 10.11 or later Web Browser- Latest Chrome (preferred), Edge, Firefox, or Safari Browser Cookies- Enabled

If you are enrolled in Statistics, Precalculus, or US History, your exams require online proctoring by Examity, and you will need an external webcam.

Proctored Exam Requirements:

  • An external web camera is required for online exam proctoring. (This requirement does not apply to those enrolled in ITF+.)
  • Chromebooks are not compatible with the online proctoring service. Therefore, they cannot be used to take proctored final exams.

Please check the external webcam minimum specifications below to ensure that Examity can successfully proctor your exam.

External Webcam Minimum Specifications:

The webcam recommendations listed here meet or exceed the minimum resolution. For example, options with HD 1080p and 720p image resolution possess the functionality to exceed the minimum. A laptop's integrated camera does not meet these requirements. Webcams must be external and elevated to achieve the required viewing angle.

  • Sensor: CMOS
  • Minimum Resolution: HD 720p
  • Viewing Angle: 70 degrees or higher
  • Interface: USB 2.0
  • Focus: Automatic or Manual
  • Microphone: Integrated microphone
  • Imaging Distance: five (5) cm to infinity
  • Video Format: Color
  • Minimum Height of Camera (using gooseneck or tripod): eight (8) inches

WGU Academy is the platform and service provider of WGU’s individual course and certificate offerings. While everyone can succeed in college under the right circumstances, WGU recognizes that not everyone who wants to go to WGU is ready to commit to a full course load and a six-month tuition plan. WGU Academy offers courses and certificates that will help you develop skills that dramatically increase the likelihood of success in college and in your career. You'll have the opportunity to strengthen your motivation, confidence, and academic preparedness. All completed courses result in a WGU transcript.

If you enroll in any of WGU’s single courses or course bundles, you will meet our academy admission requirement. Once you complete the required transferable course with a "pass" grade, you will need to clear any remaining non-academic WGU requirements, including sending transcripts from other colleges and any other special pre-enrollment steps. See the course requirements in each section or speak with an enrollment counselor for more details. Our admission does not currently include some WGU degree programs. Check with an enrollment counselor your program of interest is not listed on our website.

Most students at WGU are looking to create opportunities and possibilities in their lives. Working with a personal coach is a powerful way to focus on your goals. It can even be life-changing. Coaching can help you manage your inner dialogue, so your thoughts bring you closer to your goals and not further away. Many of the most successful people in the world are supported by coaches—think life coaches, executive coaches, and even sports coaches. For courses and certificates at WGU, you will be supported by a Success Coach who will meet with you one-on-one. Our coaches are trained in coaching psychology and motivational interviewing and serve as your sounding board and listen to what you want to help you develop and then build your future.

While WGU degree’s flat-rate tuition covers a full 6-month term and is paid upfront, course and certificate flat-rate tuition is based on the courses you choose and how long you’ll need to complete them. We also offer industry certifications under the same flat-rate fee structure. These include all the courses you need to pass the certification exam and its fee.

Federal financial aid is not available for course or certificate offerings at this time. Please speak with your enrollment counselor, or complete a request for information form to receive promotional offers.

That’s up to you! It will depend on how much time you’re able to dedicate to your coursework. It’s very possible to finish your required WGU courses in as little as two to three months. We encourage you to complete your single course or course bundle in the shortest time possible.