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.

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.