Home
I.T. Degrees
B.S. Computer Science

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Computer Science

Computer science isn't about using the tools available to you. It's about laying the groundwork for the tools of the future. Solve tomorrow's problems today. Put your stamp on the future of computing as a computer scientist.

Apply FREE This Week Apply FREE This Week

A course in this program won a coveted CODiE award from the Software & Information Industry Association.

Overview
Technology that changes the world starts with computer science. Will you be part of the next breakthrough?
Computer science is transforming our world. Its effects are felt in every industry and benefit every life. From medicine to manufacturing, entertainment to engineering, the technology that defines our global society began in the brain of a computer scientist.

A bachelor's degree in computer science from WGU will prepare you to make your mark on the technologies of tomorrow. Once you've earned this degree, you'll be ready to apply your knowledge and skills to design, develop, and optimize systems that can meet current and future industry needs.

In addition to earning your bachelor's degree, as you complete the coursework for this program you will earn the following certifications—exam costs covered by your low, flat tuition and fees:

CIW Site Development Associate

ITIL^®1Foundation Certification

CompTIA Project+

Oracle Database SQL

And if you already have any of these certs, they may transfer into your program as credit, waiving course requirements and helping you graduate faster!

As you complete this degree program, the prowess you gain in logic, architecture and systems, data structures, artificial intelligence, algorithms, and computer theory, among other things, will make you a highly in-demand professional in a diverse and promising workplace.

Of course, a career with such huge potential requires a certain kind of person to excel. You must have an aptitude for math and problem solving, excel at teamwork, and thrive when working in big, complex systems. You need a strong interest in computers and computer science, of course. And you have to be ready to work hard.

Because every industry around the world needs computer scientists—and there are far too few good computer scientists to fill those roles—consider going into computer science with a B.S. Computer Science degree from WGU.

¹ITIL^®is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.
74% of IT bachelor's grads finish in

6–36 mos.

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
See how it works

Tuition per 6-month term is

$3,225

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!
See how time is money

Graduates who recommend WGU:

97%

The vast majority of alumni say WGU delivered on its promises. In fact, over 50% of students found WGU thanks to a friend's recommendation.
Get started

Tuition as of January 1, 2019.
Computer science: a dynamic career offering outstanding opportunities.

To say the field of computer science is wide open for those with the right knowledge, skills, and certifications would be a colossal understatement. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are almost 10 times more U.S. computing jobs open than there were students who graduated with computer science degrees in 2015. Professionals who need the skills a computer science degree provides include:
Computer systems analyst

Computer programmer

Artificial intelligence specialist

Software engineer

Machine learning engineer

Business analyst

Web developer

Front-end developer

User experience (UX) designer

Network architect
Learn more about our grads' careers
A curriculum that ranges from learning Python to programming a robotic arm.

Our Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from key experts on our Information Technology Program Council. In addition to core IT skills, the program focuses on algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence and robotics, database and information retrieval, human-computer communication, numerical and symbolic computation, and more.

Download Program Guide

Earning a bachelor’s degree designed by industry experts combines theoretical depth and technical know-how, all adding to the practical knowledge you've acquired through experience and certifications. The experts who make up our IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be successful in the field of computer science.
Core Subject Areas

Lower-division courses may be cleared through transfer credit. Following are some examples:

Calculus I

Introduction to Geography

English Composition I

Discrete Mathematics I

Discrete Mathematics II

Introduction to Communication

Introduction to Humanities

Ethics in Technology

More

See all courses
Key Subject Areas

Courses specific to computer science and IT-related topics include:

Introduction to IT

Web Development Foundations

Network and Security - Foundations

Business of IT - Project Management

Business of IT - Applications

Scripting and Programming - Foundations

Integrated Physical Sciences

Natural Science Lab

Computer Architecture

Data Structures and Algorithms I

Data Structures and Algorithms II

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

More

See all courses
The WGU Difference

We reimagined the path to a degree. How it works for you:

It’s doable.
Efficient, flexible, individualized, and supportive, WGU puts you in the driver’s seat—allowing you to advance as quickly as you're able.

It’s surprisingly affordable.
Low, flat-rate tuition and the opportunity to speed up your program allow you to control the cost of your education.

It’s worth it.
Employers love WGU graduates. And grads report greater satisfaction, career advancement, and income growth after earning a WGU degree.

See how we do it
A supported, personalized experience.

WGU is unlike any university you’ve experienced before—in the best possible way! Take a look at what we mean:

Faculty Learning Assessment Capstone Alumni Support

Faculty

SUPPORTING YOU: Faculty focused on students.

WGU faculty members have one goal in mind: your success. Your Program Mentor is your individually assigned faculty member, providing guidance and instruction from the day you start to the day you graduate. In addition, Course Instructors provide subject-matter instruction and support, typically one-on-one, exactly when you need it.

Learning

YOUR ROADMAP: A personalized learning plan.

Your program is made up of a series of courses, each a personalized journey toward subject mastery. A preassessment provides insight into what you already know. You’ll then learn what you still need to learn, using online learning resources—available 24/7—along with one-on-one or cohort-based faculty instruction.

Assessment

PROVE IT: Show you know your stuff.

WGU measures learning, not time, so each course culminates in an assessment—a test, paper, project, or certification that allows you to prove what you know. As soon as you’re ready, take the assessment—including the ability to take proctored exams from the comfort of your own home— via webcam, any time of day!

Capstone

APPLY IT: Solve a problem.

Throughout your program, you will focus on acquiring and proving specific competencies. At program’s end, you’ll complete a final capstone project that allows you to show off everything you’ve learned by proposing a solution to an relevant issue in your industry. Your mentor can help you select your capstone topic.

Alumni Support

ALWAYS a Night Owl.

Continued support after you graduate includes many opportunities for professional development and enrichment, career support, and networking. Night Owls may be independent learners, but they also become highly engaged in our active alumni community through apps, groups, and events.

The accreditation you need, plus industry respect and recognition.

Accredited

Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which provides the accreditation of many other major institutions, such as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, Gonzaga University, University of Utah, University of Idaho, and Brigham Young University, to name just a few.

Respected

Recognized

“I’m impressed by the results in places like Western Governors University. Its low-cost online programs rely on competency-based progression, not class time or credit hours. It uses external assessments to evaluate student proficiency.”
Bill Gates
“Why American Colleges Have to Change”

Accredited

Respected

Recognized

Our programs check all the boxes. If this degree is your goal, get started toward becoming a student today—programs start the first of each month.

REQUEST INFO
Cost & Time
When we say affordable, we mean it.

$3,225

Tuition per 6-month term

+

+$295

Resource and Program Fees, per term

=

=$3,520

TOTAL PER TERM

+$65

One-time application fee

Apply FREE this week

$295 per-term fees include Resource Fee of $145 (covers all e-books and learning resources, saving you hundreds per term) and Program Fee of $150 (covers additional costs specific to this program).
Control the cost of your program: Our tuition links cost to time.

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Flat-rate tuition of $3,520 per term links cost to time.

By charging per 6-month term rather than per credit hour—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or can learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.

Adjust the time and see your costs change

Your time

2 yrs

Your cost

1 yr
1.5 yrs
2 yrs
2.5 yrs
3 yrs

1 yr
1.5 yrs
2 yrs
2.5 yrs
3 yrs
There's help if you need it.

Financial aid is available.

WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.

View more about financial aid.

WGU students borrow less than half the national average.

Our goal: You graduate with little or no debt.

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2016 (among those who borrowed) was less than half the national average. WGU’s three-pronged approach to keeping your debt low and your return on investment quick: One, provide useful information and advice on responsible borrowing before enrollment. Two, keep tuition low while you're enrolled. And three, offer degree programs that lead to better-paying jobs after graduation.

Read about our Responsible Borrowing Initiative.

Degree Cost Comparison*

Online For-Profit University

Other Online Nonprofit University

WGU

Earn your computer science degree for about half what you’d pay elsewhere.

Low tuition and the ability to accelerate make WGU more affordable than most other schools. When you compare us with other programs, WGU’s Bachelor of Science Computer Science degree program offers rigorous curriculum with competitive post-graduation results for around half what you'd pay at another university—or even less.
*Estimates based on July 2017 WGU and competitor tuition data. Learn more about WGU's tuition and how it compares.

Transparent fees and no hidden costs.

The costs of attending college often include much more than tuition and fees. WGU is designed to be different, and that translates to cost savings everywhere from books to babysitting.

Other universities bury you in unexpected costs. Not WGU.

Click to explore the extra costs:

Tuition Books

Parking Gas

Library / resource fees Babysitter every week for
nighttime classes

WGU

Other online college

Traditional
4 year school

This demonstration shows how various costs—including official fees and incidental costs of attending school—can add up in different learning environments. It's meant as an illustration only.

Scholarships make our already low tuition even more affordable.

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Here are just a few you may be eligible to apply for:

$2,000

Sage Scholarship

$3,000

Salute to Veterans Scholarship

$2,000

Future in IT Scholarship

The affordable, flexible programs offered at WGU put high-quality education within your reach. Start working toward your future.

REQUEST INFO
Courses & Competencies

Curriculum designed to make you a highly sought-after computer scientist.

Program consists of:
34 Courses
Total courses in program
What about transfer credits?

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to ensure your degree is proof you really know your stuff.

Every course focuses on a set of clearly defined competencies that you must prove you’ve learned—through tests, papers, projects, or other assessments. Demonstrating mastery is how you pass a course, so learning what it takes to be outstanding in your career is at the heart of WGU’s Bachelor of Science Computer Science curriculum.

That means that what you learn is often directly applicable the next day at work—and it means that what you’re doing at work frequently informs the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.

Courses in this program.

This program is made up of the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience or industry certifications you already hold. The rest you will complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

+

IT Fundamentals

Introduction to IT

Introduction to IT examines information technology as a discipline and the various roles and functions of the IT department as business support. Students are presented with various IT disciplines including systems and services, network and security, scripting and programming, data management, and business of IT, with a survey of technologies in every area and how they relate to each other and to the business.

+

General Education

Calculus I

Calculus students apply theoretical concepts of calculus to real-world situations, demonstrating a developing mathematical mindset. This course focuses on limits, derivatives, integrals, and differential equations; it also prepares students for Discrete Mathematics. Prerequisites may include an entrance exam that assesses pre-calculus skills, or readiness; alternatively, completion of pre-calculus within the past 3 – 5 years.

Introduction to Geography

This course will discuss geographic concepts, places and regions, physical and human systems and the environment.

English Composition I

English Composition I introduces learners to the types of writing and thinking that are valued in college and beyond. Students will practice writing in several genres with emphasis placed on writing and revising academic arguments. Instruction and exercises in grammar, mechanics, research documentation, and style are paired with each module so that writers can practice these skills as necessary. Comp I is a foundational course designed to help students prepare for success at the college level. There are no prerequisites for English Composition I.

Discrete Mathematics I

Discrete Mathematics 1 is designed to help students develop competence in the use of abstract discrete structures fundamental to computer science. In particular, this course will introduce students to logic and proofs, Boolean algebra and functions, set theory, finite and infinite sequences and series, and relations, graphs and trees. There is an emphasis on applications in computer science. Calculus is a prerequisite for this course.

Discrete Mathematics II

Discrete Mathematics II addresses abstract discrete computational methods used in computer science. In particular, this class introduces searching and sorting algorithms, big-O estimates, number theory and cryptography, recursion and induction, counting and advanced counting techniques, discrete probability, and modeling computation. There is also an emphasis on applications in computer science. Discrete Mathematics I is a prerequisite for this course.

Introduction to Communication

This introductory communication course allows students to become familiar with the fundamental communication theories and practices necessary to engage in healthy professional and personal relationships. Students will survey human communication on multiple levels and critically apply the theoretical grounding of the course to interpersonal, intercultural, small group, and public presentational contexts. The course also encourages students to consider the influence of language, perception, culture, and media on their daily communicative interactions. In addition to theory, students will engage in the application of effective communication skills through systematically preparing and delivering an oral presentation. By practicing these fundamental skills in human communication, students become more competent communicators as they develop more flexible, useful, and discriminatory communicative practices in a variety of contexts.

Introduction to Humanities

This introductory humanities course allows students to practice essential writing, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary to engage in civic and professional interactions as mature, informed adults. Whether through studying literature, visual and performing arts, or philosophy, all humanities courses stress the need to form reasoned, analytical, and articulate responses to cultural and creative works. Studying a wide variety of creative works allows students to more effectively enter the global community with a broad and enlightened perspective.

Ethics in Technology

Ethics in Technology examines the ethical considerations of technology in each of four categories: privacy, accuracy, property, and access. The course presents a range of technologies and issues that challenge technologists in the field of information ethics. Students are introduced to a decision-making process as informed by ethical frameworks that outline key ethical considerations within the technologies presented. Students will study specific cases to help inform their professional responsibilities in how to navigate the important controversies in topics such as surveillance, social media, hacking, data manipulation, plagiarism and piracy, artificial intelligence, responsible innovation, and the digital divide. This course has no prerequisites.

American Politics and the US Constitution

American Politics and the US Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give students an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and interactions between elected officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy, the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This course has no prerequisite.

Applied Probability and Statistics

Applied Probability and Statistics is designed to help students develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic statistics including: introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are often used in everyday life, science, business, information technology, and educational settings to make informed decisions about the validity of studies and the effect of data on decisions. This course discusses what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, the content covers simple probability calculations, based on events that occur in the business and IT industries. No prerequisites are required for this course.

+

Web Development

Web Development Foundations

This course prepares students for the CIW Site Development Associate certification. The course introduces students to web design and development by presenting them with HTML5 and CSS, the foundational languages of the web, by reviewing media strategies, and by using tools and techniques commonly employed in web development.

+

Network and Security

Network and Security - Foundations

Network and Security - Foundations introduces students to the components of a computer network and the concept and role of communication protocols. The course covers widely used categorical classifications of networks (e.g., LAN, MAN, WAN, WLAN, PAN, SAN, CAN, and VPN) as well as network topologies, physical devices, and layered abstraction. The course also introduces students to basic concepts of security covering vulnerabilities of networks and mitigation techniques, security of physical media, and security policies and procedures.This course has no prerequisites.

+

Business of IT

Business of IT - Project Management

In this course, students will build on industry standard concepts, techniques, and processes to develop a comprehensive foundation for project management activities. During a project's life cycle, students will develop the critical skills necessary to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project. Students will apply best practices in areas such as scope management, resource allocation, project planning, project scheduling, quality control, risk management, performance measurement, and project reporting. This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Project+.

Business of IT - Applications

Business of IT – Applications examines Information Technology Infrastructure Library ( ITIL®) terminology, structure, policies, and concepts. Focusing on the management of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, development, and operations, students will explore the core principles of ITIL practices for service management to prepare them for careers as IT professionals, business managers, and business process owners. This course has no prerequisites.

+

Scripting and Programming

Scripting and Programming - Foundations

Scripting and Programming - Foundations provides an introduction to programming, covering basic elements such as variables, data types, flow control, and design concepts. The course is language-agnostic in nature, ending in a survey of languages and introduces the distinction between interpreted and compiled languages. There are no prerequisites for this course.

+

General Science Content

Integrated Physical Sciences

This course provides students with an overview of the basic principles and unifying ideas of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and Earth sciences. Course materials focus on scientific reasoning and practical and everyday applications of physical science concepts to help students integrate conceptual knowledge with practical skills.

Natural Science Lab

This course gives you an introduction to using the scientific method and engaging in scientific research to reach conclusions about the natural world. You will design and carry out an experiment to investigate a hypothesis by gathering quantitative data.

+

Computer Science

Computer Architecture

Computer Architecture introduces students to concepts and characteristics of organization and architecture applied to modern computer systems, including performance, processor, memory, Input/Output, and multiprocessors to optimize system design, performance, and efficiency.

Data Structures and Algorithms I

Data Structures and Algorithms I covers the fundamentals of dynamic data structures, such as bags, lists, stacks, queues, trees, hash tables, and their associated algorithms. With Python software as the basis, the course discusses object-oriented design and abstract data types as a design paradigm. The course emphasizes problem solving and techniques for designing efficient, maintainable software applications. Students will implement simple applications using the techniques learned. This course has one prerequisite: Software 1.

Data Structures and Algorithms II

Data Structures and Algorithms II explores the analysis and implementation of high-performance data structures and supporting algorithms, including graphs, hashing, self-adjusting data structures, set representations, and dynamic programming. The course also introduces students to NP-complete problems. The course discusses how to use Python techniques to implement software solutions for problems of memory management and data compression. This course has two prerequisites: Data Structures and Algorithms I and Discrete Math II.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence explores the foundational principles and practices of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics. The course prepares students to analyze relationships, build agents, and create models relevant to AI problems. The prerequisites for this course are Introduction to Probability and Statistics as well as Data Structures and Algorithms II.

Computer Science Capstone

The Computer Science Capstone course allows the student to demonstrate their application of the academic and professional abilities developed during the BSCS program. The capstone challenges students to integrate skills and knowledge from all program domains into one project.

+

Software

Scripting and Programming - Applications

Scripting and Programming - Applications for undergraduates explores the various aspects of the C++ programming language by examining its syntax, the development environment, and tools and techniques to solve some real-world problems.

Software I

Software I builds object-oriented programming expertise and introduces powerful new tools for Java application development. You will learn about and put into action class design, exception handling, and other object-oriented principles and constructs to develop software that meets business requirements. This course requires foundational knowledge of object-oriented programming.

Software II - Advanced Java Concepts

Software II – Advanced Java Concepts refines object-oriented programming expertise and builds database and file server application development skills. You will learn about and put into action lambda expressions, collections, input/output, advanced error handling, and the newest features of Java 8 to develop software that meets business requirements. This course requires intermediate expertise in object-oriented programming and the Java language.

Software Engineering

This course introduces the concepts of software engineering to students who have completed the core courses in programming and project management. The principles build on previously acquired concepts, switching the emphasis from programming simple routines, to engineering robust and scalable software solutions. This course does not cover programming, but provides an overview of software engineering processes, and their challenging nature focusing on the need for a disciplined approach to software engineering. A generic process framework provides the groundwork for formal process models. Prescriptive process models such as the Waterfall Model and Agile Development are included. An introduction to the elements and phases of software engineering is included which explores requirements engineering, design concepts, and software quality.

Software Quality Assurance

Software Quality Assurance applies a QA focus to every phase of the software development life cycle. This course investigates best practices for quality analysis, quality planning, and testing strategies as they pertain to the everyday practice of software development. Students will come to understand how their work fits into the bigger picture: how QA, testing, and code-writing practices interact within specific process models; the potential impact of new code on existing code or on other applications; the importance of usability and the influence users have on the ultimate success of an application. Students will explore test plans, test cases, unit tests, integration tests, regression tests, usability tests, and test and review tools.

+

Data Management

Data Management - Foundations

This course introduces students to the concepts and terminology used in the field of data management. They will be introduced to Structured Query Language (SQL) and will learn how to use Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands to define, retrieve, and manipulate data. This course covers differentiations of data—structured vs. unstructured and quasi-structured (relational, hierarchical, XML, textual, visual, etc); it also covers aspects of data management (quality, policy, storage methodologies). Foundational concepts of data security are included.

Data Management - Applications

This course covers conceptual data modeling and provides an introduction to MySQL. Students will learn how to create simple to complex SELECT queries including subqueries and joins, and will also learn how to use SQL to update and delete data. Topics covered in this course include exposure to MySQL; developing physical schemas; creating and modifying databases, tables, views, foreign keys/primary keys (FKs/PKs), and indexes; populating tables; and developing simple Select-From-Where (SFW) queries to complex 3+ table join queries.

+

Secure Systems Analysis & Design

Fundamentals of Information Security

This course lays the foundation for understanding terminology, principles, processes and best practices of information security at local and global levels. It further provides an overview of basic security vulnerabilities and countermeasures for protecting information assets through planning and administrative controls within an organization.

+

Operating Systems

Operating Systems for Programmers

This course covers operating systems from the perspective of a programmer including the placement of the operating system in the layered application development model. Primarily OSs provide Memory Management, Task Scheduling, and CPU allocation. Secondarily, OSs provide tools for file storage/access, permission control, event handling, network access, and cross-process interaction. OSs also provide tools for debugging problems within a single process or within groups of programs.

+

Technical Communication

Technical Communication

This course covers basic elements of technical communication, including professional written communication proficiency; the ability to strategize approaches for differing audiences; and technical style, grammar, and syntax proficiency.

+

Data Manipulation

Structured Query Language

This course prepares the student for the Oracle Database SQL (1Z0-071) certification exam. Students will master the SQL language that will allow them to restrict and sort data, create schema objects, control user access, and manage data, objects and tables.

Plan to work hard: Program requirements and expectations.

The B.S. Computer Science degree program is an all-online program that you will complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 12 competency units each 6-month term. (One course is typically 3 or 4 units.)

The first person you speak with at WGU will be your Enrollment Counselor, an expert in your program who can explain all the requirements and expectations in more detail. You can also read more about each course in the Program Guide.

Request info from an Enrollment Counselor.
Download the Program Guide.

Special requirements for this program:

Capstone project: At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a project that allows you to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue faced in an actual place of business.

Give your résumé the boost it needs!

REQUEST INFO

Quality you can trust: Curriculum developed with guidance from IT employers and experts.

Program councils, composed of industry and academic experts, drive the creation of our degree programs, providing input on the competencies a graduate needs to have mastered for success in the field.
How You'll Learn
Competency-based education puts busy adult students in the driver’s seat of their education.

Competency-based education (CBE) allows you to set the speed of your progress—no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start.

Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been applying for years? Review the course material, take the assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment.

A computer science program designed to fit your busy life.

Your unique experience gives you something unique to offer. Maybe you’ve worked in tech for years. Maybe you have some certifications but no college experience.

Wherever you've been, the next step requires something you don't have: your degree. We believe your experience should count for something. You deserve a bachelor’s degree program that will take into account all the know-how you’ve already gained, allowing you to move through courses as quickly as you can prove you've mastered the material. No waiting for other students or the end of the semester. No sitting through classes you could teach. Just a smart, direct path to the degree your career needs and the respect you deserve.

Competency-Based Education (CBE)

How it helps you

Efficient

Save time and money by focusing your efforts where they matter the most.

Your knowledge, experience, and drive to finish your degree are valuable. Put those qualities to work and master material more quickly, potentially graduating ahead of schedule.

Flexible

Learn on your own terms.

With all online courses and no set meeting times, you can study whenever and wherever works best for you. Earning a degree will take hard work, but you can fit your study around your existing commitments, not the other way around.

Results

Know you’re learning real-world skills.

Our computer science curriculum is built around the things employers want you to know. You graduate by demonstrating you've learned those things. The result: a degree that proves you know your stuff.

Finish courses by proving what you know, as soon as you’re ready.

With competency-based education at WGU, success is measured by actual learning, not class time. You advance by demonstrating that you've mastered the course subject matter—whether you learned it through your study at WGU or picked up that knowledge through years of work experience.

Your progress through a course is driven by you.

How quickly you learn

+

The time you devote to studying

+

How much previous knowledge you bring
See it in action.

Play the game to see how a competency-based course works at WGU.
competency, noun

Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.

At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.

For this course, there are 3 areas you need to prove competency in.

Start

First, let's take a pre‑assessment.

Determine what you already know from previous work and education experience, and where you need to focus your studies. Prove your competency in 3 areas in this exercise.

Start Pre-Assessment

Competency 1: Retrieving results...
Competency 2: Retrieving results...
Competency 3: Retrieving results...

Start Course

Second, study course materials.

Click on the free learning resources created by education experts that will help you master the competencies.

E-textbook

Web-based Tutorials

Online Classes

Simulations

Learning Communities

Course Mentors

Ready? Take Assessment

Result:

Try Again

Measuring:

Skills

Knowledge

X
Your experience pays at WGU.

Why start from square one when you could already be well on your way to a degree?

REQUEST INFO
Career Outlook
Computer science: a demanding career. Computer scientists: in high demand.

Between 2013 and 2015, national employer demand for bachelor's-level computer science professionals increased by about 55%. The field of computer science is rapidly expanding into some truly exciting areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, intelligent systems, and human-computer interaction. It's a high-demand field that taps some of America's best and brightest for extraordinarily successful and rewarding careers.

If you have strong critical thinking skills and an affinity for mathematical reasoning, you're an ideal candidate to consider a future in computer science—and a bright future it is!

19%

The market for computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 19% through 2026.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Explore a career in computer science.

Get salary info, job and industry outlook, work environment description, and more.

LEARN MORE
WGU is a university committed to producing successful grads.

The ultimate test of your degree's value is whether it helps you become an outstanding employee and advance your career. Our happy grads—and their happy employers—confirm that WGU is the path to that kind of degree.
Happy employers

Happy grads

They're Prepared.

Employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.

They Perform.

Employers rated WGU graduates' job performance as very good or excellent.

They Wow.

Employers said their WGU graduates have exceeded their expectations.

They're Confident.

Graduates said the majority of their coursework was related to their jobs.

They're Working.

Graduates are working full-time.

They're Satisfied.

Graduates said their degrees were worth the cost of their education.

Source: 2016 Harris Poll survey of 301 employers; 2016 Harris Poll Online survey of 1,403 new college graduates nationwide compared with survey of 1,207 WGU graduates; WGU--Gallup 2016 Report
Close the gap between you and your dreams.

Online degree programs start every month.

REQUEST INFO
Admissions
Your bachelor's degree is attainable. The first step: Apply for program enrollment today.

Next Possible Start

Jan 1

Start dates are the 1st of every month. Discuss steps and deadlines with your Enrollment Counselor.
APPLY TODAY

Get your Enrollment Checklist
Download now

Get your questions answered and take the next step: Talk to an Enrollment Counselor.

866-225-5948
Request info
Your Enrollment Counselor is there to help you make an informed decision.
The first step toward change can be the hardest—we get it. Your "welcoming committee" at WGU is made up of Enrollment Counselors, Admissions Specialists, and faculty members. Your initial interactions at WGU will be guided by an Enrollment Counselor who specializes in the programs you're interested in. Your Enrollment Counselor is ready with as much help as you may need: answering your questions, walking you through next steps, or providing you with additional program information to consider.

Your Enrollment Counselor is ready with as much help as you may need:

Get your cost and admissions criteria questions answered.

Assess WGU's fit with your career goals.

Get started toward enrollment!

Contact an Enrollment Counselor.
Admission requirements unique to this degree.
Students must be able to use key calculus principles, rules, and applications while in the B.S. Computer Science program. WGU offers Pre-Calculus Essentials prior to the first term for any student wanting to review or enhance their skills and knowledge before starting Calculus. Students must meet the following admission requirements for admittance to this program:

Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Demonstrate math readiness through completion of one of the following:

Option 1: Pre-Calculus Essentials from WGU.

Option 2: A pre-calculus course from a WGU approved third-party provider.

Option 3: A high school pre-calculus or calculus course.

Option 4: A college pre-calculus or calculus course.

Option 5: An associate’s degree in computer science, pre-engineering, or math.

Option 6: A Udacity course in artificial intelligence or a nanodegree in machine learning engineer or deep learning.

View general admission requirements
Making an informed admission decision.

WGU seeks to admit individuals who have the capacity and determination to complete a rigorous WGU degree program … and graduate. The admission process is designed to help you and the university reach an informed decision about your likelihood of success.

At WGU we want you to graduate, not just enroll. Consequently, not every applicant is admitted because not every individual is a good “fit” for WGU’s programs and competency-based, online academic model.
Your existing IT certifications may transfer to WGU.

See which certs transfer.

Common questions about enrolling in a College of IT degree program.

What if I can't meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in the IT program I am interested in?

+

You should speak with an Enrollment Counselor. WGU can often provide advice or resources to help a prospective student fulfill enrollment prerequisites.

Why are certifications and other prerequisites required?

+

When you enroll in a WGU degree program, our goal is to see you through to graduation. Admission requirements are designed to increase your likelihood of success. Years of data and experience with the nontraditional students WGU serves have shown us how various types of academic and professional experience can be highly important in helping a student persist to graduation. Industry certifications are one of many ways a student can meet eligibility.

Why doesn't WGU accept certifications that are older than five years?

+

WGU has an obligation to our graduates—and their current and future employers—to ensure WGU alumni have mastered the the most up-to-date, current competencies and skills needed in the workplace. Recency of certifications helps us ensure that students have demonstrated competency in skills as they are needed in today's working world.

Is this program truly "at your own pace"?

+

As a full-time student, you will be required to maintain a minimum pace of 12 competency units (CUs) per term for undergraduate programs or 8 CUs per term for graduate programs. However, there is no maximum speed—once you complete a course, you move immediately to the next, and you complete a course not by waiting for the syllabus, the professor, or the rest of the class. You progress by learning the material and proving it—so you can move through your coursework at the speed of your own learning and experience.

If there aren't classes or lectures, what role do Course Instructors play?

+

Course Instructors are highly educated, experienced experts in the subject matter of a course. Unlike in a traditional university where going to class means listening to an instructor lecture while you take notes and try to learn in a group setting, WGU's Course Instructors provide one-on-one instruction and support when you need it—tailoring the instruction to your precise needs when you need it. Course Instructors also provide additional resources, lead topical discussions in online communities, and find countless other ways to bring a specific course to life for students.

Have more questions? We're here to answer them!
Speak with an Enrollment Counselor.

WGU is school on your terms.

School can fit into your life—start working toward your better future now.

GET STARTED