Comparing IT Bachelor’s Degrees

Computer Science – B.S.

Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...

Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:

Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies.

Time: 71% of graduates in similar programs finish within 27 months.
Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
Courses: 35 total courses in this program.

You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:

CompTIA Project+
Axelos ITIL Foundation

Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.

Careers that this program can help prepare you for include:

Computer systems analyst
Computer programmer
Artificial intelligence specialist
Software engineer
Machine learning engineer

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Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.

Time: 70% of graduates finish within 21 months.
Tuition: $3,950 per 6-month term.
Courses: 34 total courses in this program.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

Cyber crimes investigator
Director of cybersecurity
Chief of cyber counterintelligence
Cybersecurity engineer
Cyber operations planner

Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
ITIL® Foundation Certification
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
CompTIA Network Security Professional
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security Analytics Professional

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Data Management/Data Analytics – B.S.

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:

Time: 70% of graduates finish within 37 months.
Tuition and fees: $3,625 per 6-month term.
Courses: 39 total courses in this program.

Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:

CIW Data Analyst
CompTIA A+ (Parts 1 and 2)
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science

There are many job titles a degree in data management and data analytics will prepare you for, including:

Data Scientist
Automation Architect
SQL Query Builder
R Programmer
AI Trainer
Tableau Report Developer
QA Analyst
Python Programmer
Analytics Manager
Data Analyst
Database Administrator
Statistician

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Information Technology – B.S.

Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...

Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.

Time: 70% of graduates finish within 48 months.
Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
Courses: 36 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
LPI Linux Essentials

Job titles this degree may prepare you for include:

Application developer
Business systems analyst
IT manager
Database administrator

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Network Operations and Security – B.S.

For network operations and security professionals:...

For network operations and security professionals:

Time: 70% of graduates finish within 39 months.
Tuition and fees: $3,625 per 6-month term.
Certifications: several Cisco and CompTIA included in this program

Cisco certification included is the Cisco Certified Network Associate. CompTIA certifications included are A+, Network+, Security+, and Project+. This program will help you develop strong skills in network design, network operations, and security management.

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Software Development – B.S.

You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....

You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.

Time: 70% of graduates finish within 40 months.
Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
Courses: 34 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Project +
ITIL®1 Foundation Certification

There are a wide variety of job titles this degree program prepares students for, including:

Software Developer
Network Architect
Software Engineer
Hardware Engineer

Software development is the second-highest rated specialty within IT. Secure your future with a degree and additional certifications.

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Which IT Bachelor's Degree is Right for You?

With WGU's online IT degree programs, you have the opportunity to earn your degree as well as top industry certs for one price.

B.S. Cloud Computing

A cloud computing degree will help you understand how to work on computer systems and programs, while focusing on the cloud. More hands-on than other programs, cloud computing takes a “labs-first approach” where you’ll spend time building things, solving complex problems, and making sure your solutions work.

As businesses of all sizes are moving their data to the cloud, a degree in cloud computing can prepare you with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this in-demand career field. If you have some knowledge of the cloud and scripting, are ready to work on a globally diverse team, and want to help build the next generation of technology, this degree could be the right move for you.

Program Details

Students in WGU’s cloud computing program can expect to learn:

IT Fundamentals
Web Development
Network and Security
Business of IT
General Science Content
Operating Systems
Scripting and Programming
Cloud and Virtualization
Technical Writing
Data Management
Information Assurance
Software
Cloud Technologies

In addition to getting your bachelor's degree, you’ll also earn certifications, including AWS Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator (Associate), CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, LPI Linux Essentials, and ITIL® Foundation Certification.

Career Paths

There are many career options available for someone with a cloud computing degree. Some of the potential career paths that could be taken with this degree include:

Cloud network architect
Cloud developer
AWS cloud architect
AWS cloud engineer
Entrepreneur
Cloud automation engineer
Cloud services administrator
Computer and information systems manager

B.S. Computer Science

WGU's B.S. in Computer Science prepares you to design, develop, and optimize systems that meet current and future industry needs. You'll gain important skills in concepts such as data structures, logic, architecture and systems, AI, and computer theory, all of which will make you a highly qualified and in-demand pro in a booming industry.

The field of computer science is rapidly expanding into exciting areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, intelligent systems, and human-computer interaction. If you have strong critical thinking skills and a knack for mathematical reasoning, you're an ideal candidate to consider a future in computer science.

Program Details

Computer science coursework includes:

IT Fundamentals
Web Development
Network and Security
Business of IT
Computer Science
Secure Systems Analysis and Design
General Education
Operating Systems
Scripting and Programming
Technical Writing
Operating Systems
Data Management
Software

While getting this degree, you’ll also earn top industry certifications, including the ITIL Foundation Certification and CompTIA Project+. And if you already have these certs, they may transfer into your program as credit, waiving course requirements and helping you to graduate even faster.

Career Paths

Career paths you can take with a computer science degree include:

Computer systems analyst
Computer programmer
Software engineer
Machine learning engineer
Artificial intelligence specialist
Network systems administrator
Front-end developer
User experience (UX) designer

B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

WGU's online cybersecurity bachelor's degree will prepare you to outsmart cybercriminals and be the front line of support for governments and top organizations as a information security pro. This program was designed with input from cybersecurity experts and leading IT employers to meet the most recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) guidelines.

Every industry counts on information security experts to detect system vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data—so, it’s no wonder that information security pros are in high demand. If you like working in a team setting and want to protect reputable organizations and agencies from attackers, this program could be your perfect fit.

Program Details

WGU’s cybersecurity and information assurance program courses cover:

Secure Systems Analysis and Design
IT Fundamentals
General Education
Business of IT
Web Development
Network and Security
Scripting and Programming
Information Assurance
Data Management
Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technical Writing
Ethics and Cyber Law
Web and Cloud Security
Wireless and Mobile Technologies
Risk Management
Hacking Countermeasures and Technology
Penetration Testing

The cybersecurity program comes with the following certifications: Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), TIL® Foundation Certification, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+), CompTIA IT Operations Specialist, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional, CompTIA Network Security Professional, CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Security Analytics Professional.

Career Paths

Career paths you can take with a computer science degree include:

Cybersecurity analyst
Forensic computer analyst
Cybersecurity engineer
Vulnerability assessment analyst
Penetration tester
Cybersecurity architect
IT consultant
IT security specialist

B.S. Data Management/Data Analytics

At other institutions, you’d have to choose a degree in data management or a different degree in data analytics—but at WGU, you have the flexibility of earning one degree that provides both. The data analytics degree program provides a solid background in database management as well as applications in data wrangling, analysis, and visualization. You'll also learn about leadership and management skills that will help you propel your career even further.

The world runs on data, and every industry needs experts to manage it. Now, more than ever before, organizations are desperate for people who can work with data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and computer systems to help achieve goals. If deciphering complex information to tell stories and find patterns sounds exciting, then a career in data analytics may be a perfect fit.

Program Details

Courses in the data management/data analytics program include:

Data Systems Administration
IT Leadership, Data Governance
Advanced Data Management
Introduction to Data Science
Data Wrangling
Analysis
Data Analysis with R
Machine Learning
Data Visualization
Introduction to Programming in Python
Networks
Scripting and Programming
Spreadsheets
Web Development Foundations

Along with your degree, you’ll also earn top industry certifications, including the WGU Data Analyst Nanodegree from Udacity, CompTIA A+ (Parts 1 and 2), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA IT Operations Specialist, and CIW Data Analyst.

Career Paths

Career paths you can take with a data management/data analytics degree include:

Data scientist
Data manager
Data analyst
Machine learning analyst
Financial analyst
Business analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Operations analyst
Risk analyst
Research analyst
Marketing analyst
Computer science analyst
Data journalist

B.S. Information Technology

On top of providing a solid foundation in computer information systems and technology, WGU’s IT degree helps you gain the critical skills and experience you need to thrive in the information sector. Designed with input from industry experts, this degree program is made up of five primary areas of study: systems and services, networking and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT.

Information technology is a growing field and one that’s full of promising career options—but it’s also highly competitive. An IT degree is a great way to expand your skills and stand out from other candidates. If you’re someone who likes solving problems, designing solutions, and working with the latest technologies, getting your IT degree is a solid choice.

Program Details

Courses in the information technology program include:

Introduction to IT
IT Foundations
IT Applications
Natural Science Lab
Network and Security - Foundations
Networks
Network and Security - Applications
Cloud Foundations
Emerging Technologies
Data Management - Foundations
Data Management - Applications
Information Systems Management

WGU’s IT program comes with top industry certifications, including LPI Linux Essentials, ITIL® Foundation Certification, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA IT Operations Specialist, CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist, and Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner.

Career Paths

Career paths you can take with an information technology degree include:

IT manager
Cloud administration
Computer systems analyst
Computer and information research scientist
Computer hardware engineer
Computer network architect
Software developer
Computer programmer

B.S. Network Engineering and Security

This degree program helps you gain specialized knowledge and experience in network design, network operations, network security, and cloud security. You’ll also get the skills you need to excel in network infrastructure and to secure data through effective IT policies and procedures.

This program is designed for professionals who want to leverage their experience and grow their knowledge of the cloud to become IT experts. It’s ideal for someone who loves problem-solving and isn’t afraid of a challenge. Anyone entering this degree program will find it helpful to have some network setup and troubleshooting experience, or at least Tier 1 Support experience, and possess a Net+ or Sec+ level certification.

Program Details

Courses in WGU’s network engineering and security degree program include:

IT Fundamentals
General Education
General Science Content
Scripting and Programming
Spreadsheets
Leadership and Management
Business of IT
Data Management
Operating Systems
Web Development
Technical Writing
Networking
Web and Cloud Security
Information Assurance

While getting your network operations and security degree, you’ll also earn the following industry certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA IT Operations Specialist, CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist, Axelos ITIL®1 Foundation, LPI Linux Essentials, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

Career Paths

Career paths you can take with a network engineering and security degree include:

Network security administrator
Computer systems analyst
Network infrastructure administrator
Network and computer systems administrator
Computer support specialist
Network security analyst
Computer and information systems manager

B.S. Software Development

The software development program at WGU allows you to pick between two courses of specific programming language study: Java or C#. C# is a wise choice if you want to work in big tech centers like Silicon Valley. Most large enterprises use Microsoft infrastructure and tend to need software engineers and developers who use C#.

If you’re more interested in working with devices such as smartphones, smart appliances, and smart cars, Java may be a better language path. Whichever programming language you choose, at the end of your software and application program, you’ll know how to program, code, do application development, and more.

Software is at the center of how we live our tech-driven lives, and software developers are the people behind it all. WGU’s software development degree will help you build a future as a developer of cutting-edge technology and software. If you consider yourself creative, analytical, and a natural problem solver, this could be the degree path for you.

Program Details

Courses in WGU’s software development program include:

Computer Science
Data Management
Leadership and Management
IT Fundamentals
General Education
Scripting and Programming
Web Development
Network and Security
Business of IT
Software
Technical Writing
Software Applications

You’ll also earn top industry certifications, including the ITIL® Foundation Certification, CompTIA A+, and CompTIA Project+.

Career Paths

Career paths you can take with a software development degree include:

Computer programmer
Video game designer
Web developer
Software developer
C# programmer
Java programmer
Software engineer
Algorithm engineer
IT consultant
App developer