Western Governors University

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Computer Science Degrees at Western Governors University

Western Governors University appears in our ranking of the Top 10 Cheapest Online Master’s in Information Assurance Degrees.

Students enrolled in computer science degree programs at Western Governors University are assigned a mentor who also is a faculty member. The mentor and the student create a custom Academic Action Plan, or AAP, within the student’s chosen degree program. The AAP guides the student through each six-month term. This close mentoring relationship sets WGU apart from other institutions designed for adult learning.

All degree programs offered at WGU are offered wholly online. This course-delivery method is designed to be flexible for students who are employed full time.

Bachelor of Science degrees are offered in numerous computer science focus areas. These include Computer Science, Data Management/Data Analytics, Information Technology, Cloud and Systems Administration, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Network Operations and Security, Software Development, Health Information Management and IT Management.

The computer science degree includes certifications in Axelos ITIL Foundation, CompTIA Project+, Oracle Database 12c and CIW Site Development Associate. Graduates of this program may work as computer programmers or software engineers while others become computer systems analysts or specialists in the field of artificial intelligence.

With the Data Management program, students earn numerous credentials including CIW Data Analyst and CIW Site Development Associate. Oracle certifications earned in the program are Oracle Database SQL (1Z0-071) and Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals. One unique aspect of this program is the Udacity Nanodegree credential, which students earn through the program.

Graduates of the Information Technology program earn many of the same credentials in addition to LPI Linux Essentials and the ITIL Foundation Certification. Cloud and Systems Administration students will enhance their resumes with several Amazon, Microsoft, Linux, CompTIA, Project+, Axelos and CIW credentials as will graduates of the Network and Operations Security program. Individuals who complete the latter program become skilled in network design and operations.

When students enroll in the online Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program, they learn skills that enable them to find employment as a cybersecurity engineer or a cybercrimes investigator. Other graduates have become the chief of cyber counterintelligence in multi-national and government organizations.

Prospective students who want to put their creativity to use may benefit from the Software Development program in which they will receive numerous professional credentials. As one of the most sought-after specialties in the computer science field, this is an excellent choice for students who want guaranteed employment.

Students with an interest in the health or business fields may want to consider the Health Information Management and the Business – IT Management programs. Health Information Management graduates may aspire to be the director of informatics, a health records manager or an information systems auditor. The Business – IT Management focus prepares graduates to become the vice president of risk management, a CTO or a director of IT.

WGU offers four graduate-level degree programs in computer science. These are Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Data Analytics, Information Technology Management and an MBA in Information Technology Management.

Each of these programs provides students with an opportunity to increase their knowledge in areas like data mining, security governance and computer hacking forensic investigations. Earning one of these advanced degrees may be the key to more employment opportunities with higher pay scales.

About Western Governors University

The idea for WGU came about in 1995 at a meeting of the Western Governors Association. With 19 governors present, one of the issues discussed at the conference was how to make higher education more accessible to working adults. Each governor who decided to participate pledged $100,000 for the establishment of a university that was competency based.

The institution was founded in 1997, and by 2001, the U.S. Department of Education had given $10 million toward founding the Teachers College. WGU began offering IT courses at the same time. Currently, WGU has four colleges for business, teachers, IT and health and nursing.

From the beginning, WGU was committed to offering a non-traditional education. This means that all WGU programs are offered online and that each student is partially responsible for planning each six-month semester. Students are required to complete a minimum number of credits each term, but they do have some autonomy with regard to how much coursework they complete.

Western Governors University Accreditation Details

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities provides regional accreditation for WGU. According to the institution, WGU is the only school to receive accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions simultaneously. This is attributed to the founding of the university by 19 governors of geographically diverse states.

Western Governors University Application Requirements

New students may enroll at any time with the earliest possible start date being the first of the next month. An online application must be completed and submitted with a fee. Official transcripts also are required. These may make it possible for students to transfer credit from another institution.

Applicants must complete a WGU Readiness Assessment, an online test designed to determine whether or not the student is prepared for their program. An interview with an enrollment counselor and an orientation further are required.

Prospective computer science degree students may have to meet additional requirements. These may include demonstrating additional math readiness or demonstrating experience or academic preparation in IT subject matter.

Applicants to the graduate-level degree programs must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They may need to possess numerous professional credentials or certifications. Most applicants will be asked to submit a professional resume demonstrating relevant experience with the subject matter.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students in the computer science degree programs at the undergraduate level pay approximately $3,520 per six-month term at WGU. Most graduates are able to complete their program within three to four years, averaging between six and eight terms.

Most computer science graduate programs cost $3,835 per term with the exception of the MBA Information Technology Management degree, which costs $3,945 per term. Most of these programs can be completed in a two-year period with about four terms.

Many employers offer reimbursement for an education at WGU. Alternatively, students may apply for scholarships, many of which are available through the institution and are designed specifically for students in the IT school. Financial aid also is available through education loans.

It’s possible to learn more about the IT College at Western Governors University at their website.

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