Complete Your BS in Communications at WGU in 9-12 Months

Why WGU’s Communications Program Is Perfect for Degree Hacking

Western Governors University’s program is for professionals who want to excel in strategic communication, media relations, and digital storytelling. Its fully online, competency-based structure rewards what you already know, letting prior experience or study count toward graduation. Here’s more reasons why the BS in Communications in hackable:  

Streamline Your Path to Graduation with Competency-Based Structure

• You can advance the moment you demonstrate mastery in the course

• Transfer up to 90 approved credits, reducing both time and cost

• Leverage your professional or academic background to test out of courses quickly

Complete Your Studies with Career-Ready Expertise

• Develop expertise and skills in public relations, digital media, content strategy, crisis communication, and multimedia production

• Earn three embedded certificates at no extra cost: Strategic Communications, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, and Business Power Skills

• Prepare for careers such as Communications Specialist, PR Manager, Digital Content Strategist, or Corporate Communication Specialist

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Why Most People Take 3 Years (And How to Do It in 6–12 Months)

Why Most People Take 3 Years

Many students end up spending over $24,000 and finish their degree in three years without realizing that there are more efficient and cost-effective ways to complete their degree.  

Several common pitfalls can slow down progress, including:

• Not maximizing transfer credits: Many students don’t realize WGU accepts up to 90 transfer credits, which can include credits from an associate degree or prior college coursework.

• Skipping low-cost test-out options: By overlooking CLEP or ACE exams (many of which cost under $100), students end up paying full tuition for courses they could have tested out of affordably.

• Traditional pacing: Most students approach WGU as if it were a semester-based school, moving slowly instead of taking advantage of the competency-based format to accelerate their progress.

• Paying WGU rates for gen-eds: Instead of completing affordable gen eds through alternative providers for less than $100, students end up paying $3,830 per term at WGU, which significantly raises the total cost of earning their degree.

Here's What Degree Hackers Do That Others Don’t

• Complete general education courses externally: Degree hackers don’t take all their courses at WGU, instead, they look for alternative credit options like Study.com or from CLEP exams to reduce costs.

• Enter with an associate degree: By applying an associate degree toward their program, students can clear roughly 14 foundational courses and save both time and tuition.

• Use WGU’s all-you-can-take six-month terms: WGU charges per term than per credit. That is why degree hackers leverage this format to finish upper-division communications courses in as little as two terms.

• Result: A fully accredited B.S. in Communications in <12 months for ~$8,000.

While many students stick to the traditional path and pay more, using these smart degree hacking strategies can help you graduate sooner and spend less. The gap between a three-year path and a 12-month success often depends on how resourceful and informed you are about available opportunities.

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Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack This Degree

To help you navigate your degree with purpose and precision, we’ve compiled proven strategies from WGU BS in Communications graduates, advisors, and seasoned degree hackers. These tips are tailored specifically to WGU’s unique competency-based model.

The goal of degree hacking is to help you approach your education with intention to minimize wasted time, reduce unnecessary costs, and stay focused on what truly matters: graduating with a respected degree that propels your career forward.

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WGU Communications Pre-Enrollment Hacks

• Front-load key courses - Complete English Composition, Intro to Communication, U.S. History, and Statistics through Study.com or other affordable providers to cut costs before enrolling.

• Audit every transcript and certification - WGU may award credit for prior college work, military training, and professional certifications.

• Plan for the 90-credit maximum - Bank up to 90 credits before enrolling to save time and money.

• Create a personalized roadmap - Tools like DegreeHacked.org helps you chart your path with a step-by-step roadmap so you can graduate faster and more affordably while avoiding last-minute surprises. With this, you’ll have the fastest, most affordable path to graduation laid out for you.

WGU Communications Degree Hacking Plan

Communications Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

WGU’s B.S. in Communications requires 115 Competency Units (CUs) across 38 courses. With a smart transfer plan, you can reduce costs and completion time.

Here’s a way to organize your credits:

• ~31 CUs: General Education (highly transferable)

• ~36 CUs: Core Business/Communication (many transferable)

• ~48 CUs: WGU additional courses/Upper-division Communications specialization (mostly WGU-only)

WGU Communications Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

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Why Degree Hacking Works for WGU Communications Students

• Cut Your Cost Per Class. Low-cost providers like Study.com cost about $95/month, allowing you to complete multiple courses for roughly $24 each, if taking at least four a month, compared to WGU’s $3,830 per six-month term.

• Maximize Transfer Credits Upfront. By mapping out your WGU degree plan in advance, you can complete and transfer nearly all general education and lower-division courses before enrollment, dramatically reducing the time (and tuition) spent at WGU.

• Leverage WGU for What It Does Best. Spend your WGU time on advanced communication strategy, multimedia storytelling, and analytics—the skills that directly boost your career—while completing general education elsewhere.

Ready to Complete Your Plan?

Your personalized BS in Communications hacking roadmap includes:

✓ 35+ course-by-course transfer equivalencies

✓ Exact Study.com course codes and CLEP exam numbers

✓ Full cost and timeline estimates

✓ Backup credit options if a course becomes unavailable

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Applying to WGU for the Bachelor of Science in Communications

When to Apply: Ideal Time for Enrollment

New terms start on the 1st of every month. Finish outside credits first so you can focus immediately on upper-division courses.

WGU Admissions & Transfer Logistics

• Complete and submit the online application form

• Send all transcripts, credentials, or score reports directly to WGU

• Start dates are usually on the 1st of every month

Costs, Aid & Ways to Pay Less for Your WGU Degree

• Flat tuition: $3,830 per six-month term, plus resource/tech fee.

• Financial aid includes FAFSA, WGU scholarships, and employer and military benefits.

• Knock out general education & business foundations elsewhere

WGU Bachelor’s in Communications Career ROI

• Median salary for public relation specialists is about $69,000 per year  

• Degree payback time: ~2–3 years

• High demand for those with proficiency in marketing management, corporate communications, and professional communication strategies

• Roles: Communications Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Marketing Coordinator, Corporate Communications Director, Social Media Manager, Content Strategy Manager

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