Earn WGU’s BS Computer Science in 12–18 Months

Why WGU’s Computer Science Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking

Western Governors University’s computer science program offers working students the flexibility to balance study with busy schedules. Beyond saving time and money, it builds career-ready skills like coding, systems analysis, cloud computing, and IT security to help you move your career forward faster. Here are more reasons why this degree is hackable:

‍

Accelerate Through Competency-Based Structure

• Start and finish courses whenever you can demonstrate proficiency and advance as soon as you’re ready instead of waiting for a new term

• Focus your effort on upper-level computer science topics instead of repeating general education or introductory material you’ve already mastered

• Bring in up to 90 approved credits and stack multiple courses in each 6-month term to dramatically shorten your time to graduation

‍

Career-Focused Preparation Employers Value

• Gain a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and computer architecture while sharpening problem-solving and communication abilities

• Complete hands-on labs, practical assessments, and CS team projects that mirror challenges faced by software developers and IT professionals

• Graduates leave equipped for careers such as software development, systems analysis, data engineering, and related IT roles across a wide range of industries and work environments

‍

Why Most People Take 3 Years (And How to Do It in 12–18 Months)

‍

Why most people take 3 years:

Many WGU computer science students invest roughly three years and about $30,000 simply because they don’t realize how much they can streamline the process. Here’s what typically happens:

‍

• They start from scratch: Many students assume every one of the 117 required competency units (CUs) must be earned at WGU, or they transfer too few, missing out on the chance to bring in up to 90 CUs that would save them time and money.

• They skip exam-based credit pathways: CLEP, DSST, and other credit-by-exam options are often overlooked, which forces some students to complete extra courses.

• They don’t plan an aggressive schedule: Without a detailed timeline, they leave gaps between assessments and lose valuable momentum.

• They pay premium prices for basics: Most students spend $4,125+ per six-month term on general education classes that could cost under $100 elsewhere.

‍

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• Get the most out of transfer credits: Bring in most general education and foundational tech courses from low-cost, pre-approved providers before enrolling.

• Concentrate on WGU’s core CS curriculum: Complete only the specialized computer science courses unique to the program, like OS- and AI-focused courses.

• Take full advantage of WGU’s flexible terms: WGU’s competency-based model lets you advance the instant you demonstrate proficiency, enabling multiple courses per term.

• Result: <12 months, ~$8,420 total for just two six-month terms

In hacking a computer science degree at WGU, a key strategy is to know which courses you can take at a more affordable cost somewhere else, and saving WGU for the ones only it provides.

‍

Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack This Degree

‍

To set you on the right track, we created this step-by-step degree-hacking playbook with input from WGU computer science grads, tech insiders, and experienced online learners so you can chart the fastest, most affordable path to your computer science degree.

‍

‍

WGU Computer Science Pre-Enrollment Hacks:

• Front-load gen eds through Study.com - Courses like Composition, Intro to Communication, Calculus, Applied Probability and Statistics, and US Constitution transfer easily and cost significantly less than WGU credits.

• Submit every possible transcript and record - WGU often accepts credits students forget they have. Include prior college coursework, IT certifications, military training, or professional licenses.

• Target the 90-CU transfer maximum - Bringing in 75% of your degree can shorten the program from four years to just roughly 12–18 months.

• Map a custom transfer strategy - Use platforms like DegreeHacked.org that provide a roadmap for which lower-level math, science, and general-education courses to finish elsewhere before enrolling. A clear plan lets you hit the 90-credit mark and reserve WGU for upper-division computer science classes, saving significant time and tuition.

‍

WGU Computer Science Degree Hacking Plan

‍

Computer Science Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

Earning WGU’s 117-CU computer science degree doesn’t require overloading your schedule. It calls for a well-planned approach: complete inexpensive general eds externally and dedicate your WGU terms to the high-value, upper-level classes.

‍

Here’s the breakdown:

• ~36 CUs: General education courses (easily transferable)

• ~16 CUs: Core WGU courses for BS Computer Science (some transferable)

• 26 CUs: WGU additional courses/upper-level computer science courses (some transferable)

• 13 CUs: Advanced computer science courses (not transferable)

‍

WGU Computer Science Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

_{Don't guess which courses transfer. Get your complete WGU Computer Science transfer strategy covering all 55+ course with specific equivalencies, cost breakdowns, and timeline optimization.}

‍

‍

Why Degree Hacking Works for WGU Computer Science Students:

• Cut Your Cost Per Class: With Study.com’s $95/month plan, you can complete four courses in a month for about $24 each, saving thousands compared to WGU tuition.

• Leverage CLEP/DSST Exams: You can take the CLEP for $97 plus a small testing fee, and the DSST for around $100. Through these exams, you can test out of entire courses in a single day, instantly reducing your degree requirements.

• Save WGU For the Important Stuff: Keep your WGU terms for upper-level BS Computer Science courses, CS project development work, and faculty guidance that directly strengthen your career skills.

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

The complete degree hacking roadmap includes the following:  

✓ All 35+ course-by-course transfer equivalencies for each required course
✓ Detailed WGU equivalencies with exact Study.com course codes and CLEP exam numbers
✓ Full cost estimate and suggested completion timeline

✓ Backup course and exam options if your first choice isn’t available

‍

WATCH: Expert’s Advice on Speeding Up Your Graduation

‍

‍

Applying to WGU for the Bachelor’s in Computer Science

‍

When to Apply: Timing Your Enrollment Strategically

The best strategy is to finish your transfer credits first before applying to WGU. That way, you can dive straight into the upper-level CS and technology courses once you start.

‍

WGU Admissions & Transfer Logistics

• Complete and submit the online application form

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

• Feedback for transfer evaluation is typically sent in a few business days

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

‍

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

• Flat tuition per six-month term: $4,125 per six-month term + resource/tech fee

• FAFSA, WGU scholarships and grants, military and employer benefits

• Knock out gen ed/electives externally; bring in cert credits

‍

WGU Bachelor’s in Computer Science Career ROI

• Starting Salary: $77,000/year for software developers; $64,000/year for web developers (entry level)

• Degree Payback Time: ~1–2 years (depending on specialization)

• Lifetime Earnings Boost: +$500k–$1M (depending on specialization, job level, and location)

• Pluses: Job security, above-average starting pay, global opportunities, entrepreneurial potential

• Typical roles: software engineer, software developer, computer & information systems manager, business intelligence analyst, machine learning specialist

‍