How to Get Your WGU Elementary Education in 6-12 Months

Why WGU’s Elementary Education Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking

Western Governors University's Elementary Education program is built for working adults who need flexibility - which makes this online Elementary Education degree perfect for degree hacking. Here's what makes it hackable:

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Competency-Based Structure

• Advance as soon as you prove mastery (no waiting for semesters to end)

• Focus your WGU time on specialized teaching skills instead of basic coursework

• Complete multiple courses per term once you transfer in your 90 credits

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Teaching License Preparation That Employers Want

• Clinical experience and student teaching prepare you for real classrooms

• Technology microcredential adds digital teaching skills to your resume

• Graduates are eligible for elementary teaching licenses in most states

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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:

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Most WGU students spend about 3 years and $23,000 getting their Bachelor's in Elementary Education because they don't know the system can be "hacked." Here's what typically happens:

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• They start from zero: Most WGU Elementary Education students enroll thinking they need to complete all 120 credits through Western Governors University.

• They don't maximize transfers: Even students with previous college experience often transfer in only 20-30 credits instead of the maximum 90.

• They take one course at a time: Without knowing about competency-based acceleration, they follow traditional pacing.

• They pay full tuition for basic courses: They end up paying $3,825+ per term for general education courses that could cost under $100 elsewhere.

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

• Start with 90 transfer credits: Earn 75% of your degree through affordable sources before enrolling.

• Focus only on what matters at WGU: Use WGU only for specialized teaching courses and required clinical experience.

• Accelerate through competencies: Complete multiple courses per term using WGU's competency-based system.  

• Result: 6-12 months, $4,000-$8,000 total

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The difference isn't intelligence or dedication - it's simply knowing which courses you can complete elsewhere for pennies on the dollar, then using WGU strategically for what it does best.

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Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack WGU's Elementary Education Program

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We've gathered insights from WGU Elementary Education graduates, education experts, and online degree-hacking communities to create this accelerated Elementary Education program strategy guide.

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The goal is to help you approach the Elementary Education program with more clarity, avoid wasted time, and structure your studies in a way that balances speed, cost, and readiness for the classroom.

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WGU Elementary Education Pre-Enrollment Hacks:

• Front-load Gen Eds through Study.com/CLEP - English Comp, College Mathematics, Communications, and Introductory Education Theory transfer easily and cost up to significantly less than WGU credits

• Audit your previous transcripts thoroughly - Did you take college courses years ago? Military training? Professional certifications? These often transfer to WGU even if you forgot about them.

• Target the 90-credit transfer maximum - This is 75% of your entire degree and the key to finishing in 6-12 months instead of 3 years.

• Create your personalized credit transfer strategy – Platforms like DegreeHacked.org provide a customized degree plan showing exactly which 90 credits to earn before enrollment, plus mentor guidance focused on course sequencing, clinical experience, and even WGU-specific degree hacks to maximize savings and minimize wasted time.  

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WGU Elementary Education Degree Hacking Plan

Elementary Education Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

Not all 120 credits are created equal. The secret to finishing your WGU Bachelor's Elementary Education degree using transfer credits and competency-based acceleration is knowing exactly which courses you can complete elsewhere for a fraction of the cost, and which ones you need to save for WGU.

Here's how the 120 credits break down strategically:

• ~30-35 credits: General education courses (easily transferable)

• ~45-55 credits: Core education courses (some transferable)

• ~25-30 credits: Upper-level teaching courses and clinical work (WGU only)

• ~3-6 credits: Capstone Project (WGU only)

WGU Elementary Education Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

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

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Why Degree Hacking Works for WGU Elementary Education Students:

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• Maximum savings: ‍Study.com plans start at $95/month. Finishing an average of 4 courses per month brings the cost to about $24 per course—making it one of the cheapest ways to earn transferable college credit online.

• CLEP/DSST boost: For $97 (plus testing fees), you can knock out courses in a single day by passing these exams.

• Strategic focus: Use WGU for what it does best - specialized teaching preparation and clinical experience

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Ready for Your Complete Plan?

The full degree hacking roadmap includes:  

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✓ All 55+ course-by-course transfer equivalencies
✓ Exact Study.com course codes and CLEP exam numbers
✓ Cost breakdown and timeline for each pathway
✓ Alternative options when your preferred choice isn't available

Applying to WGU for the Bachelor’s in Elementary Education

When to Apply: Timing Your Enrollment Strategically

Apply to WGU after you've completed your transfer credits and are ready to focus on the remaining 30 specialized teaching courses.

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WGU Admissions & Transfer Logistics

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• Complete the online application form (takes 15-20 minutes)

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

• Receive your transfer evaluation within 14 days.

• Choose from monthly start dates (1st of every month)

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

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• Flat tuition per six-month term: $3,825 + additional fees  

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

• Save Before You Enroll: Knock out Gen Ed/electives before you enroll

WGU Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Career ROI

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• Starting teacher salary: $40,000-55,000

• Degree payback time: 2-3 months of teaching

• Lifetime earnings boost: $500,000+

• Plus: Summers off, job security, and making a difference!

• Typical roles: Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Developer/Instructional Coordinator, Specialized Teacher, Educational Administrator  

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