TL;DR

If you’re aiming for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Western Governors University, you don’t have to follow the traditional, slow (and expensive) route. By earning transfer-friendly credits before you enroll, especially in general education and foundational CS courses, you can shorten your time at WGU and cut your total tuition costs. Using low-cost, ACE-approved providers like Study.com, Sophia.org, or StraighterLine, it’s possible to bring in up to 90 competency units, leaving only your upper-level and capstone work for WGU.

WGU BSCS Degree Snapshot

• Total Credits/Units: ~117 competency units

• Tuition Per Term: $4,125 per 6-month term

• Transfer Credit Cap: ~90 CU or up to 75% of degree requirements (must earn at least 25% at WGU)

• Average Finish Time: 62% of graduates finish within 25 months

• Accreditation: Regional (NWCCU) and program-level ABET accreditation for BSCS

What You’ll Learn & Do

In WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, you’ll build both the theoretical foundation and the hands-on skills needed for today’s technology careers. The curriculum blends core computer science concepts with advanced problem-solving, software development, and system design, preparing you to tackle complex challenges in real-world environments.

Focus Areas

These are the core knowledge areas or subjects covered in the program:

• Algorithms & Data Structures: Learn to design, implement, and analyze efficient solutions to computational problems

• Software Engineering: Apply agile and iterative development methods to build, test, and maintain software systems

• Operating Systems: Understand process management, memory allocation, file systems, and system-level programming

• Computer Architecture: Explore how hardware components interact with software to execute instructions and manage resources

• Databases & Data Management: Design, query, and maintain relational databases, including data modeling and normalization

• Mathematics for Computing: Master discrete mathematics, calculus, and applied probability/statistics to support technical decision-making

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Intro): Gain foundational knowledge in AI concepts, including search algorithms, optimization, and basic ML techniques

• The program culminates in a multi-course team capstone project, where you’ll design, build, and present a real-world software solution

Outcomes (After Your BSCS, You’ll Be Able To…)

• Design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and system architectures for efficiency, scalability, and reliability

• Develop and maintain software across multiple languages, frameworks, and platforms using professional best practices

• Apply mathematical and statistical methods to solve computing problems, analyze performance, and guide decision-making

• Work effectively in teams, leveraging agile and iterative development methods to deliver real-world projects

Milestones / Certifications

As you progress through the BSCS program, you’ll earn industry-recognized credentials at no extra cost, adding value to your resume before graduation. These include:

• ITIL® Foundation Certification – Validates your understanding of IT service management principles

• Linux Essentials – Demonstrates core Linux operating system skills.

• WGU Back-End Developer Certificate – Focuses on server-side programming and database integration

• WGU AI Optimization Developer Certificate – Covers AI and optimization fundamentals for software solutions

• WGU Java Developer Certificate – Specializes in Java programming and application development

Degree Buckets Overview

WGU's B.S. in Computer Science requires 117 credits, broken into:

• General Education/Prerequisites: ~30-35 credits (includes math, sciences, humanities, and communication requirements)

• Core CS Courses: ~50-55 credits (programming foundations, data structures, algorithms, systems, and software engineering)

• Upper-Division Specialization: ~15-20 credits (advanced topics like AI and Java frameworks)

• Capstone Project: ~6-10 credits (multi-course, team-based real-world application)

• Credit-by-Exam Options: Available for general education and lower-division requirements; upper-division and capstone must be completed at WGU

Degree Map Tables

University-Only Degree Path

If you choose to complete your entire degree at WGU, you’ll follow the standard course sequence laid out in the program guide. This means taking all general education, core, and upper-division course at WGU, including any prerequisites.  

The table maps one possible approach that condenses the typical ten-term program into just four intensive terms. It covers foundational courses first, followed by WGU-only core/specialization courses in later terms. This is just a sample; the courses shown below are just portions of the possible sequences in fast-tracking this program. You can get the complete list of courses upon consultation with your mentor.

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Transfer-Heavy Fast Track Pace

According to WGU’s B.S. in Computer Science program guide, many general education and lower-division CS/IT courses, such as statistics, calculus, communication, and foundational programming, can be completed before enrollment through approved providers like Study.com, Sophia.org, StraighterLine, or accredited community colleges. This can lower your tuition costs and free up your WGU terms for upper-division, specialization, and capstone requirements.

WGU B.S. in Computer Science Transfer Comparison

The table below maps out which B.S. in Computer Science degree requirements can be fulfilled through outside credit, and which must be completed directly at WGU.

• Pre-enroll/ACE: Courses best taken before starting at WGU. These are ACE-approved general education and foundational CS classes that transfer widely if aligned with WGU requirements.

• WGU only: Courses that cannot be transferred. They are unique to WGU's computer science program and must be completed within your enrollment.

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_{*CUs shown as typical ranges; confirm for your catalog year. Always verify each outside course’s ACE ID and equivalency with WGU before paying.}

Degree Hacking Platforms at a Glance 

Compare costs, features, and course coverage to find the fastest, most affordable path to your degree.

Your Goal: Max WGU-mapped Computer Science credits in the fewest weeks, for the lowest cost.

_{*Cost per course calculated assuming 4 courses per month completion rate. Actual costs may vary based on individual learning speed and course selection.}

Platform Decision Guide:

• [BEST VALUE] Study.com (College Starter): Perfect balance of affordability and quality with modern video-based, mobile-friendly learning that fits your budget and schedule. Ideal for students focusing on general education requirements with some CS fundamentals.
• [MOST FLEXIBLE] Study.com (College Saver): Maximum course selection and unlimited support for accelerated learning, with access to the most comprehensive course library including advanced CS fundamentals, math/IT foundations, and mobile-friendly access anywhere. Best choice for students who want to knock out the most credits quickly.

Footnote: Prices, exam limits, and ACE approvals change. Confirm on each site and get WGU transfer approval in writing (ACE ID/exam code → WGU course code) before you pay.

WATCH: Expert’s Advice on Speeding Up Your Graduation

In this video, we show you how to shave months off WGU’s BS in Computer Science program — where to pick up transfer credits, which low-cost course options to use, and how to leverage WGU’s format to save money and graduate faster.

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Admissions & Transfer Logistics

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some programs may need prior coursework or experience

• Transfer credits accepted from accredited colleges, ACE/NCCRS-approved courses, military training, and select professional certifications

• Up to 75% of degree requirements can be met with transfer credits

• Submit official transcripts for review; you’ll receive a personalized credit evaluation before enrollment

• Certain IT, business, and healthcare certifications may count toward your degree

• Monthly start dates allow you to plan around your schedule and maximize transferred credits

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

• Tuition is $4,125 per 6-month term and you take unlimited courses per term, so finishing faster saves money

• Federal aid includes Pell Grants, student loans, and the TEACH Grant for eligible programs

• WGU scholarships (up to $2,500), employer tuition help, military benefits, and private scholarships can reduce costs

• Transfer credits and approved certifications can shorten your degree and lower total tuition

BSCS Career Outcomes & Salary Signals

• Graduates of WGU’s Computer Science program report an average salary increase of $24,565 upon completion of their degree

• The median annual wage for computer and information professionals is $140,910

• Job opportunities include software engineer, software developer, computer & information systems manager, business intelligence analyst, machine learning specialist