Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

Spaced

I doubt you can substitute geology for either science class, but chemistry might work.

techiie

ratbuddy wrote: »

I haven't done biology yet, so I can't answer that, but the physics material was easy to learn with the included online testbook. Gonna write the physics lab now, so I dunno how hard that's going to be.

@Ratbuddy How long did it take you to complete the physics class. Did you ever get to finish the physics lab if so how was it?

ratbuddy

Slogging through it now. I'm rather sick of writing papers, much rather be taking tests.

The regular physics took about a week of studying, maybe 20 hours? I don't really remember.

techiie

DissonantData wrote: »

Can you substitute Chemistry or Geology for Biology or Physics? I have class and lab credits for those courses, and having a C is the minimum so I'm guessing it will be OK.

Actually I'm looking over the transfer guidelines and this is what I got:

CDC1
CDP1
Introduction to Biology
Introduction to Biology Lab
4
One course , equivalent to 3-4units, in the Life Sciences (Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Zoology). Course must contain a lab if UBC1/UBT1 is transferred without a lab.
UBC1
UBT1
Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Physics Lab
4
One course, equivalent to 3-4 units, in a Physical Science (Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Astronomy). Course must contain a lab if CDC1/CDP1 is transferred without a lab.

So Geology and Chemistry can only substitute the physics requirement.

Jarhead2011

How recognizable is WGU IT degrees under most companies? Which other options are there that's more or less the same course work as prescribed in the WGU IT degree? Looking to rather go a BS rather than doing just single International certs.

edicwhun

This might be what you're looking for:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/53985-master-list-b-m-colleges-offering-online-degrees.html

techiie

Jarhead2011 wrote: »

How recognizable is WGU IT degrees under most companies? Which other options are there that's more or less the same course work as prescribed in the WGU IT degree? Looking to rather go a BS rather than doing just single International certs.

Well how recognizable with companies is a thread that I started myself some time ago. But the general consensus was it didn't matter as long as it was accredited. Many people on this forum had there own success stories finding great job opportunities that were only available once they completed the Bachelors which happened to be attained through WGU.

slatkin

What are some differences in the BS:IT and BS:IT-Security? I know the obvious differences,What about the reception of the different degrees?

I am set to start the BS:IT program March 1st, next step is the phone interview and orientation. I would eventually like to work my way into a system admin type position, possibly even InfoSec. Would it be wiser to get the degree done ASAP (BS:IT) then focus on certs afterwards? My thought is CCNA and CCNA Security will take up too much study time to finish in a timely manner. I have around 55 credits transferring in, but that includes Net+. I'm aiming for 2 terms right now, figure I will need 3 if I go the Security route.

And is it easy to change degree paths? Especially since I haven't started yet?

I know these are basic questions, I'm just pumped to get started. Want to make sure I'm doing the right degree plan, and while WGU is obv a great school, I get more info from a single post here than I do during a phone call with my enrollment counselor.

TomkoTech

So I got accepted and am in a holding pattern at the moment while I get my Voc Rehab counselor to approve my transfer and what not. I have to send in my DD214 to WGUs VA department, and after that if I understand the process correctly I will have my "intake" interview.

I've read that a lot of the bad experiences at WGU come from having a poor mentor.

Is it possible to request a specific mentor?

How are your initial classes set up? Do they tell you what classes you are taking or do you choose which ones to take?

Looking at the transfer credit sheet it seems a lot of the classes could be cleared up with the same certification exams. Do they line you up with all of the classes that the same cert is the "final" for, or do they just tick those additional classes off as completed if you take the exam to cover a single class?

Danielm7

I'm not sure if you can request a specific mentor, but you can request a different one if you're having issues with your current mentor. I haven't read many problems that people have with their student mentors, the enrollment councilors on the other hand can be kind of rough. I went through three of them before I got someone that would actually call when they said they would and could answer my questions. If you aren't getting the answers you need in a reasonable time frame just pick up the phone and talk to whoever is there.

You can choose which classes you take. Different mentors might suggest different classes, mine didn't, I told him what I wanted and he approved it, pretty simple.

zidian

slatkin wrote: »

And is it easy to change degree paths? Especially since I haven't started yet?

You are permitted to change degree paths at the end/start of terms. If you are unsure, try to focus on courses that are in both degree paths your first term. This way you avoid taking some classes that won't transfer to the new path. There are some people (ratbuddy comes to mind) that are doing 40+ credits pert term and taking the extra certs in one path and then switching to a different path to get those certs. You take more classes that way, but if you finish in the same amount of terms, it can be beneficial.

TomkoTech wrote: »

How are your initial classes set up? Do they tell you what classes you are taking or do you choose which ones to take?

Your degree plan will have a default ordering of your classes based on the degree path you chose. The only one that is really set in stone typically is the very first IT Fundamentals I. I think most mentors don't budge on that class. The other classes you can take in any order that you want, so long as your mentor agrees to it. I've taken at least 6 classes in different orderings and my mentor has only had a few questions before approving them.

TomkoTech

Question about books. I was initially under the impression that all of the required texts would be available via e-book format from the school. I just received a degree plan and it states that books will range from $150-300 per 6 month term?

Danielm7

TomkoTech wrote: »

Question about books. I was initially under the impression that all of the required texts would be available via e-book format from the school. I just received a degree plan and it states that books will range from $150-300 per 6 month term?

I've never had a single book cost, all included and electronic, what degree plan?

demonfurbie

i never paid for a book for bs or masters unless i wanted a book that i liked better

TomkoTech

The degree plan is for BS:IT Network Admin

Danielm7

Yeah I'd ask your mentor, maybe they mean if you want additional books or something, shouldn't be any book costs in the IT majors.

slatkin

Are you able to transfer certs in once your term has begun? I understand previous college courses don't count. I'm studying for the 70-680 right now and have until end of March to complete ( for work ). My term at WGU starts March 1st.

if I'm ready, I can take the 70-680 early and possibly have it complete before end of February. What, if any date at all, is the latest you can transfer certs in for CU?

Certinator

Im also ready to start in march and my enrollment couselor says I would have to have all my transcripts and certs in by Feb 1 in order for them to count and once the term starts you will not be able to transfer anything else in. I think the only way you can would be to postpone your start date.

coolifornia

This was very helpful. Thank you

coolifornia

anyone going for software?

coolifornia

So it's frowned upon if you don't have IT experience? I thought the point of going to school was to get experience and training for a job. Where would one go to get this experience in order to get accepted?

TomkoTech

I've read on here that without prior experience there are a number of certifications that you can take and once you pass will meet the prior experience requirement. I believe Ratbuddy did a CIW cert to meet the requirements.

Danielm7

TomkoTech wrote: »

I've read on here that without prior experience there are a number of certifications that you can take and once you pass will meet the prior experience requirement. I believe Ratbuddy did a CIW cert to meet the requirements.

Correct, since you will be working 100% yourself, they want people who have already proven they can do a bit of that. If you can't study for a cert and pass it on your own, or take a class or two and pass that on your own, you're going to have a lot of trouble at WGU.

YetAnotherUserName

Hi Folks,

So I'm new here and I apologize for barging in on your thread. Does anyone know if anyone has successfully gone on to a graduate program at a traditional school with an undergraduate degree (IT) from WGU? I'd like to earn an MBA from a local bricks-and-mortar school. I have asked the schools I'm interested in directly but I haven't gotten a straight answer. Thanks!

EDIT: Just found http://alumni.wgu.edu/s/1110/noRtCol.aspx?sid=1110&gid=1&pgid=1246

absael

I apologize if this has already been answered, but I wasn't able to find it here or on the WGU website: What is the minimum number of CUs that I have to take at WGU to earn the degree?

The reason I ask is that I'll be graduating with an AS from the local community college, so I hope to have all the gen eds waived. And I want to earn as many certs on my own as I possibly can, in order to avoid paying WGU tuition if it isn't necessary. Does anyone know how many CUs WGU will require me to complete there, if I take this route?

DoubleNNs

absael - Altho I don't have a definite answer to your question, I've seen threads where people have transferred in 70+ credits. I think i saw a thread a while ago where someone might have even transferred in 90.

NicWhite

Hey everyone,

I know this may be a dumb question but how do you upload completed work to taskstream.

TIA

****never mind. figured it out. Thanks again.

colemic

I don't have taskstream access anymore, but your best bet is to contact your mentor, who can assist you.

bherbie

Hey Everyone, I am working on my Associates right now and will be done with classes at the end of September, and will have my graduation conferred hopefully in November. I want to go to WGU and was wondering when is a good time to apply? Can I apply now and start talking to staff there, or should I wait til I am closer to completing my Associates?

demonfurbie

id apply soon as you have the degree / transcripts to see what would transfer in

then see about taking some clep exams for stuff that wont transfer in and minor certs like a+, net+, sec+ before ya start