
Fast-Track Your IT Career with WGU's Accelerated BS/MS Program
The Accelerated BS/MS Program in IT from Western Governors University (WGU) allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree in IT and a master’s in IT management in a streamlined manner. The program is fully online, making it ideal for professionals looking to balance work, education, and personal life.
🚀 Why Choose This Program?
This self-paced program lets students progress based on their knowledge and experience. Some key benefits:
- Complete Two Degrees Faster: Earn a BSIT and MSITM in about four years, depending on your pace.
- Industry Certifications Included: Gain relevant IT certifications during your coursework.
- Flexible Learning: Study online anytime, anywhere—perfect for working professionals.
- Build Leadership Skills: The master’s portion focuses on IT management, helping graduates step into leadership roles.
📚 What You’ll Learn
The curriculum covers foundational IT knowledge as well as management and strategy, including:
- Networking & Security
- Programming & Scripting
- Data Management
- Systems & Services
- IT Leadership & Strategy
💰 Cost & Time Efficiency
Tuition is charged per six-month term rather than per credit hour, meaning students can complete courses at their own pace without paying extra for additional credits.
🛠 My Experience & Tips
Overall, the program is great for me since it’s online/remote, allowing me to continue working my full-time IT job while carving out time for classes. One of the best aspects is the huge online community of current students and alumni who actively share tips and resources.
My primary sources of support have been Reddit and Discord:
- On Reddit, simply searching for the course number (e.g.,
D325 WGU
) reveals a wealth of posts sharing experiences and advice. - On Discord, there’s an official WGU server, but I found the “Unofficial WGU” Discord more useful. You can join here: Unofficial WGU Discord.
Special shoutout to Yukie for her detailed study guides! She’s documenting her journey through the BSIT to MSITM program—you can check out her resources here: Yukie’s Study Guide Index.
⏳ The Challenge: Time Management
The biggest struggle for me has been time management and motivation. Unlike traditional in-person programs with strict deadlines and attendance policies, WGU’s self-paced structure means you’re on your own.
Every WGU student is assigned a program mentor, but their level of involvement varies. Even the best mentors won’t micromanage your schedule—you have to stay disciplined and push yourself forward.
🎯 Final Thoughts
This program is ideal for independent learners who want to level up their careers, but it demands self-motivation and discipline. If you’re ready to take control of your education and move up in IT, this could be the perfect path for you!