BS in Information Technology – Network Design and Management at WGU Washington

Bachelor of Science Information Technology – Network Design & Management

Degree Overview

Our network design degree will launch your network systems engineering career. The BS in Information Technology—Network Design and Management will give you the leading-edge network design and engineering skills that employers demand along with 12 recognized industry certifications including your Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Enterprise Administrator. You will become a better network designer and network systems engineer.

Who the Program is for:

• Established network designers and systems engineers who need a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications to advance their careers.
• Experience IT professionals with “real world” experience who wish to become network systems engineers and need the credentials to do so.

Your Program of Study

In WGU Washington’s online network design degree program, you’ll learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a competent network systems engineer. This program includes eight domains of study and completion of a capstone project.

• Foundations
• General Education
• Information Technology Fundamentals
• Networking Server Administration
• Organizational Behavior and Management
• Systems Administration and Management
• Technical Writing
• Web Development

Total Program: 120 Competency Units (credit equivalents)
Less: Any competency units waived through transfer of prior college credits.

Note: Your prior college experience and IT certifications may waive some degree requirements. Click here to see what IT certifications may transfer to WGU Washington.

More details about your challenging course of study

View the PDF program guide

Recognized IT Certifications Incorporated into this Program

This program incorporates 12 recognized industry certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition—a huge cost savings):

• Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator
• CIW Web Foundations Associate
• CIW JavaScript Specialist
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7, Configuration
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Windows OS Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Security Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Web Development Fundamentals

Note: Your IT certifications may waive some degree requirements. Click here to see what IT certifications may transfer to WGU Washington.

Tuition and Fees

Basic Tuition: $2,890 per six-month term
Resource Fee: $145 per six-month term (non-refundable)
Application Fee: $65 (one time)

Learn more about Tuition and Fees

At WGU Washington, tuition is charged at a flat rate once every six months. Your tuition covers the minimum "full-time load" of competency units (the equivalent to credit hours) — 12 CUs is the minimum for undergraduate students — as well as all coursework attempted in that time. For the most part, there is no limit on the number of competency units you can attempt in a 6-month term. Whether you complete more or fewer units, you are charged the same flat rate.

Tuition compares favorably to the rates of Washington state universities. Our tuition is also typically half what other reputable online universities charge. At WGU Washington, you enjoy the cost savings of a nonprofit university.

Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify. Learn more about financial aid

Back to top

The WGU Washington Advantage

WGU Washington leverages Western Governors University’s unique, competency-based approach to education. This approach measures learning, not time spent in class. Your progress is based on your demonstration of essential skills and knowledge in network systems engineering.

As a WGU Washington student, you’ll receive a top-notch education through a curriculum, learning resources, mentoring, and student services provided by Western Governors University. This means you’ll enjoy the advantages of:

• Superior learning resources. You'll have access to all of Western Governors University’s courses of study, learning modules, e-textbooks, tutorials, and simulations as you complete your program.
• Personal support from a dedicated mentor. You'll have the support of a mentor who will be your guide throughout your WGU Washington program.
• Online communities from Washington and WGU's national student community. You’ll be able to take advantage of our robust student community and interact with students from both within Washington and from all over the country.
• Flexible online degrees that fit your lifestyle. Learning can occur anywhere and anytime. You'll be able to establish the pace at which you complete your rigorous program and create a schedule that works for you.

One of the best values in Washington higher education, WGU Washington will enable you to earn a relevant degree on your schedule and within your budget.

Back to top

Time to Completion

How long it takes for you to complete your program will vary. Because WGU Washington is competency-based, the pace at which you complete your program depends on how quickly you are able to take and pass the required assessments. Many students are able to proceed faster than the normal pace (described below) designed into each program. But doing so isn’t easy.

For students with an associate's degree or its equivalent: 2 to 2½ years.
For students with little or no prior college: 4 to 5 years.

WGU Washington maintains a generous credit transfer policy. Learn more about transferring credits.

Speak to an Enrollment Counselor for a personalized estimate of your time to completion.

Back to top

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted into this WGU Washington program, you must:

• Be a Washington resident and provide proof of residence.
• Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Demonstrate IT experience through at least one of the following four methods:
  • Have earned an associate’s degree in IT or equivalent (A.S. or A.A.S. acceptable)
  • Have completed the following high-level IT coursework within the last five years:
    • Two or more upper-level Networking courses OR
    • Two or more upper-level Object-Oriented Programming courses (Java, C#, etc.) OR
    • One or more upper-level Operating Systems course OR
    • One or more upper-level Information Security and Assurance course
  • Hold transferable IT certifications earned within the last five years
  • Submit a resume showing three-plus years of IT work experience

You will also be required to take and pass Western Governors University’s online Readiness Assessment. This test helps determine your likelihood for success in a WGU Washington degree program.

Speak to an Enrollment Counselor who can help you understand what is required of you.

More info about Admissions

Back to top

Frequently Asked Questions >