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Program Guidebook

Bachelor of Science, Cloud Computing - Microsoft Azure track


The Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing - Azure track (BSCCAZR)
degree program prepares IT professionals with hands-on knowledge
and practical application of cloud computing infrastructure, platform,
and software. Students will earn foundational and associate level
certifications from major cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services
(AWS) and Microsoft Azure, and vendor agnostic certifications such as
CompTIA, Linux, and ITIL. Students will learn how to manage the
security of cloud deployed applications, work with DevOps principles,
and global Identity and Access Management (IAM) functions. The
curriculum emphasizes working in the Azure cloud environment and
builds upon a core IT curriculum that includes systems and services,
networking and security, scripting and programming, data management,
business of IT, web development, and exposure to other cloud
environments. Students seeking the BS in Cloud Computing –
Azure track degree demonstrate additional competencies in software,
engineering, operations, and architecture development for cloud-based
computing solutions across multiple industries.
Understanding the Competency-Based Approach
Practically speaking, how do competency-based programs like those offered at Western Governors
University (WGU) work? Unlike traditional universities, WGU does not award degrees based on
completion of a certain number of credit hours or a certain set of required courses. Instead, you will earn
your degree by demonstrating your skills, knowledge, and understanding of important concepts.

Progress through a degree program is governed not by the amount of time you spend in class but by your
ability to demonstrate mastery of competencies as you complete required courses. Of course, you will
need to engage in learning experiences as you review competencies or develop knowledge and skills in
areas in which you may be weak. To help you acquire the knowledge and skills you need to complete
your courses and program, WGU provides a rich array of learning resources. Your program mentor will
work closely with you to help you understand the competencies required for your program and to help you
create a schedule for completing your courses. You will also work closely with course instructors as you
engage in each of your courses. As subject matter experts, course instructors will guide you through the
content you must master to pass the course assessments.

The benefit of this competency-based system is that it enables students who are knowledgeable about a
particular subject to make accelerated progress toward completing a degree, even if they lack college
experience. You may have gained skills and knowledge of a subject while on the job, accumulated
wisdom through years of life experience, or already taken a course on a particular subject. WGU will
award your degree based on the skills and knowledge that you possess and can demonstrate—not the
number of credits hours on your transcript.

Accreditation
Western Governors University is the only university in the history of American higher education to have
earned accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions. WGU's accreditation was awarded by
(1) the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, (2) the Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (3) the Accrediting Commission for Community and
Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and (4) the Accrediting Commission
for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The university’s
accreditation status is now managed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
(NWCCU), which reaffirmed WGU’s accreditation in February 2020. The WGU Teachers College is
accredited at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
(CAEP) and by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The nursing
programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Health
Information Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health
Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College of Business programs are
accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The Degree Plan


The focus of your program is your personalized Degree Plan. The Degree Plan is a detailed blueprint of
the courses you will need to complete in order to earn your degree. The Degree Plan also lays out the
accompanying learning resources and assessments that compose your program. The list of courses in
the Degree Plan is often referred to as the standard path. The amount of time it takes to complete your
program depends on both the amount of new information you need to learn and the amount of time you
plan to devote each week to study. Your program mentor and course instructors will help you assess your
strengths and development needs to establish a study plan.

Students vary widely in the specific skills and information they need to learn. For example, some students
may be highly knowledgeable in a particular subject matter and would not need to engage in new learning
opportunities. Other students may find that portions of the program require them to learn new information
and that they need to take an online class or participate in a study module to acquire the knowledge and
skills needed to fulfill program competencies in that area. Some individuals may be able to devote as little

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as 15–20 hours per week to the program, while others may need to devote more time. For this reason,
pre-assessments are there to help your program mentor form a profile of your prior knowledge and create
a personalized Degree Plan.

How You Will Interact with Faculty


At WGU, faculty serve in specialized roles, and they will work with you individually to provide the
guidance, instruction, and support you will need to succeed and graduate. As a student, it is important for
you to take advantage of this support. It is key to your progress and ultimate success.

Upon your enrollment, you will be assigned a program mentor—an expert in your field of study who will
provide you with regular program-level guidance and support from the day you start until the day you
graduate. Your program mentor will set up regular telephone appointments (weekly at first) with you,
which you will be expected to keep. The mentor will review program competencies with you and work with
you to develop a plan and schedule for your coursework. Your program mentor will serve as your main
point of contact throughout your program—helping you set weekly study goals, recommending specific
learning materials, telling you what to expect in courses, and keeping you motivated. In addition to regular
calls, your program mentor is available to help you resolve questions and concerns as they arise.

You will also be assigned to a course instructor for each course. Course instructors are subject matter
experts who will assist your learning in each individual course. When you begin a new course, your
assigned course instructor will actively monitor your progress and will be in touch to offer one-on-one
instruction and to provide you with information about webinars, cohort sessions, and other learning
opportunities available to help you acquire the competencies you need to master the course. Your course
instructor can discuss your learning for the course, help you find answers to content questions, and give
you the tools to navigate the course successfully. In addition, you will communicate with course
instructors by posting in the online learning community and participating in live discussion sessions such
as webinars and cohorts.

For many of the courses at WGU, you will be required to complete performance assessments. These
include reports, papers, presentations, and projects that let you demonstrate your mastery of the required
competencies. A separate group of faculty members, called evaluators, will review your work to
determine whether it meets requirements. Evaluators are also subject matter experts in their field of
evaluation. If your assessment needs further work before it “meets competency,” these evaluators, who
review your work anonymously, will provide you with evaluation feedback to help you demonstrate
competency and allow you to advance.

Connecting with Other Mentors and Fellow Students


As you proceed through your Degree Plan, you will have direct contact with multiple faculty members.
These communications can take a variety of forms, including participation in one-on-one discussions,
chats in the learning communities, and live cohort and webinar opportunities. As a WGU student, you will
have access to your own personal MyWGU Student Portal, which will provide a gateway to your courses
of study, learning resources, and learning communities where you will interact with faculty and other
students.

The learning resources in each course are specifically designed to support you as you develop
competencies in preparation for your assessments. These learning resources may include reading
materials, videos, tutorials, cohort opportunities, community discussions, and live discussions that are
guided by course instructors who are experts in their field. You will access your program community
during your orientation course to network with peers who are enrolled in your program and to receive
continued support through professional enrichment and program-specific chats, blogs, and discussions.
WGU also provides Student Services associates to help you and your program mentor solve any special
problems that may arise.

Orientation
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The WGU orientation course focuses on acquainting you with WGU’s competency-based model, distance
education, technology, and other resources and tools available for students. You will also utilize WGU
program and course communities, participate in activities, and get to know other students at WGU. The
orientation course must be completed before you can start your first term at WGU.

Transferability of Prior College Coursework


Because WGU is a competency-based institution, it does not award degrees based on credits but rather
on demonstration of competency. However, if you have completed college coursework at another
accredited institution, or if you have completed industry certifications, you may have your transcripts and
certifications evaluated to determine if you are eligible to receive some transfer credit. The guidelines for
determining what credits will be granted varies based on the degree program. Students entering graduate
programs must have their undergraduate degree verified before being admitted to WGU. To review more
information in regards to transfer guidelines based on the different degree programs, you may visit the
Student Handbook found at the link below and search for “Transfer Credit Evaluation.”

Click here for the Student Handbook

WGU does not waive any requirements based on a student's professional experience and does not
perform a "résumé review" or "portfolio review" that will automatically waive any degree requirements.
Degree requirements and transferability rules are subject to change in order to keep the degree content
relevant and current.

Remember, WGU's competency-based approach lets you take advantage of your knowledge and skills,
regardless of how you obtained them. Even when you do not directly receive credit, the knowledge you
possess may help you accelerate the time it takes to complete your degree program.

Continuous Enrollment, On Time Progress, and Satisfactory Academic


Progress
WGU is a “continuous enrollment” institution, which means you will be automatically enrolled in each of
your new terms while you are at WGU. Each term is six months long. Longer terms and continuous
enrollment allow you to focus on your studies without the hassle of unnatural breaks between terms that
you would experience at a more traditional university. At the end of every six-month term, you and your
program mentor will review the progress you have made and revise your Degree Plan for your next six-
month term.

WGU requires that students make measurable progress toward the completion of their degree programs
every term. We call this “On-Time Progress,” denoting that you are on track and making progress toward
on-time graduation. As full-time students, graduate students must enroll in at least 8 competency units
each term, and undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 competency units each term.
Completing at least these minimum enrollments is essential to On-Time Progress and serves as a
baseline from which you may accelerate your program. We measure your progress based on the courses
you are able to pass, not on your accumulation of credit hours or course grades. Every time you pass a
course, you are demonstrating that you have mastered skills and knowledge in your degree program. For
comparison to traditional grading systems, passing a course means you have demonstrated competency
equivalent to a “B” grade or better.

WGU assigns competency units to each course in order to track your progress through the program. A
competency unit is equivalent to one semester credit of learning. Some courses may be assigned 3
competency units while others may be as large as 12 competency units.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is particularly important to students on financial aid because you
must achieve SAP in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid. We will measure your SAP quantitatively
by reviewing the number of competency units you have completed each term. In order to remain in good
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academic standing, you must complete at least 66.67% of the units you attempt over the length of your
program—including any courses you add to your term to accelerate your progress. Additionally, during
your first term at WGU you must pass at least 3 competency units in order to remain eligible for financial
aid. We know that SAP is complex, so please contact a financial aid counselor should you have additional
questions. *Please note: The Endorsement Preparation Program in Educational Leadership is not eligible
for federal financial aid.

Courses
Your Degree Plan includes courses needed to complete your program. To obtain your degree, you will be
required to demonstrate your skills and knowledge by completing the assessment(s) for each course. In
general there are two types of assessments: performance assessments and objective assessments.
Performance assessments contain, in most cases, multiple scored tasks such as projects, essays, and
research papers. Objective assessments include multiple-choice items, multiple-selection items,
matching, short answer, drag-and-drop, and point-and-click item types, as well as case study and video-
based items. Certifications verified through third parties may also be included in your program. More
detailed information about each assessment is provided in each course of study.

Learning Resources
WGU works with many different educational partners, including enterprises, publishers, training
companies, and higher educational institutions, to provide high-quality and effective learning resources
that match the competencies you are developing. These vary in type, and may be combined to create the
best learning experience for your course. A learning resource can be an e-textbook, online module, study
guide, simulation, virtual lab, tutorial, or a combination of these. The cost of most learning resources are
included in your tuition and Learning Resource Fee. They can be accessed or enrolled for through your
courses. Some degree-specific resources are not covered by your tuition, and you will need to cover
those costs separately. WGU also provides a robust library to help you obtain additional learning
resources, as needed.

Mobile Compatibility:

The following article provides additional details about the current state of mobile compatibility for learning
resources at WGU.

Student Handbook article: Can I use my mobile device for learning resources?

Standard Path
As previously mentioned, competency units (CUs) have been assigned to each course in order to
measure your academic progress. If you are an undergraduate student, you will be expected to enroll in a
minimum of 12 competency units each term. Graduate students are expected to enroll in a minimum of 8
competency units each term. A standard plan for a student for this program who entered WGU without
any transfer units would look similar to the one on the following page. Your personal progress can be
faster, but your pace will be determined by the extent of your transfer units, your time commitment, and
your determination to proceed at a faster rate.

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Standard Path for Bachelor of Science, Cloud Computing - Microsoft Azure track
Course Description CUs Term
Introduction to IT 4 1
Applied Probability and Statistics 3 1
Introduction to Systems Thinking 3 1
Introduction to Physical and Human Geography 3 1
IT Applications 4 2
Network and Security - Foundations 3 2
Azure Fundamentals 3 2
American Politics and the US Constitution 3 2
IT Foundations 4 3
Linux Foundations 3 3
Introduction to Biology 3 3
Integrated Physical Sciences 3 3
Networks 4 4
Network and Security - Applications 4 4
Business of IT - Applications 4 4
Scripting and Programming - Foundations 3 5
Web Development Foundations 3 5
Python for IT Automation 3 5
Applied Algebra 3 5
Cloud Applications 3 6
IT Leadership Foundations 3 6
Data Management - Foundations 3 6
Data Systems Administration 3 6
Data Management - Applications 4 7
Business of IT - Project Management 4 7
Managing Cloud Security 4 7
Composition: Writing with a Strategy 3 8
Scripting and Automation 2 8
Cloud Platform Solutions 3 8
Azure DevOps Solutions 3 8
Introduction to Cryptography 4 8
Azure Data Engineer 3 9
Azure Developer Associate 3 9
Internet of Things (IoT) and Infrastructure 3 9
Ethics in Technology 3 9

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Course Description CUs Term
Technical Communication 3 10
Cloud Computing Capstone 4 10

Changes to Curriculum
WGU publishes an Institutional Catalog, which describes the academic requirements of each degree
program. Although students are required to complete the program version current at the time of their
enrollment, WGU may modify requirements and course offerings within that version of the program to
maintain the currency and relevance of WGU’s competencies and programs. When program
requirements are updated, students readmitting after withdrawal from the university will be expected to
re-enter into the most current catalog version of the program.

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Areas of Study for Bachelor of Science, Cloud Computing - Microsoft
Azure track
The following section includes the areas of study in the program, with their associated courses. Your
specific learning resources and level of instructional support will vary based on the individual
competencies you bring to the program and your confidence in developing the knowledge, skills, and
abilities required in each area of the degree. The Degree Plan and learning resources are dynamic, so
you need to review your Degree Plan and seek the advice of your mentor regarding the resources before
you purchase them.

IT Fundamentals
Introduction to IT
Introduction to IT examines information technology as a discipline and the various roles and functions of the IT department
as business support. Students are presented with various IT disciplines, including systems and services, network and
security, scripting and programming, data management, and business of IT, with a survey of technologies in every area and
how they relate to each other and to the business.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner explains different computer hardware and networking technologies and their developments.
● The learner describes fundamental data management functions in databases.
● The learner identifies components of software and its relation to operating systems.
● The learner identifies computer hardware components.
● The learner describes the structure, function, and security associated with networks.
● The learner describes the basics of programming languages in software development.
● The learner describes the role of the IT department in IT infrastructure management, disaster recovery, and business
continuity processes.
● The learner evaluates ethical concerns in information technology.

IT Applications
IT Applications introduces skills in identifying operating systems and their configurations and in implementing security
principles across devices and networks. Learners will also gain skills in troubleshooting software, security, and malware
issues, and in implementing basic operational procedures in documentation, change management, compliance, and
communication. The course will introduce basic disaster recovery and business continuity procedures, scripting basics, and
remote access technology solutions. The course prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification exam.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner identifies operating systems and their configurations.
● The learner implements security principles across devices and networks.
● The learner troubleshoots software, security, and malware issues.
● The learner implements basic operational procedures in documentation, change management, compliance, and
communication.
● The learner implements basic disaster recovery and business continuity procedures.
● The learner identifies scripting basics.
● The learner identifies remote access technology solutions.

IT Foundations
IT Foundations provides learners with an understanding of personal computer components and their functions in a desktop

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system; a knowledge of computer data storage and retrieval; and skills in classifying, installing, configuring, optimizing,
upgrading, and troubleshooting printers, laptops, portable devices, operating systems, networks, and system security. This
course also gives learners the ability to recommend appropriate tools, diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance,
and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components in a desktop system; strategies for identifying,
preventing, and reporting safety hazards and environmental or human accidents in technological environments; and
effective communication skills for interacting with colleagues and clients, including job-related professional behavior. The
course prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification exam.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner configures common hardware and software components of mobile devices.
● The learner configures wired and wireless networks.
● The learner configures common hardware in computer systems.
● The learner creates client-side virtualization with cloud computing components.
● The learner troubleshoots hardware, software, and network issues with best practice methodologies.

General Education
Applied Probability and Statistics
Applied Probability and Statistics is designed to help students develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic
statistics including: introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability.
Statistical data and probability are often used in everyday life, science, business, information technology, and educational
settings to make informed decisions about the validity of studies and the effect of data on decisions. This course discusses
what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, the
content covers simple probability calculations, based on events that occur in the business and IT industries. No
prerequisites are required for this course.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The graduate applies the operations, processes, and procedures of fractions, decimals, and percentages to evaluate
quantitative expressions.
● The graduate applies the operations, processes, and procedures of basic algebra to evaluate quantitative expressions,
and to solve equations and inequalities.
● The graduate evaluates categorical and quantitative data pertaining to a single variable using appropriate graphical
displays and numerical measures.
● The graduate evaluates the relationship between two variables through interpretation of visual displays and numerical
measures.
● The graduate evaluates the relationship between two quantitative variables through correlation and regression.
● The graduate applies principles and methods of probability-based mathematics to explain and solve problems.

Introduction to Systems Thinking


Introduction to Systems Thinking provides learners with the skills required to engage in a holistic systems-based approach
to analyzing complex problems and solutions. This course introduces the foundational concepts and principles of systems
thinking and provides opportunities to use a systems thinking approach to analyze and evaluate real-world case studies.
The course will culminate with using systems thinking to develop a solution to an authentic complex problem. This course
has no prerequisites, but general education math (C955 or C957) is preferred. Because the course is self-paced, learners
may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as needed, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the five
competencies covered in the final assessment. If learners have no prior knowledge of this material, they can expect to
spend 30 to 40 hours on the course content.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.

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● The learner applies the basic principles and foundational theory of systems thinking to a scenario.
● The learner analyzes complex problems and solutions using a systems thinking methodology.
● The learner designs a solution to a complex problem using systems thinking.

Introduction to Physical and Human Geography


This is Introduction to Physical and Human Geography, a three-module course that addresses the question of what
geography really is in today's complex world; how migration affects—and has been affected by—geography; and one of the
biggest present problems related to geography: climate change. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through
the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the five competencies
covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30–40 hours on
the course content.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner analyzes the message of a data visualization for a specific purpose.
● The learner interprets complex global systems through the lenses of physical and human geography.
● The learner analyzes the various causes and effects of human migration.
● The learner analyzes the connections among the various factors contributing to climate change.
● The learner applies logical reasoning to the analysis of climate change.

American Politics and the US Constitution


American Politics and the U.S. Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and
the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give
candidates an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a
federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and the interactions between elected
officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy,
the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon
completion of the course, candidates should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the
forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This
course has no prerequisite.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The graduate describes the influence of competing political ideologies on the development of the United States
government.
● The graduate explains how the structure and powers of the United States government interact to form public policy.
● The graduate examines the influence of political parties, citizens, and non-governmental organizations on elections and
other political processes inside a participatory democracy.
● The graduate examines the struggle to balance individual liberty, public order, and state’s rights.
● The graduate examines the influence of the media, public opinion, and political discourse on American democracy.

Integrated Physical Sciences


This course provides students with an overview of the basic principles and unifying ideas of the physical sciences: physics,
chemistry, and earth sciences. Course materials focus on scientific reasoning and practical, everyday applications of
physical science concepts to help students integrate conceptual knowledge with practical skills.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner describes the nature and process of science.
● The learner examines applications of physics including fundamental concepts such as forces, motion, energy, and

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waves.
● The learner examines applications of key chemistry concepts including the structure of matter and the behavior and
conservation of matter in chemical reactions.
● The learner describes the underlying organization, interactions, and processes within the Earth system including the
Earth's structure and atmosphere, and Earth's interactions within the solar system.

Applied Algebra
Applied Algebra is designed to help you develop competence in working with functions, the algebra of functions, and using
some applied properties of functions. You will start learning about how we can apply different kinds of functions to relevant,
real-life examples. From there, the algebra of several families of functions will be explored, including linear, polynomial,
exponential, and logistic functions. You will also learn about relevant, applicable mathematical properties of each family of
functions, including rate of change, concavity, maximizing/minimizing, and asymptotes. These properties will be used to
solve problems related to your major and make sense of everyday living problems. Students should complete Applied
Probability and Statistics or its equivalent prior to engaging in Applied Algebra.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner interprets the real-world meaning of various functions based on notation, graphical representations, and
data representations.
● The learner applies linear functions and their properties to real-world problems.
● The learner applies polynomial functions and their properties to real-world problems.
● The learner applies exponential functions and their properties to real-world problems.
● The learner applies logistic functions and their properties to real-world problems.
● The learner analyzes graphical depictions of real-world situations using functional properties.
● The learner verifies the validity of a given model.

Composition: Writing with a Strategy


Welcome to Composition: Writing with a Strategy! In this course, you will focus on three main topics: understanding
purpose, context, and audience, writing strategies and techniques, and editing and revising. In addition, the first section, will
offer review on core elements of the writing process, cross-cultural communication, as well as working with words and
common standards and practices.
Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment
activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand
course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need
to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or
experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner writes with purpose for a given context and target audience.
● The learner incorporates writing strategies and techniques for written communication.
● The learner constructs a written document with correct format, style, structure, and grammar.
● The learner formulates a strategy for editing and revising written text.
● The learner composes constructive feedback of written texts.

Ethics in Technology
Ethics in Technology examines the ethical considerations of technology use in the 21st century and introduces students to a
decision-making process informed by ethical frameworks. Students will study specific cases related to important topics such
as surveillance, social media, hacking, data manipulation, plagiarism and piracy, artificial intelligence, responsible
innovation, and the digital divide. This course has no prerequisites.
This course covers the following competencies:

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● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner implements ethical decision-making frameworks in the information age.
● The learner describes ethical issues regarding data privacy, accuracy, access, and security.
● The learner explains professional ethical codes and their role in guiding professional behavior.
● The learner identifies interventions for personal bias and related legal concerns.

Technical Communication
Technical Communication introduces skills in editing professional communications, evaluating the impact of professional
etiquette in digital environments, and in creating artifacts that are persuasive, informational, and research-based. The
course also introduces skills in delivering multimedia presentations using professional verbal communication skills.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner edits corporate communications for proper grammar and punctuation.
● The learner evaluates the impact of business etiquette and communication in digital environments.
● The learner creates technical artifacts that are persuasive, informational, and research based.
● The learner delivers presentations with professional verbal communication skills and multimedia.

Network and Security

Network and Security - Foundations


Network and Security - Foundations introduces learners to the basic network systems and concepts related to networking
technologies. Learners will gain skills in applying network security concepts for business continuity, data access, and
confidentiality, and in identifying solutions for compliance with security guidance.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner identifies basic network systems and concepts related to networking technologies.
● The learner applies network security concepts for business continuity, data access, and confidentiality.
● The learner identifies solutions for compliance with security guidance.

Network and Security - Applications


Network and Security - Applications prepares learners for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. The course introduces
learners to skills in identifying threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities to organizational security. The learner will also gain skills
in designing security solutions for enterprise infrastructures and architectures, as well as in implementing security solutions
across hardware, applications, and network services. Learners will be able to execute operations and incident response with
tools, policies, forensics, and mitigation techniques, and to analyze information security controls, governance, risk, and
compliance.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner identifies threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities to organizational security.
● The learner designs security solutions for enterprise infrastructures and architectures.
● The learner implements security solutions across hardware, applications, and network services.
● The learner executes operations and incident response with tools, policies, forensics, and mitigation techniques.
● The learner analyzes information security controls, governance, risk, and compliance.

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Cloud Applications
Cloud Applications prepares learners for the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam. Learners will gain skills in designing cloud
infrastructure and services and in recommending cloud security solutions, policies, and procedures. The course will also
introduce skills in deploying cloud solutions for storage, networking, and security, and in managing cloud operations with
processes, procedures, and improvements. Learners will also gain skills in troubleshooting cloud services issues in
networking, security, and performance.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner designs cloud infrastructure and services.
● The learner recommends cloud security solutions, policies, and procedures.
● The learner deploys cloud solutions for storage, networking, and security.
● The learner manages cloud operations with processes, procedures, and improvements.
● The learner troubleshoots cloud services issues in networking, security, and performance.

Cloud and Virtualization


Azure Fundamentals
Azure Fundamentals provides the learner with skills needed to describe the following concepts: cloud concepts; core Azure
services; core solutions and management tools on Azure; general security and network security features; identity,
governance, privacy, and compliance features; and Azure cost management and Service Level Agreements. Learners will
gain foundational knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure. This course is
intended for students who are just beginning to work with cloud-based solutions and services or are new to Azure.
Competency in this course is demonstrated by successfully completing the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification exam
(AZ-900). There are no prerequisites to this course.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner describes cloud computing and cloud services categories.
● The learner describes core Azure services.
● The learner explains Azure core solutions and management tools.
● The learner defines protective measures and network security protocols in Microsoft Azure.
● The learner configures Azure groups and identities based on architectural standards in Microsoft Azure.
● The learner describes cost management and service lifecycles in Microsoft Azure.

Cloud Platform Solutions


Cloud Platform Solutions examines skills in identifying cloud system administration tasks related to user access groups,
single sign-on (SSO), and server deployments. Students will gain skills in determining machine access for cloud storage
solutions and in explaining the configuration of virtual machines for availability, scalability, performance, and security.
Students will also be introduced to implementing virtual networking services and machine image monitoring. The following
courses are prerequisites: Network and Security - Foundations, Network and Security - Applications, Networks, and Cloud
Applications.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner identifies cloud system administration tasks related to user access groups, single sign-on (SSO), and
server deployments.
● The learner determines machine access for cloud storage solutions.
● The learner explains the configuration of virtual machines for availability, scalability, performance, and security.

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● The learner explains how to implement virtual networking services and machine image monitoring.

Azure Data Engineer


Azure Data Engineer prepares the learner for integrating, transforming, and consolidating data from various structured and
unstructured data systems into structures that are suitable for building analytics solutions. Learners will be provided with
skills to accomplish the following technical tasks: design and implement data storage, design and develop data processing,
design and implement data security, and monitor and optimize data storage and data processing. Candidates must have
solid knowledge of data processing languages, such as SQL, Python, or Scala, and they need to understand parallel
processing and data architecture patterns. The following courses are prerequisites: Introduction to Programming in Python,
Azure Fundamentals, and Azure Developer Associate.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner configures environments for database instances with optimized storage and data query abilities in Azure.
● The learner orchestrates data ingestion, movement, and transformation using Apache Spark and Databricks.
● The learner architects the end-to-end data security and supporting infrastructures.
● The learner optimizes performance, data storage, and data processing.

Azure Developer Associate


Azure Developer Associate provides the learner with subject matter knowledge in designing, building, testing, and
maintaining cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure. Learners will be provided with the ability to program in a
language supported by Azure and proficiency in Azure SDKs, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, data storage options, data
connections, APIs, app authentication and authorization, compute and container deployment, debugging, performance
tuning, and monitoring. The following course is a prerequisite: Azure Fundamentals.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner implements Azure infrastructure, platform, and software as a service (SaaS) solutions that address the
information technology needs of an organization.
● The learner determines requirements for storage of data assets using Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB and Redis Cache.
● The learner implements secure user and group authentication and authorization with Microsoft Azure Active Directory,
Microsoft Identity Platform, Azure Key Vault, and Microsoft Graph.
● The learner designs secure data architectures and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) architectures based on Azure
Monitor and Azure Application Insights.
● The learner develops cloud platform integrations for interoperable and compatible functionality.

Cloud Computing Capstone


The Cloud Computing Capstone offers learners opportunities to demonstrate the culmination of their skills learned within the
Cloud Computing program. In this course, learners will show their skills by defining system components and creating
implementation plans for cloud solutions. The course also offers learners ways to demonstrate their skills in determining
configurations for API, performing system administration tasks, and creating test plans for cloud solutions.
This course covers the following competencies:
● The learner defines system components for cloud solutions.
● The learner creates implementation plans for cloud solutions.
● The learner determines configurations for API and system administration tasks.
● The learner creates test plans for cloud solutions.

Operating Systems
Linux Foundations

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Linux Foundations prepares learners for the LPI Linux Essentials certification, and is an introduction to Linux as an
operating system as well as an introduction to open-source concepts and the basics of the Linux command line. Learners
will gain skills in identifying the fundamentals of open-source software and to develop resources for data access and
security.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner identifies the fundamentals of open-source software.
● The learner develops resources for data access and security.

General Science Content


Introduction to Biology
This course is a foundational introduction to the biological sciences. The overarching theories of life from biological research
are explored as well as the fundamental concepts and principles of the study of living organisms and their interaction with
the environment. Key concepts include how living organisms use and produce energy; how life grows, develops, and
reproduces; how life responds to the environment to maintain internal stability; and how life evolves and adapts to the
environment.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The graduate analyzes the characteristics and classifications of living organisms.
● The graduate analyzes the basic chemical composition of cells and the basic processes that happen at the cellular
level.
● The graduate analyzes different types of cells based on their structures and biological functions.
● The graduate analyzes the biological basis for and patterns of heredity and gene expression.
● The graduate analyzes inter-dependencies of organisms and their environments.

Networks
Networks
Networks introduces skills in configuring networking components and a network infrastructure. Learners will gain skills in
optimizing network operations for availability, performance, and security, and in troubleshooting network issues. The course
prepares learners for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. Network and Security - Foundations is a prerequisite for
this course.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner configures networking components.
● The learner configures a network infrastructure.
● The learner optimizes network operations for availability, performance, and security.
● The learner troubleshoots network issues.
● The learner implements network security techniques.

Business of IT
Business of IT - Applications
Business of IT - Applications examines Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) terminology, structure, policies,
and concepts. Focusing on the management of information technology (IT) infrastructure, development, and operations,
learners will explore the core principles of ITIL practices for service management to prepare them for careers as IT
professionals, business managers, and business process owners. This course has no prerequisites.

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This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner applies Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) concepts, core components, principles, and
models of service management.
● The learner applies the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) six activities of the service value chain.

IT Leadership Foundations
IT Leadership Foundations is an introductory course that provides students with an overview of organizational structures,
communication, and leadership styles specific to information technology in organizations. It also introduces students to
some of the power skills that help make successful IT professionals, including time management, problem solving, and
emotional intelligence. Students in this course explore their own strengths and passions in relation to the field. There are no
prerequisites for this course.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner selects appropriate influential leadership strategies for workplace situations.
● The learner communicates ideas, opinions, and information suitable for various professional settings.
● The learner reflects on the emotional reactions of self and others in a variety of professional situations.
● The learner recommends strategies for decision-making in team environments.

Business of IT - Project Management


In this course, students will build on industry standard concepts, techniques, and processes to develop a comprehensive
foundation for project management activities. During a project's life cycle, students will develop the critical skills necessary to
initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project. Students will apply best practices in areas such as scope
management, resource allocation, project planning, project scheduling, quality control, risk management, performance
measurement, and project reporting. This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Project+.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner determines requirements of a project management plan.
● The learner identifies project factors, constraints, and risk strategies.
● The learner applies communication methods and change control processes within a project.

Scripting and Programming


Scripting and Programming - Foundations
Scripting and Programming - Foundations introduces programming basics such as variables, data types, flow control, and
design concepts. The course is language-agnostic in nature, ending in a survey of languages, and introduces the distinction
between interpreted and compiled languages. Learners will gain skills in identifying scripts for computer program
requirements and in using fundamental programming elements as part of common computer programming tasks. Learners
will also gain an understanding of the logic and outcome of simple algorithms.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner identifies scripts for computer program requirements.
● The learner uses fundamental programming elements as part of common computer programming tasks.
● The learner explains the logic and outcome of simple algorithms.

Scripting and Automation

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Scripting and Automation is the foundation for automating tasks in operating systems. Students will learn how to create
PowerShell scripts that take tedious and repetitious tasks and turn them into programs that will save time. Students will learn
PowerShell, an automation and configuration management tool based on a command-line shell and .NET Framework.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner implements tools that automate manual processes for an organization.
● The learner writes scripts that automate configuration tasks.

Web Development
Web Development Foundations
Web Development Foundations introduces students to web design and development using HTML, XML, and Cascading
Style Sheets (CSS), the foundational languages of the web. This course also covers how to troubleshoot problems using
developer tools and integrated development environments commonly employed in web development. There are no
prerequisites for this course.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner creates the structure of basic web documents using HTML and XML.
● The learner implements web page formatting and interface aesthetics using CSS
● The learner resolves software problems in web development environments with debugging tools.

Networking
Python for IT Automation
Python for IT Automation covers the fundamentals of the Python language and its features to control program flow, inform
decisions, and automate IT tasks and processes. The course emphasizes a systematic approach to solving problems and
the application of programming logic to administer secure, scalable, and resilient IT networks and systems.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner applies Python principles and syntax to manage variables, data structures, and operators and to perform IT
tasks.
● The learner creates Python scripts using control structures to automate system tasks.
● The learner integrates Python scripts, modules, packages, and libraries to automate networking tasks and processes.

Data Management
Data Management - Foundations
Data Management Foundations offers an introduction in creating conceptual, logical and physical data models. Students
gain skills in creating databases and tables in SQL-enabled database management systems, as well as skills in normalizing
databases. No prerequisites are required for this course
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner explains attributes of databases, database tables, and structured and associated query language (SQL)
commands.
● The learner determines how to run queries for creation and manipulation of data in relational databases.
● The learner defines primary and foreign keys in data normalization.

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Data Systems Administration
Data System Administration provides learners with foundational skills to become a Database Administrator (DBA). This
course illustrates how DBAs ensure businesses are able to leverage significant data to increase profitability and support key
business functions. Topics include database management tools, account administration, recovery procedures, and
maintenance through upgrades and migrations.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner performs database administration tasks from resource allocation to performance tuning.
● The learner manages user accounts, roles, and privileges of data access according to enterprise standards and
policies.
● The learner performs backup and restore procedures in accordance with enterprise policies and requirements.
● The learner upgrades database processes and procedures for business optimization.

Data Management - Applications


Data Management - Applications covers conceptual data modeling and introduces MySQL. Students will learn how to create
simple to complex SELECT queries, including subqueries and joins, and how to use SQL to update and delete data. Topics
covered in this course include exposure to MySQL; creating and modifying databases, tables, views, foreign keys and
primary keys (FKs and PKs), and indexes; populating tables; and developing simple Select-From-Where (SFW) queries to
complex 3+ table join queries. The following course is a prerequisite: Data Management - Foundations.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner recommends databases and database management systems to meet organizational needs.
● The learner queries database tables and views with SQL code.
● The learner creates DML statements that insert, update, and delete data in data tables.
● The learner implements joins and aggregate functions in SQL queries.

Web and Cloud Security


Managing Cloud Security
Managing Cloud Security prepares learners to safeguard cloud data with identity and access management and to implement
secure solutions in cloud service models. Learners will be introduced to skills in identifying security policies and procedures
for cloud applications and in implementing operational capabilities, procedures, and training in relation to organizational
needs. Learners will also gain skills in conducting risk analysis and risk management in alignment with disaster recovery and
business continuity plans and in identifying legal, compliance, and ethical concerns.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner safeguards cloud data with identity and access management.
● The learner implements secure solutions in cloud service models.
● The learner implements operational capabilities, procedures, and training in relation to organizational needs.
● The learner identifies security policies and procedures for cloud applications.
● The learner conducts risk analysis and risk management in alignment with disaster recovery and business continuity
plans.
● The learner identifies legal, compliance, and ethical concerns within a cloud environment.

IT Cloud

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Azure DevOps Solutions
Azure DevOps Solutions provides the learner with skills to accomplish the following technical tasks: Designing and
implementing strategies for collaboration, code, infrastructure, source control, security, compliance, continuous integration,
testing, delivery, monitoring, and feedback. This course expects candidates to have intermediate-level skills for
administering Azure and understand Azure development and DevOps processes. The following courses are prerequisites:
Networks and Security—Foundations; Networks; Networks and Security—Applications; Cloud Foundations; Cloud Platform
Solutions; Azure Fundamentals; and Azure Developer Associate
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner describes instrumentation strategies.
● The learner describes Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) strategies.
● The learner defines components of security and compliance plans.
● The learner manages source control.
● The learner describes DevOps communication and collaboration techniques.
● The learner defines continuous integration and automation.
● The learner defines continuous delivery and deployment strategies.

Information Assurance
Introduction to Cryptography
Introduction to Cryptography introduces skills in applying cryptography principles in alignment with organizational and
information security guidelines. Students will determine requirements and techniques for cryptanalysis. This course builds
skills in implementing encryption methods with symmetric and asymmetric algorithms.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner applies cryptography principles in alignment with organizational and information security guidelines.
● The learner implements encryption methods with symmetric and asymmetric algorithms.

Information Technology Management


Internet of Things (IoT) and Infrastructure
Internet of Things (IoT) and Infrastructure introduces students to emerging technologies connecting the internet to a variety
of physical objects. The course reviews the business requirements for sensors and securely storing, transmitting, and
processing the data they generate. As new use cases emerge, ethical and privacy issues become relevant aspects of
business development. There are no prerequisites for this course.
This course covers the following competencies:
● Begin your course by discussing your course planning tool report with your instructor and creating your personalized
course plan together.
● The learner identifies Internet of Things (IoT) network and cloud architectures.
● The learner determines business requirements for data collection and analysis for the Internet of Things (IoT).
● The learner describes Internet of Things (IOT) security solutions.
● The learner defines requirements and parameters for Internet of Things (IOT) ethics, access, and privacy issues.
● The learner identifies emerging Internet of Things (IOT) use cases within organizations, marketplaces, and industries.

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Accessibility and Accommodations
Western Governors University is committed to providing equal access to its academic programs to all qualified
students. WGU’s Accessibility Services team supports this mission by providing support, resources, advocacy,
collaboration, and academic accommodations for students with disabilities and other qualifying conditions under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). WGU encourages student to complete the Accommodation Request Form as
soon as they become aware of the need for an accommodation. Current and prospective students can reach the
Accessibility Services team Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST at 1-877-HELP-WGU
(877-435-7948) x5922 or at ADASupport@wgu.edu.

Need More Information? WGU Student Services


WGU’s Student Services team is dedicated exclusively to helping you achieve your academic goals. The
Student Services office is available during extended hours to assist with general questions and requests.
The Student Services team members help you resolve issues, listen to student issues and concerns, and
make recommendations for improving policy and practice based on student feedback.

Student Services team members also assist with unresolved concerns to find equitable resolutions. To
contact the Student Services team, please feel free to call 877-435-7948 or e-mail
studentservices@wgu.edu. We are available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.,
Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., mountain standard time. Closed Sundays.

If you have inquiries or concerns that require technical support, please contact the WGU IT Service Desk.
The IT Service Desk is available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday and
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., mountain standard time. To contact the IT Service Desk, please call
1-877-HELP-WGU (877-435-7948) or e-mail servicedesk@wgu.edu. The support teams are generally
closed in observance of university holidays.

For the most current information regarding WGU support services, please visit “Student Support” on the
Student Portal at http://my.wgu.edu.

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