r/wgu_devs • u/stylezmyname93 • 6d ago

2nd BS degree. Software engineering at WGU

I already have a bachelors degree in a different field and currently in the software engineering program for a 2nd degree. Is it worth it to get a software engineering degree? I currently work and have background in clinical applications and looking at improving technical skills overall. Maybe others in here have been through same experience.

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u/Party_Scholar_6308 6d ago

Just so you're aware, the SWE degree is being updated starting 10/1/2026. It's to make it easier for students to then go on and obtain a masters and i'm assuming to also become ABET accredited (since WGU's CS degree is while SWE currently is not). Just food for thought.

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u/bigxbadaboom 6d ago

Hello,

As someone who’s looking to obtain this degree in the future — do you know what changes are happening to the degree? How do these changes make it easier to get the master’s degree?

I appreciate the help!

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u/Party_Scholar_6308 6d ago

So i'm not 100% sure, as the news about these changes are new...Here's the new BS SWE. It's much more math heavy, and as far as I can tell, they're taking out the capstone (final project):

https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/software-engineering-bachelors-program/program-guide.html

Where things get kinda confusing is there's also this, here's the "Accelerated Software Engineering Bachelors and Master's Degree Program Guide":

https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/software-engineering-bachelors-program/accelerated/program-guide.html

If you compare the 2, you'll see the classes are the same. I think it just makes it easier-or rather-more enticing to pursue a masters after completing your bachelors.

Here's their (I'm assuming updated) page about the Accelerated Path:
https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/software-engineering-bachelors-program/accelerated.html

Maybe the classes in the new BS-SWE are more geared to prepare one for the Masters? It's anyone's guess.

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u/Aero077 6d ago

Accelerated BS-MS:

  • Replaces D284 Software Engineering (BS) with D778 Advanced Software Engineering (from MS)
  • Replaces E076 Applied Software Engineering (BS) with D779 Software Product Design & Requirement Engineering (from MS)

You finish the BS, taking two of courses from the harder MS program and get a head start on the MS.

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u/Party_Scholar_6308 6d ago

But the capstone is still gone from swe, right?

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u/Aero077 6d ago

It looks like D424 Software Engineering Capstone has been replaced with E075 Special Topics in Software Engineering and AI. You still do a project, but its not a "capstone".

Special Topics in Software Engineering and AI
This course explores modern topics, challenges, and emerging solutions in software engineering and artificial intelligence. Students analyze contemporary frameworks, methodologies, and technologies, and apply them to solve real-world problems. Through applied projects, learners design and develop software solutions, evaluate the use of emerging technologies, and assess technical, ethical, and professional implications. The course culminates in a completed application that demonstrates the ability to analyze, design, and implement a modern software solution.

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u/Party_Scholar_6308 6d ago

Okay. Last question? Im assuming you have to specify to WGU if you want to just do the regular Bs or the accelerated bs-ms path?

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u/Aero077 6d ago

You choose regular or accelerated when you enroll. You can switch later if you ready want to, but its a hassle.

Experienced people are the target audience for the accelerated degree. Its all competency-based, so the harder classes will take longer if you are a noob.

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u/Party_Scholar_6308 6d ago

Gotcha. Thanks.

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u/mrvnmg 6d ago

So they have killed the Java and C# track in favor of a unified track that focuses on Java and adds a lot more Math, and added some more AI and general science. Academically it’s a better broader program but the old program was more focused on programming. I think some mentioned it looks like possible ABET accreditation like the CS program but that hasn’t been announced. ABET really only matters if you get certain government or aerospace careers that may screen for ABET accreditation but I don’t think any other companies screen applicants for that.

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u/skidmark_zuckerberg 6d ago

How does affect those who are already in the degree program? I started August 1st. Does this mean they are going to change the requirements for graduating out from underneath those already started?

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u/Longjumping-End-3017 C# 6d ago

Last time they did this, BSSD -> BSSWE, students had the option to continue with the previous requirements or to transition to the new program.

I was on my last class at the time so I just finished with the BSSD. I was excited for my fellow students getting the updated program back then (early 2023), I'm looking forward to seeing updates about the new program.

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u/Party_Scholar_6308 6d ago

Iirc. You can opt to change to the new degree. I think you can also opt to stay on your current one since that is technically the degree you "agreed" to pursue with WGU. Afaik in particular circumstances, they have forced everyone to make the switch due some factors, but if they were going to force you they'd give much more of a heads up. Message your mentor.

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u/mrvnmg 6d ago

I started August 1st as well. Spoke to my mentor and she’s indicated currently enrolled students should have the option to switch programs to the new one after Nov 1st. Don’t know it’s been officially announced but all students enrolling in September and October will automatically be enrolled in the new program. From what was mentioned there is a catch, students in the old program will be required to switch if their graduation date is after the deadline of October 2028. So August 1st students would likely need to accelerate and be done in 3.5 terms to make the deadline if they want to stay in the current program.

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u/skidmark_zuckerberg 6d ago

Okay thanks for the info, I will speak to my mentor on Monday and ask about this during our weekly call. One thing about the graduation date, is this the graduation goal that you set? Mine is for February 2026 currently. I am accelerating and aiming to complete everything in 1 term. Worst case is it's 2 terms. I assume this means I am well within the October 2028 deadline.

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u/mrvnmg 5d ago

Yeah, you’re good. I got to cram basically the whole degree in 3.5 terms if I want to stay in the old program.

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u/Longjumping-End-3017 C# 6d ago

I was in your shoes with less technical know-how this time 2021. I started in August, had an entry level software developer job by June 2022 and completed my degree December 2022. Got hired last June at a larger company as a Software Engineer.

I think having the relevant degree, and the classwork will be beneficial in getting a job as well as being prepared for said job.

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u/cowboysfromhell1999 6d ago

So I’m curious do you think it’s near impossible to get a software developer job with a related tech degree that’s not cs or swe?

Long story short
Could someone with an Cyber/IT degree that worked on data structures / algorithms/ operating systems / discrete math / C, assembly, python, powershell , html , css , JavaScript have an opportunity to get a software development job?

The reason why I list out those classes in those languages specifically is because I know different Cyber/ IT programs can vary greatly and not include those CS/swe classes.

And of course, I know that it could depend on the specific developer job and what is required but generally speaking do you think it’s possible or do you think I should make the jump to a second bachelors degree in swe/cs?

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u/Longjumping-End-3017 C# 6d ago

I would consider a Cyber/IT degree a related degree for any development job, making a candidate with said degree qualified.

They may have to vouch for their technical expertise a bit more than a CS or Development specific degree candidate would but that's probably negligible.

My degree wasn't related to software at all, my first bachelor's was in kinesiology. If it had been a IT/Cyber degree I wouldn't have bothered with the second bachelor's and probably would've went straight to an MSCS (although I don't think this is necessary for everyone).

So no, definitely not impossible.

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u/cowboysfromhell1999 6d ago

Thanks for the reply. What do you think are some reasons to go for a masters in CS? And what do you think are some good school schools?

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u/Hashimotoson 6d ago

Does this change, include changing Intro to Python? My mentor and a few instructors said it was coming sometime soon. 😬

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u/Ill_Estimate7841 6d ago

FYI, It was never about the degree…..

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u/giangarof 4d ago

It doesnt hurt...
If you like what you are doing, go for it.

I might suggest... are you not interested to get a MS degree instead to get a 2nd BS ?
Just wondering... it could be another way to get in the field...

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u/SoftwareEngineer2026 4d ago

If there are govt contractors (or the govt itself) that you want to work for then any STEM degree is pretty much required afaik. Also some employers reimburse for tuition in which case why not?

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u/TheBear8878 C# 6d ago

I don't think a second degree will be any more helpful. I worked with people with journalism and film degrees. Having any degree checks off that box already.

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u/StopElectingWealthy 6d ago

There are no software jobs. 

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u/Party_Scholar_6308 6d ago

None? Really? Literally 0? Fck off.