First, some facts. Of the Computer Science graduates from Western Governors University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 28 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Computer Science graduates from Western Governors University have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 10% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Computer Science graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Science, IT - Security Emphasis in Computer Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssociate Vice President, Information TechnologySchauer Group, Inc. Mar 2014 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science - MSWestern Governors University 2020 - 2022 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at jobs held by graduates from Western Governors University with a degree in Computer Science, it’s clear that there's quite a mix in terms of relevance to the actual field. Many have landed roles such as project managers, IT support, and even some engineering positions, but the core focus on software development and programming isn’t always prevalent. For example, job titles like IT Specialist or Project Manager might require some technical understanding, but they don’t really dive deep into the day-to-day coding or algorithmic problem solving that typically defines a Computer Science role.
On the flip side, there are definitely graduates who found their way into positions that align closely with Computer Science, like Software Engineers, Data Analysts, and DevOps Engineers. These roles make much more direct use of programming skills, data analysis, and systems architecture which are central to a Computer Science degree. The problem is that not every graduate is leveraging their degree fully in their career. While some are making the most of their education, others have drifted into roles that seem disconnected from the foundational skills they developed during their studies. So overall, it's a mixed bag, with a good number of graduates in jobs that might not fully utilize their Computer Science background, alongside those who are really thriving in tech-centric roles.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Science graduates (this is across all Computer Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Governors University):
Graduates from Western Governors University (WGU) who earned a degree in Computer Science have shown quite a diverse range of career trajectories. Many of them seem to kick off their careers in solid entry-level positions related to IT and tech, such as system analyst roles, IT support, and software testing. For example, graduates from earlier years have landed roles like System Analyst II, Business Analyst, and QA Data Analyst not long after they graduated, which indicates they're starting off on paths that are directly connected to their studies. Over time, many have moved up the ladder into more senior positions, such as Senior Software Engineers and Directors of Fulfillment, suggesting that they're building successful careers in tech-related fields.
Taking a closer look at the data, it appears that the job market has been relatively favorable for these graduates, with many staying within the tech industry and making notable advancements. Fast forward five to ten years after graduation, and you can find individuals managing teams, leading projects, or even running their own businesses. For instance, one graduate became an Associate Vice President, while another started their own design consulting firm. This trajectory shows that WGU's Computer Science program can indeed pave the way to fulfilling and relevant careers, as many grads are finding themselves in positions that leverage their skills effectively in technology and operations.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your background and how well you handle the material. At Western Governors University (WGU), which is known for its competency-based approach, you’ll often find that you have to be really self-motivated since you’re mostly learning on your own. The courses can get technical with programming, algorithms, and systems design, so if you're not into problem-solving and math, it might feel a bit overwhelming at times. However, if you're passionate about tech and willing to put in the effort, it can also be really rewarding. In a nutshell, it's not the easiest degree out there, but with dedication, you can totally make it work!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Science.
Looking at this group of Western Governors University graduates, it seems like they’ve landed some pretty solid jobs overall, especially given that many of them are in tech-related fields, which generally tend to pay well. For instance, the associate vice president of IT and the senior software engineers are probably raking in a good salary, and roles like project manager in tech can also be quite lucrative. On the other hand, some of the earlier positions, like IT support roles, tend to pay less, but many have moved up quickly, indicating they’re likely making decent money now. However, for those who just graduated in 2023, they might still be on the lower end of the pay scale as they’re starting out in their careers. So, overall, it looks like most of these grads are doing pretty well for themselves financially!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Computer Science (this is across all Computer Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Governors University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Computer Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Computer Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: