WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Degree Comparisons
Compare Popular Degrees at WGU
WGU offers more than 60 degree programs in four schools—technology, business, health and nursing, and education. When researching different degrees, you may be wondering which one is the best fit for your career goals. While some WGU degrees are similar, they have important distinctions that make them a better fit for certain students or careers. Understanding these differences is extremely valuable when making the decision about which online degree to pursue. These guides will help you better understand the important differences between popular WGU degrees, helping you to choose the best fit for you.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) vs. M.S. in Management and Leadership (MSML)
If you’re thinking about taking your business career to the next level, it’s likely you've wondered which type of program you should pursue.
Although similar in many ways, there are some big differences between the MBA and Master of Science in Management and Leadership (MSML) programs. Learn about these similarities and differences to make the best decision for you.
MBA Comparisons: MBA, MBA IT Management, and MBA Healthcare Management
Do I need to get an MBA degree in something more specific than a general MBA?
WGU offers three MBA options for prospective students to choose from: an MBA in IT Management, an MBA in Healthcare Management, and a traditional MBA program. Discover the differences to determine which one you should pursue.
MBA IT Management vs. M.S. IT Management
If you're looking to move forward in an IT career, WGU offers an MBA in IT Management and a Master of Science in IT Management. While both offer exceptional educational support for IT professionals, each degree will send students on a different career path. Find out more about what makes each IT management degree unique.
Nursing (RN-to-BSN vs. Prelicensure)
This guide will explore the RN-to-BSN and Prelicensure programs to help you determine which one might be a better fit, given your experience, career goals, and lifestyle.
Healthcare Leadership Degree Programs
Wondering which WGU healthcare leadership degree is right for you? This guide will outline each program to help you decide.
IT Bachelor's Degree Programs
If you’re thinking about kick-starting or advancing your career in IT, you might consider a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about which program is right for you in this guide.
RN to BSN, BSN to MSN, or RN to MSN
If you’re considering the RN to BSN, BSN to MSN, or RN to MSN, it’s important to understand how each is unique so you can pick one that best fits your education, experience, and career goals. This guide will outline the cost, time commitment, and credentials required of each degree.
Comparing Healthcare Bachelor’s Degrees at WGU
While nursing is a popular degree choice, there are more specialized programs to consider as well. Whether you’re passionate about patient care, technology, or management, WGU offers a number of healthcare degree paths that can align with your interests and skills.
BSBA IT Management vs. B.S. Information Technology
These degrees may seem similar, but they can lead to unique career options down the road. It’s important to understand which degree is the best fit for you and your career aspirations.
B.S. vs M.S. in Cybersecurity
Earning a degree in cybersecurity can increase your career options, earning potential, and opportunities for advancement. But is a bachelor’s or master’s degree right for your skill level? Read this guide to find out.
Comparing Education Master's Degrees
Review and compare WGU’s education master’s degree programs so you can make the best decision about which one to pursue.
Comparing MSN Degrees
Learn about the different MSN options for nurses who are seeking advanced credentials in education, leadership and management, or informatics.
Education Bachelor's Degrees vs MAT Degrees
Everything you need to know to start your career in teaching with a bachelor’s or master of arts degree at Western Governors University.
BAES vs. Licensure Program
Learn about the difference between a teaching degree program that leads to licensure vs. a B.A. in Educational Studies.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) vs. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Everything you need to know about the differences between the Family Nurse Practitioner degree program and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree program.
MBA vs. M.S. Marketing
Learn about the difference between the Master of Business Administration degree program and Master of Science in Marketing degree program.
Comparing IT Masters Degrees
This guide compares WGU’s M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, M.S. Data Analytics, and M.S. IT Management degrees, their courses, and career outcomes, so you can decide which degree to pursue.
Network Engineering vs. Software Engineering
When comparing your IT degree options, it’s important to look at a variety of factors to help you decide which is the best fit for you, particularly when it comes to the Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Security and Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degrees.
Ready to Get Your Teaching License?
A teaching license is an essential credential which educators must hold in order to teach in a classroom setting. Initial licensure demonstrates competency and that educators have met state teaching standards.
B.S. Finance vs. B.S. Accounting
If you have a knack for numbers, an accounting or finance degree can be the key to your career success. But which degree should you pursue? That depends on your career goals.
Post-Master’s Certificate vs. MSN
If you’re a registered nurse looking to take the next step in your nursing career, there are two distinct options available to you: an MSN or a post-master's certificate. Choosing which program is right for you mainly depends on your academic experience.
BSHA vs. MHA
If you’re ready to move forward in a career in healthcare administration, earning a degree is the first step. A bachelor’s or master’s degree can increase your career options and earning potential, creating more opportunities for advancement.
Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Not sure if a certificate program or a bachelor's degree is the right step to progress in your education? Learn more about who should consider a degree program and who should consider a certificate program.
ELL Master’s vs. ELL Certification
About five million American students speak a language other than English in their homes. These linguistic barriers can impede a student's progress—but they don't have to.
