In the world of online learning, Western Governors University (WGU) and Udemy stand out as two highly regarded providers of remote education. Both WGU, an accredited online university, and Udemy, a massive open online course (MOOC) platform, have unique value propositions in 2023.
WGU pioneered competency-based distance learning all the way back in 1997. Students demonstrate mastery of subjects through assessments, allowing them to accelerate degree completion. Udemy democratizes learning through an extensive catalog of affordable video courses taught by industry experts.
Heading into 2023, both continue evolving unique online education models that make them market leaders. WGU offers strong job placement through recognized bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Udemy’s skills-based specializations equip people for the workforce. Read on to discover why both thrive.
How Does Online Learning at WGU Compare with Udemy’s Courses?
While WGU and Udemy both deliver learning remotely, key differences exist:
Program Types
WGU offers full bachelor’s and master’s degrees across IT, business, teaching and healthcare. Udemy provides individual courses only—not GPA or credit eligible.
Teaching Style
WGU utilizes written course materials with occasional prerecorded video. Udemy courses use video lectures as the primary teaching method.
Assessments
WGU degrees have proctored exams and extensive projects. Udemy features quizzes and coding exercises to reinforce concepts.
Instructor Access
WGU connects students to faculty mentors when needed. Udemy has Q&A features but minimal direct instructor interactions.
Pacing
WGU utilizes competency-based pacing so students can accelerate. Udemy supports self-pacing but within course expiration timelines.
In summary, WGU provides accredited, comprehensive degrees with faculty support whereas Udemy offers a la carte, video-based skills training. Align to your goals.
Can WGU Alumni Benefit from Udemy’s Offerings?
Absolutely. All WGU graduates get premium Udemy course access for life to continue expanding career-relevant skills. Supplement your degree through:
Specialized Skills
Learn niche abilities like Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Data Science, Web Development and much more.
IT & Software Certifications
Prepare to ace certification exams from AWS, Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft and other leaders. Certs open doors.
Business & Management Training
Develop leadership skills through Real-World MBA courses while also mastering platforms like Salesforce.
Lifelong Learning
Pursue personal enrichment through photography, fitness, language learning, stock trading and thousands more topics.
WGU degrees already advance work readiness. Udemy amplifies opportunities through ultra-targeted skills.
Popular Udemy Course Categories for WGU Students
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology & Science | Develop in-demand tech skills. | Data Science, Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, Cloud Computing |
| Business & Management | Enhance your business acumen. | Project Management, Leadership, Communication, Marketing |
| Personal Development | Improve your personal and professional life. | Communication, Time Management, Soft Skills |
| Professional Certifications |
Understanding Certifications: The Value in Today’s Market
While WGU offers extensive undergraduate and graduate curriculum, Udemy prepares learners for essential certifications required across industries:
75% of IT Managers require or encourage tech certifications on top of degrees. Certs demonstrate hands-on abilities to administer networks, databases, analytics tools and more.
61% of HR professionals view cybersecurity certifications as equivalent or superior indicators of technical capabilities over degrees alone. Specialized knowledge matters.
IBM saw a 210% ROI in two years through its partner certification program. Confirming mastery of platforms like Salesforce, Oracle, AWS and Microsoft credentials unlocks higher income potential.
Many high-value certs once required extensive onsite training. Now top instructors on Udemy help students prep 100% remotely. Degrees demonstrate foundational knowledge, but pairing certifications with a WGU program helps graduates stand apart from the pack and climb the career ladder.
Role of LinkedIn in Enhancing WGU and Udemy’s Learning Experience
With 450 million members, LinkedIn dominates professional social media. Both Udemy and WGU integrate with LinkedIn to increase discoverability and credibility for students:
Show Off Udemy Certificates
Displaying Udemy course completion certificates on your profile signals focused, trending skills to recruiters.
Share WGU Student Status
The LinkedIn student profile badge broadcasts your enrollment in a respected university program pursuing career advancement.
Give Social Proof for Udemy Instructors
Liking and sharing Udemy instructor LinkedIn profiles strengthens their personal brands, fueling course improvement.
Join WGU Alumni Groups
WGU grads can network with fellow alumni, participate in new mentoring programs and demonstrate school pride.
LinkedIn provides the layer of personal branding and thought leadership that seals the overall value of learning on Udemy and WGU in the eyes of employers.
Credit Transfer and Recognition: Bridging WGU and Udemy
WGU uniquely considers experience and certifications for potential credits, while most colleges dismiss alternative learning providers. Guidelines include:
IT Certifications – Transferrable certifications include CompTIA, Amazon, Cisco, ISC2, Microsoft and more. These can account for up to 30 competency units.
Professional Training – With approval WGU adapts eligible skills training from sources like Udemy for degree requirements depending on applicability.
Military Training – Official military transcripts also account for practical know-how. Boots-on-the-ground skills convert into useful credits.
This flexibility provides incentives to enroll in supplemental learning. Just be sure to confirm eligibility for your program prior to signing up externally.
Exploring the Range of Topics Available on WGU and Udemy
Both WGU and Udemy support diverse learning goals across a staggering range of subjects:
WGU Offers 60+ Accredited Degrees Including:
- Teaching Math, Science, Elementary and Special Education
- IT Cybersecurity, Networking, Software and Cloud Platforms
- Business Management, Accounting, Marketing, Healthcare Management
- MSN Nursing Education, Leadership and Informatics
Udemy Covers Trending Options Like:
- Programming Languages – Python, JavaScript, Java
- Digital Marketing – SEO, Social Media, Email/SMS Marketing
- Leadership & Management – agile, emotional intelligence
- Cloud Infrastructure – AWS, Azure, GCP Certifications
- Data Science – Machine Learning, R, Python for Data Analysis
- Personal Development – Photography, Writing, Life Coaching
This range underscores the flexibility of self-directed online learning pathways. You can customize education around career or personal enrichment goals.
How Welcome are Beginners on WGU and Udemy Platforms?
Both WGU and Udemy embrace learners with zero background entering new subject areas every day. For example:
WGU’s Teachers College prepares aspiring teachers from non-education backgrounds to become certified educators. Required practice hours help new teachers thrive.
Udemy’s Codecademy Partnership lets coding newcomers take Udemy courses for free after learning basics like HTML and JavaScript via Codecademy.
WGU Readiness Assessments give prospective students insights into the baseline knowledge needed to pass assessments before enrolling. You know what to brush up on beforehand.
Udemy Practice Tests allow licensing exam candidates to determine current capability levels through timed sampling tests before committing to prep courses.
The platforms make navigating novice territories simple through purposeful support resources. Don’t let unfamiliarity deter new pursuits!
The Future of Education: Predictions for WGU and Udemy
As full-time online education enters its third decade, what does the future hold for platforms like WGU and Udemy? Expect ongoing evolution through:
Virtual Reality (VR) – Immersive simulations enhance hard skills training for medical, mechanical and technical programs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tutoring – AI assistants personalize material guidance and feedback for each learner’s strengths.
Microcredentials – Both validate mastery of niche competencies ideal for constantly reskilling workers.
Remote Work Alignments – Coursework tailored to in-demand virtual jobs across growing sectors.
5G and Augmented Reality (AR) – Lightning fast video with AR overlays boosts content variety and engagement potential.
By riding the latest EdTech wave, both will continue democratizing access to career-aligned learning on flexible terms.
Key Features:
| Feature | WGU | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Degree Completion | Skill Development |
| Coursework | Structured, competency-based | Individual, self-paced |
| Cost | Tuition based on program length | Individual course fees or subscription |
| Accreditation | Regionally accredited | No accreditation |
| Benefits | Degree qualification, career advancement | Upskilling, reskilling, professional development |
WGU and Udemy: A Comprehensive Comparison
In summary, key advantages include:
WGU
- Accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Competency demonstrations propel working professionals to graduate faster
- Faculty mentors provide personalized support
- 80+ industry partner scholarships available
- Career resources bolster graduate employability
Udemy
- Specialized skills training through short video courses
- Top instructors skillfully cover trending professional applications
- Thousands of courses address career or personal goals
- Flexible learning available across devices
- Special rates offered to WGU students and alumni
As online education giants, both WGU and Udemy lower barriers through affordable, flexible self-paced learning options. Enroll to further specialize beyond your program core or degree. Commit yourself to lifelong learning.
Does Udemy Transfer to WGU?
Course Transferability: Generally, Udemy courses are not transferable to WGU for credit. Udemy is more about skill development and personal learning, while WGU focuses on accredited degree programs.
Complementary Learning: However, Udemy courses can be an excellent way to supplement the knowledge gained at WGU or prepare for WGU’s competency-based assessments.
Is WGU Online Accredited?
Accreditation Status: Yes, WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This accreditation is vital as it ensures that the degrees offered by WGU are recognized and respected.
Importance of Accreditation: Accreditation also means that credits earned at WGU are more likely to be transferable to other accredited institutions.
Does WGU Accept LinkedIn Learning?
Recognition of LinkedIn Learning: WGU does not officially recognize LinkedIn Learning courses for college credit. However, similar to Udemy, LinkedIn Learning can be a valuable tool for personal and professional development.
Supplementary Learning: These courses can provide additional insights and skills beneficial for WGU students in their academic and career pursuits.
Does WGU Give You a GPA?
GPA System at WGU: WGU uses a competency-based model, and students either pass or fail courses. As a result, WGU does not calculate a traditional grade point average (GPA) like other universities.
Transcript Details: Instead of a GPA, WGU provides a transcript showing the courses completed and the competency units earned, which are equivalent to semester credit hours.
Are Udemy Certificates Recognized?
Certificate Recognition: Udemy certificates are generally recognized as proof of course completion and personal skill development but are not formally accredited or recognized in the academic or professional world.
Professional Development: These certificates can still be valuable in demonstrating commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Do Colleges Recognize Udemy?
Formal Recognition: Most colleges and universities do not recognize Udemy courses for college credit.
Skill Enhancement: However, Udemy’s courses are widely respected for skill development and lifelong learning, and they can be an excellent way to gain knowledge in specific areas of interest.
FAQs
Does WGU transfer credit for Udemy courses?
While WGU does not transfer credit directly from Udemy, some courses may offer exam vouchers that can be used to earn credit through WGU’s partner, Sophia Learning.
Is WGU accredited?
Yes, WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Does Udemy offer degree programs?
No, Udemy does not offer degree programs. However, many courses align with specific skills and knowledge required for professional certifications and career advancement.
Conclusion:
By strategically integrating WGU and Udemy, individuals can create a dynamic and personalized learning experience that unlocks new possibilities. WGU provides the foundation for accredited degrees and professional development, while Udemy offers the flexibility and breadth to explore specific skills and interests.
Remember, your learning journey is continuous, and combining these platforms empowers you to excel in your chosen field and achieve your lifelong learning goals.
