How long to finish a 33 hr class at wgu
Online education continues to rise as one of the most convenient ways to advance a career while balancing a hectic life. If you’re considering a course at Western Governors University (WGU), you may be wondering, “How long will it take to finish a 33-hour class at WGU?”
So, how long to finish a 33 hr class at WGU? The answer largely depends on your schedule, dedication, and strategies for tackling coursework—because at WGU, your success is not tied to a classroom clock. Instead, their innovative competency-based learning model empowers students to complete classes at their own pace.
Let’s use my own experiences as a past student at WGU (and now an experienced online educator) as a foundation for exploring how to successfully tackle a 33-hour class. I’ll also share practical tips and real-life strategies to help you earn your credits efficiently, even as a busy professional.
What Makes WGU Unique?
WGU is not your traditional university. Instead of fixed timelines and lecture schedules, WGU empowers students with flexibility through a competency-based learning model. Here’s why that matters for a 33-hour course:
Flexible Learning
At WGU, you progress by demonstrating mastery of a subject rather than spending a set number of weeks in class. That means if you’re already familiar with parts of the curriculum—or if you’re a fast learner—you could complete a 33-hour class quicker than you might expect.
Self-Paced Courses
WGU allows students to balance education with their personal and professional lives, offering the ability to tackle classes week by week—or even fast-track them, depending on your goals.
This flexibility is particularly helpful for working professionals or learners managing other commitments like families, freelance work, or travel.
Personalized Support
WGU provides access to Program Mentors and Course Mentors who guide you along the way. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about pacing yourself, help is only an email or call away.
Tips for Tackling a 33-Hour WGU Class
Finishing a 33-hour class at WGU will depend on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well-organized you are with your online coursework. Here are some essential strategies to help manage your time effectively and power through with confidence.
1. Evaluate Your Weekly Free Time
Take a hard look at your current schedule. How much time can you carve out daily to focus on your WGU course? Allocating just 5–10 hours per week could mean completing the class in under four weeks.
Pro tip from personal experience: Block specific study times on your calendar, treating them like non-negotiable appointments.
2. Leverage Bite-Sized Study Sessions
One unique aspect of WGU is that most of their materials—including videos, quizzes, and eBooks—are designed for easy accessibility. Use this to your advantage by squeezing in smaller study sessions. Even pockets of 20-30 minutes can add up over time.
3. Focus on Competencies You Know First
One of WGU’s best features is its competency-based model, which means you can test out earlier if you’re comfortable with the material. If certain topics are already familiar, master those sections first and pick up speed, paving the way to focus on areas that may take more time.
4. Keep Your End Goal in Sight
Breaking down a 33-hour course into weekly milestones (e.g., complete one unit a week) can make the larger goal less intimidating and create a sense of accomplishment as you move forward.
5. Minimize Distractions
Create a dedicated study space and establish boundaries during study sessions. Whether it’s silencing notifications or using browser-blocker apps, minimizing distractions is crucial for productive learning.
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Real-Life Stories of Professionals Taking 33-Hour Classes at WGU
When I took my first class at WGU, I juggled a full-time job, a family, and freelance work. Completing a 33-hour course felt daunting at first, but by sticking to a disciplined schedule, I surprised myself. I finished my first class in just under 3 weeks.
Other students from WGU’s thriving online community have shared similar achievements. For example, one student, a single parent with two kids, reported completing an entire degree program in under 18 months by fast-tracking courses at every chance.
Real-world success stories like these highlight how WGU’s flexible learning model transforms lives, even for the busiest professionals.
The Essentials of Time Management for Online Learners
Balancing education with work or other commitments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are advanced time management strategies for thriving in WGU’s flexible environment.
Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix
This technique categorizes tasks into four quadrants (urgent/important, non-urgent/important, urgent/not important, and non-urgent/not important). Assess your day-to-day responsibilities and ensure WGU coursework consistently lands in the “important but non-urgent” quadrant—because consistency is key.
Use Tools and Apps for Planning
Apps like Trello, Toggl, or Google Calendar can boost productivity during the study process. Personally, I found Pomodoro timers most effective for tackling WGU online assessments.
Batch Your Study Sessions
Batch-processing your coursework (e.g., tackling assessment specifics or essay drafts in the same session) can help maintain focus while reducing transitions between topics.
How WGU Supports Working Professionals
WGU goes out of its way to cater to the unique needs of professionals who choose to enroll in their programs. Some standout features include:
- Dedicated Mentorship: Access to mentors who provide structured guidance and encouragement along the way.
- Flexible Deadlines to accommodate a career-first lifestyle.
- Accessible Course Materials available anytime, anywhere, so you can study on your own terms.
- A Thriving Community of learners and alumni who network, mentor, and inspire current students.
The Path Ahead
Completing a 33-hour class at WGU is entirely within your reach, no matter how packed your schedule may be. With dedication, time management, and the right mindset, you could finish the course in weeks instead of months.
Conclusion
Here’s a quick recap for tackling a 33-hour WGU class with confidence:
- Break it Down into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Compartmentalize Learning with dedicated time blocks for studying.
- Leverage Resources, like mentors and WGU’s flexible deadlines.
- Maintain Accountability with realistic weekly goals.
If you’re considering a WGU course and have been hesitant, don’t wait. WGU’s flexible approach and real-world focus helped shape me as both a learner and an educator—and it could do the same for you.
