As an online student at Concordia University Wisconsin, you want flexibility, but you also need clarity. You need to know how your previous coursework applies, what requirements remain and which classes will keep you moving toward graduation.
That’s where Degree Works comes in.
Degree Works is an online degree-audit tool that gives you a clear view of your academic progress. It shows what you’ve completed, what is currently in progress and what requirements remain. For online students balancing work, family and other responsibilities, having that information in one place can make academic planning easier.
What is Degree Works?
Degree Works compares your completed and in-progress coursework with CUW’s degree requirements. Its easy-to-read worksheet shows how your classes apply to your program and gives you useful information to discuss with your advisor.
It can help answer questions such as:
- Which requirements have I already completed?
- How do my transfer credits apply?
- What courses or credits do I still need?
- Am I on track for my intended graduation timeline?
- What should I discuss with my advisor before registering?
Degree Works does not replace your advisor. Instead, it gives you and your advisor a shared starting point for making informed academic plans.
Four areas of your degree audit
When reviewing your progress, focus on four main areas.
1. Completed Courses
These are the classes you’ve already finished, including approved transfer credits and electives. This section can help you see how your previous coursework is being applied toward your degree.
2. In Progress
This section shows the courses you are currently taking and how they fit into your degree requirements. Courses typically do not count as completed until final grades are posted.
3. Still Needed
Think of this as your academic to-do list. It identifies remaining requirements for your major, general education, electives or other areas of your program. This section is especially useful when preparing for registration.
4. Plan Ahead
Planning future terms with your advisor can help you consider course sequencing, prerequisites and your anticipated graduation timeline. Planning ahead also matters because not every course may be offered every term.
Three habits for success
Degree Works is most helpful when you use it regularly. Try building these three habits into your academic routine.
1. Check it every term
Review your audit at the beginning of each term, after adding or dropping classes, after final grades are posted and after transfer credits or substitutions are processed. Regular reviews can help you identify questions early rather than discovering an issue close to graduation.
2. Use it during registration
Before selecting courses, review the “Still Needed” section along with prerequisites, major or minor requirements, general education requirements and the total credits required for graduation. This can help you choose courses that apply toward your degree.
3. Review it with your advisor
Degree Works can help you plan, but it is not the final authority on your degree requirements. If a course appears in the wrong section, a requirement looks incomplete, transfer credit does not seem to apply correctly or something else looks unclear, talk with your advisor. Your advisor can help you interpret the audit and determine your next steps.
Why Degree Works matters for online learners
For adult learners, time matters. Many online students balance career goals, family commitments, military service, ministry and other responsibilities while working toward a degree. Knowing where you stand academically can make planning a little easier.
Degree Works brings much of that information together in one place. You can see how completed coursework and approved transfer credits apply while keeping an eye on the requirements that remain. Combined with regular conversations with your advisor, the tool can help you make informed decisions about registration, course loads and your anticipated graduation timeline.
At CUW, online education is designed for students who need flexibility while pursuing their academic goals. Degree Works is one resource available to help students stay informed and organized throughout their program.
Take the next step
If you’re considering an online program, you can begin by learning more about CUW’s undergraduate and graduate options. Online classes are offered year-round, with many programs featuring two eight-week mini-terms during the spring, summer and fall.
Connect with Concordia University Wisconsin’s admissions team by visiting CUW Online Undergraduate Admissions for undergraduate degrees or CUW Graduate Admissions for master’s degrees and licenses. You can also call 262-243-4300 to learn more.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.