Using Degree Works

What is Degree Works?

Degree Works is an online tool for students to monitor their academic progress toward degree completion.

What is a degree evaluation?

A degree evaluation is a review of past and current coursework that provides information on completed and outstanding graduation requirements. It can be used as a tool to plan and track your progress toward earning your degree or certificate. The degree evaluation can be used as part of advising sessions with academic advisors to determine course selections and confirm graduation requirements.

How do I access Degree Works?

Login to your My WS account and click on the Degree Works icon.
How is my Degree Works audit different from a transcript?
Your degree audit is an unofficial document and can be viewed as a tool to provide you with academic information related to your degree progress and help you plan your academic schedule.  Your degree audit is not your official academic transcript. 

How current is my Degree Works audit information?

The information/data is refreshed each night. Any changes made today (grade changes, classes added/dropped, etc.) will be seen on your audit tomorrow.

When should I look at my Degree Works audit?

Before you meet with your academic advisor to discuss registration for an upcoming term.

Before registration, use it to plan your program for the term.

After you register to ensure that the courses you selected applied to your requirements like you thought they would.

After your grades for each term are posted.

Before you file for graduation, review your academic record.

Any time you make a change to your schedule.

Can I view a list of all of the classes I have taken?

Yes. On the Degree Evaluation tab, click on the Class History link for a printable list of completed and in-progress courses. As a reminder, this is not an official transcript.

Are my grades visible on my degree audit?

Yes.  Once grades have been processed at the end of each term, they are viewable on you degree audit.

If I withdraw from a class, will that be reflected in my audit?

Yes.  Courses from which you have withdrawn will appear in the Insufficient Block located at the bottom of your audit and will be indicated with a "W" grade. 

What does the @ symbol mean?

If the @ sign appears with course numbers after it (i.e., @ 1000-2999), this means that you can take a 1000-2999 level course from any subject area.  If it appears after a subject prefix (i.e., MATH @), it means that you can take any MATH course.

Why are some of my classes not counting in my degree evaluation?

Courses Not Applicable to Program of Study: This area contains courses that are passed or registered college level courses, but are not required for your major.

Insufficient: This area is a list of courses that do not meet academic requirements (failed courses, repeats, withdrawals, etc.).

Not Counted: This area contains Learning Support classes.

What does In-Progress mean?

These are courses that you are registered for but have not yet received grades.  They could be courses in the present or future.
Can I print a degree audit?

Yes, there are two ways to print a degree audit: 1) click the "Print" button located in the bar at the top of the page or 2) click “Save as PDF” on the Degree Evaluation tab and print.

My major needs to be updated. Who should I contact?

If the major that is displaying in your Degree Evaluation needs to be updated, contact Student Enrollment Services at 423-585-2685 or via email at admissions@ws.edu for further information.

I think my audit is incorrect or I have questions.  What should I do?

If you think there is an error on your audit, contact your academic advisor right away. You may also email degreeworks@ws.edu.

Using What-If

What is the What-If feature?

The What-If degree evaluation will show you what coursework is required if you are thinking of switching majors, what courses you have taken that satisfy requirements, and what courses are still left for you to take.

If I use the What-If feature, does this mean I have changed my major?

No. The What If function is for information purposes only.

Can I save a What-If scenario?

No. What-If evaluations are not saved on Degree Works. You would need to run a new What-If scenario next time you log in to see it again.

Can I print a What-If scenario?

Yes. If you want to share it with your advisor at a later date, you should print your What-If scenario.

If I like what I see on the What-If scenario, how do I initiate the changes?

Always speak with your academic advisor first. After consulting with your advisor, you may contact Student Enrollment Services at 423-585-2685 or admissions@ws.edu if you decide to change your major.

GPA Calculators

What does the graduation calculator show?

The Graduation Calculator tool shows the amount of average grade points you need to achieve in your remaining credit hours in order to reach your Desired GPA by graduation. The Current GPA field is automatically filled in. You can use your degree audit to obtain the information necessary for the Credits Remaining and Credits Required fields. The results are an estimate based on information you enter and do not provide any guarantee, basis for graduation, or graduation honors.

What does the term calculator show?

The Term Calculator shows what your Calculated GPA will be at the end of your current term with anticipated grades entered for your current courses. Your Current GPA, in-progress classes, and their corresponding credits will be entered automatically. The Credits Earned So Far field represents all hours taken at Walters State (factored into your current GPA). You may select anticipated grades for the in-progress classes shown then click the Calculate button to see what your GPA will be if you receive those grades for these courses.

What does the Advice Calculator show?

The Advice Calculator shows how many courses you need at a certain grade in order to achieve a Desired GPA. Your Current GPA and Credits Earned are automatically entered. Simply enter a Desired GPA and click the Calculate button to see how many courses with a certain grade you need in order to reach that GPA. Advice will alert you if the GPA is not possible because too many hours would be required.  

Is the calculated GPA guaranteed?

No. It is an estimate only and also not reflective of your GPA for financial aid purposes.