WGU Approved Calculators Checker

Navigating the rules for assessment aids can be tricky. This tool helps you quickly determine the WGU approved calculators for your specific college. Simply select your college to see a list of permitted and prohibited calculator types for objective assessments.

General WGU Policy

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Prohibited Calculators

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Recommended Models

How This “Calculation” Works

This tool functions as a policy checker. The “formula” is: Your College + WGU’s Official Assessment Policy = List of Approved Calculators. The primary rule is that calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS) are strictly prohibited across all colleges to ensure academic integrity.

Deep Dive into WGU Approved Calculators

What are WGU Approved Calculators?

WGU approved calculators refer to the specific models and types of handheld calculators that students are permitted to use during proctored objective assessments. Western Governors University maintains a strict policy to ensure fairness and academic integrity during exams. The core principle of this policy is the prohibition of calculators that can store notes, formulas, or possess a Computer Algebra System (CAS). A CAS can solve algebraic equations, which would compromise the assessment’s integrity. Understanding the list of WGU approved calculators is crucial for every student before heading into an exam.

This policy applies to all students, but the specific recommendations might change depending on the college and the course’s mathematical intensity. For instance, a College of Business student might need a financial calculator, while a Teachers College student might only require a basic scientific one. A common misconception is that any “scientific” or “graphing” calculator is acceptable. However, many advanced models include CAS functionality, making them prohibited. It is always the student’s responsibility to verify their device is on the list of WGU approved calculators.

The “Formula” for Determining WGU Approved Calculators

There isn’t a mathematical formula to derive the list of WGU approved calculators, but rather a logical one based on university policy. The guiding principle is academic integrity. WGU must ensure that the tools a student uses are for computation, not for storing information or solving complex problems automatically.

The step-by-step logic is as follows:

1. Identify the Calculator’s Capabilities: Does the calculator have a Computer Algebra System (CAS)? This is the most critical question. Models like the TI-89, TI-92, and TI-Nspire CAS are explicitly forbidden for this reason.
2. Check for Memory and Connectivity: Can the device store text files, notes, or connect to the internet? Any device with QWERTY keyboards, Wi-Fi, or large storage capabilities is not a simple calculator and is prohibited.
3. Consult WGU’s Official List: WGU provides examples of permitted calculators. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides clear guidance on the types of models that are acceptable.
4. Confirm with Course Instructor: When in doubt, the final authority is the course instructor or program mentor. They can confirm if a specific model aligns with the requirements for a particular exam.

The table below breaks down the key variables in this decision-making process.

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
CAS	Computer Algebra System	Boolean (Yes/No)	Must be ‘No’ for approval.
Functionality	The calculator’s primary purpose.	Type (Basic, Scientific, Financial, Graphing)	Must match course needs without being a prohibited type.
Memory	Ability to store user-entered data/programs.	Storage Capacity	Memory must be cleared before the exam. Proctors may check this.
College Requirement	Specific recommendations by a WGU College.	Model Number (e.g., TI-BA II Plus)	Varies (e.g., Business, IT, Health).

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: College of Business Student

• Student: A student enrolled in the B.S. Business Administration program preparing for a finance course objective assessment.
• Input: They select “College of Business” in our WGU approved calculators tool.
• Output: The tool highlights that the TI-BA II Plus is strongly recommended. It also confirms that general scientific calculators are allowed, but graphing calculators with CAS are not.
• Interpretation: The student now knows that purchasing or borrowing a TI-BA II Plus is the safest bet, as course materials may even use it for examples. They confidently avoid buying a more expensive, prohibited CAS calculator.

Example 2: Teachers College Student

• Student: A student in the Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education program taking a general mathematics assessment.
• Input: They select “Teachers College” from the dropdown.
• Output: The results indicate that a scientific calculator like the TI-30XS MultiView is more than sufficient. The policy on CAS and programmable memory is also displayed.
• Interpretation: The student realizes they do not need an advanced graphing or financial model. This saves them money and ensures they have a compliant device for their exam. This knowledge is a key part of finding the right WGU approved calculators.

How to Use This WGU Approved Calculators Calculator

This tool is designed for simplicity and clarity. Follow these steps to ensure you are prepared for your WGU objective assessment.

1. Select Your College: Begin by choosing your specific WGU college from the dropdown menu. This is the only input required.
2. Review the Results: The tool will instantly update. The primary result shows the general recommendation for your college.
3. Analyze the Details: Look at the “Intermediate Values.” These boxes tell you the overarching WGU calculator policy, list the types of calculators that are always prohibited (like those with CAS), and provide a list of specifically recommended models.
4. Consult the Chart and Table: For a visual overview, the dynamic chart shows which features are allowed. The table provides a handy reference for common calculator models and their approval status.
5. Take Action: Based on the information, ensure you have one of the WGU approved calculators well before your exam date. If you have a calculator that isn’t listed, the safest action is to check with your course instructor.

Key Factors That Affect WGU Approved Calculators Policy

Several factors influence the policy on WGU approved calculators. Understanding them helps clarify why the rules exist.

• Academic Integrity: This is the number one factor. The policy is designed to prevent cheating. Calculators that can store formulas, text, or solve equations symbolically (CAS) give an unfair advantage.
• Course Requirements: A statistics course has different computational needs than a basic algebra course. The policy allows for variety (scientific, graphing) to meet these needs without compromising integrity. Check out our guide on statistics requirements.
• Proctoring Standards: WGU uses remote proctoring. Proctors must be able to verify that a student’s calculator is compliant. This is easier to do when the rules are clear and the list of prohibited devices is explicit.
• Standardization: Recommending specific models (like the TI-BA II Plus for business) helps standardize the learning experience. Course materials can be tailored to these devices, making it easier for students to follow along.
• Technology Evolution: As calculators become more powerful, the policy must adapt. What was a high-end feature years ago may be standard now, and new capabilities (like Wi-Fi) must be addressed.
• Simplicity and Equity: The rules aim to be simple enough for everyone to understand. By allowing inexpensive scientific calculators, WGU ensures that no student is at a disadvantage because they cannot afford a top-of-the-line model. Explore more student resources here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use the calculator on my computer or phone?

No. Under no circumstances are on-screen calculators from your computer, or any calculator apps on smartphones or tablets, allowed during a proctored exam. You must use a separate, physical, handheld device from the list of WGU approved calculators.

2. What is a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and why is it banned?

A CAS is a sophisticated program that can manipulate and solve mathematical expressions symbolically. For example, it can solve for ‘x’ in ‘2x + y = 10’ or find the derivative of a function. This is banned because it tests the calculator’s ability, not the student’s understanding of the concepts.

3. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator to the exam?

The proctor will not allow you to use it. You would either have to proceed without a calculator or terminate the exam session. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a WGU approved calculator before the exam begins.

4. My calculator isn’t on the recommended list, but it’s not on the prohibited list either. Can I use it?

Possibly, but you must verify it first. If it does not have a CAS and is not a device with a QWERTY keyboard or internet access, it may be allowed. The best course of action is to email a picture of the calculator and its model number to your course instructor for written approval. For more on this, see our exam rules guide.

5. Do I have to clear my calculator’s memory?

Yes. If your calculator has programmable memory, you are required to clear it before the assessment begins. A proctor may ask you to demonstrate that the memory has been reset.

6. Are graphing calculators allowed?

Some are. The key distinction is whether they have CAS. The TI-84 Plus, a popular graphing calculator, is allowed because it does not have a CAS. The TI-89, which looks similar, is prohibited because it does. Checking the specific model is essential for finding compliant WGU approved calculators.

7. Where can I find the official WGU policy?

The most current policy information is available within the WGU student handbook and the course of study for your specific courses. It’s also a good topic to discuss with your Program Mentor. Our mentor guide can help.

8. For which college are financial calculators most important?

The College of Business. Courses in accounting, finance, and economics heavily utilize functions for time value of money, amortization, and cash flow analysis, which are built into financial calculators like the TI-BA II Plus.

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