Data Structures and Algorithms I is the technical backbone shared across four different WGU degrees — the fundamental data structures every programmer needs fluency in, regardless of specialty.
What C949 covers
The course covers fundamentals of dynamic data structures — bags, lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables — with their associated algorithms, discussing object-oriented design and abstract data types as design paradigms.
The course emphasizes problem-solving and techniques for designing efficient, maintainable software applications, with students implementing simple applications using the techniques learned.
The C949 performance assessment
Expect a performance assessment requiring you to implement one or more data structures to solve a specific problem, with working code and an explanation of why that structure was the right choice.
Key topics in C949
- Dynamic data structures: lists, stacks, queues, trees, hash tables
- Object-oriented design
- Abstract data types
- Efficient, maintainable software design
Writing tips for C949
Follow the task instructions and rubric line by line
WGU performance assessments for C949 are graded against a fixed rubric — every rubric line has to be visibly addressed, usually with a labeled heading that mirrors the rubric language. Skipping a rubric point because it seems minor is the single most common reason a competent submission comes back "Not Yet Competent" for revision.
Show your work: code, reasoning, and test results, not just a final answer
WGU evaluators are trained to distinguish genuine technical work from a paraphrased summary. Include your actual code, algorithmic reasoning, and test/benchmark results, not just a description of what you built — a rubric checking technical competency wants to see the artifact and the thinking behind it.
Because WGU is self-paced, don't let "no deadline pressure" become no submission
There's no weekly due date forcing progress, which means procrastination costs more at WGU than at a traditional term-based school — a stalled task can quietly eat weeks of a term. Treat your own target date for each C949 assessment as a real deadline.
Stuck on your C949 task?
Our writers know WGU's competency-based format and this course's performance assessment. Get an original, properly cited paper matched to your task instructions.
Why students seek help with C949
Students sometimes implement a data structure correctly but skip explaining WHY it's the appropriate choice over alternatives — the rubric typically checks that justification, not just working code.
How GradeEssays helps with C949
Share your problem scenario and rubric, and your writer will build the working implementation and the justification for why that specific data structure fits the problem best.
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Place Your Order View All ServicesPrerequisites and program context
C949 has no listed prerequisites and is shared across four bachelor's degrees.
- Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science, Data Analytics
- Bachelor of Science, Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science, Software Engineering (BSSWE to MSSWE)