[Iva Jean]

This will be my first time repairing a dryer. It is electric, it operates but it doesn't have any heat at all. how do I tell if it is the thermostat or the heating element? Does this and all brands have both?

[libertyappl]

You will need an ohm meter, to check for continuity of the element and the thermostats. Remove the rear panel and you can see the thermostats and the element (at each set of wire contacts) You need to test each these. The one(s) without continuity is the ones to replace.
Here's the breakdown of your machine Model WED5500SQ0
Nat

[denman]

Try switching your breaker off/on a couple times slowly.
Sometimes half the line can drop out without actually blowing the breaker.
Better yet measure the receptacle for 240 volts.

Also remember to unplug the wires to one side of any part you are measuring for continuity. This ensures you are measuring the device and not an alternate/parallel circuit path.

And unplug the unit when measuring ohms.
There is a good sticky at the top of this forum.

You can get a decent digital multimeter for under $20.00. You do not need fancy but it is nice if the leads are a couple feet long. If it saves ordering one unnecessary part, it has paid for itself.