Western Governors University

 
 

Western Governors University

Western Governors University

  
Western Governors University




 
Online degrees giving you the skills and knowledge you need

Your competence is the ultimate focus of every degree program at Western Governors University. The university emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning.

With bachelor's and master's degree programs in education, business, information technology, and health professions, WGU's rigorous yet flexible approach to education gives the university a unique advantage over other online programs. Here's what the WGU Advantage means to you:

- Flexibility and Affordability. Our competency-based approach allows for extensive personalization of your degree program. In most cases, you'll access course material or study independently at the time and place you choose. If you come into your program with years of experience, you may be able to complete your assessments faster. This could save you thousands because you pay tuition at a flat rate every six months, regardless of how many assessments you successfully complete.

- Credibility through Accreditation. WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU's Teachers College is the first and only exclusively online teacher education institution to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU is also the recipient of two International Distance Learning Awards from the U.S. Distance Learning Association, including the 21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award.

- Commitment and Support. As a student at WGU, you'll have the support of a dedicated mentor to keep you motivated as you progress toward your degree. You will work with your mentor until you graduate. You get to know your mentor as an advisor, coach, cheerleader, even a friend. You'll also interact with an online learning community of students in your same program, so you're never alone.

WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education.

"Western Governors University has raised the bar of excellence," said Dr. John Flores, CEO of USDLA. "We are truly honored by WGU's contributions to the distance learning industry."

If you're an organized, independent learner willing to devote at least 15 to 20 hours per week to your studies but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the university you've been looking for. Learn more today!

Go Western, Young Man

By Kathleen Kingsbury Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008

Let's not waste anyone's time or money. You won't find that phrase emblazoned on a T shirt, but it's essentially the motto of Western Governors University (WGU), a private online school that has worked hard to prove it is anything but a diploma mill.

Established 11 years ago by the governors of 19 states, the virtual university--which is administered from Salt Lake City--has experienced a surge in admissions as more college students look for low-cost alternatives. Enrollment topped 10,000 last spring, growing at a rate of 40% in both 2006 and 2007.

Some 4 million Americans sign up for a distance-learning course each year, whether at an extension of a bricks-and-mortar institution or at an online-only school. Although the latter category is populated mostly by for-profit companies, WGU stands out as a nonprofit funded mainly by tuition and the $20 million in seed money supplied by those 19 governors. To help bolster its reputation, the school obtained accreditation from both regional standard bearers and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the professional body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for certifying teacher-preparation programs. (WGU remains the only online institution that has NCATE's seal of approval.) Such moves were designed to "lend WGU more legitimacy as an educational institution," says Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, who helped found the school when he was governor of Utah.

Today WGU is the nation's largest supplier of math and science teachers in urban school districts. And its alumni are hired by such FORTUNE 500 companies as Microsoft and AT&T. "[WGU] has earned a reputation for producing high-quality graduates, particularly in education," says Kevin Kinser, a professor at New York's University of Albany who studies online learning and is not affiliated with WGU.

The school's success is owed in large part to its competency-based approach. Instead of requiring that students take specific courses or amass a certain number of credit hours--as most colleges do--WGU asks only that students demonstrate mastery of the subject matter via online exams or papers that could take a day or a decade, depending on the student.

WGU has no full-time instructors, at least not in the conventional sense. Course work for its four majors--education, IT, business and health care--is developed by and licensed from outside vendors. But WGU does have about 250 full-time faculty members who work as mentors, checking in with students by phone every couple of weeks to ensure they are making progress in their courses and to recommend additional resources. "I get to know each of my students much better than I did when I lectured to them once a week in class," says Alisa Izumi, a business professor at WGU who lives in Granby, Mass., and used to teach at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

At $3,000 per six-month semester, WGU charges a sixth of the average annual tab at private four-year colleges and half as much as an online for-profit like the University of Phoenix, a mega virtual school that has some 200,000 students. And WGU lets you take as many courses as you can fit in a semester, which means some students are able to finish an undergraduate degree in as little as two years. "Before WGU, I would have had to drive almost two hours to Richmond," says Sandy Newsome, a teacher in rural Virginia who is getting her master's in math education. "Learning this all from home seems so much smarter." Sure does.

Posted through the courtesy of the editors of Time Magazine © 2008 Time Inc.

Featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams in their “What Works” segment, WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education. TIME Magazine also called WGU “the best relatively cheap university you’ve never heard of”.
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Degrees offered by this school

  
 
Endorsement Preparation Program
Educational Leadership 		Western Governors University

This program is specifically designed for already-licensed, practicing teachers who already possess a master’s degree and want to become a school principal. If you can devote 20 or more hours per week to your studies, you’ll be prepared to serve as a highly effective, instruction-based, certified principal. You will learn, for example, how to de...
Endorsement Preparation Program
English Language Learning
(PK-12) 		Western Governors University

This program is appropriate for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings, can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The Endorsement Preparation Program in English Language Learning (PK-12)prepares you to effec...
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Prep Program
Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) 		Western Governors University

Are you a retired member of the military or a professional with a background in mathematics seeking a career change and want to teach mathematics in a middle or high school? Do you hold a bachelor's degree in a math-related area and feel a call to teach mathematics? Are you already teaching mathematics but on a temporary or emergency credential?...
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Prep Program
Science (5-9 or 5-12) 		Western Governors University

Are you a retired member of the military or a professional with a background in science seeking a career change and want to teach science in a middle or high school? Do you hold a bachelor's degree in a science-related area and feel a call to teach science? Are you already teaching science but on a temporary or emergency credential? Are you seek...
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Prep Program
Social Science (5-12) 		Western Governors University

This program is appropriate for someone who already holds a bachelor's degree with an extensive social science background, wants to become a certified middle school or high school social science teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Social Science (5-12) i...
Post-Baccalaureate
Teacher Prep Program (K-8) 		Western Governors University

Are you a retired member of the military or a professional seeking a career change? Do you hold a bachelor's degree and feel a call to teach? Are you already teaching but on a temporary or emergency credential? Are you seeking a non-traditional route to teacher licensure that will recognize all the competencies you already hold and not require y...
Bachelor of Arts
Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3) 		Western Governors University

Spanning from birth to age eight, this early childhood education program is appropriate for teaching candidates who need a bachelor's degree, want to become a certified early childhood education teacher, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.

The B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3) prepares yo...
Bachelor of Arts
Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) 		Western Governors University

This program is appropriate for teaching candidates who need a bachelor's degree, want to become a certified elementary school teacher or middle school generalist, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) prepares you for licensure to become an elementary teacher or middle sc...
Bachelor of Arts
Mathematics
(5-9 or 5-12) 		Western Governors University

Math teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified middle school or high school math teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in middle school and high ...
Bachelor of Arts
Science
(5-12 Biological Science) 		Western Governors University

WGU's biology degree online prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school biology. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced biology, and teaching methods necessary to become a highly-qualified biology teacher. The program also features supervised practice teaching in an actual ...
Bachelor of Arts
Science
(5-12 Chemistry) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online chemistry degree prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school chemistry. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced chemistry, and teaching methods necessary to become a highly-qualified chemistry teacher. The program also features supervised practice teaching in an...
Bachelor of Arts
Science
(5-12 Geosciences) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online geosciences degree prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school earth science or geosciences. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced geoscience, and teaching methods necessary to become a highly-qualified earth science or geosciences teacher. The program also fe...
Bachelor of Arts
Science
(5-12 Physics) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online physics degree prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school physics. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced physics, and teaching methods necessary to become a highly-qualified physics teacher. The program also features supervised practice teaching in an actual ...
Bachelor of Arts
Science
(5-9) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online science teacher degree prepares you for teacher licensure in middle school science. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science and teaching methods necessary to become a highly-qualified science teacher. The program also features supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting a...
Bachelor of Arts
Special Education 		Western Governors University

This program is appropriate for teaching candidates seeking certification who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in special education, and begin their careers in this high-demand field. The B.A. in Special Education (PK-12) prepares you to effectively teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical ...
Bachelor of Science
Business
Accounting 		Western Governors University

If you have experience in accounting and need a bachelor’s degree to continue progressing in your career, the Accounting program at WGU is for you. The Accounting program will prepare you for an accounting career in a corporate, non-profit, or government settings and will educate you in broad business skills as well as cost accounting, tax accou...
Bachelor of Science
Business
Business Management 		Western Governors University

If you’re ready to advance in your management or business career and need a bachelor’s degree to do so, the B.S. Business Management program at WGU is your answer. Designed to provide working professionals with a broad background in business skills and knowledge, this program will prepare you for management positions in private businesses, publi...
Bachelor of Science
Business
Human Resource Management 		Western Governors University

Whether you’re an HR professional who needs a degree or someone who wants to get into this dynamic, growing field, the Human Resource Management program at WGU can offer you an accredited and affordable education option. With the Human Resource Management program, you will be prepared to become an HR manager or personnel director for private bus...
Bachelor of Science
Business
Information Technology Management 		Western Governors University

If you have IT training and want to pursue a management career in your field, the Information Technology Management program at WGU can help you get the broader business skills and the degree that you need to get there. With the Information Technology Management program, you will be prepared to become an IT project manager, director of customer s...
Bachelor of Science
Business
Marketing Management 		Western Governors University

A career in marketing requires a broad range of competencies. That’s one reason why the Marketing Management at WGU is such a good fit for anyone looking to advance a career in marketing, sales, publicity, or promotion. This affordable, competitive program prepares you in a wide variety of expertise, including strategic marketing, product manage...
Bachelor of Science
Health Informatics 		Western Governors University

Become a unique asset in the world of health informatics and health information management. WGU’s B.S. in Health Informatics program combines concepts from healthcare, IT, and leadership practice to provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a valuable designer, developer, and manager of health information systems. This program is for e...
Bachelor of Science
Information Technology 		Western Governors University

Build the foundation you need to succeed in the fast-growing IT industry. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology program provides you with a solid foundation of IT skills that employers demand along with eight IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who wants a broad IT education, the IT certifications to succeed, and can devote 20 or...
Bachelor of Science
Information Technology
Databases 		Western Governors University

Strengthen or develop your skills and career opportunities in database administration. WGU's B.S. in Information Technology - Databases program provides you with the leading-edge database administration skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has database administration experience, wa...
Bachelor of Science
Information Technology
Networks Administration 		Western Governors University

Start or advance your career in network server administration. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Networks Administration program provides you with the leading-edge network server administration skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has network server administration experience, wa...
Bachelor of Science
Information Technology
Networks Design and Management 		Western Governors University

Start or advance your career in networks design and management. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Networks Design and Management program provides you with advanced network design, systems engineering, and management skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has experience in networks...
Bachelor of Science
Information Technology
Security 		Western Governors University

Become an expert IT security specialist. WGU's B.S. in Information Technology - Security program provides you with the latest IT security management skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has IT security management experience, wants to specialize in IT security, and can devote 20 or ...
Bachelor of Science
Information Technology
Software 		Western Governors University

Take your software development career to the next level. WGU's B.S. in Information Technology - Software program provides you with solution-drive software development skills that employers demand along with ten IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has software development experience, wants to specialize in software developmen...
Master of Arts in Teaching
Social Science (5-12) 		Western Governors University

The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in social science, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school social science teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unl...
Master of Arts in
English Language Learning
(PK-12) 		Western Governors University

This program is for master's candidates who already have a teaching license and a bachelor's degree, can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in English language learning (ELL) also known as English as a second language (ESL), and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The M.A. in English Language Lear...
Master of Arts in
Teaching
(K-8) 		Western Governors University

This program is appropriate for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor’s degree with an extensive interdisciplinary studies background, (2), wants to become a certified elementary teacher or middle school generalist, and (3) desires to earn a master’s degree. The program is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to t...
Master of Arts in
Teaching
Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) 		Western Governors University

The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in math, science, or engineering, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school math teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates includ...
Master of Arts in
Teaching
Science (5-9 or 5-12) 		Western Governors University

The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in math, science, or engineering, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school science teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates inc...
Master of Arts
Mathematics Education
(K-6, 5-9, or 5-12) 		Western Governors University

This program is appropriate for master’s candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in mathematics, and advance their careers in this high-demand field.

The M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12) prepares you to certify in seco...
Master of Arts
Science Education
(5-12 Biological Science) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online master's degree in biology prepares you to certify in the secondary science field of biology. In this program, you will learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced biology, science teaching methods, and educational research necessary to become a highly-qualified high school biology teacher. The program al...
Master of Arts
Science Education
(5-12 Chemistry) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online chemistry master's degree prepares you to certify in the secondary science field of chemistry. In this program, you will learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced chemistry, science teaching methods, and educational research necessary to become a highly-qualified high school chemistry teacher. The progr...
Master of Arts
Science Education
(5-12 Geosciences) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online master's degree in geoscience prepares you to certify in the secondary science field of geosciences or earth science. In this program, you will learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced geoscience, science teaching methods, and educational research necessary to become a highly-qualified high school eart...
Master of Arts
Science Education
(5-12 Physics) 		Western Governors University

WGU's online physics master's degree prepares you to certify in the secondary science field of physics. In this program, you will learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced physics, science teaching methods, and educational research necessary to become a highly-qualified high school physics teacher. The program also ...
Master of Arts
Science Education
(5-9) 		Western Governors University

Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field! WGU's online master's in science education prepares you for secondary science certification to teach middle school science. In this program, you will learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, science teaching methods, and educational research necessary to become a high...
Master of Education
Instructional Design 		Western Governors University

This program is specifically designed for already-licensed teachers who are currently using technology for instructional purposes and who wish to focus on larger curricular or year-long development plans. If you can devote 15-20 hours per week to your studies, you’ll develop your curriculum and instructional expertise. The competency-based...
Master of Education
Learning and Technology 		Western Governors University

This program is specifically designed for already-licensed teachers who are currently using technology in the classroom and are committed to discovering new and better ways to teach. If you can devote 15-20 hours per week to your studies, you’ll become a technology and instruction expert, and have the potential to earn more, too. The compe...
Master of Education
Measurement and Evaluation 		Western Governors University

The competency-based M.Ed. Measurement and Evaluation is a great fit for the alreadylicensed teacher who desires to incorporate sophisticated skills in measuring and evaluating instruction. Perfect for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, the program integrates best practices in measurement and evaluation, instructional de...
Master of Science
Educational Leadership 		Western Governors University

This program is specifically designed for already-licensed, practicing teachers aspiring to become school principals. If you can devote 15-20 hours per week to your studies, you’ll be prepared to serve as a highly effective, instruction-based, certified principal. You will learn, for example, how to design and implement effective, standards-base...
Master of Science
Information Security and Assurance 		Western Governors University

Career opportunities are wide open for professionals with advanced IT security and assurance skills and credentials. WGU's flexible, accredited program includes one major IT certification and provides you with the skills you need to succeed at very affordable tuition. The M.S. Information Security and Assurance degree program is ideal for som...
Master of Science
Nursing
Education 		Western Governors University

This program is for actively working registered nurses (RNs) who hold a nursing bachelor’s degree (BSN), already possess healthcare industry experience, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The M.S. in Nursing—Education Specialization prepares you to become a nurse educator in schools, hospitals, and other healthca...
Master of Science
Nursing
Leadership/Management 		Western Governors University

This program is for actively working registered nurses (RNs) who hold a nursing bachelor's degree (BSN), already possess healthcare industry experience, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The M.S. in Nursing--Leadership/Management Specialization prepares you to become a staff developer or health administrator in ...
Master of Science
Special Education 		Western Governors University

This program is appropriate for master’s candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in special education, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The M.S. in Special Education (PK-12) prepares you to certify in special education and effectively teach ...
Master of
Business Administration 		Western Governors University

This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who already possesses significant "real world" experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The Master of Business Administration prepares you for mid-level to upper-level management positions in business,...
Master of
Business Administration
Healthcare Management 		Western Governors University

This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who already possesses healthcare industry experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The MBA – Healthcare Management prepares you for mid-level to upper-level healthcare management positions. The program ...
Master of
Business Administration
Information Technology Management 		Western Governors University

This program is ideal for the self-motivated IT professional who already possesses significant "real-world" experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

The MBA-Information Technology Management prepares you for mid-level to upper-level IT management position...
 

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