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Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is nonprofit private university that promotes competence in every degree program offered. WGU focuses on a mastery of the necessary skills and knowledge in specified career fields. Your degree completion progress is measured by periodic assessments, called competency-based learning, instead of accumulation of credit hours. This rigorous but flexible educational approach makes the university unique when compared to other online programs. It also allows you to personalize your degree program and gain only the skills and knowledge you need to become successful. You will have the support of a dedicated mentor to guide you as you progress through your program right up until graduation. WGU offers bachelor and master degree programs in business, education, information technology, and health professions.

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WGU provides lower tuition costs because you pay a flat fee every six months regardless of how many competency areas you attempt. If you can complete the assessments at a faster rate, you can save time and money and complete your degree faster.

Western Governors University has received two International Distance Learning Awards from the U.S. Distance Learning Association.

The idea for Western Governors University was developed in 1995 at a bipartisan meeting of the Western Governors Association. Nineteen governors, led by Roy Romer, former governor of Colorado, Michael O. Leavitt, former governor of Utah, and Jim Geringer, former governor of Wyoming developed the idea with the goal of addressing the issues of rapid population growth and limited public education funds. The university's purpose was to maximize the use of distance learning technologies and to employ a competency-based curricula. WGU was chartered in 1996, established as a nonprofit private institution in 1997, and began enrolling students in 1999.

WGU has thrived to become a national university with more than 12,000 students from all 50 states and still remains an innovative, non-bureaucratic institution. It is continually praised for its competency model.

Accreditation

WGU is the only university to hold accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions concurrently: the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities, The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also accredited nationally by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The university’s Teachers College is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Schools of Education

The Teachers College is one of the nation's largest that offer teacher licensure and master degree programs designed to enable students to become qualified teachers prepared to meet state and national teaching standards. The college offers programs in educational leadership, interdisciplinary studies, learning and technology, science, mathematics, special education, English Language Learner (ELL)/English as a Second Language (ESL), and instructional design.

The College of Business focuses on instilling in students the expert knowledge and skills necessary for success in the competitive business world. The college offers bachelor degrees in a variety of areas such as accounting, business management, finance, human resources, marketing, and IT management and offers three MBA programs. The college was awarded the GetEducated.com Best Buy Award five separate times.

The College of Information Technology provides innovative programs that are constantly evaluated and adapted to the ever-changing IT world. The college offers bachelor degrees that include as many as 10 current IT certifications. Examples of programs are databases, design and management, health informatics, network administration, security, and software.

The College of Health Professions focuses on the increasing need for competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. There are many degree programs in nursing, nursing leadership and management, nursing education, health education, healthcare management, and health informatics that emphasize the development of expert knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the healthcare field.

Scholarships Offered

WGU offers many scholarships including WGU Aspiring Principals Scholarship, WGU Excellence in Health Informatics Scholarship, WGU Excellence in Special Education Scholarship, WGU Hispanic Scholarship Fund, WGU Military Spouses to Graduates Scholarship, WGU Scholarships for Rural Mathematics and Science Educators, and WGU Urban Math and Science Teacher Scholarship.

Financing Options

The U.S. Department of Education selected WGU to be one of the first online universities to be approved to provide federal financial aid such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal PLUS Loan, and Federal Family Education Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized).

Credit Earning Options:

You can earn credit at WGU if you have competencies in your degree program from previous academic or work experience. This may enable you to complete the competency assessments faster. WGU also evaluates transfer credits on an individual basis.

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Western Governors University

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Training

Endorsement Prep. Program in ELL (PK-12)
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (K-8)
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Science (5-9 or 5-12)

Bachelors

B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 9-12)
B.A. in Science (5-12 Biological Science)
B.A. in Science (5-12 Chemistry)
B.A. in Science (5-12 Geosciences)
B.A. in Science (5-12 Physics)
B.A. in Science (5-9)
B.A. in Special Education
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Business - HR Management
B.S. in Business - IT Management
B.S. in Business Management
B.S. in Finance
B.S. in Health Informatics
B.S. in Information Technology
B.S. in Information Technology - Databases
B.S. in Information Technology - Networks Administration
B.S. in Information Technology - Networks Design & Management
B.S. in Information Technology - Security
B.S. in Information Technology - Software
B.S. in Marketing Management
B.S. in Nursing

Masters

M.A. in English Language Learning (PK-12)
M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)
M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Biological Science)
M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Chemistry)
M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Geosciences)
M.A. in Science Education (5-12 Physics)
M.A. in Teaching (K-8)
M.A. Science Education (5-9)
M.A. Teaching - Science (5-9 or 9-12)
M.Ed. Instructional Design
M.Ed. Learning and Technology
M.Ed. Measurement and Evaluation
M.S. in Educational Leadership
M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management
M.S. in Special Education
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Management
Master of Business Administration - Information Technology Management

Degree Quickfinder

School Facts

Institutional Accrediting
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and NCATE
Institution Type
Private, not-for-profit, Higher Education
Calendar Type
WGU programs are based on six-month terms (not traditional semesters). New students may begin their program on the first day of any month.
Delivery Format
As a WGU student, you will prepare for your assessments by accessing online learning resources, studying independently, or using other alternative methods of learning.
Carnegie Classification
Higher Education Institution (Not Carnegie Classified)
Technical Requirements
Minimum: Windows--Pentium II 266 MHz with 64MB RAM, 800x600 monitor with 256 colors, 56Kb TCP/IP Internet connection, Microsoft Windows 98, 98 SE, ME; Macintosh--PowerPC with 32MB RAM, Mac OS 8.1 or later, 56Kb (or better) TCP/IP Internet connection.
Geographic Restrictions
WGU only accepts inquiries and applications from individuals living in the U.S., Guam, and from U.S. military personnel and their spouses at overseas installations.
On-Campus Requirement
Programs are delivered online and there are no on-campus requirements. However, students in teacher certification programs must complete their teaching practicum in a real K-12 classroom in their geographic area, working with real students.
Average Cost per Credit
Currently, tuition for most degree programs at WGU is $2,890 per six-month term. WGU's MBA and Nursing programs' tuition is currently $3,250 per six-month term.
Credit-earning Options
If you have competencies in your degree program due to prior academic or work experience, you may be able to complete the required assessments more quickly. Transfer students with an AA/AS degree may generally enroll as an upper-division BA/BS student.
Loans Offered
WGU was one of the first institutions selected by the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal financial aid to distance education students. Aid includes federal Pell Grants and both subsidized and unsubsidized federal Direct Student Loans.
Registration Details
Enrollment Counselors are available to answer questions and provide assistance with the application process. They may be reached by clicking the "Request Information" button and completing the Information Request form.
Scholarships Offered
A limited number of scholarships are available to qualified WGU students. The majority of these scholarships have been earmarked by their donors for K-12 teachers and prospective teachers in particular states or locations.