Western International University
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Western International University
Western International University, commonly called West, is a private for-profit university owned and operated by the Apollo Group, Inc. It is based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Its mission is to provide a broad academic foundation with focus on business technology, to prepare students for leadership roles in a lively, global marketplace. Its core values include academic quality, learning, integrity, student services, and global awareness. It strives to provide programs that meet the educational needs established by industry, government, and other postsecondary institutions. Its programs feature a global-oriented curriculum and are offered at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Western International University prides itself on its highly qualified and experienced faculty who hold advanced degrees in their teaching areas.
Western International University focuses on educating adults and it offers courses in two-month timeframes and students are able to tailor programs to meet their individual needs. New courses generally begin the first week of very month and last for 8 weeks. Each class session includes 2.5 hours of lecture, interaction, and discussion. Faculty members focus on personal attention to promote student success. West offers about 30 degree programs in various areas including accountancy, business administration, finance, information systems engineering, marketing, public administration, behavioral science, criminal behavior, legal studies, and human resource management.
West Interactive Online offers convenient online courses that can be accessed anytime from anywhere with an Internet connection. The online courses feature live and recorded classroom sessions to duplicate the on-campus learning experience. Students are able to see, hear, and interact with instructors and fellow classmates live with just Internet access and a microphone headset. They can listen to the lectures, watch presentations and videos, participate in class discussions, and ask questions. Students are also able to view recorded lectures at a later time and all recorded classes are available throughout the length of the course. Students demonstrate their learning on an individual basis through papers, projects, presentations, quizzes, and tests instead of in teams or groups. Students are able to download course eMaterials to save time and money of buying traditional textbooks. Students are required to regularly participate in online activities and instructors give participation points for certain actions such as interaction in a live class session or submission of an alternative participation assignment. West Interactive Online offers resources to help students get started in online learning such as how-to information and frequently asked questions. Technical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students also have access to an enrollment counselor, online library, writing center, tutoring services, and student assistance program.
Western International University was established in 1978. It gained regional accreditation in 1980 and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in 1984. In 1995, the university became a part of the Apollo Group, Inc, which is one of the leading educational companies in the country. It became a part of Apollo Global in 2010, which is a consolidated subsidiary of Apollo Group. Today, Western International University educates students from all over the U.S. as well as 40 different countries.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Western International University.
Scholarships Offered
Western International University offers a few merit-based and need-based scholarships including the West Scholarship, Delta Mu Delta Scholarship, Hispanic College Fund Scholarship, and International Women’s Day Scholarship. Students are also encouraged to apply for additional scholarships offered by outside organizations.
Financing Options
Western International University participates in a variety of financial aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Nursing Student Loans, and Veterans Educational Assistance. Private loans are also available for students and families who wish to supplemental financial aid.
Credit Earning Options
Western International University grants credit for courses completed at other regionally and nationally accredited post secondary institutions. Students are able to earn credit from examination programs such as Advancements Placement (AP) exams, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Excelsior College Exam, International Baccalaureate, and Berlitz Foreign Language Testing. Students can also credit through a Prior Learning Assessment that evaluations non-traditional learning. The Prior Learning Assessment is offered in two forms: the Professional Training Portfolio that documents corporate training courses, continuing education, and licenses and the Experiential Learning Essay that lists items for evaluation and includes an autobiography, experiential essay. Students can earn up to 24 credits for an associate degree and 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree for credit by examinations and Prior Learning Assessments. Students must submit official transcripts, official certificates, and other documentation supporting experiences. Military students are able to receive up to 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree for military service and training.