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Overview: Western Governors University was founded in 1995 by the governors of 19 U.S. states. It is an online university offering competency-based degree programs. Supported by more than 20 major corporations and foundations, WGU serves nearly 29,000 students from all 50 states.
Website: http://www.wgu.edu/
Accreditation: Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).
The WGU Teachers College is the first exclusively online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
WGU’s nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
WGU’s Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
WGU’s Information Security and Assurance program has been certified by the National Security Agency’s Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program.
WGU was presented International Distance Learning Awards by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) in 2008 and 2011
School Ranking: #6 of the top 20 2011 Guide to Online Schools Rankings
Military Friendly: WGU was honored among the “Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities” for four consecutive years by Military Advanced Education Magazine. Its online degree programs are approved for Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill. Reserve and National Guard members may be entitled to education benefits under the GI Bill for Reserve and Guard Members. In addition, the University offers several scholarships for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses.
Class Format/Schedules:
Rather than semesters, new students start at the beginning of each month, which launches a new term.
Terms last six months from the time a program is begun. Students can complete as much as they can during the term, without incurring additional cost, and complete a degree faster. Rather than accumulating credit hour, students must show proof of competence in the coursework.
Each WGU student is assigned a mentor to offer guidance and support throughout their time at the University. The student and mentor choose the learning resources for each program, including online study groups, online learning communities, textbooks or other resources. Students pass assessments to move on. These may include assignments involving problem-solving (e.g. science, information technology, etc.), computerized exams, projects requiring the student to design a lesson plan (e.g. teaching), reflection essays about case studies and research papers on particular topics within the field.
Physical Campus: None — all classes are online
Institution Type: Private, non-profit online university
Tuition: Tuition is billed at a flat rate every term, rather than by credit hour, according to the program:
Nursing Programs (MSN and BSN): $3,250 per term
B.S. Nursing (Pre-licensure): $4,250 per term
MBA Programs: $3,250 per term
Business Bachelor’s Programs: $2,890 per term
Information Technology Degrees: $2,890 per term
All Teachers College Programs: $2,890 per term
Experience Credit:
Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees from schools recognized by CHEA (Council on Higher Education Accreditation), may qualify for lower-division general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Business or Information Technology. This same is true for degrees from regionally accredited or DETC-accredited institutions being applied to Teachers College programs. A course-by-course transcript evaluation is available for other college courses previously taken.
Career Counseling:
Alumni mentors are available to assist graduates with resumes and cover letters, as well as provide job search tips and interviewing strategies. Additional services include access to professional career resources, such as resume development software and national job banks.
Degrees Offered:
WGU Online Teachers College Online Teacher Licensure Degree Programs
B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
B.A. Early Childhood Education
B.A. Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
B.A. Science (5-9)
B.A. Science (Chemistry, 5-12)
B.A. Science (Physics, 5-12)
B.A. Science (Biological Sciences, 5-12)
B.A. Science (Geosciences, 5-12)
B.A. Special Education (K-12)
Online Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Programs
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (K-8)
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Mathematics
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Science
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Social Science
Online Master in Education with Teacher Licensure Programs
M.A. Teaching (K-8)
M.A. Teaching, Mathematics
M.A. Teaching, Science
M.A. Teaching, Social Science
Online Graduate Programs for Licensed Teachers
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction
M.S. Special Education (K-12)
M.S. Educational Leadership
M.A. English Language Learning/English as a Second Language (ELL/ESL) (PK-12)
M.A. Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)
M.A. Science Education (5-9)
M.A. Science Education (Chemistry, 5-12)
M.A. Science Education (Physics, 5-12)
M.A. Science Education (Biological Sciences, 5-12)
M.A. Science Education (Geosciences, 5-12)
M.Ed. Instructional Design
M.Ed. Learning and Technology
Endorsement Preparation Program in English Language Learning (ELL/ESL) (PK-12)
Endorsement Preparation Program in Educational Leadership
Online College of Business
B.S. Business Management
B.S. Business—Human Resource Management
B.S. Business—Information Technology Management
B.S. Sales and Sales Management
B.S. Marketing Management
B.S. Accounting
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
M.B.A. Information Technology Management
M.B.A. Healthcare Management
Online College of Information Technology
B.S. Information Technology
B.S. Information Technology—Networks Administration
B.S. Information Technology—Networks Design and Management
B.S. Information Technology—Databases
B.S. Information Technology—Security
B.S. Information Technology—Software
B.S. Health Informatics
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
M.B.A. Information Technology Management
Online College of Health Professions
B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN)
B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure)
B.S. Health Informatics
M.S. Nursing—Education
M.S. Nursing—Leadership and Management
M.S. Nursing—Education (RN to MSN Option)
M.S. Nursing—Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)
M.B.A. Healthcare Management
