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Home » Online Schools » Western Governors University

Western Governors University

Western Governors University

Online degrees based on your skills and knowledge

At Western Governors University, a nonprofit private university, your competence is the ultimate focus of every degree program. By emphasizing mastery of essential skills and knowledge instead of accumulating credit hours, WGU’s approach to earning a degree rewards focused, hard-working professionals. Progress toward your online degree is based on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) that measure your skills and knowledge in your field of study. We call it competency-based learning.  WGU’s programs are best designed (well suited) for people with at least one year or more of college completed.

USDLA Award

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 2011, awarded in recognition of their success in expanding access to higher education.

With multiple degree programs in education, business, healthcare, and information technology, WGU’s rigorous yet flexible approach 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. With assessments determining your success instead of credit hours, you’ll enjoy an education that fits your lifestyle. In most cases, you will access course material or study independently at the time and place you choose. Also, if you come into your program With years of knowledge and experience, you may be able to complete your assessments faster. you pay one flat rate per six-month term, so you may be able to save time and money depending on how quickly you can adequately demonstrate your competency in your field of study.
  • Credibility through Accreditation. WGU is regionally and nationally accredited. It is the only university ever to have received accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions. WGU’s Teachers College is also now NCATE-accredited – the first online university to achieve that distinction.
  • Commitment and Support. At WGU, students are supported by a mentoring team committed to success. you’ll work With a progress manager, faculty mentors and a support staff that will keep you motivated as they steer you toward your degree.

If you're an organized, independent learner willing to devote at least 20 hours a week to your studies, but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the answer. As a nonprofit institution, WGU does not rely on state or federal funding and is not subject to review from funding agencies.

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Accreditation

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU's "home" accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The WGU Teachers College is the only 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 Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).




School Facts

Institutional Accrediting Agency Agency that determines the quality of education and training for an institution of higher education.
Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities, Commission on Colleges and Universities

Address Physical location of institution's main/corporate office or headquarters.
4001 South 700 East, Suite 700
Salt Lake City UT 84107

Calendar Type When you can enroll in/take classes.
WGU programs are based on six-month terms (not traditional semesters). New students may begin their program on the first day of any month.

Credit-earning Options Does the school accept transfer credits or other approved credits?
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.

Delivery Format Is learning completed entirely online, and are there any special teaching methods?
As a WGU student, you will prepare for your assessments by accessing online learning resources, studying independently, or using other alternative methods of learning.

Technical Requirements Required hardware/software that you'll need in order to run the course software.
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 Can you take the programs anywhere?
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.

Scholarships Offered Does the institution offer any direct grants or scholarships?
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.

Loans Offered The types of loans can you make use of to help fund your education.
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.