Western Governors University Online

Western Governors University Online

  • Online university with more than 19,000 students
  • Founded in 1997 by 19 United States governors
  • Offers online bachelor's and master's degrees within four colleges
  • Competency-based approach to education
  • Mentors provided to all students for personal support
  • Monthly start dates for maximum flexibility
  • Programs do not require minimum GPAs or standardized test scores for admission
  • Low tuition costs with flat rates charged every six months
  • Both nationally and regionally accredited programs

About Western Governors University Online

Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 by 19 western governors with the goal of creating greater access to post-secondary educational opportunities. A private, online university, WGU offers flexible options for adult learners and enrolls students in all 50 states. WGU currently offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of Business, Information Technology, Health Professions, and Teaching. With a unique competency-based academic approach, WGU requires students to demonstrate competencies in required areas rather than focusing on credit hours in a classroom. Supported by more than 20 major foundations and corporations, WGU is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Academic Programs

Western Governors University offers a wide array of online undergraduate and graduate programs within the following four colleges:

  • Teachers College - undergraduate teacher licensure degree programs, post-baccalaureate teacher licensure programs, Master in Education with licensure programs, and additional graduate programs for licensed teachers.
  • College of Business - B.S. in Business Management, Business-Human Resource Management, Business—Information Technology Management, Sales and Sales Management, Marketing Management, and Accounting; Master of Business Administration (MBA), MBA in Information Technology Management and Healthcare Management.
  • College of Information Technology - B.S. in Information Technology, with concentrations available in Networks Administration, Networks Design and Management, Databases, Security, and Software; B.S. in Health Informatics; M.S. in Information Security and Assurance; and M.B.A. in Information Technology Management.
  • College of Health Professions - B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN, as well as Prelicensure); B.S. in Health Informatics; M.S. in Nursing—Education; M.S. in Nursing—Leadership and Management; M.S. in Nursing—Education (RN to MSN Option); M.S. in Nursing—Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option); and M.B.A. in Healthcare Management.

Learning Options

Most programs at WGU begin monthly, with classes scheduled at a student's own convenience and terms lasting six months from when a student begins the program. WGU's competency-based approach does not require students to accumulate credit hours, but requires students to prove knowledge through assessments in required subject areas. Students work with their mentors to choose the appropriate learning resources, such as an online study group or community, or textbooks. Students can accelerate the program by successfully completing all of the necessary assessments at a faster rate if they choose.

Faculty

Faculty members at WGU are highly qualified in their respective fields and in addition to personal mentors, are available to assist students.

Student Life

WGU enrolls students in all 50 states, and has a diverse student body with an average age of approximately 36 years old. Programs are very flexible at WGU, allowing working adults to continue working throughout the program and structure classroom time at their own convenience. The Central Library at WGU is accessible 24 hours a day.

Admissions and Financial Aid

The admissions process at WGU was designed to enroll as many students as possible who are capable of completing a rigorous competency-based program. Minimum GPAs or standardized test scores are not required. Admissions requirements vary by program, but in general, undergraduate programs require a high school diploma or GED equivalent, all prior college transcripts, and an interview with an Enrollment Counselor. Graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, as well as an interview with an Enrollment Counselor. In addition, all incoming students must complete a WGU Readiness Assessment to determine a student's readiness for college-level study in an online environment.

Students at WGU are not charged tuition per course or credit, but are charged a flat tuition rate every term. WGU is approved to offer federal financial aid to qualified students, including grants, loans, and scholarships. WGU also offers GI Bill benefits, and many students also utilize their company's tuition reimbursement programs to assist with expenses.