Western Governor's University
Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited.
You want a degree, but you also need the time to earn it. Now more than ever, people need easy access to affordable education that will give them the skills and knowledge they can take directly into the workplace. WGU has the solution.
The Nation's Only Online, Competency-Based University
As the nation's only online, competency-based university, WGU focuses on developing a highly competent graduate, not just someone who has accumulated credit hours. In fact, WGU does not award degrees based on credit hours or required courses. Your progress is determined by your ability to pass rigorous assessments-typically test, projects and a portfolio-that measure your knowledge and skills as you move through your degree program.
Created with the needs of busy adults in mind, WGU offers online programs in four areas: Business, Information Technology, Health Professions and Education (including teacher certification programs through the WGU Teachers College).
WGU Students Speak Out
"I was worried about being alone without a support system. But this isn't true at WGU. I used my mentor, chat line, internet contacts with professors and felt more supported and connected in this program than at any other time. I'm not a kid looking for dates anymore! I found academic comaraderie and that's what mattered."
-Kathy Schlendorf, Utah
2002 WGU Graduate
"Before enrolling with WGU, I attended two traditional universities in their master's programs, and found the class schedules impossible to fit into my schedule. This included night classes. It would have taken me three of four years to finish either program. I was almost going to give up working toward my educational goals when I discovered WGU."
-Dennis Nalder, Ohio
WGU Student
Online degrees based on your skills and knowledge
At Western Governors University, your competence – the knowledge and skills you possess – 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. 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 15-20 hours a week to your studies but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the university you’re looking for.
