Founded in 1997 by a group of 19 western governors, the Western Governors University (WGU) aims to improve quality and expand access to post-secondary educational opportunities. It is a private, non-profit university that operates completely online. WGU offers online undergraduate, and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business, Teacher Education, Information Technology and Health Professions (includes Nursing). WGU also offers an online MBA program that has been ranked among Top 10 Best Values by www.GetEducated.com. WGU has also been awarded Best of State for Online Education in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, it was ranked as a top 25 online school by The Best Colleges.
WGU is noted for offering a unique competency-based learning model wherein students earn their degrees not just by accumulating credit hours but by a combination of demonstrating competence gained through practical experience and online coursework.
WGU offers none Online Teacher Licensure Degree programs, four online Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Programs, four Online Master in Education with Teach Licensure Programs, and 13 online Graduate Programs for Licensed Teachers. WGU’s online College of Business offers six Bachelor of Science degrees and three online MBA degrees. The Online College of Information Technology offers seven Bachelor of Science degrees and two Masters degrees. Finally, WGU’s online College of Health Professions offers three online Bachelor of Science programs, and five online Masters programs. For a full list of available online degrees as well as the admission requirements, visit the WGU website.
WGU’s online tuition varies. The online nursing programs generally range from $3,250 per term to $4,250 per term. Online MBAs cost $3,250 per term, while the online Bachelors programs (IT, Business and Teachers College programs) cost $2,890 per term. Fees do not include incidental costs such as Library & laboratory fees and cost of books. For a more accurate estimate of the investment required, contact the WGU Financial Aid office. Queries relating to financial aid options available and the eligibility requirements can be brought up with a Financial Aid representative as well.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and by the Distance Education and Training Council.
