Western Governors University Reviews
|
Elementary Ed
School not recommended by
You get what you pay for
on
December 29, 2008
26/32 people found this review helpful
This is a good school for grinders. No one has any expertise so it's really just a race to do the busy work and grind through the exams. The exams often call for incorrect answers so you can screw yourself badly by actually knowing something about the subject. My technique was to cut and paste the assignments from the internet using buzz words then work backwards from the pretests to figure out which answers the test software would accept as correct. It was all multiple guess and the passing scores were very low so it wasn't hard. You don't actually have to buy the books or study. In fact I would recommend against both those activities since they distract from your duel purposes of churning the busywork and guessing the test. It's scary that your child might be taught reading by someone with absolutely no training, but that's the WGU business plan.
Certified MBA
School recommended by
Brian
on
June 26, 2008
3/4 people found this review helpful
Overall I had a fantastic experience at Western Governors University. The coursework was very challanging but flexible for those who can work independently and demonstrate competency. The online tools were state of the art, providing real time conversations with faculty and other students, along with the use of virtual classrooms and other online tools. My MBA has increased my band level at work, allowing me opportunity and growth I never imagined!!
Elementary Education
School recommended by
Mindy
on
June 26, 2008
9/11 people found this review helpful
I have been enrolled at WGU since January 2005. I am finishing up my last assignment currently and will then be certified to teach elementary school level. My experience with WGU has been exceptional. I will say that there are many changes with the school at this point, but the reason for these changes are due to the growth the university is experiencing.
The program is also not for someone who needs a professor standing over them telling them what to do and when. I have had no problems scheduling exams in my three years with the university nor have I ever waited two weeks for a response from anyone at the university. I will say that I have had a few mentors and my last one was not very helpful.
As a WGU student, I often find it necessary to call my mentor for advice and she is available to help me immediately either through online messenger, email or phone. I feel that as an adult student I am able to be successful in this independent learning environment and finding a great mentor was the best thing for aiding my success.
I have and will recommend this school to anyone who is an independent learner looking to accelerate through their program. I have enjoyed my time with this school.
IT (Information Technology)
School recommended by
Luis
on
June 26, 2008
12/29 people found this review helpful
I have always used spas but never quite knew how someone became qualified to work at one. Having appreciated Biology in school I did understand that the muscles of the body work closely together and are intimately related to a person's health. I wanted to explore the field of massage therapy so I enrolled here in Philadelphia in Cortiva Institude. The classes were full of hands on exercises and I spent less time in the books and more time learning the art of massage therapy. The tuition was very affordable and now that I have a degree I have a full range of spas and day resorts to work at in the greater Philadelphia area. Without having to spend too much money on education, Cortiva Institute opened up a world of job possibilities. However, working mostly in the day, I only wish there were a greater number of night classes that would have allowed for my schooling to be even more convenient. Cortiva, however, always provided me the support as I juggled both work and school.
Marketing (BS)
School recommended by
Anita
on
June 26, 2008
44/55 people found this review helpful
I just completed my BS/marketing degree at WGU. I completed the program in 3 years. I could have accelerated it a bit more but I took some time off for family matters. I was so pleased with the program that I have re-enrolled to begin work on my masters program. I did extensive research before I began an online degree program. I found that WGU was the option that most met my criteria, they are NFP and fully accredited. I had a great mentor who helped guide and prepare me, I had no problem getting quick responses or feedback. I think in today’s techno savvy world, online degrees are becoming more and more acceptable.
Every brick and mortar university that I am familiar with offer online courses, and most offer full degree programs. Your human resources departments are fully aware of online programs and the merit of their content. Just make sure you choose a good program! I found some of the course content extremely difficult and other courses were extremely easy. I found a direct correlation to my existing experience in the business world. If I already had experience or expertise in the subject mater or partial subject matter, the course was easy and went quickly. I can honestly say that some of the newly acquired knowledge has already been useful in my current occupation. The WGU website says that they consider a B grade passing, anything below that and you must take the assessment again.
The study guides are very broad and general, you are forced to learn much more than what is on the exam. Most other traditional classes I have attended actually focus more about what is on the actual exam. I suppose this is WGU’s way of making sure you have subject matter competence. If I were forced to say anything negative regarding WGU, it would be about the exams. When they are completed, you receive your score (usually within 24 hours) and a noted pass or fail. You are not given any feedback regarding wrong answers. I always wish I knew what questions I marked incorrectly so that I could continue to learn from my wrong answers.