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 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.
Programs offered*:
Business
Bachelor of Business in:
AccountingAccounting Targeting individuals looking to pursue a career in corporate, non-profit, or government accounting, learn the skills necessary for successful employment. For those with existing accounting or bookkeeping experience, the B.S. in Accounting program provides the degree to complete career development.
Business ManagementBusiness Management For those who have a substantial business background, enhance and develop broad foundational business skills through competency-based learning.
FinanceFinance Learn corporate and managerial finance, investment management, and brokerage to add professional financial leadership to a business, nonprofit organization, or government organization. It is also possible to use previous business, accounting, or finance experience to contribute to degree completion via competency-based learning.
Human Resource ManagementHuman Resource Management Enhance existing HR professional skills with training and a Bachelor's degree while working toward Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
Marketing ManagementMarketing Management Geared toward existing marketing and sales professionals, the B.S. in Marketing Management program provides skill training in strategic marketing, product management, promotion, pricing, distribution, and sales to prepare for career options in marketing, promotion, and sales management.
Master of Business Administration:
MBAMBA Designed for working adults experienced in management and strategy, the MBA program allows for accelerated completion through competency-based learning. MBA graduates are eligible for nationally recognized Certified MBA (CMBA) designation.
MBA - I.T. ManagementMBA - I.T. Management Designed for working adults experienced in management and strategy, the MBA - IT Management program allows for accelerated completion through competency-based learning. Learn to synthesize business management and information technology in preparation for mid- to upper-level management opportunities. MBA graduates are eligible for nationally recognized Certified MBA (CMBA) designation.
Education and Teaching Degrees
Initial Teaching Licensure Programs
B.A. in Teaching:
Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) This program is designed for students interested in becoming generalist elementary or middle school teachers. Students should be prepared to commit 15 to 20 hours per week for studying.
Mathematics (5-9 and 9-12)Mathematics (5-9 and 9-12) For future elementary, secondary, middle school, or high school math teachers. Program includes supervised practice teaching in ACTUAL classrooms. Designed for individuals looking to spend 15 to 20 hours per week studying to become a math teacher.
Science (5-9 and 9-12)Science (5-9 and 9-12) Gain the training and experience to teach science as a secondary teacher in middle and high school classrooms. Supervised practice teaching takes place in an ACTUAL classroom. Teaching certification in 15 to 20 hours per week.
Social Science (5-12)Social Science (5-12) Become a secondary teacher of social science in middle and high school classrooms with in-classroom practice teaching and mentoring. Program designed for someone with experience and background in social science applicable to curriculum development. Successful completion of the program enables graduates to become qualified secondary teachers with master degree credentials.
Special Education (PK-12)Special Education (PK-12) Designed for teaching candidates seeking certification, the B.A. in Special Education (PK-12) program enables graduates to teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities. Individuals in the program should be prepared to devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies to earn endorsement in special education. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.
M.A. Teaching in:
Mathematics (5-9 and 9-12)Mathematics (5-9 and 9-12) A program designed for future math teachers who are looking to be more marketable with an advanced degree. Students should already possess a solid math background before pursuing the Master's program.
Social Science (5-12)Social Science (5-12) This program is designed for the student who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in social science, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school social science teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. Students should be prepared to spend 15-20 hours per week on studies. The program combines teacher licensure and a master's degree in a program that trains students to become teachers and includes supervised practice teaching, research, instructional design, and performance improvement.
Teaching (K-8)Teaching (K-8) The MA in Teaching helps students become a licensed elementary school teacher while earning a masters degree. The program incorporates experience teaching under supervision.
Post-Baccalaureate
Teacher PreparationTeacher Preparation This program is for current Bachelor's Degree holders interested in certification to become an elementary or middle school generalist teacher.
Educational LeadershipEducational Leadership Licensed practicing teachers learn skills and instruction methods to become principals, design curriculum, and implement educational improvements. The Leadership program includes case-study capstone projects and an integrated practicum.
English Language Learning (PK-12) (ELL/ESL)English Language Learning (PK-12) (ELL/ESL) This program is exclusively for licensed teachers seeking to enhance career skills and improve income potential through Master Degree training to teach to non-English speakers. Graduates are qualified for ELL and ESL endorsements. NOTE: Program not designed for those looking to learn English or for those teachers seeking to teach English in a foreign country.
Special Education (PK-12)Special Education (PK-12) Currently licensed teachers may learn skills and techniques to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities. The program typically requires 15-20 study hours per week and enables teachers to further develop research and instructional design proficiency. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.
M.Ed. Instructional DesignM.Ed. Instructional Design Designed for licensed teachers, the Instructional Design Master program expands instructional technology skills to incorporate measurement, evaluation, and research. Graduates improve mobility and experience higher income-earning potential. Studies typically require 15-20 hours per week.
M.Ed. Learning and TechnologyM.Ed. Learning and Technology Improve teaching ability and technology familiarity and integration skills while pursuing a higher level of professional marketability in constantly developing educational design models. Licensed teachers learn to apply technology principles to educational models. M.Ed. teachers typically make about $10,000 more per year than those without the degree.
M.Ed. Measurement and EvaluationM.Ed. Measurement and Evaluation Test and gauge educational models' efficiencies and integrate successful study approaches with graduate-level research and increased income potential. M.Ed. teachers typically make about $10,000 more per year than those without the degree.
Health Professions
Bachelor Degrees in Healthcare
B.S. Health InformaticsB.S. Health Informatics This program blends healthcare and information technology to enable students to design and develop health information systems with fundamental management, IT, and healthcare learning.
Masters Degrees in Healthcare
MBA - Healthcare ManagementMBA - Healthcare Management Designed for professionals already working in the healthcare field, the MBA in Healthcare Management Degree enables graduates to earn their CMBA and develop more marketable and maneuverable career positions through accelerated, real-world training.
M.S. - Health EducationM.S. - Health Education Learn skills to teach or professionally train individuals in healthcare through expedient graduate education. Students who complete the MSHE program are prepared to receive Certified Health Education Specialist status.
M.S. Nursing – EducationM.S. Nursing – Education This program is designed for registered nurses who hold a BSN degree and are interested in becoming nurse educators in schools, hospitals, or healthcare facilities. Students should be prepared to spend 15 to 20 hours per week on study.
DatabasesDatabases Develop fundamental IT skills with specialization in Database Administration. Students may also earn certifications at no extra charge in the following: CompTIA A+; CompTIA Network+; MySQL Core Cert; CompTIA Security+; MySQL Pro Cert; CompTIA Project+; MS 70-270 Windows XP Cert; CompTIA iNet+; Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform. *Students possessing Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification can greatly reduce the length of time for program completion.
Health InformaticsHealth Informatics This program blends healthcare and information technology to enable students to design and develop health information systems with fundamental management, IT, and healthcare learning.
Information TechnologyInformation Technology Earn industry certifications while learning broad information technology skills applied toward a marketable degree in IT. Skills include developing a knowledge base in networks, operating systems, databases, software, security, e-commerce, and project management. Solid program choice for non-specific IT interest that can transition into a specialized field. All certification fees are included in tuition.
Networks AdministrationNetworks Administration Learn fundamental IT skills with special emphasis in Networks Administration while earning free certifications in Microsoft Certified; Systems Administrator (MCSA); Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform; MySQL Core Cert; CompTIA Security+; CompTIA +; CompTIA Project+; CompTIA Network+; and CompTIA iNet+. *Students possessing Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification can greatly reduce the length of time for program completion.
Networks Design & ManagementNetworks Design & Management Develop fundamental IT skills with special emphasis in Networks Administration and Management while earning free certifications in Microsoft Certified; Systems Administrator (MCSA); Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform; MySQL Core Cert; CompTIA Security+; CompTIA +; CompTIA Project+; CompTIA Network+; and CompTIA iNet+. Study includes operating systems, databases, software, and security. *Students possessing Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification can greatly reduce the length of time for program completion.
SecuritySecurity Establish fundamental IT skills with specialized focus on Security Management. Students may also earn certifications at no extra charge in the following: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MySQL Core Cert, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA iNet+, CompTIA Project+, MS 70-270 Windows XP Cert, Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform, and MS 70-278 Windows Server 2003 Network Security Cert. *Students possessing Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification can greatly reduce the length of time for program completion.
SoftwareSoftware Learn core IT skills with special emphasis in Software Development. Tuition includes certifications in the following: CompTIA A+; CompTIA Network+; CompTIA iNet+; CompTIA Security+; CompTIA Project+; MySQL Core Cert; Sun Certified Developer for the Java Platform; Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform; MS 70-270 Windows XP Cert.*Students possessing Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification can greatly reduce the length of time for program completion.
*NOTE: You must be a US citizen over 23 years of age to qualify for enrollment.
WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education.
