Online Degree Programs From Western Governors University

Online degrees based on your skills and knowledge.

Your competence is the ultimate focus of every degree program at Western Governors University. The university emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning.

With bachelor's and master's degree programs in education, business, information technology, and health professions, WGU's rigorous yet flexible approach to education gives the university a unique advantage over other online programs. Here's what the WGU Advantage means to you:

• Flexibility and Affordability. WGU's competency-based academic approach allows for extensive personalization of your degree program. In most cases, you'll access learning materials or study independently at the time and place you choose. If you come into your program with years of experience, you may be able to complete your assessments faster. This could save you thousands because you pay tuition at a flat rate every six months, regardless of how many assessments you successfully complete.
• Credibility through Accreditation. WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The WGU Teachers College is also the first and only exclusively online teacher education institution to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
• Commitment and Support. As a student at WGU, you'll have the support of a dedicated mentor to keep you motivated as you progress toward your degree. You will work with your mentor until you graduate. You get to know your mentor as an advisor, coach, cheerleader, even a friend. You'll also interact with an online learning community of students in your same program, so you're never alone.

What you should expect being a WGU student

If you're an organized, independent learner willing to devote at least 15 to 20 hours per week to your studies but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the university you've been looking for. Learn more today!

Honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)

WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21^st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education.

"Western Governors University has raised the bar of excellence," said Dr. John Flores, CEO of USDLA. "We are truly honored by WGU's contributions to the distance learning industry."

The WGU Advantage

Here's what the WGU Advantage means to you:

• Lower costs for education through the ability to accelerate your degree completion. You pay tuition at a flat rate every six months, regardless of how many competency units you attempt. If you're able to pass the assessments at a faster pace, you can save a substantial amount of money.
• WGU's online learning and assessment model gives you considerable flexibility and control over your education. At WGU, you'll be able to cut through the clutter and focus on what's important to you: gaining the competencies you need to graduate and succeed in your career.
• You'll work with a dedicated mentor who is committed to your success and graduation. Your mentor will keep you motivated and steer you toward your degree.
• Multiple degree programs in education, business, information technology, and healthcare. Whether you're earning a bachelor's or a master's degree, you'll find the program that can help you break through to the next level of career success.

Tuition

WGU keeps tuition low as part of its mission to expand access to higher education. Tuition is a flat rate every six months, which makes up a term. Unlike other schools, you aren't charged per course or per credit. Plus, there is no fixed number of courses or class schedules to meet. If you can accelerate your program by completing the required assessments faster, you will save both money and time.

Currently, tuition for most degree programs at WGU is $2,790 per six-month term.* WGU's MBA and Nursing programs' tuition is currently $3,250 per six-month term.

WGU's low tuition rates are highly competitive for a private, non-profit university. Lower tuition helps you reach your goals without financial hardship or overextending yourself with huge school loans.

* Effective September 1, 2008, tuition will be raised to $2,890 per six-month term.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

WGU was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to be one of the first online institutions in the country approved to provide federal financial aid. Aid can take many forms:

• Pell Grants. For those with the greatest financial need. Available only for those who have not yet obtained a bachelor's degree.
• Federal Family Education Loans (Subsidized). Also based on financial need and available for both bachelor's and master's degree programs. The interest on the loan is paid or subsidized while you're in school. There are generous terms for repayment plans after graduation.
• Federal Family Education Loans (Unsubsidized). Most students can qualify for this type of loan as it is not based on financial need. The interest on the loan is not subsidized, therefore you must pay or accrue the interest while you're in school.

WGU also maintains a robust scholarship program through the generosity of corporate donors and special grants. Current scholarship offerings include:**

• WGU Scholarships for Rural Mathematics and Science Educators
• WGU Excellence in Special Education Scholarship
• WGU Aspiring Principals Scholarship
• WGU Excellence in Health Informatics Scholarship
• WGU Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• WGU Military Spouses to Graduates Scholarship

** Subject to change

The WGU Teachers College

As one of the larger teachers colleges in the United States, the WGU Teachers College offers NCATE-accredited, competency-based teacher licensure and master's degree programs designed to produce highly-qualified teachers—teachers who are prepared to meet state and national teaching standards and be in compliance with No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The WGU Teachers College offers programs in interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, science, social science, special education, ELL/ESL, learning and technology, instructional design, and educational leadership.

College of Business

WGU's College of Business emphasizes mastery of skills and knowledge that are essential for continued advancement in the competitive business world. A five-time GetEducated.com Best Buy Award winner, the College of Business offers bachelor's degrees in business management, marketing, accounting, finance, HR, and IT management, as well as three MBA programs.

College of Information Technology

WGU's information technology programs ideally fit today's challenging IT world. The College of Information Technology offers bachelor's degrees that incorporate up to 10 current IT certifications—without adding classes or costs. With degrees in databases, software, security, health informatics, networks administration, design and management, the IT certification exams are fully integrated into your degree program.

College of Health Professions

To address the growing need for compassionate, competent health professionals, WGU has developed several accredited degree programs designed for busy healthcare professionals. Emphasizing mastery of essential skills and knowledge, the College of Health Professions offers degree programs in nursing, nursing education, nursing leadership and management, health education, health informatics, and healthcare management.