Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited, online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields including business, education, health professions, and information technology. As of 2021, WGU has over 130,000 students enrolled in its online programs.
WGU is unique in that it offers a competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace. Students are assessed on their mastery of the material, rather than on a traditional semester schedule. This approach has been shown to be effective for students who are self-motivated and have the ability to manage their time effectively.
WGU has been recognized for its innovative approach to higher education. In 2021, WGU was ranked as the #1 online university in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. WGU has also been recognized for its affordability and its commitment to student success.
What University is WGU?
Table of Contents
WGU is an online university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including business, education, health professions, and information technology. It was founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors and has since become one of the largest online universities in the United States.
- Online: WGU offers its programs entirely online, making it accessible to students from all over the world.
- Competency-based: WGU uses a competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace.
- Affordable: WGU is one of the most affordable online universities in the United States.
- Accredited: WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- Student support: WGU provides students with a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and technical support.
- Career-focused: WGU’s programs are designed to prepare students for success in their careers.
- Innovative: WGU is constantly innovating its programs and services to meet the needs of students.
These key aspects make WGU a unique and attractive option for students who are looking for an affordable, flexible, and career-focused online education.
Online
One of the key aspects of WGU is that it offers its programs entirely online. This makes it accessible to students from all over the world, regardless of their location or schedule. This is a major advantage for students who may not be able to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university due to work, family, or other commitments.
For example, a student living in a rural area with limited access to higher education can now pursue a degree from WGU without having to relocate. Similarly, a student with a busy work schedule can complete their coursework at their own pace, without having to worry about attending classes at a specific time or location.
The online format of WGU’s programs also makes it more affordable for students. Students do not have to pay for transportation or parking, and they can often save money on childcare or other expenses. Additionally, WGU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.
The online format of WGU’s programs is a key component of what makes it a unique and attractive option for students. It provides students with the flexibility and affordability they need to pursue their education and achieve their career goals.
Competency-based
WGU’s competency-based learning model is a key aspect of what makes it a unique and attractive option for students. This model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace, based on their mastery of the material. This is in contrast to traditional semester-based programs, which require students to complete all of the coursework for a given semester before moving on to the next.
- Flexibility: The competency-based learning model gives students the flexibility to learn at their own pace. This is ideal for students who have busy schedules or who need to balance their education with other commitments.
- Mastery: The competency-based learning model ensures that students have mastered the material before moving on to the next topic. This helps students to retain the information they learn and to be successful in their careers.
- Affordability: The competency-based learning model can be more affordable for students than traditional semester-based programs. This is because students only pay for the courses that they need, and they can progress through the program at their own pace.
- Career-relevance: The competency-based learning model is designed to prepare students for success in their careers. The programs are developed in collaboration with industry leaders, and they focus on the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
WGU’s competency-based learning model is a key component of what makes it a unique and attractive option for students. It provides students with the flexibility, affordability, and career-relevance they need to succeed in their education and careers.
Affordable
Affordability is a key component of what makes WGU a unique and attractive option for students. The cost of higher education has been rising steadily for decades, and many students are struggling to afford the cost of a college degree. WGU’s low tuition rates make it possible for more students to pursue a higher education without breaking the bank.
For example, a student who completes a bachelor’s degree at WGU can expect to pay around $30,000 in tuition. This is significantly less than the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a traditional brick-and-mortar university, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Additionally, WGU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
The affordability of WGU’s programs is a major advantage for students who are looking for a high-quality, affordable education. WGU makes higher education accessible to more students, regardless of their financial background.
Accredited
Accreditation is a key component of what makes WGU a unique and attractive option for students. Accreditation means that WGU has met the high standards of quality set by the NWCCU. This ensures that WGU’s programs are rigorous and that students who graduate from WGU are prepared for success in their careers.
There are many benefits to attending an accredited university. For example, students who graduate from accredited universities are more likely to get a job and earn a higher salary. Additionally, students who attend accredited universities are eligible for federal financial aid.
The fact that WGU is accredited by the NWCCU is a testament to the quality of its programs and the commitment of its faculty and staff to providing students with a high-quality education. Students who attend WGU can be confident that they are receiving a valuable education that will prepare them for success in their careers.
Student support
As an online university, WGU recognizes the importance of providing students with a variety of support services to help them succeed in their studies. These services include academic advising, career counseling, and technical support.
Academic advising is essential for students to ensure that they are on track to graduate and that they are taking the courses that they need to reach their career goals. WGU’s academic advisors are available to help students with a variety of tasks, such as creating a personalized learning plan, selecting courses, and understanding WGU’s policies and procedures.
Career counseling is another important service that WGU provides to its students. Career counselors can help students to identify their career goals, develop their resumes and cover letters, and prepare for job interviews. WGU’s career counselors are also available to help students with job placement after they graduate.
Technical support is also essential for online students. WGU’s technical support team is available 24/7 to help students with any technical issues they may experience. This can include help with logging into the online learning platform, accessing course materials, or troubleshooting software issues.
The support services that WGU provides to its students are a key component of what makes it a unique and attractive option for students. These services help students to succeed in their studies and to achieve their career goals.
Career-focused
One of the key aspects of WGU is its focus on career preparation. WGU’s programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. This is reflected in the curriculum, which is developed in collaboration with industry leaders, and in the faculty, who are experienced professionals in their fields.
For example, WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Management program includes courses in accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management. These courses are taught by experienced business professionals who provide students with real-world insights and practical skills. This prepares students for success in a variety of business careers, such as financial analyst, marketing manager, or operations manager.
The career-focus of WGU’s programs is a key component of what makes it a unique and attractive option for students. WGU provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers, and it helps them to develop the professional network and experience they need to get a job and advance in their field.
In conclusion, WGU’s focus on career preparation is a key aspect of what makes it a unique and attractive option for students. WGU’s programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers, and it helps them to develop the professional network and experience they need to get a job and advance in their field.
Innovative
WGU’s commitment to innovation is a key component of what makes it a unique and attractive option for students. WGU is constantly innovating its programs and services to meet the needs of students, and this is reflected in a number of ways.
- Online learning platform: WGU’s online learning platform is one of the most innovative and user-friendly in the world. It is designed to make it easy for students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
- Competency-based learning model: WGU’s competency-based learning model is another innovative aspect of the university. This model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace, based on their mastery of the material.
- Student support services: WGU provides students with a variety of innovative student support services, such as 24/7 technical support, academic advising, and career counseling.
- Partnerships with industry leaders: WGU partners with industry leaders to develop its programs and curricula. This ensures that WGU’s programs are relevant to the needs of the workforce and that students are prepared for success in their careers.
WGU’s commitment to innovation is a key reason why it is one of the leading online universities in the world. WGU is constantly innovating its programs and services to meet the needs of students, and this makes it a great choice for students who are looking for a flexible, affordable, and career-focused education.
FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions about Western Governors University (WGU):
Question 1: What is WGU?
WGU is an accredited, online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields including business, education, health professions, and information technology.
Question 2: Is WGU a good school?
Yes, WGU is a good school. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and its programs are designed to prepare students for success in their careers.
Question 3: Is WGU affordable?
Yes, WGU is one of the most affordable online universities in the United States. Tuition costs are based on a flat-rate subscription model, and there are no per-credit fees.
Question 4: Is WGU a real university?
Yes, WGU is a real university. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and its degrees are recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
Question 5: Is WGU hard to get into?
WGU has an open admissions policy, which means that anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can apply. However, students must be able to demonstrate the ability to succeed in an online learning environment.
Question 6: Is WGU a good fit for me?
WGU is a good fit for students who are self-motivated and disciplined. It is also a good fit for students who have busy schedules or who live in remote areas.
If you are considering pursuing a higher education degree, WGU is a great option to consider. It is an affordable, flexible, and accredited university that can help you achieve your career goals.
To learn more about WGU, please visit the university’s website at www.wgu.edu.
Tips for Choosing the Right University for You
Choosing the right university is a big decision. There are many factors to consider, such as the cost, the location, the size, and the academic programs offered. It is important to do your research and find a university that is a good fit for your needs.
Tip 1: Consider your career goals.
What do you want to do for a living? What kind of education and training do you need to achieve your goals? Some universities are known for their strong programs in certain fields, such as business, engineering, or nursing. If you know what you want to do, you can look for universities that have a good reputation in that field.
Tip 2: Consider your learning style.
Do you learn best in a traditional classroom setting, or do you prefer to learn online? Some universities offer a variety of learning options, while others focus on one particular method. If you know how you learn best, you can look for a university that offers the type of learning environment that you need.
Tip 3: Consider your budget.
How much can you afford to spend on your education? Tuition costs vary widely from one university to another. It is important to factor in the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses when making your decision.
Tip 4: Consider the location.
Where do you want to go to school? Do you want to stay close to home, or are you willing to move to a new city or state? Some universities are located in urban areas, while others are located in rural areas. It is important to choose a location that you are comfortable with.
Tip 5: Visit the campus.
If possible, visit the campuses of the universities you are considering. This will give you a chance to see the facilities, meet the faculty and students, and get a feel for the campus culture. Visiting the campus can help you make a more informed decision about which university is right for you.
Summary:
Choosing the right university is an important decision. By considering your career goals, learning style, budget, location, and campus culture, you can find a university that is a good fit for your needs.
Conclusion:
Once you have chosen a university, it is important to make the most of your experience. Get involved in campus activities, study hard, and make friends. College is a time to learn and grow, both academically and personally. Make the most of your experience and enjoy your time in college!
Conclusion
Western Governors University (WGU) is a unique and innovative online university that provides students with a flexible, affordable, and career-focused education. WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace, and its focus on career preparation ensures that students are ready to succeed in their chosen fields.
If you are looking for an online university that can help you achieve your career goals, WGU is a great option to consider. WGU offers a variety of programs in high-demand fields, and its affordable tuition rates and flexible learning format make it a great value for your money. To learn more about WGU, please visit the university’s website at www.wgu.edu.