Western Governors University

Online degrees giving you the skills and knowledge you need

Western Governors 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.
* An online learning and assessment model that gives you flexibility and control over your education.
* A dedicated mentor committed to your success.
* A trusted quality education from a regionally, nationally, and NCATE-accredited institution.
* Affordable tuition with the possibility of accelerated learning that equals lower costs for your education.

Challenging and efficient. These are the hallmarks of WGU’s competency-based approach to education.

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.
* Information Technology ManagementInformation Technology Management
Combine business and information technology to pursue management opportunities as IT project manager, director of customer service, or data center manager with technical expertise.
* 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 - 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.
* 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:

* Early Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education program prepares students for licensure to become teachers of early childhood education (birth through grade 3). Graduates are prepared to work with infants, toddlers, and young children up through age eight.
* 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)Science (5-9)
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.
* Science (5-12 Biological Science)Science (5-12 Biological Science)
Students are equipped to teach middle and high school students in biology.
* Science (5-12 Chemistry)Science (5-12 Chemistry)
Students are equipped to teach middle and high school students in chemistry.
* Science (5-12 Geosciences)Science (5-12 Geosciences)
Students are equipped to teach middle and high school students in geosciences.
* Science (5-12 Physics)Science (5-12 Physics)
Students are equipped to teach middle and high school students in physics.
* 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.
* Science (5-9 and 9-12)Science (5-9 and 9-12)
Opportunity for students with a firm science background to pursue teaching certification while earning a Master's.
* 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 Preparation (K-8)Teacher Preparation (K-8)
This program is for current Bachelor's Degree holders interested in certification to become an elementary or middle school generalist teacher.
* Teacher Preparation - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)Teacher Preparation - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
Designed for students interested in becoming middle or high school mathematics teachers, this program prepares students for licensure with study 15 to 20 hours per week.
* Teacher Preparation - Science (5-9 or 5-12)Teacher Preparation - Science (5-9 or 5-12)
This program is for students who possess a bachelor's degree and are interested in earning teacher certification to become a middle or high school science teacher. The program includes supervised practice teaching in a classroom setting.

Programs for Already Licensed Teachers

Endorsement Prep in:

* English Language Learning (PK-12)English Language Learning (PK-12)
This program is appropriate for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings, can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The Endorsement Preparation Program in English Language Learning (PK-12) (ELL/ESL) prepares you to effectively teach in ELL or ESL settings. This endorsement program will increase your career opportunities, allow you to earn re-licensure points and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

Master in Teaching in:

* English Language Learning (PK-12)English Language Learning (PK-12)
This program is for master's candidates who already have a teaching license and a bachelor's degree, can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in English language learning (ELL) also known as English as a second language (ESL), and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The M.A. in English Language Learning prepares you to teach core subjects to non-English speakers. Graduates enhance their curricular development skills, teaching skills, and leadership abilities.
* 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.
* Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, and 9-12)Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, and 9-12)
Existing teachers can improve income-earning potential while gaining additional knowledge in Mathematics. Graduates of the M.A. program are prepared for teaching K-12 students.
* Science (5-9)Science (5-9)
Opportunity for students with a firm science background to pursue teaching certification while earning a Master's.
* Science Education (5-12 Biological Science)Science Education (5-12 Biological Science)
Students develop a strong background in biology while earning a Master's.
* Science Education (5-12 Chemistry)Science Education (5-12 Chemistry)
Students develop a strong background in chemistry while earning a Master's.
* Science Education (5-12 Geosciences)Science Education (5-12 Geosciences)
Students develop a strong background in geosciences while earning a Master's.
* Science (5-12 Physics)Science (5-12 Physics)
Students develop a strong background in biology while earning a Master's.
* 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.

Master of Education in:

* 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 Management
* 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.
* M.S. Nursing – Leadership and ManagementM.S. Nursing – Leadership and Management
This program is for RNs possessing a BSN degree and who are seeking a master's degree to become qualified nurse leaders or managers. Students can expect to devote 15 to 20 hours per week to study.

Information Technology

B.S. in Information Tech:

* DatabasesDatabases
Strengthen or develop your skills and career opportunities in database administration. WGU's B.S. in Information Technology—Databases program provides you with the leading-edge database administration skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has database administration experience, wants to specialize in database administration, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
* Health InformaticsHealth Informatics
Become a unique asset in the world of health informatics and health information management. WGU's B.S. in Health Informatics program combines concepts from healthcare, IT, and leadership practice to provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a valuable designer, developer, and manager of health information systems. This program is for experienced healthcare or IT professionals seeking an affordable bachelor’s degree and two IT certifications to work in this high-demand field.
* Information TechnologyInformation Technology
Build the foundation you need to succeed in the fast-growing IT industry. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology program provides you with a solid foundation of IT skills that employers demand along with eight IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who wants a broad IT education, the IT certifications to succeed, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
* Networks AdministrationNetworks Administration
Start or advance your career in network server administration. WGU's B.S. in Information Technology—Network Server Administration program provides you with the leading-edge server administration skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has network server administration experience, wants to specialize in network server administration, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
* 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
Become an expert IT security specialist. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Security program provides you with the latest IT security management skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has IT security management experience, wants to specialize in IT security, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
* SoftwareSoftware
Take your software development career to the next level. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Software program provides you with solution-drive software development skills that employers demand along with ten IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has software development experience, wants to specialize in software development, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.

M.S. in Information Tech:

* Information Security and AssuranceInformation Security and Assurance
This program is designed for students interested in developing information systems skills in the protection of networks, communication, and data. Curriculum reflects standards set by the National Security Agency for CISSP professional certification. The program requires 15 to 20 hours of study per week.

*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.
Accrediting Agencies
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission.