Western Governors University (WGU) is a one of a kind university for working people needing a degree (bachelors or masters) covering over 70 degree offerings. For a detailed list of degree programs, click here. WGU is a completely virtual, competency-based university founded by 19 governors of western states. The governors of Utah and Colorado spear-headed it and the main HQ was originally located in Denver. Now it is located in Salt Lake City. Dirt cheap and fully certified and accredited nationally without any questions or reservations. And also is the largest on-line college in the country.
WGU is a serious alternative for those who need to upgrade their careers and not interfere with their families and their present employment. And affordable all at the same time. My son earned 90+ semester credits in 3 semesters at a list price of $3,500 per semester but also had a half tuition scholarship because his career was already in place before he became unemployed. And there are no charges for text books! And he immediately earned a master's degree from August 1st to April 1st following his B.S. degree last July graduation. Now his Master's thesis is all that is left and he graduates on July 14th with a master's degree in Internet Security in less than 12 months. And the college paid for all national certification tests required for the degree such as the Microsoft Networking Certifications, CISCO tests, and many more which are in themselves very expensive. And again, no charge for any of these national tests that can be taken at local colleges.
Self-Paced instruction may not be everybody, but students can earn unlimited number of credits per semester. Students enrolled in a 6-month term and can accelerate to take as many courses as possible in that term at no additional cost. My son finished each course usually in 2 weeks. Then takes another course on and on to the end of the semester. And that's how he earned in excess of 30 semester credits every semester. Plus passing national computer certification courses. What a no-nonsense approach to upgrading ones profession. Academic support is provided by academic mentors who specialize in content areas through online learning communities.
Online instruction offers advantages that can help people upgrade their professional skills while not disrupting their lives:
- Distance learning does not require commuting.
- You can complete all of the classes at your convenience.
- You can live anywhere, study from anywhere while pursing the education of your choice.
- Gain extra knowledge on the subjects of your choice.
- Self-paced learning is for both slow and quick learners.
- Accessibility in the confines of your own home
- Issue of time. The learner is not confined to a classroom for certain number of hours on a given day.
It is an amazing story to motivate others to do something besides do little and wish their careers were more competitive. For more information about Western Governors University, click here.
