Western Governors University: Degree Programs Designed for Working Adults
Western Governors University (WGU) is an online, nonprofit university established by a group of U.S. governors who sought to make higher education more accessible and compatible with the schedules of working adults. Celebrating over 20 years of educational impact, WGU has become a leading institution in competency-based education, offering a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across four colleges.
A Unique Approach to Higher Education
From its inception, Western Governors University was designed to be different, addressing the challenges faced by millions of working adults who dream of experiencing college education but are often held back by life's realities. WGU decided that delivering a traditional education in tandem with technology would help more people further their education more conveniently. WGU operates year-round, allowing students to enroll and begin classes on the 1st of any month. This flexibility, combined with a competency-based education model, allows students to move as quickly as they can master the material, completing coursework on their own schedule.
At WGU, you advance through your coursework by proving what you've learned, not by spending hours sitting in a lecture hall or logging in to a "virtual classroom." This means that you study the learning resources on your time (all required materials are available 24/7 and covered by a low, flat resource fee) and you pass the course as soon as you can pass a test, paper, or other assessment.
Colleges and Degree Programs
WGU's colleges are aligned with high-demand career fields, offering programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge employers seek. The university takes pride in its affordability and accessibility, making it an attractive option for a diverse range of students. WGU offers 17 business degrees, 12 IT degrees, 16 healthcare degrees, 30 education degrees and 7 certificates.
College of Business
WGU's College of Business offers a variety of programs designed to create leaders in the field. These online business bachelor's degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and designed to ensure you're ready for your future. Whether you’re just beginning your entrepreneurial journey or already building your business, this certificate equips you with the skills to move forward with clarity and confidence. Impact your organization, your industry, and your community with the help of an accredited online business degree. A business degree should be worth the cost. Our degree programs have proven to provide a great return on investment.
Read also: Explore Western Connecticut State University
Bachelor's Degrees:
- B.S. in Business Management
- B.S. in Accounting
Master's Degrees:
- M.S. in Data Analytics
- M.S. in Management and Leadership
- Master’s degree in business
Teachers College
Whether you're an aspiring teacher or an experienced educator ready to advance your career, WGU's CAEP-accredited Teachers College has a teaching degree for you. Choose from more than 30 bachelor's, post-baccalaureate, endorsement-preparation, and master's degree programs in education. WGU prepares you for teacher licensure in all 50 states and will help ensure that you are ready for the classroom.
Bachelor's Degrees:
- M.A. in Elementary Education
- B.A. in Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
Master's Degrees:
- M.Ed.
- M.S. Educational Leadership
College of Information Technology
Today's complex, ever-changing field of information technology requires you to demonstrate superior IT knowledge, keep up-to-date with certifications, and hold a relevant degree from an accredited online university. Out of many online education options, WGU is a smarter way for IT professionals to earn that online degree-with certifications included in most programs, at no extra cost.
Bachelor's Degrees:
- B.S. in Computer Science
- B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- B.S. in Cloud and Systems Administration
Master's Degrees:
- M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- M.S. in Computer Science
College of Health Professions
Earn a nursing or healthcare degree at WGU and fill a vital role in today's dynamic healthcare environment. Despite a changing economy, healthcare and nursing continue to experience strong job growth.
Bachelor's Degrees:
- B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- B.S. in Nursing (pre-licensure)
Master's Degrees:
- M.S. in Nursing (BSN to MSN)
- M.S. in Nursing (RN to MSN)
- M.S. in Health Leadership
Accreditation and Recognition
Western Governors University holds regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. WGU’s business degree programs are highly respected among employers-largely because they’re accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and they were developed with support and guidance from business leaders serving on our Business Program Council and National Advisory Board. Experts include representatives from organizations such as Google, Microsoft, AT&T, HP, Simmons Media Group, Hospital Corporation of America, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The School of Education at Western Governors University is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) on May 14-16, 2025. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the evaluation team. In CAEP's performance-based system, accreditation is based on evidence that demonstrates that teacher candidates know the subject matter and can teach it effectively so that students learn. WGU has received the Military Friendly School designation for the 13th consecutive year. For 2023-2024 we have also been ranked as the #1 online school by Military Friendly.
Admissions and Enrollment
Western Governors University does not have any application deadlines. All applicants are required to submit a $65 application fee. Once the application is submitted, students can create a WGU account and proceed with their official applications through the student portal. The application process includes a WGU Readiness assessment which will determine student’s academic progress prior to enrollment. To be eligible for the IT bachelor’s program, students must possess corresponding documents that show proof of experience. Prospective students can showcase their experience with relevant documents such as a high-school diploma or a GED certificate. WGU enrolls new students at the beginning of each month, launching a new term for those students. A term at WGU is 6 months long. What does this mean for you? You can start when you’re ready, rather than rushing (or waiting) for fall or spring enrollment.
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Tuition and Fees
Tuition is charged based on each term that students complete.
- Undergraduate students participating in the teaching program for a six-month term can expect tuition of $3,225. The resource fee for this program is $145 and the program fee is $150. A one time fee of $350 is required for teaching programs.
- Undergraduate students pursuing a B.S. in Science, a B.S. in Cybersecurity, or a B.S. in Information Assurance can expect tuition of $3,550 with a resource fee of $145 and a program fee of $150.
- Students seeking a B.S. in Cloud and Systems Administration can expect tuition of $3,390 with a resource fee of $145 and a program fee of $150.
- Undergraduate tuition for the business program is $3,225 with a resource fee of $145.
- Students pursuing Nursing (RN to BSN) will have tuition of $3,225 with a resource fee of $145 and a program fee of $175. A B.S. in Nursing (pre-licensure) will cost $5,280 with a resource fee of $145 and a program fee of $500.
- Graduate students will have tuition of $3,240 with a resource fee of $145 and a program fee of $300. Other courses within the graduate program will have tuition of $3,240, and a resource fee of $145.
- An M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance will be $3,895, a resource fee of $145 and a program fee of $150.
- Master’s students in Nursing (BSN to MSN) program will have tuition of $3,990 and a resource fee of $145. An M.S. in Nursing (RN to MSN) will cost $3,990 with a resource fee of $145. An M.S. in Health Leadership will have tuition of $3,990 with a resource fee of $145.
WGU offers scholarships within all of its colleges as well as for Armed Forces personnel. Students can receive up to $5,000.
The Competency-Based Model
The competency-based model at WGU allows you to move as quickly as you can master the material, and do your coursework on your schedule. Flexibility is key. Here at WGU, you advance through your coursework by proving what you've learned, not by spending hours sitting in a lecture hall or logging in to a "virtual classroom." This means that you study the learning resources on your time (all required materials are available 24/7 and covered by a low, flat resource fee) and you pass the course as soon as you can pass a test, paper, or other assessment. At WGU, you are in charge of setting the pace. With competency-based education at WGU, success is measured by actual learning, not class time. You’ll read, complete assignments, write papers, and take tests, just as you would at other universities.
Why Choose WGU?
*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 53% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2022. At WGU, we have a distinctive student-first approach to education. WGU is a top conferrer of STEM degrees that is partnered with Beyond100K.
People love their WGU experience.
Read also: Growth and Community at WOU
- "Western Governors University is truly the best. The university is family. - David Ekpezu, B.S.
- "At WGU, it feels more like, 'We are here for you. - Andrea Petty, B.S.
- "The beauty of WGU is that it is your degree on your terms. - Rob Berg, M.S.
- "Obtaining degrees from WGU means confidence in the school and myself that I can achieve anything. - Erik, MBA and M.S.
- "I am grateful that WGU gave me the ability to reach my goals while working full time and being an active mom. - D'Lynn, M.S.
- "The quality of education is fantastic and yet attainable even on my own. - Jayme Benabides, M.Ed.
- "Not only did WGU provide the opportunity for me to earn the education I never finished, their competency program provided quality knowledge which opened doors which had been locked. - Rodney Clause, M.A. Math Ed.
- "Others may think academia is not for them, but earning a college degree is vastly more than solely a person’s intellectual capacity. Earning my degree from WGU demonstrates effort, resilience, and pride. - Antonio Romayor, Jr., M.Ed.
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