Western Governors University Profile

Western Governors University Profile From Jamie Littlefield

Western Governors University Academics:
Western Governors University is a non-profit virtual college founded by the governors of 19 western states. It offers highly personalized degree programs primarily through competency assessments. Unlike most colleges, Western Governors University has no required courses – instead, students prove their understanding through writing assignments and exams. Students who are already competent in a particular subject may prove their knowledge immediately. Others may study on their own or through virtual coursework until they are ready to show what they know. Mentors create a personal study plan for each student.

Western Governors University Accreditation:
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools, a regional accreditor. It is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education Training Council. Western Governors University’s teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Western Governors University Degrees and Programs:
Western Governors University offers online bachelor’s degrees in the following majors: Information Technology, Health Informatics, Nursing, Business, Business Management, Finance, Accounting, and Marketing Management. Information Technology students receive 8-9 nationally recognized IT certifications as a part of their program. There are also several bachelor degree options for prospective teachers. Online masters programs include: Business, Nursing, Education, Health Education, Special Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, and English Language Learning. MBA graduates receive Certified MBA designation.

Western Governors University Admissions:
Prospective undergraduate students must have a high school diploma, submit any previous college transcripts, complete an intake interview, and pass an online readiness exam. The 40-question readiness exam tests the students’ preparation for independent learning (such as writing ability). Graduate students must have a bachelors degree, compete an intake interview, submit transcripts, and pass the readiness exam. Online MBA students must also have three years of relevant work experience. Teacher preparation students have different requirements, based on each student’s home state.

Western Governors University Costs:
Western Governors’ students pay a flat tuition charge, regardless of the number of competency credits they earn. Online MBA and Master of Science in Nursing students pay $3,250 for a six-month term. All other students pay $2,790 for a six-month term. Federal student loans and grants are available to qualified students.

Interesting Fact:
Western Governors University is the only university to ever receive simultaneous recognition from four regional accrediting commissions. Because the college was a collaboration between many state governors (spanning a large geographic area), it was previously reviewed by a special Inter-Regional Accrediting Committee.

Source: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlineprogramdirectory/p/WesternGov.htm