Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 through the initiative of 19 U.S. governors. The mission of WGU is to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible higher education for working adults and underserved populations. This innovative institution aims to bridge the gap in higher education by offering competency-based education (CBE) entirely online.
Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 through the initiative of 19 U.S. governors with the mission to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible higher education for working adults and underserved populations. This innovative institution aims to bridge the gap in higher education by offering competency-based education (CBE) entirely online.
WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring that its programs meet high standards of quality and rigor. Additionally, various programs within the university hold specialized accreditations.
For example, the nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the business programs by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the teacher education programs by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the health informatics programs by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The university’s educational model is unique in that it emphasizes competency-based education. This approach allows students to progress by demonstrating their knowledge and skills in a subject area rather than by spending a set amount of time in a classroom.
This model is particularly suited for adult learners who may already have significant experience and knowledge in their field. By allowing students to advance as soon as they are ready, WGU provides a highly personalized and efficient path to a degree.
WGU comprises four main colleges: the College of Business, the College of Information Technology, the College of Health Professions, and the Teachers College. Across these colleges, WGU offers a variety of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and post-baccalaureate levels.
Popular programs include those in nursing, business administration, information technology, and education. The fully online format of these programs provides students with the flexibility to study at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it an ideal option for working professionals and those with other significant commitments.
Accreditation
WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring that its programs meet high standards of quality and rigor. Additionally, various programs within the university hold specialized accreditations:
- Nursing Programs: Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Business Programs: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Teacher Education Programs: Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Health Informatics Programs: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Educational Model
WGU’s educational model is unique in that it emphasizes competency-based education (CBE). This approach allows students to progress by demonstrating their knowledge and skills in a subject area rather than by spending a set amount of time in a classroom. This model is particularly suited for adult learners who may already have significant experience and knowledge in their field. By allowing students to advance as soon as they are ready, WGU provides a highly personalized and efficient path to a degree.
Colleges and Programs
WGU comprises four main colleges:
- College of Business
- College of Information Technology
- College of Health Professions
- Teachers College
Across these colleges, WGU offers a variety of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and post-baccalaureate levels. Popular programs include those in nursing, business administration, information technology, and education. The fully online format of these programs provides students with the flexibility to study at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it an ideal option for working professionals and those with other significant commitments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Western Governors University stands out as a pioneer in online and competency-based education, providing a flexible and affordable option for students seeking to advance their education and career prospects. Its commitment to accessibility and quality education has made it a valuable option for adult learners across the United States and beyond.
Western Governors University stands out as a pioneer in online and competency-based education, providing a flexible and affordable option for students seeking to advance their education and career prospects. Its commitment to accessibility and quality education has made it a valuable option for adult learners across the United States and beyond.
