Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a non-profit, online university established in 1997 by a coalition of U.S. state governors. Its mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education through a competency-based learning model. This innovative approach allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of course material. It enables them to advance at their own pace and tailor their education to fit personal and professional commitments.

Degree Programs

WGU offers a diverse range of bachelor's and master's degree programs across four colleges:

• School of Business: Programs include Business Management, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, Information Technology Management, Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations Management, Communications, User Experience Design, Accounting, Finance, and Health Information Management.
• School of Education: Offers degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, Mathematics Education, Physics Education, Biology Education, Earth Science Education, Chemistry Education, Educational Studies, English Language Learning, Social Studies Education, Science Education, and Educational Leadership.
• School of Technology: Provides degrees in Cloud and Network Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Data Analytics, Information Technology, Software Engineering, and User Experience Design.
• Leavitt School of Health: Includes programs in Nursing (RN-to-BSN online), Nursing (Prelicensure), Health Information Management, and various health-related master's degrees.

Many programs integrate industry-recognized certifications, enhancing graduates' employability and aligning their skills with current workforce demands.

Education Model and Flexibility

WGU's flexible, online format caters to a wide range of students, including working professionals, adult learners, and those in underserved communities. The university's competency-based model allows students to advance by demonstrating course mastery at their own pace. This approach helps tailor education to fit personal and professional commitments effectively.

Locations

In addition to its online presence, WGU maintains physical offices in several U.S. cities to support administrative and student services. These locations contribute to the mission of providing accessible education nationwide.

• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Clayton, Missouri
• Durham, North Carolina
• Columbus, Ohio
• Franklin, Tennessee
• Austin, Texas
• Seattle, Washington
• West Valley City, Utah
• Nashville, Tennessee

Growth and Accreditation

WGU has experienced significant growth, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring rigorous academic standards. Its partnerships with state governments and industry leaders further boost the recognition and value of a WGU degree.