Western Governors University (WGU) is an online, competency-based university founded in 1997. It was the brainchild of 19 governors who envisioned a university that would provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.
WGU has since become a leading provider of online education, with over 130,000 students enrolled. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields, including business, education, health professions, and information technology.
WGU’s unique competency-based model allows students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach has made WGU a popular choice for working adults who need to balance their education with their careers and personal lives.
Who Started Western Governors University?
Table of Contents
Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 governors who envisioned a university that would provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.
- Founders: 19 governors
- Mission: To provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults
- Model: Competency-based, online learning
- Degrees: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees
- Fields: Business, education, health professions, and information technology
- Students: Over 130,000
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Partnerships: Partnerships with over 200 employers
- Awards: Recognized as a top online university by U.S. News & World Report
WGU’s unique competency-based model allows students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach has made WGU a popular choice for working adults who need to balance their education with their careers and personal lives.
Founders
The founding of Western Governors University (WGU) by 19 governors in 1997 was a groundbreaking event in the history of higher education. These governors recognized the need for a new kind of university that would provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.
- Visionary Leadership: The 19 governors who founded WGU were visionary leaders who saw the potential for online education to transform higher education. They believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, location, or financial situation.
- Commitment to Collaboration: The founding governors of WGU came from different political parties and states, but they were united in their commitment to creating a new kind of university. They worked together to develop a unique competency-based model that would allow students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments.
- Focus on Student Success: The 19 governors who founded WGU were committed to student success. They believed that all students have the potential to succeed in college, and they created a university that would provide the support and resources that students need to achieve their goals.
- Legacy of Innovation: The founding governors of WGU left a legacy of innovation that continues to shape the university today. WGU is a leader in online education, and its competency-based model has been adopted by other universities around the world.
The founding of WGU by 19 governors was a major milestone in the history of higher education. These visionary leaders created a new kind of university that is accessible, affordable, and focused on student success. WGU’s legacy of innovation continues to shape the university today, and it remains a leader in online education.
Mission
The mission of Western Governors University (WGU) is “to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.” This mission is directly connected to the university’s founders, who were 19 governors who recognized the need for a new kind of university that would meet the needs of working adults.
The founders of WGU believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, location, or financial situation. They also recognized that working adults have unique needs, such as the need for flexible scheduling and affordable tuition.
WGU’s competency-based model is designed to meet the needs of working adults. This model allows students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach makes it possible for working adults to earn a college degree while balancing their careers and personal lives.
WGU’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults has made it a leader in online education. The university has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top online university, and it has partnerships with over 200 employers.
The mission of WGU is a direct reflection of the values of its founders. The university is committed to providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults, and it has developed a unique competency-based model that meets the needs of this population.
Model
Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 by 19 governors who envisioned a university that would provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. WGU’s unique competency-based, online learning model is a direct reflection of this mission.
- Flexibility: WGU’s competency-based model allows students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach is ideal for working adults who need to balance their education with their careers and personal lives.
- Affordability: WGU’s tuition is significantly lower than traditional universities. This makes it possible for working adults to earn a college degree without taking on a large amount of debt.
- Accessibility: WGU’s online learning platform makes it possible for students to learn from anywhere in the world. This accessibility is especially important for working adults who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus classes.
- Quality: WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This accreditation ensures that WGU’s academic programs meet high quality standards.
WGU’s competency-based, online learning model is a direct reflection of the university’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. This model has made WGU a leader in online education, and it has helped thousands of working adults achieve their educational goals.
Degrees
Western Governors University (WGU) offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields, including business, education, health professions, and information technology. This range of degrees is directly connected to the mission of the university, which is to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.
The founders of WGU recognized that working adults have a variety of educational needs. Some working adults may need to complete a bachelor’s degree to advance in their careers. Others may need to earn a master’s degree to qualify for a new job. And still others may need to earn a doctoral degree to pursue a career in research or academia.
WGU’s range of degrees allows working adults to choose the program that best meets their needs. The university’s competency-based model also makes it possible for working adults to earn their degrees at their own pace. This flexible approach is ideal for working adults who need to balance their education with their careers and personal lives.
The degrees offered by WGU are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This accreditation ensures that WGU’s academic programs meet high quality standards. As a result, WGU graduates are prepared for success in their careers.
The range of degrees offered by WGU is a direct reflection of the university’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. This commitment to meeting the needs of working adults has made WGU a leader in online education.
Fields
The fields of business, education, health professions, and information technology are closely connected to the founding of Western Governors University (WGU). The university was founded in 1997 by 19 governors who envisioned a university that would provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.
- Business: Many working adults need to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business to advance in their careers. WGU offers a variety of business programs, including business administration, accounting, and marketing.
- Education: Working adults who want to become teachers or administrators need to earn a master’s degree in education. WGU offers a variety of education programs, including elementary education, secondary education, and educational leadership.
- Health professions: Working adults who want to become nurses, doctors, or other healthcare professionals need to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a health profession. WGU offers a variety of health profession programs, including nursing, health sciences, and public health.
- Information technology: Working adults who want to work in the information technology field need to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in information technology. WGU offers a variety of information technology programs, including computer science, information systems, and cybersecurity.
The fields of business, education, health professions, and information technology are essential to the economy and society. WGU’s focus on these fields reflects the university’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults who want to make a difference in the world.
Students
The number of students enrolled at Western Governors University (WGU) is a testament to the success of the university’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. Over 130,000 students have chosen WGU to achieve their educational goals.
- Flexibility: WGU’s competency-based, online learning model allows students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach is ideal for working adults who need to balance their education with their careers and personal lives.
- Affordability: WGU’s tuition is significantly lower than traditional universities. This makes it possible for working adults to earn a college degree without taking on a large amount of debt.
- Accessibility: WGU’s online learning platform makes it possible for students to learn from anywhere in the world. This accessibility is especially important for working adults who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus classes.
- Quality: WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This accreditation ensures that WGU’s academic programs meet high quality standards.
The large number of students enrolled at WGU demonstrates the university’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. WGU’s flexible, affordable, and accessible online learning model has made it possible for thousands of working adults to achieve their educational goals.
Accreditation
The accreditation of Western Governors University (WGU) by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is a direct result of the university’s commitment to providing high-quality education to working adults. The NWCCU is one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, and its accreditation is a mark of quality that is recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
The NWCCU’s accreditation process is rigorous, and it requires universities to meet high standards in areas such as faculty qualifications, curriculum, and student services. WGU’s successful completion of this process demonstrates that the university is committed to providing a high-quality education to its students.
The accreditation of WGU is also important because it gives students the confidence that their degrees will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions. This is especially important for working adults who may need to change careers or pursue further education in the future.
Partnerships
The partnerships that Western Governors University (WGU) has established with over 200 employers are a direct result of the university’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. These partnerships benefit students in a number of ways, including:
- Career opportunities: WGU’s partnerships with employers give students access to a wide range of career opportunities. Many of these employers offer internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in their field of study.
- Job placement assistance: WGU’s career services department works closely with employers to help students find jobs after graduation. The department provides students with resume and cover letter writing assistance, interview preparation, and other resources to help them succeed in the job market.
- Customized programs: WGU works with employers to develop customized programs that meet the specific needs of their employees. These programs can be tailored to the employer’s industry, job requirements, and employee demographics.
- Scholarships and grants: Many of WGU’s employer partners offer scholarships and grants to their employees who are enrolled in the university. These scholarships and grants can help students reduce the cost of their education.
The partnerships that WGU has established with employers are a valuable asset to the university and its students. These partnerships help students to succeed in their careers and achieve their educational goals.
Awards
The recognition of Western Governors University (WGU) as a top online university by U.S. News & World Report is a direct result of the university’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. This recognition is a testament to the success of WGU’s unique competency-based, online learning model.
The founders of WGU recognized the need for a new kind of university that would meet the needs of working adults. They believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, location, or financial situation.
WGU’s competency-based, online learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults. This model allows students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach makes it possible for working adults to earn a college degree while balancing their careers and personal lives.
The recognition of WGU as a top online university by U.S. News & World Report is a validation of the university’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. This recognition is a testament to the success of WGU’s unique learning model and its commitment to student success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a unique, competency-based, online university that was founded in 1997 by 19 governors. WGU’s mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. Over the years, WGU has become a leader in online education and has been recognized for its innovative approach to learning.
Question 1: Who founded Western Governors University?
Answer: Western Governors University was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 governors who envisioned a new kind of university that would provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.
Question 2: What is Western Governors University’s mission?
Answer: Western Governors University’s mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults.
Question 3: What is Western Governors University’s learning model?
Answer: Western Governors University’s learning model is competency-based, which means that students learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach makes it possible for working adults to earn a college degree while balancing their careers and personal lives.
Question 4: Is Western Governors University accredited?
Answer: Yes, Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Question 5: What degrees does Western Governors University offer?
Answer: Western Governors University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields, including business, education, health professions, and information technology.
Question 6: How much does it cost to attend Western Governors University?
Answer: Western Governors University’s tuition is significantly lower than traditional universities. The cost of attendance varies depending on the degree program and the number of terms it takes to complete the program.
Summary: Western Governors University is a leading online university that provides accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. WGU’s unique competency-based learning model allows students to learn at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of course material through assessments. This flexible approach makes it possible for working adults to earn a college degree while balancing their careers and personal lives.
For more information about Western Governors University, please visit the university’s website at www.wgu.edu.
Tips for Success at Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a unique, competency-based, online university that can be challenging for some students. However, there are a number of things that students can do to increase their chances of success at WGU.
Tip 1: Be self-motivated and disciplined.
WGU’s competency-based learning model requires students to be self-motivated and disciplined. Students must be able to set their own schedules and stick to them. They must also be able to complete their coursework without the guidance of a traditional instructor.
Tip 2: Develop good time management skills.
Time management is essential for success at WGU. Students must be able to manage their time effectively in order to complete their coursework on time. This means creating a schedule and sticking to it, as well as setting aside dedicated time each day for study.
Tip 3: Take advantage of WGU’s resources.
WGU provides a number of resources to help students succeed. These resources include online tutoring, writing support, and career services. Students should take advantage of these resources whenever possible.
Tip 4: Connect with other students.
Connecting with other students can be a great way to stay motivated and on track. Students can connect with other students through online forums, social media, and study groups.
Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
If you are struggling with a course or concept, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. WGU’s faculty and staff are available to help students succeed.
Summary: By following these tips, students can increase their chances of success at Western Governors University. WGU’s competency-based learning model can be challenging, but it is also a flexible and affordable way to earn a college degree.
For more information about Western Governors University, please visit the university’s website at www.wgu.edu.
Conclusion
Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 governors who envisioned a new kind of university that would provide accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. WGU’s unique competency-based, online learning model has made it possible for thousands of working adults to achieve their educational goals.
WGU is a leader in online education and has been recognized for its innovative approach to learning. The university is committed to providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable education to working adults. WGU’s graduates are prepared for success in their careers and make a positive contribution to their communities.