At Western Governors University, a non profit private university, your competence is the ultimate focus of every degree program. By emphasizing mastery of essential skills and knowledge instead of accumulating credit hours, WGU's approach to earning a degree rewards focused, hard-working professionals. Progress toward your online degree is based on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) that measure your skills and knowledge in your field of study. We call it competency-based learning. WGU's programs are best designed (well suited) for people with at least one year or more of college completed.
With multiple degree programs in education, business, healthcare, and information technology, WGU's rigorous yet flexible approach gives the university a unique advantage over other online programs. Here's what the WGU advantage means to you:
Flexibility and Affordability
Flexibility and Affordability. Our competency-based approach allows for extensive personalization of your degree program. With assessments determining your success instead of credit hours, you'll enjoy an education that fits your lifestyle. In most cases, you will access course material or study independently at the time and place you choose. Also, if you come into your program With years of knowledge and experience, you may be able to complete your assessments faster. you pay one flat rate per six-month term, so you may be able to save time and money depending on how quickly you can adequately demonstrate your competency In your field of study.
Credibility through Accreditation
Credibility through Accreditation. WGU is regionally and nationally accredited. It is the only university ever to have received accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions. WGU's Teachers College is Also now NCATE-accredited -- the first online university to achieve that distinction.
Commitment and Support
Commitment and Support. at WGU, students are supported by a mentoring team committed to success. you'll work With a progress manager, faculty mentors and a support staff that will keep you motivated as they steer you toward your degree.
If you're an organized, independent learner willing to devote at least 15-20 hours a week to your studies but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the answer. As a non profit institution, WGU does not rely on state or federal funding and is not subject to review from funding agencies.
"Western Governors University has raised the bar of excellence. We are truly honored by WGU's contributions to the distance learning industry."
- Dr. John Flores, CEO of USDLA.
Featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams in their "What Works" segment, WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2011, awarded in recognition of their success in expanding access to higher education.
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Spanning from birth to age eight, this early childhood education program is appropriate for teaching candidates who need a bachelor's degree, want to become a certified early childhood education teacher, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3) prepares you for licensure to become an early childhood education teacher. The program provides you with the comprehensive groundwork, knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for working with infants, toddlers, and young children from birth through age eight (or the third grade). Depending on state licensure options, this program leads to initial licensure in early childhood education, PK-3, K-3, etc., and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting.
This program is appropriate for teaching candidates who want to become a certified elementary school teacher or middle school generalist, have completed at least one year of college, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) prepares you for licensure to become an elementary teacher or middle school generalist. The program teaches you the content knowledge and teaching skills to become a highly qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Math teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified middle school or high school math teacher, has completed at least one year of college, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Mathematics (5-9 or 9-12) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in middle school and high school mathematics. The program educates you to become a highly qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Biology teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified high school biology teacher, has completed at least one year of college, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Science (5-12, Biological Sciences) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school biology. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced biology, and science teaching methods you need to become a highly qualified biology teacher. The program includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting and a home science lab--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Chemistry teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified high school chemistry teacher, has completed at least one year of college, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Science (5-12, Chemistry) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school chemistry. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced chemistry, and teaching methods you need to become a highly qualified high school chemistry teacher. The program includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting and a home science lab--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Get ready for a rock-solid teaching career. This program prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school earth science. You'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced geoscience, and science teaching methods you need to become a highly qualified earth science teacher. The program includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting and a home science lab. This is a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Physics teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified high school physics teacher, has completed at least one year of college, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Science (5-12, Physics) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in high school physics. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced physics, and teaching methods you need to become a highly qualified physics teacher. The program includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting and a home science lab--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Science teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified middle school science teacher, has completed at least one year of college, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Science (5-9) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in middle school science. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science and teaching methods you need to become a highly qualified science teacher. The program includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting and a home science lab--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in special education, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The MS in Special Education prepares you to certify in special education and effectively teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities. Graduates become better special education teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in research fundamentals and instructional design principles.
This program is appropriate for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings, can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The Endorsement Preparation Program in English Language Learning (PK-12) prepares you to effectively teach in ELL or ESL settings. This endorsement program will increase your career opportunities, allow you to earn re-licensure points and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.
This program is not for those who want to learn to speak and write the English language, nor for those interested in becoming English teachers or teaching English in a foreign country.
This program is specifically designed for already-licensed, practicing teachers who already possess a master's degree and want to become a school principal. If you can devote 20 or more hours per week to your studies, you'll be prepared to serve as a highly effective, instruction-based, certified principal. You will learn, for example, how to design and implement effective, standards-based educational improvement plans.
This program is not an option for students in the following states: Hawaii, Minnesota, Connecticut, Michigan, Kansas, Oregon, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Carolina, Delaware, Wyoming, Mississippi, or Missouri.
This program is for master's candidates who already have a teaching license and a bachelor's degree, can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in English language learning (ELL) also known as English as a second language (ESL), and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The MA in English Language Learning prepares you to teach core subjects to non-English speakers. Graduates enhance their curricular development skills, teaching skills, and leadership abilities.
This program is not for those who want to learn to speak and write the English language, nor for those interested in becoming English teachers or teaching English in a foreign country.
This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in mathematics, and advance their careers in this high-demand field.
The MA in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12) prepares you to certify in secondary mathematics or complete a professional development program in K-6 mathematics. Graduates become better mathematics teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in technology integration, instruction, measurement, and management and innovation. Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field!
Enhance your career as a biology teacher. As a 2008 USDLA (United States Distance Learning Association) "Best Practices" award recipient, WGU offers its students an affordable, NCATE and regionally accredited online education. This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure, who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in biology, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The MA in Science Education (5-12, Biological Sciences) prepares you for secondary science certification in biology. Graduates become better biology teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in technology integration, instruction, measurement, and management and innovation. Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field!
Make the most of your career as a chemistry teacher. As a 2008 USDLA (United States Distance Learning Association) "Best Practices" award recipient, WGU offers its students an affordable, NCATE and regionally accredited online education. This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure, who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in chemistry, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The MA in Science Education (5-12, Chemistry) prepares you for secondary science certification in chemistry. Graduates become better chemistry teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in technology integration, instruction, measurement, and management and innovation. Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field!
Take your career as a physics teacher to the next level. As a 2008 USDLA (United States Distance Learning Association) "Best Practices" award recipient, WGU offers its students an affordable, NCATE and regionally accredited online education. This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in earth science, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The MA in Science Education (5-12, Geosciences) prepares you for secondary science certification in earth science. Graduates become better earth science teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in technology integration, instruction, measurement, and management and innovation. Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field!
This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn a secondary certification in physics, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The MA in Science Education (5-12, Physics) prepares you for secondary science certification in physics. Graduates become better physics teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in technology integration, instruction, measurement, and management and innovation. Earn more with a master's degree in a high-demand field!
Prepare future generations for the scientific challenges of tomorrow. As a 2008 USDLA (United States Distance Learning Association) "Best Practices" award recipient, WGU offers its students an affordable, NCATE and regionally accredited online education. This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified middle school science teacher, and can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies.
The MA in Science Education (5-9) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure in middle school science. In this program, you'll learn and develop the skills and knowledge in general science and teaching methods you need to become a highly-qualified science teacher. The program includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting and a home science lab--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
This program is appropriate for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree with an extensive interdisciplinary studies background, (2), wants to become a certified elementary teacher or middle school generalist, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. The program is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unlicensed substitute teachers, career changers, retired military and others who feel the call to teach.
The MA in Teaching (K-8) combines teacher licensure and a master's degree in a program that educates you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. As a master's degree, the program also includes additional training in research as well as instructional design and performance improvement.
The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in math, science, or engineering, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school math teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unlicensed mathematics substitute teachers, career changers, retired military and others who feel the call to teach.
If you already have a mathematics background, you can become a licensed teacher and earn a master's degree. The MA in Teaching, Mathematics, combines teacher licensure and a master's degree in a program that trains you to become a highly qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. As a master's program, it includes additional training in research and your choice of instructional design, management and innovation, measurement or technology integration.
The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in math, science or engineering; (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school science teacher; and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unlicensed science substitute teachers, career changers, retired military and others who feel the call to teach.
The program is ideal for someone who (1) already holds a bachelor's degree in social science, (2) wants to become a certified and licensed middle or high school social science teacher, and (3) desires to earn a master's degree. It is perfectly suited for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, and ideal candidates include unlicensed social science substitute teachers, career changers, retired military, and others who feel the call to teach.
If you already have a social science background, you can become a licensed teacher and earn a master's degree. The MA in Teaching, Social Science, combines teacher licensure and a master's degree in a program that trains you to become a highly qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. As a master's program, it includes additional training in research, instructional design, and performance improvement.
This program is specifically designed for already-licensed teachers who are currently using technology for instructional purposes and who wish to focus on larger curricular or year-long development plans. If you can devote 15-20 hours per week to your studies, you'll develop your curriculum and instructional expertise. The competency-based MEd in Instructional Design will enhance your teaching talents and increase your technology integration skills using instructional design principles. The course of study integrates best practices in instructional design, technology integration, measurement and evaluation, and development of graduate-level research abilities.
Teachers with a master's degree earn on average over $10,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor's degree. This MEd program is a great investment in your future.
This program is specifically designed for already-licensed teachers who are currently using technology in the classroom and are committed to discovering new and better ways to teach. If you can devote 15-20 hours per week to your studies, you'll become a technology and instruction expert, and have the potential to earn more too. The competency-based MEd in Learning and Technology will enhance your teaching talents and increase your technology integration skills using instructional design principles to make you more in demand than ever before. The course of study integrates best practices in instructional design, technology, measurement and evaluation, and development of graduate-level research abilities.
Teachers with a master's degree earn on average over $10,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor's degree. This MEd program is a great investment in your future.
WGU’s M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction is ideal for licensed teachers who wish to become a curriculum and pedagogy expert, earn a master’s degree, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
This master’s degree provides valuable skills and knowledge in the application of sound, empirically based principles of education. Upon completion, teachers will be able to apply their learning directly to their own instructional setting.
You’ve always had a passion for education and now you’re ready to take on a leadership role! The online M.S. in Educational Leadership at WGU Indiana will prepare you for certification to become a principal, vice principal, or assistant principal. You can become a highly effective, instruction-based, certified principal in the state of Indiana. This program is based on the principles of the Baldrige National Quality Program’s Education Criteria for Performance Excellence. With flexible schedules and no fixed class times, this program is for experienced, licensed classroom teachers who are interested in becoming school principals. You can expect to spend at least 20 hours per week on your studies.
This program is appropriate for master's candidates who already have teaching licensure who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in special education, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The MS in Special Education prepares you to certify in special education and effectively teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities. Graduates become better special education teachers and also develop sophisticated, graduate-level abilities in research fundamentals and instructional design principles.
This program is appropriate for someone who already holds a bachelor's degree, wants to become a certified elementary teacher or middle school generalist, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (K-8) is the fastest way to qualify to become licensed as an elementary teacher or generalist middle school teacher. The program trains you to become a highly qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting--a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
This program is appropriate for someone who already holds a bachelor's degree with an extensive mathematics background, wants to become a certified middle school or high school mathematics teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) is the fastest way to qualify to become licensed as a middle school or high school mathematics teacher. The program trains you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting--a perfect program for unlicensed mathematics substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
This program is appropriate for someone who already holds a bachelor's degree with an extensive science background, wants to become a certified middle school or high school science teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Science (5-9 or 5-12) is the fastest way to qualify to become licensed as a middle school or high school science teacher. The program trains you to become a highly-qualified teacher and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting--a perfect program for unlicensed science substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU's "home" accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The WGU Teachers College is the only exclusively online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU's Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
WGU's Nursing programs are CCNE accredited.