UT 84107

Online degrees giving you the skills and knowledge you need
Your competence is the ultimate focus of every degree program at Western Governors University. The university emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning.
With bachelor's and master's degree programs in education, business, information technology, and health professions, WGU's rigorous yet flexible approach to education gives the university a unique advantage over other online programs. Here's what the WGU Advantage means to you:
Flexibility and Affordability
Our online competency-based approach gives you the flexibility to use your existing knowledge and experience to pass your assessments as quickly as you can. You pay one flat rate per six-month term, so if you're able to pass the assessments at a faster pace, you can save time and money.
Credibility through Accreditation
WGU is regionally and nationally accredited. WGU's Teachers College is also NCATE-accredited, the first exclusively online university to achieve this distinction.
Commitment and Support
As a student at WGU, you'll have the support of a dedicated mentor to keep you motivated as you progress toward your degree. You'll also interact with an online learning community of students in your same program, so you're never alone.
WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education.
If you're an organized, independent learner willing to devote at least 15-20 hours per week to your studies but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the university you've been looking for. Learn more today!
"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 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education. TIME Magazine also called WGU "the best relatively cheap university you've never heard of".
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3) (Online)
Now Accepting Applications
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 B.A. 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.
Learn More
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) (Online)
Back to topThis program is appropriate for teaching candidates who need a bachelor's degree, want to become a certified elementary school teacher or middle school generalist, and can devote 15-20 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 skills to become a highly qualified teacher, and includes supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom setting. This is a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, retired military and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
Back to topMath 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, and can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies.
The BA in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) 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. This is a perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Bachelor of Arts in Science (5-9) (Online)
Back to topPrepare 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 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.
Bachelor of Arts in Science (5-12 Biological Science) (Online)
Back to topTeach the building blocks of everything around you. 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 high school biology teacher, and can devote 15-20 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.
Bachelor of Arts in Science (5-12 Chemistry) (Online)
Back to topChemistry 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, 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.
Bachelor of Arts in Science (5-12 Geosciences) (Online)
Back to topGet 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.
Bachelor of Arts in Science (5-12 Physics) (Online)
Back to topPhysics 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, and can devote 15-20 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.
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Online)
Back to topThis program is appropriate for teaching candidates seeking certification who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, wish to earn endorsement in special education, and begin their careers in this high-demand field. The BA in Special Education prepares you to effectively teach students with mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities. Graduates become highly-qualified special education teachers. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Master of Arts in English Language Learning (PK-12) (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12) (Online)
Back to topThis 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!
Master of Arts in Science Education (5-9) (Online)
Back to topPrepare 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.
Master of Arts in Science Education (5-12 Biological Science) (Online)
Back to topEnhance 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!
Master of Arts in Science Education (5-12 Chemistry) (Online)
Back to topMake 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!
Master of Arts in Science Education (5-12 Geosciences) (Online)
Back to topTake 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!
Master of Arts in Science Education (5-12 Physics) (Online)
Back to topThis 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!
Master of Arts in Teaching (K-8) (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Master of Arts in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
Back to topThe 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.
Master of Arts in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
Back to topThe 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.
Perfect for someone who already has a science background, you can become a licensed teacher and earn a master's degree. The MA in Teaching, 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 and your choice of instructional design, management and innovation, measurement, or technology integration.
Master of Arts in Teaching - Social Science (5-12) (Online)
Back to topThe 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.
Master of Education in Instructional Design (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Master of Education in Learning and Technology (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Master of Education in Measurement and Evaluation (Online)
Back to topThe competency-based MEd Measurement and Evaluation is a great fit for the already-licensed teacher who desires to incorporate sophisticated skills in measuring and evaluating instruction. Perfect for those who can devote 15-20 hours per week to their studies, the program integrates best practices in measurement and evaluation, instructional design, technology integration, and development of graduate-level research abilities.
You will have the potential to earn more, too. Teachers with a master's degree earn on average over $10,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor's degree. By taking advantage of WGU's competency-based approach and affordable tuition, this MEd program is a great investment in your future.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership (Online)
Back to topThis program is specifically designed for already-licensed, practicing teachers aspiring to become school principals. If you can devote 15-20 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. The course of study integrates best practices in educational leadership into a case-study approach that culminates in an integrated practicum and capstone project.
The MS in Educational Leadership is based on multiple national standards, including the standards of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the principles of the Baldrige National Quality Program's Education Criteria for Performance Excellence in Schools.
Master of Science in Special Education (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Endorsement Prep. Program in Educational Leadership (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Endorsement Prep. Program in English Language Learning (PK-12) (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (K-8) (Online)
Back to topThis 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 15-20 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.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
Back to topThis 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 15-20 hours per week to their studies.
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12), is the fastest way 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. This is a perfect program for unlicensed mathematics, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, retired military and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program in Science (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
Back to topThis 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 15-20 hours per week to their studies.
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Science (5-9 or 5-12) is the fastest way 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. This is a perfect program for unlicensed, science substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, retired military and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program in Educational Leadership (Online)
Back to topThis 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.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program in Social Science (5-12) (Online)
Back to topThis program is appropriate for someone who already holds a bachelor's degree with an extensive social science background, wants to become a certified middle school or high school social science teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Social Science (5-12) is the fastest way to qualify to become licensed as middle school or high school social 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 social science substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
Accreditation
Back to topWestern 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 first and only online provider of teacher education to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Sign up for monthly email updates with the latest career, degree and school info.
Home |
Schools Directory |
Articles & Resources
Find a School |
Privacy Policy |
Site Map |
About Us |
School Login |
Advertise With Us |
Contact Us
Top Programs | Career Centers | Recent Articles | Popular Pages |

