Western Governors 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:
An online learning and assessment model that gives you flexibility and control over your education.
A dedicated mentor committed to your success.
A trusted quality education from a regionally, nationally, and NCATE-accredited institution.
Affordable tuition with the possibility of accelerated learning that equals lower costs for your education.
Challenging and efficient. These are the hallmarks of WGU's competency-based approach to education.
B.S. in Accounting
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some accounting experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials in accounting, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business - Accounting prepares you for an accounting career in a corporate, non-profit, or government organization. The program educates you in broad business skills as well as specialized knowledge in financial and cost accounting, tax accounting, auditing, and other critical areas. A perfect program for those who already have substantial experience in accounting or bookkeeping.
B.S. in Business Management
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some business experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials to qualify for a management position, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business - Business Management prepares you for management positions in private businesses, public corporations, and government entities. The program provides you with a broad background in business skills and knowledge. A perfect program for business managers or professionals lacking the bachelor's degree necessary for career advancement.
B.S. in Finance
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some finance experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials in finance, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business - Finance prepares you for a career in corporate and managerial finance, investment management, and brokerage. This program provides you with broad business skills, plus an understanding and abilities in finance that open career doors. A perfect program for someone with substantial business, accounting, or finance backgrounds.
B.S. in Business --HR Management
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials to qualify for their first HR job, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S in Business - Human Resource Management prepares you to become an HR manager or personnel director for private businesses, public corporations, and government entities. This program educates you to combine expertise in human resources with business management skills, and gain valuable understanding of the labor relations, occupational health, and strategic management. A perfect program for HR professionals who need a degree, as well as newcomers or career changers interested in a career in human resources.
B.S. in Marketing Management
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some marketing experience who needs a bachelor's degree, wants training and credentials for career advancement, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S in Business - Marketing Management prepares you for a career in marketing, promotion, and sales management. The program educates you in a wide range of marketing expertise, including strategic marketing, product management, promotion, pricing, distribution, sales, and other essential marketing areas. A perfect program for any individual seeking a career that emphasizes marketing, sales, publicity, and promotion.
Master of Business Administration
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who already possesses significant "real world" experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The Master of Business Administration prepares you for mid-level to upper-level management positions in business, industry, and non-profit organizations. The program educates you in a number of critical areas, including distribution, financial reporting, analysis, communication, ethics, strategy, and leadership. A perfect program for the experienced business professional who seeks a credible degree program and upward mobility.
MBA --Healthcare Management
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who already possesses healthcare industry experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The MBA - Healthcare Management prepares you for mid-level to upper-level healthcare management positions. The program educates you in core business skills, essential industry knowledge, and advanced healthcare managerial expertise. A perfect program for the experienced healthcare administration professional who seeks a credible degree program and upward mobility.
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
This 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 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. 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.
B.A. in Science (5-12 Biological Science)
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, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. 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.
B.A. in Science (5-12 Chemistry)
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, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. 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.
B.A. in Science (5-12 Geosciences)
Earth science teachers are in high demand! This program is ideal for someone who needs a bachelor’s degree, wants to become a certified high school earth science teacher, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. in Science (5-12, Geosciences) prepares you for secondary teacher licensure high school earth science. In this program, 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. A perfect program for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military, and career changers who feel the call to teach.
B.A. in Science (5-12 Physics)
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, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.A. 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.
M.A. in Teaching-Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
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 M.A. 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.
M.A. in Teaching-Science (5-9 or 5-12)
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.
Perfect for someone who already has a science background, you can become a licensed teacher and earn a master's degree. The M.A. 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.
Post-bacc Teacher Prep Prgm --Science (5-9 or 5-12)
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 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.
M.Ed. --Learning and Technology
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 M.Ed. 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 M.Ed. program is a great investment in your future.
M.Ed. --Measurement and Evaluation
The competency-based M.Ed. 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 M.Ed. program is a great investment in your future.
M.Ed. --Instructional Design
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 M.Ed.
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 M.Ed. program is a great investment in your future.
M.S. in Special 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 endorsement in special education, and advance their careers in this high-demand field. The M.S. in Special Education (PK-12) 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 ELL (PK-12)
The competency-based Endorsement Preparation Program in English Language Learning (K-12) is designed for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in English Language Learning (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) settings. The program may lead to an endorsement in ELL or ESL, but this applies only in those states that have such endorsements. By obtaining this endorsement, you will increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary. This program is only for those interested in teaching English Language Learning. It is not recommended for those interested in learning to speak or write English.
M.A. in English Language Learning (PK-12)
The competency-based M.A. in English Language Learning (K-12) prepares currently licensed educators to teach effectively in English Language Learning (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) settings and provide curricular leadership in their schools and school systems. You'll earn your master's and qualify for a high-demand ELL or ESL teaching endorsement. In many states, the degree leads to an endorsement in ELL or ESL, which are in high-demand. Community college teachers who work in ELL or ESL settings will also benefit tremendously from this program. This program is only for those interested in teaching English Language Learning. It is not recommended for those interested in learning to speak or write English.
B.S. in Health Informatics
Become a unique asset in the world of health informatics and health information management. WGU’s B.S. in Health Informatics program combines concepts from healthcare, IT, and leadership practice to provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a valuable designer, developer, and manager of health information systems. This program is for experienced healthcare or IT professionals seeking an affordable bachelor’s degree and two IT certifications to work in this high-demand field.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates two IT certifications at an affordable cost: CompTIA A+ IT Technician and CIW Database Design Specialist (all certification fees are included in your tuition). This program has been designed to align with the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) curriculum competencies. You may be eligible to apply to sit for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credentialing exam upon completion of this program.
B.S. in Nursing
Enhance your personal status, boost your salary, and increase your job security with WGU’s B.S. in Nursing. This program is for actively working registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing, possess healthcare industry experience, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
Based on National League of Nursing (NLN) competency standards, the B.S. in Nursing prepares you to become a higher level nurse in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The program incorporates skills and knowledge beyond the clinical aspects of nursing, integrating patient education, health promotion, nursing roles and values, and technology, as well as healthcare systems and policies into the curriculum. This is a perfect program for RNs with associate’s degrees who want to advance their status and careers.
B.S. in Business --IT Management
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner with some IT training who needs a bachelor's degree, wants to combine business and IT in a management career, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The B.S. in Business - Information Technology Management prepares you to become an IT project manager, director of customer service, data center manager, or an equivalent management position. This program educates you to combine technical expertise in IT with business management skills. A perfect program for the IT person who wants to develop broader business skills to go into a management career.
B.S. in Information Technology
Build the foundation you need to succeed in the fast-growing IT industry. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology program provides you with a solid foundation of IT skills that employers demand along with eight IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who wants a broad IT education, the IT certifications to succeed, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates eight IT certifications including CompTIA, CIW, and MCTS at an affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). You’ll complete coursework in operating systems, networks, databases, software, security, and project management. This is a perfect program if you already hold relevant IT certifications as you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.
B.S. Information Technology-Databases
Strengthen or develop your skills and career opportunities in database administration. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Databases program provides you with the leading-edge database administration skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has database administration experience, wants to specialize in database administration, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates nine IT certifications including the Oracle 10g Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) at an affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). You’ll also complete coursework in operating systems, networks, software, security, and project management. This is a perfect program if you already hold relevant IT certifications as you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.
B.S. Information Tech. --Networks Administration
Start or advance your career in network server administration. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Networks Administration program provides you with the leading-edge network server administration skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has network server administration experience, wants to specialize in network server administration, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates nine IT certifications including Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Server Administrator at an affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). You’ll also complete coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, and project management. This is a perfect program if you already hold relevant IT certifications as you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.
B.S. Information Tech. --Networks Design & Mgmt
Start or advance your career in networks design and management. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Networks Design and Management program provides you with advanced network design, systems engineering, and management skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has experience in networks design, wants to specialize in networks design or network systems engineering, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates nine IT certifications including the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) at an affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). You’ll also complete coursework in operating systems, databases, software, security, and project management. This is a perfect program if you already hold relevant IT certifications as you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.
B.S. in Information Technology --Security
Become an expert IT security specialist. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Security program provides you with the latest IT security management skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has IT security management experience, wants to specialize in IT security, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates nine IT certifications including Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS—Windows Vista, Configuration 70-620) at an affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). You’ll also complete coursework in operating systems, networks, databases, software, and project management. This is a perfect program if you already hold relevant IT certifications as you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.
B.S. in Information Technology --Software
Take your software development career to the next level. WGU’s B.S. in Information Technology—Software program provides you with solution-drive software development skills that employers demand along with ten IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has software development experience, wants to specialize in software development, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates ten IT certifications including Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) at an affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). You’ll also complete coursework in operating systems, networks, databases, security, and project management. This is a perfect program if you already hold relevant IT certifications as you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.
MBA --IT Management
This program is ideal for the self-motivated IT professional who already possesses significant "real world" experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The MBA - Information Technology Management prepares you for mid-level to upper-level IT management positions in business, industry, and non-profit organizations. The program educates you in core business skills, essential industry knowledge, and advanced IT managerial expertise. A perfect program for the experienced IT professional who seeks a credible degree program and upward mobility.
M.S. Information Security and Assurance
Career opportunities are wide open for professionals with advanced IT security and assurance skills and credentials. WGU’s flexible, accredited program includes one major IT certification and provides you with the skills you need to succeed at very affordable tuition.
The M.S. Information Security and Assurance degree program is ideal for someone with a bachelor’s degree and experience in security and assurance who wants to earn a master’s degree in a high-demand field and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies. You will graduate with the necessary skills for the protection of networks, communication, and data, as well as the knowledge base for planning, implementing, and managing enterprise level security and system integrity. This program is built in alignment with the security standards put in place by the National Security Agency and encompasses the 10 security domains that are the foundations of the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

