Western Governors University : B.S. in Business Management Reviews

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Rebuttal to opinion that WGU's mentors are worthless

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on June 28, 2011

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In regards to "Anonymous" post that WGU's mentors are worthless and don't know the material, but rather are merely cheerleaders--there are two types of mentors every student has at WGU.  One type is a student mentor who helps the student navigate the curriculum, communicates with them weekly about their progress and does some "cheerleading" when some additional motivation is needed.  Student mentors are assigned to work with individuals and are not content based individuals.  Course mentors, on the other hand are specialists in their field of study and they are the ones available to help with content issues.  If you have had challenges with the content, you should have communicated that to your student mentor and s/he would have made sure you had contact with the appropriate course mentor.  As many have said before me, at WGU the expectation is that YOU take responsibility for expressing and seeking out what you need.  No one will spoon feed you, but there are plenty of resources and knowledgeable people at your disposal if you take the intiative to use them.

Best education decision I ever made!!

By: bftchevy2000 (Graduate) on June 27, 2011

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After complFinishing my degree was always a priority of mine.  I had completed two A.A. programs at the local community college.  I was in my mid 30’s, working full time with a family.  For me a conventional brick and mortar school was just not an option.   After a lot of research I settled on WGU and I am very happy with my decision.  As others have said, this is not an EASY program.  Yes, I was able to finish my B.S. in two semesters.  Once I started I didn’t stop until I was finished.  I didn’t take a Christmas break, a spring break, a summer break, or any other breaks.  For one full year I dedicated my time to school.  The other thing is, if I would have taken these same classes when I was in my early 20’s it would have been MUCH harder.  I had over 10 years of working experience that directly related to the school work I was doing.  One month before completing my program I was laid off!  The community I live in has an unemployment rate of 20% and within just a couple of months I was able to land a good job.  I am very confident that my degree from WGU was a positive factor.  While I understand WGU is not for everyone, for many working adults WGU is a perfect fit.

Time to complete

By: Tjsoellinger (Graduate) on June 23, 2011

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The time it takes you to complete your degree is entirely up to you.  I had to push my mentor a bit but I completed my degree in 1 semester with no transfer credits.  I usually woke up at around 6 AM and studied until an average at 6pm.  So 10-12 hours per day 5 days a week.  Half of the semester I maybe only put in 5-8 hours per day, others I put in more than 12.  I worked weekends so I only did schoolwork Monday-Friday.  Point being, I completed my Bachelors in accounting in 1 semester from start to finish with no transfer credits.  I paid $3,000 (only purchased 1 book)for a 4 year degree where my wife went to a private school and paid about 60,000 (and took her 4 years).  Needless to say the return on investment is much better with WGU.  I will be starting my Masters in August.

To my knowledge I am the only student to complete a program this fast (there are probably but others I haven't asked the school).  If it takes you 4 years to get a degree from WGU you should still be proud of yourself and its most likely going to be more enjoyable than a traditional school because you don't have to sit through a boring class when you don't want to.  Beware... Taskstream (the grading company for roughly half of your classes) is garbage.  The graders almost never understand the material they are grading, they simply look for key words and phrases so you have to submit all of the work to them as if you are discussing it to a 3rd grader.  Some graders are very helpful and good, but its about as rare as getting great service at a fast food restaurant.  Other than that, its up to you for completion time and as far as quality of education, I have many friends who attend other local state universities and WGU's material is more up to date and field relevant (by a small but noticeable amount).  Obviously WGU is not on par with Harvard, Notre Dame, or other top tier schools but I would place it at the bottom of the top 25% schools for quality of education.

Simply Brilliant!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on June 14, 2011

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I transfered to WGU after attempting several times to return to school. I completed my associates degree several years ago but work commitments, lack of local university flexibility and finances got in my way.

After looking at several online universities including Franklin and Arizona, I settled with WGU because of its location, competency based programs, 6 month terms and $$$ savings. 

Best decision I've made yet!! Don't expect much the first month. It takes time to get everything set up and to understand how the classes work. . . even for computer savy people like me. It was a bit different from anything I've done before. 

THE PROGRAM IS NOT, I repeat, IS NOT an easy out. The work is hard and it does take awhile but you can test out of the information you know to finish faster. The more time you have to complete tasks the faster you will graduate. Its that simple. At WGU, YOU are the only person holding you back.

I finished 7 classes my first semester. Which means I have two semsters to go. At the local university this program would have taken me AT LEAST 3 years to complete. Thanks WGU. Brilliance online!!!

So Good So Far

By: lisellespence (In Progress) on October 27, 2010

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I started at WGU August 1st of 2010. They gave me an expected graduation date of February 2012. This was disappointing because I thought it'd be faster than that, but I went along with it. As of today I have completed five classes (will be six on Thursday of next week). My mentor is great...it is true that mentors are not teachers, they just help with your schedule and direct you as to where and how to study for your courses.I love going to this school and I went to a major university in Florida this information IS comparable. I am looking forward to graduating and going on to my master's degree. I will tell you this if you're worried about if your degree will be accredited...yes. If you're worried if you can do the work-maybe you shouldn't go here because it is A LOT of work and there is no one on your back making you do this so you need self discipline or you will lose your money. I only spent close to $3000 for this semester and I will spend the same next...a bachelor's degree from an accredited university for $6000 not bad.

Some FACTS You Should Note

By: jotucker (In Progress) on October 5, 2010

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After reviewing some of the comments about this institution, I thought that it would make sense for me to offer a reply with facts and personal experience.  A "scam" is when you pay for something and do not receive what you paid for. I find it insulting for Western Governors University to be called a "scam".  The degrees are recognized by the government and if your employer doesn’t consider the degree “credible,” your employer needs to step into learning of the 21st century.

Online learning is more difficult then traditional brick and mortar learning. Majority of the information you "need to know" to pass is presented to you daily in lecture in traditional brick and mortar learning environments and you are specifically guided to where to find the information you need to "pass the exam". WGU is structured in a way where majority of the research and learning is completed by you on an individualized basis, using the "course of study" as a road map. The main benefit from distant learning is the ability to learn on your own time, however, the drawback is that for the most part you must learn on your OWN. 

The realities of the college student today are not like they were 20 or 30 years ago and more colleges will start to adapt to the new marketplace. Today’s student is balancing a full time work schedule and perhaps a family, all while trying to also complete a full time degree enrollment. Gone are the days where you just go to school and study only, so learning of the 21st century will start to adapt to this model more and more, offering more distant learning courses in my opinion. 

Either you catch up with the tide or drown in the wave.

Now Obtaining Masters from Texas A&M

By: dred0218 (Graduate) on September 15, 2010

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I received my BS in 2008.  I've read some reviews on here that the courses were not transferrable.  To those people, are you sure?  My courses were transferrable.  I was going to do all of my degree except the last few classes and transfer to Texas A&M so I could have that name on my Diploma.  The classes would have transferred but in order to graduate from A&M you have to take a minimum of 20 hours.  I opted to finish from WGU and then obtain my Master's from Tx A&M.  I enrolled in A&M as soon as I graduated from WGU and I did not have to take any prerequisite classes.  I also am well prepared for my Master's because of WGU and haven't had any problems.  You have to be disciplined in order to do any online coursework.  My only complaint with WGU was my mentor; however, I was able to work independently and did not require much interaction with my mentor.  There is still the negative attitude toward an online college. If your schedule allows a brick and mortar school, I would prefer that but ONLY because I am sometimes involved in the hiring process and have witnessed several applicants be immediately ignored because they graduated from an online university.  Hopefully, as more of us take higher level positions, we can change the attitude towards an online degree from an accredited university.  I do believe it will take time.

Online Education - Are You a Fit?

By: Vanquig (In Progress) on February 19, 2010

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I have been attending WGU for 2.5 yrs now and will be graduating this year. Due to living in a rural area, online learning was very attractive to me. I have also attended a "traditional" classroom university and find that the materials are comparable, though I can only speak to my degree path. I thoroughly enjoy WGU and would recommend them to anyone. However, the one thing to remember with an all online course structure is it is self-directed. You will not have people holding your hand, but you will have the support and the tools you'll need. You must have the passion and focus to get the tasks completed. Not everyone is a good fit so please ensure you have done some serious self-reflection or you will set yourself up for failure. Good luck in all your education endeavors!

Great School

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 8, 2010

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I think that WGU is a great school. The mentors are great, easy to get a hold of and very helpful. The material can be challenging, but it should be considering this is college level material. If you do your work, it is easily doable.

Exceptional school! A+!

By: edwardla (In Progress) on September 4, 2009

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I don't understand why people are saying bad things about this school. I have attended so many college and/or university from the past, and WGU is one of the best! Easy to pass assessments?! Are you kidding? WGU assessments come in many forms, and they are certainly not just multiple choice questions. And with the multiple choice assessments, they still remain on moderate college level. 

The degree itself is respected everywhere with support from large corporations in USA and it has received full accreditation. It is one of the very few non-profit and private universities, so tuition itself is an attraction. This university is highly recommended!

Makin it happen

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on July 10, 2009

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So I'm in my 2nd year at WGU n I love it...yeah u have to work hard n yeah it takes a while. When you have a family n a full time job you do what you can.  My mentor is good, if she doesn't know something finds out quickly n responds. I don't know a damn thing about business but with the websites they give you that go along with the books it all comes together. You have to work at it like anything else in life.

WGU - A Good Education and a Great Value

By: Anonymous (Graduate) on June 6, 2009

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I am a graduate of the College of Business at WGU and after over 25 years of industry experience in Marketing Management I can verify that the educational standards and course of study at WGU are comprehensive and relevant. During my career I had attained the position of Director of Business Development, without a Bachelors degree, at a division of a $20B global leading manufacturer of aerospace electronics. Most of my peers hold undergrad and graduate degrees and as such advancement beyond the Director of BD level was unlikely. I graduated with a BS in Marketing Management and I am now pursuing an MBA at WGU and I am now a VP of Marketing and Sales. I accomplished the completion of the degree, received the promotion and I am continuing studies in the MBA program only two years after initially enrolling at WGU in the Spring of 2007 with only 25 credits transferred.

WGU is relevant, credible, accelerated and a great value.

TERRIBLE

By: jennifer.butler27 (In Progress) on May 21, 2009

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If you are a VA don't even think about going to this school.  I have not received my VA benefits for 3 months due to errors in their processing and finacial aid department.  Now after a year of going to school they just took back some of my financial aid saying I was getting to much because of my GI Bill.  My GI Bill is not for tuition it is for living expenses and my family depends on it right now.  DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER THEM IF YOU ARE GOING TO NEED FINANCIAL AID, THE OFFICE IS TERRIBLE.

good value and accreditation

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on April 7, 2009

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I know that some people who attended WGU have left unsatisfied, but I believe this college is/was the best option for me. If your well organised and motivated you can succeed here. What this means-Your mentor goes over your classes for the term(six months) and you start to work, how fast or slow is up to you. Your mentor(school contact) communicates with you on a bi-monthly basis or as needed. If you put the time and effort in, you can finish early and take extra classes.I average an extra two classes a term, since the college charges by the term I was able to take the classes at no cost to me! I have had a few minor glitches, but they were corrected quickly in a day or two. I am 38 years old and before discovering this school thought going back to college was a dream. I would definitely recommend this school, if you are flexible.

Great School

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 31, 2009

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Clearly none of the above posters actually enrolled at WGU because if they did, they would know that it is accredited by NCATE as well as NWCCU and both are recognized by CHEA and thereby the U.S. Department of Education. This is a great school for people who are self motivated and can learn in a virtual environment. I have been enrolled for five months and have finished eleven classes. That puts me more than one third of the way towards my business management degree. Tuition is the most reasonable of all the online schools as it only costs approximately $6K per year regardless of how many classes you finish. I believe I will have my degree for less than $10K and that is a bargain! If you are in the market for a school, then check out WGU and the WGU Student Hall and see what real students are saying.

I'm happy w/ WGU

By: rseccomb (Graduate) on December 27, 2008

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I see a lot of people who are upset by their experiences at WGU.  My personal experience has been pretty good...  I've been a student at 2 different universities rated in the top 10, and didn't finish.  It wasn't the difficulty that washed me out, in fact, I had a 3.7 GPA @ the one of the world's best engineering schools studying petroleum engineering, and I've found many challenges in the WGU program.  Quantitative Analysis was tough, and I worked many hours on each problem.  The math and econ stuff was at least as difficult as I had seen in other schools.
I imagine that if you publicly polled all students who went to Harvard, they would also have detractors.  I personally didn't let that stuff discourage me, rather, I took a look at the fact that they were accredited regionally, they had similar admission standards as other universities I've attended, and now that I'm 40, what the learning model looked like.  I know better today how I perform in certain situations, and found the WGU model to be adequate for me.  
I recently left my job, and started looking for work with other companies.  Not a single organization has questioned their credential.  
The school is not for everyone, if you need a lot of personal attention steer clear.  If you want to have 1:1 time with a professor, WGU is not for you.  The entire model is about your willingness to pay the price to obtain your degree by learning from a book, and then passing a proctored test that ecompasses the breadth and depth of the topic you are supposed to learn about.  
Finally, many have complained about graders.  They use a company called Taskstream.  Many other institutions use them too (Purdue is one).  Are they perfect?  No.  Do you always agree as a student?  Nope...I even was mad a couple of times.  Do they get it right?  Yes, according to the standard, they do.  Does it take some time?  It does, but 5 days was the max for me.
If I were starting again today, I would look at accreditation, acceleration, cost, and would make the same decision I made before.  Do your research...

Think Real Hard Before You Start

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on November 14, 2008

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Leave this off of your resume.  Even if the state governor is listed as one of the founders of this so called college, does not mean it is accepted in that state.

The non-traditional compentancy credit is not accepted at most businesses.

WGU

By: dred0218 (In Progress) on September 24, 2008

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I am near completion with WGU.  I wanted to say this in response to those saying WGU is a scam and employers frown on the school.  I work in business administration at a local public school district.  In the past three years, we have hired several WGU graduates and enrolled several WGU students into our student teaching program.  Prior to enrolling into the school, I contacted Texas A&M and asked if they recognize WGU courses as transferrable since it is pass/fail. I was told by the department head, WGU courses are considered passing at 80% or higher and all passing courses transfer to their program.  I then asked if I wanted to obtain my Masters from Texas A&M after I completed my studies with WGU and was assured WGU is recognized just as any other traditional university.  I then saw a representative from WGU on CNN talking to several representatives from Ivy League schools about their online programs.  WGU is legit but for your own piece of mind, do your own research prior to enrolling.  And yes, some of the courses you can google the questions and find answers, but I WANT to learn and have taken the time to research textbooks and truly understand the concepts.  My only complaint has been my mentor.  She is highly educated, but not very organized and forgets meetings, doesn't give me 100% of her time when we speak on the phone and it takes me emailing her superiors in order to get responses from her.  If I wasn't almost done, I'd switch mentors, but with it being this late in the game, I don't need much from her other than approving my request to take the final assessments.

Western Governors University

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 10, 2008

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Western Governors University is a complete ripoff. The program deliberately slows you down, so that WGU can charge you more. I thought that this would be a quicker way to finish my degree, but I would have easily finished by now if I had gone to a different college, and taken the traditional route.

It often takes weeks to get a simple assignment graded. And when you finally get it back, the grader is often wrong! Example: I failed an accounting assignment, because I was told revenues/expenses are not part of operating cash flows in a cash flow statement! What?? Every accounting text book confirmed I was right. Who's grading these papers??? Besides this, I was told before I enrolled at WGU that I could test out of courses that I already knew - the majority of courses turned out to be assignment based.

Of course I should have known what I was getting into soon after I enrolled. After I enrolled they refused to give me credit for my associates degree - even though they guaranteed me that everything would transfer BEFORE I paid my tuition/fees. When I threatened legal action and showed them written proof that I had received from their "mentors" BEFORE I enrolled, they were suddenly able to transfer everything.

Their "mentors" are also completely useless. My various mentors had completely no idea about business-related subjects, even though I am majoring in a business degree. If you intend to study at WGU, think of the mentors more as cheerleaders than anything else. Good luck!

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