Western Governors University

I wasn't sure what to expect when I registered. In fact I decided to go back to school because the institution I work at would rather see letters behind your name as opposed to just experience on a resume. That being said, I love my experience so far, at WGU. People who complain are those who can't accept responsibility for their own actions. They are looking for someone to blame for their misfortune, when it's YOU who controls YOUR life. I researched many, many, many online schools, and finally decided on WGU because of all the reviews, good and bad. You will not have your hand held the entire time you are here. BUT, you will have enough interaction with your mentor as needed. This works for me, and I can't speak for anyone else. I also am proactive about learning things on my own that will help support my degree when completed. For example, I'm taking public speaking courses, as well as powerpoint and articulate lessons. These are requirements for the jobs I will be applying for when I complete my degree, however not incorporated in the curriculum at WGU OR any other MEd program I've researched. I'm also networking with faculty and other students at my institution. YOU need to be proactive, it's not the schools responsibility. I think most people are under the impression that once they get a Masters, they can get any job or the school will help them get a job. WRONG! As I mentioned before, my institution has a high regard for those additional letters behind your name, but once you get in the door with those letters, you'll need to prove you can do the job, and that comes with experience. Experience is not what you get in ANY school, it's what you get during internships or in the workplace.

I originally left a review when the degree was in progress. I have now completed the program and have acquired a Master of Education degree in Instructional Design. Not only did I learn a great deal in this program, but the degree is recognized by my state's Education professional Standards Board and certifies me for a rank change as a teacher and qualifies me for a substantial pay raise! The program was rigorous, but well worth the effort. I highly recommend this WGU program to the self-motivated learner.

I started WGU in 2008 and have been very pleased. I teach in Kentucky, where a Masters Degree is eventually required to continue being a licensed teacher. Being accredited by NCATE, WGU is accepted in KY. I have learned more about research and instructional design in this program than I learned at a Major "brick and mortar" University for undergrad. I recommend to people who are self-motivated to work. If you don't want to study and work, WGU isn't for you. It is rigorous. This being said, I work full-time as a teacher, have a wife and two kids, and still am able to make this program work. I find some of the negative reviews hard to believe, considering how good my experience has been.

Like anything else, you get out what you put in. I just started my second term and I have found that the program has challenged me without overwhelming me. I also can feel myself growing more muscular everyday in my job as I put the knowledge that I am gaining straight to work. I am eager to keep going!

This is a terrific program if you make the most out of it by taking classes they offer and utilizing that information. Most difficult is getting use to the different interfaces each set of classes offers. The mentoring and guidance is phenomenal and I found my mentor available by both email and phone. I am in my third semester and will be finished ahead of schedule. It does require the student to have some initiative and focus as would any online program.