Western Governors University

Pilar G. September 22, 2006 at 2:10 p.m.

I've been an student for a year now at WGU and find it not only refreshingly different from other schools, it is quite affordable. The curriculum is challenging (I'm an education major) and well suited for self-driven information seekers such as myself although classes, mentors and plenty of help is available for those who need it. The staff is very friendly and personable too.
The program makes the student feel involved in his/her education-- like it's "up to you" how fast or successful the experience will be.

Alex December 28, 2006 at 7:48 p.m.

I have to disagree with this review as I find it totally un-realtistic. WGU is accredited and no task is "busy work"! The graders let nothing "slip" by and not buying the books is just plain silly. Exams can not be passed without the material in the books covered. The education program is very well rounded and the tasks very detailed. This is in no way a fast and cheap way to get a teaching certificate. You still have to pass your state's required exams, go through student teaching and hand in a thesis -- not to mention be able to defend it!

Megan February 8, 2007 at 6:12 p.m.

When looking for teaching employment how is WGU education regarded.

john April 18, 2007 at 8:12 p.m.

To be able to earn a degree from a nationally accredited on-line institution is fantastic! The time that you save from not having to commute and to be able to do the class assignments on your own schedule is priceless.
Western Governors University is, by far, tops in the field.
Getting an education does not have to be difficult (troublesome) or expensive.
Western Governors University is a no nonsense approach to higher education without the hassle of spending 6 to 8 hours a week commuting or paying ridiculously high matriculation fees.

Athena June 17, 2007 at 2:32 a.m.

I am really thinking of trying WGU. I have applied and to the entrance exam. I found it to be really difficult. Do you know of anyone who did not pass the entrance exam? If you do not pass do they not let you in?

I would like to get a Masters In Health Education. Anyone out there in the Masters of Health Education?

Michael July 24, 2007 at 1:14 a.m.

I am also looking into Information technology, I am interested to know, Has anyone had or seen good relations between this "online degree" and employers in the feild? can I get a good job with this degree?.. anyone out there with luck?

Current Student August 12, 2007 at 5:26 p.m.

I started WGU in May of 2007 and have nothing but problems. I wouldn’t suggest this school to others. The mentors are not very helpful, takes a long time to get an answer. When questioning a teacher, they are rude and not very helpful. I just took a test for an opinionated Essay and it is showing that I failed, how can your opinion be failing? I still can’t get an answer to what was wrong with these or a score. It took days to get a pass or fail and when asking why I didn’t know if I passed, I was told that they were rushing to get them graded! I don’t want my paper being rushed through, how can that be a fair grade??? When submitting papers, it takes weeks to get a response and if you have to re-submit, it takes another 2 weeks to get an answer. The graders have horrible grammar, how can they grade someone else’s paper? I am looking to change schools at the end of my term, this school is a joke! They should be sued for false advertisement and lack of support! What a waste of money!

Paul October 13, 2007 at 3:10 a.m.

This school is a SCAM!! I would not recommend it to my worse enemy. They are one step away from being considered a diploma mill. Also keep in mind most employers don't look favorably on any degree earned online. Your online degree may have been earned from an accredited school but I know for a fact that if you get your degree online, you will have a hard time finding a job. You will spend a lot of time and money on your education, but your heart will be crushed at the realization you degree is worth almost nothing compared to someone who has earned a degree from a traditional brick and mortar school. HAve a great day. :)

Bonnie November 6, 2007 at 3:57 p.m.

I just completed my BS/marketing degree at WGU. I completed the program in 3 years. I could have accelerated it a bit more but I took some time off for family matters. I was so pleased with the program that I have re-enrolled to begin work on my masters program.

I did extensive research before I began an online degree program. I found that WGU was the option that most met my criteria, they are NFP and fully accredited. I had a great mentor who helped guide and prepare me, I had no problem getting quick responses or feedback.

I think in today’s techno savvy world, online degrees are becoming more and more acceptable. Every brick and mortar university that I am familiar with offer online courses, and most offer full degree programs. Your human resources departments are fully aware of online programs and the merit of their content. Just make sure you choose a good program!

I found some of the course content extremely difficult and other courses were extremely easy. I found a direct correlation to my existing experience in the business world. If I already had experience or expertise in the subject mater or partial subject matter, the course was easy and went quickly. I can honestly say that some of the newly acquired knowledge has already been useful in my current occupation.

The WGU website says that they consider a B grade passing, anything below that and you must take the assessment again. The study guides are very broad and general, you are forced to learn much more than what is on the exam. Most other traditional classes I have attended actually focus more about what is on the actual exam. I suppose this is WGU’s way of making sure you have subject matter competence. If I were forced to say anything negative regarding WGU, it would be about the exams. When they are completed, you receive your score (usually within 24 hours) and a noted pass or fail. You are not given any feedback regarding wrong answers. I always wish I knew what questions I marked incorrectly so that I could continue to learn from my wrong answers.

Bethany Lynn November 13, 2007 at 8:22 p.m.

I too am looking at WGU, but get so many varied opinions it's hard to know if I should go or not. I've already had a bad experience with Axia (University of Phoenix) and wish I had done more research on them. I have since read NOTHING by bad reviews! At least WGU is getting some positive. Any more info on getting a standard Bachelors with them?

Social Studies Teacher in Training November 20, 2007 at 9:53 p.m.

Okay, let me break it down Barney style.
I'm currently enrolled in WGU and am loving it. I've attended two top tier universities and decided to start teaching b/c I have two young children. Initially, I was concerned that I would be seriously lowering myself going to this school after the education I already have.
For those of you complaining, what brick and mortor school have you been to that was perfect? I had problems with professors, I had trouble with the registrar's offices...yada yada. I think it is all too easy to blame distance learning for why there are problems. They happen at any and all universities. The sooner people realize that it's part and parcel the better they will be.
As for the rigors of the program, it is just as challenging as any brick and mortor teaching program that I looked into. At least with this program, you can't get away with a D and be done with it. You have to revise until it meets a higher standard.
And for those who complain that you did work that wasn't on the assessment, welcome to grown up school. You are informed from the get go that content will be tested that was not covered by assignments. That's what makes the tests worthwhile. That's the point of performance mastery. They check to see if you studied what wasn't already demonstrated elsewhere.
I never even had a mentor in undergrad. I just figured things out, sometimes rightly or wrongly. At least WGU does offer guidance. If you don't click with your mentor, get a new one. It's easy to do. Stop beating your head against a brick wall and move on.
WGU's job is not to prepare you for the state license exams. Go to a bookstore and buy a review book. It's job is to teach you how to be a teacher. The courses in educational psychology, classroom management, subject pedagogy, and so on teach you worthwile material. But just like any school, you get out of it as much as you're willing to put in.
Having an online degree doesn't make it as easy to get a job as a well known brick and mortor, but consider the accreditations that WGU has compared to some podunk regional schools, you stand a better chance with WGU. Besides online/distance education is a remarkably growing field and soon they will be nationally recognized. I don't mind that my resume will say WGU b/c in 10 years or 20 when this is a nationally renowned prgram, it will have served me well. And a license issued by a state is still a license regardless of where I got my training.
Grow up and take some responsibility for your own education. Stop placing the blame elsewhere and accept that it is what it is.

Teacher-to-be November 23, 2007 at 5:02 p.m.

I am having problems getting a teaching position --> becuase of my WGU degree. If you want to be taken seriously, no matter how responsible you are, go to a defferent school. I wasted 2 1/2 years and a lot of money on a worthless WGU degree.

Sad November 29, 2007 at 4:31 p.m.

I am currently in a field that leaves no time to go to a regular college. I was so hoping to enroll in the teaching program and change fields. Reading all these negative reviews has really broken my heart. Now I am scared to do it, I am afraid the degree will not be recognized by a school district when attempting to get a job.

WGU Alum December 3, 2007 at 6:54 p.m.

I have completed the entire BAIS (teachers program for Elem. Ed.) and did not have a problem getting hired in Virginia. I, personally, was happy with the program and learned a great deal. I think the reason many people are unhappy is because they do not do well with independent learning.

DHOLLEY December 12, 2007 at 3:54 a.m.

There is one simple truth: independent learning is not for everyone. Some people are cut out for it and some people are not.
I have found the program I am enrolled in at WGU to be challenging and rewarding. I have learned a lot and STRONGLY believe that I will be well prepared to enter into the teaching profession.
It is a good program IF you are able to learn independently.

The truth December 17, 2007 at 3:16 p.m.

I got my degree at WGU. I can learn independently. People are unhappy with WGU because the program is poorly respected and WGU's very poor student services.

Jacob Metro December 31, 2007 at 4:26 a.m.

I am something of a student of non-traditional learning as I have earned my associates, bachelors, and masters degree through non-traditional and online schools. My most recent degree earned was the MBA from Western Governors University. It was by far a more rigorous than those offered by two other main-stream, traditional colleges.

The rigor doesn't come from the course materials, even if all of my case studies (completion required in addition to the actual assessment process developed internally by WGU) were licensed from ivy league schools such as Wharton and Harvard (specifically from Wharton and Harvard, among others). The rigor comes from the flexible schedule (forcing me to be self-motivated), the detailed and clearly painstakingly modeled competencies (forcing me to think very hard about requirements, work output, and proving my case), and the independent testing (also required for graduation) from leading assessment providers in business, mathematics, physical science, operations management...the list goes on.

In fact as a component of my education I was required to embark on a 1.5 year business change project for my organization in which I tied together the independent requirements of a number of business functions in a detailed analysis of the month-closing cash cycle. It was one of the most challenging things I've ever done in my life.

Not that the material was above my comprehension because my friends and family call me something of a "geek" and have even labelled me a "genius savant" (not a good thing to be sure), but once I learned the material enough to pass WGU's examination process, and enough to pass the case studies, and the third-party independent assessors, I then had to go out and get my employers to agree to let me perform the project as a part of my work. I was NOT monitored or coached in my performance of the project by either WGU mentors nor my employer.

Jacob Metro December 31, 2007 at 4:27 a.m.

Work hard and you go somewhere. Work smart and you go the direction you wish to go. Work hard and smart and you will be pleased with the results of your work. If you weren't pleased at WGU, I suspect you aren't pleased with you life.

This may be because of the types of choices you make.

Certainly, you can attend WGU and meet the lowest passing competency-level allowed for a given project...And you will pass and get your degree.

I can just about guarantee that unless you change your behavior in the real-world, your performance will be meager and your satisfaction dimmed.

Now to some well-posed questions on this message board:

A BS degree at WGU is accorded the exact same respect in academia as a BS from Cornell. At least officially...And, if you think about it, that's all that really counts.

Administrators not familiar with the WGU model and process might smirk when processing paperwork to put you in the MBA program but by the same rules that universities follow to maintain their own accreditation, a WGU degree must be respected.

To determine whether WGU is a good school for you is, unfortunately quite difficult.

The WGU model requires highly independant thinking and mentor-interaction skills. My wife is a smart woman. She couldn't even finish the first class (the class that helps you understand whether you can complete the degree program successfully). It simply wasn't the right model for her.

Do you need to read a book a week? No. Do you need to have a certain IQ? Not really.

Here's what you need to have:
1. An honest desire to learn.
2. A willingness to screw up.
3. Hope that you can complete all the tasks set in front of you.

Jacob Metro December 31, 2007 at 4:28 a.m.

I've seen some classmates of mine take more than 6 years to complete a bachelor and master at WGU. I've seen others complete both in less than 3 years. Since you are billed the same amount no matter how much you learn (or little) the impetus clearly is on reducing the number of billing cycles which increases the amount learned per period.

For a quick and dirty risk assessment...

Read any novel through. Record the time it took you to read the novel. Without referring to the novel, write out the basic plot of the novel in a 1 page synopsys. Record the time it took you to write the synopsys. Read another novel of similar length. Record the time it took you to read the novel. Keep a journal or interesting thoughts or plot twists or ideas that came during reading the second novel. Without referring to the novel (but using your notes) again write out a basic plot for the second novel, this time on 2 pages. Record the time it took you to write the second synopsys.

If you are able to complete my instructions, you should have no problems with independant learning. If you're clever you'll find different patterns of thinking starting to crop up more frequently during the reading of the second novel. That's important, because you're thinking about getting the most critical information from the novel to use in your synopsys as you're reading... If you've got those skills even in a weak form, you are an independant learner and will be just fine.

Jacob M. Metro, MBA ---- j.metro at juno.com

Jenn January 4, 2008 at 11:07 p.m.

I agree with Heather about the NCATE accrediting. It is very valuable and most states I know of recognize it and are willing to certify and happily employ teachers from NCATE schools.

Not to mention the fact that most states are BEGGING for teachers. If you get your degree and meet the requirements to go on to be certified in your state, especially if you are HS or MS certified, you'll likely get a job quickly.

I would both agree and disagree that WGU is what it claims to be.

Some aspects of what they advertise have been right on the money. However, like a reviewer commented - it is not necessarily the "work at your own pace" program that it claims to be.

On the good side, this school is not something you just easily breeze through as one poster commented. As another responded to her, she must not be in the mathematics program. There are some taskstream based components which may be easy, but finishing those is not the same as passing the content assessment. You do have to have a good understanding of the subject matter as a whole to do well on those tests. Additionally, if you've ever done a capstone project, you know its not something a monkey could do. For mathematics I'll have to create my own curriculum, teach it and report on the data from that experience. That's not monkey business. My husband got his IT degree from WGU last year. His capstone was MAJOR work - and he's no dummy.

On the bad side, like one reviewer commented, I have found that they are now not giving us the entire 6 month term that they advertise. I'm currently in a dispute with them over this.

Also, some of the work I've been asked to do in some of the lower level classes has been very ambiguous. You can know the content backward and forward and still not understand what the task is asking for. In these cases, you go with your best guess and let the graders comments guide you when they send your work back for revision. Being a person who likes to get things done and done right the first time, this is a little frustrating for me, but I can deal with it as long as what is asked of me in the long run isn't nuts (like the time the obviously biased history grader took issue with an essay I wrote because it didn't contain any number of facts which he/she personally wanted included, but which were unrelated to the task).

In those cases you make a reasonable revision and submit again, hoping to get another grader, hoping not to get a weirdo grader like another history one I had who did not believe that people in the northern states had slaves.

I'd tell anyone to try it out - as long as they first checked to see if anyone around would accept their work as transfer credits should they decide it wasn't for them.

My husband loved the program and has greatly benefited from his degree.

I'm still on the fence.

Kay January 17, 2008 at 4:26 a.m.

Jenn,
What did you mean that they were not giving you the entire six month term?

Matt January 20, 2008 at 3:54 p.m.

I, too have had problems with WGU. I had to reschedule an assessment three times before I completed it. Apparently they did not have it active for me. I thought of withdrawing because of the assessment issues. Yes, they do change the program requirements quite a bit, such as the fore mentioned change in time frames (having to complete all tasks in 5 1/2 months instead of 6) and demonstration teaching. Another issue I really was disappointed with was the fact they disabled the old message board. The old message board was basically a free-for-all; the cantor varied from students asking for help on specific assignments to education-related discussion. Now they have a message board that is just for discussing education-related topics, not for discussing specific assignments. Communication can also be an issue at WGU; I was in the process of renewing my current teaching certification, and e-mailed who I thought was the right person to handle the situation at WGU. Apparently it wasn't, the person did not forward on the message to the proper personnel, and my application was denied. Fortunately I found the right person, and renewed my certification with out a problem.

But, you have to understand that WGU is still an infant program. For WGU to already have NCATE accreditation at its age of existence is incredible! I attended a brick and mortal college for my first degree, and they just earned NCATE accreditation...140 years after it became a college!

WGU will be ever so changing until they find a right combination that works on a consistent basis. They at least try and fix things that are not working. No matter what school you attend, you will have the same battles with administration and support services. It is important that, lastly, one understands that WGU is not an institution where you walk in to a classroom, sit down and listen to a professor lecture at prescribed times. WGU is an institution where you need to be incredibly self-motivated, and want to do the work. It is very intensive, and it was just now I have found out I am learning more through WGU than I did at the brick and mortar school. You get what you put into it; you do things half-assed, you're going to come out a half-assed product. But if you do put in the time and do it right, WGU can be as rewarding, if not more rewarding than any other program.

Current WGU student January 30, 2008 at 5:04 p.m.

The major point of complaints against WGU is a non-ending stream of course changes, exam changes, fee hikes, mentor changes, policy changes, message board environment changes, arbitrary deadline changes, paranoid control of online WGU environment.
Most, if not all of these changes happen without warning or posted somewhere in small print, sometimes in the middle of a term.
Most complaints against WGU have NOTHING to do with people's motivation and willingness to learn independently. It has to do utter lack of professionalism and concern for student well-being on behalf of the institution. WGU is run by a bunch of politically appointed hacks who care nothing about student interests. That's the problem.

anonymous February 6, 2008 at 4:32 a.m.

I have to agree with "current wgu student." I was very motivated and very disciplined in doing the tasks when enrolled at WGU. The problem at this school is an apparent lack of care or response to legitimate problems and concerns even when brought to WGU's attention. One could attempt to carry a problem to a higher level. However, that should not even be necessary. Even accredited universities can have serious problems. "Current student" is probably still enrolled there because he or she is stuck in a program which can't be transferred elsewhere.

Gunner Bob February 14, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

I successfully completed one term at WGU. I will not go back.
It has been a nightmare at WGU.
The terms are not six months, because you have to finish before the sixth month. I spent the 1st month doing a bunch of nonsense work on how to be a student. It was a huge waste of time for a worthless one credit. It was more work than the three credit chemistry class.
How about the five star review - that claims they completed 57 credits in six months! I can't see how that is done, it takes me weeks to get one assessment scheduled. It takes a long time to get single little essay graded. They made me take courses from the Museum of Natural Science, that did not count, but wasted time. I am an independent worker that had little trouble with the course work. In fact much of it was mundane high school level type stuff. Almost insulting to be doing it at this level.
It appeared they were purposely slowing me down. The amount of mis-information they gave me was annoying. The mentor knew less about the topics than I did. I learned very little completing 18 credits in six months. Since I am looking for a challenge, I will be going to a more traditional school. WGU is a joke to those looking to advanced their education. It is good if you want to breeze through a cheap program and get a degree. But to me a waste of money. I want to advance my knowledge and my degree - but I did not get $3,000 worth of knowledge. So WGU is a poor value.
They claim to be military friendly, but make you take a bunch of courses that are impossible to get tuition assistance for.

Struggling Student February 18, 2008 at 7:14 p.m.

I have a Bachelors degree from the University of Phoenix, I graduated with nearly a 4.0 GPA. I have been with WGU for a year in their Teachers College and it has been a NIGHTMARE! I fear my degree won't be worth much when I am done. I have only three terms left, so I will stay but I would never recommend it to anyone. Some supports claim the unhappy ones are not able to be self taught, complete tasks, or have the competencies needed to be happy at WGU. Well I do, I have years of experience and it is not the work which is hard... it is the total lack of support. They claim you have it, etc., but you will find that one out of five mentors could care less. There are the few exceptions as I have a friend who has a great mentor... but I have had several and they have all disappointed me. If you don't mind being alone, having someone grade your work who has no idea what your doing and you don't have any questions.... You might like it! All I can say is go and see but if you were my friend I would say RUN, don't look back! Accredited or not, in time we will all be a joke with employers, especially if WGU doesn't become more "Customer Service" oriented and stops people from feeling the need to bash them. The more students like myself and other bash them the less credible the degree program. FIX IT WGU, make us HAPPY!

pj February 21, 2008 at 2:24 a.m.

I am working in my first 6 months at WGU and finding all this worries me.

1- I was a homeschool mom for 15yrs and developed a lot of my own lessons for my children. So I KNOW I can distance learn... but that isn't the real question ... the real question is will the degree be accepted and respected.

2-The best answer to all of this is go to some of the places you hope to be employed (local schools for me) and ask them what they think of a degree from WGU... then you will know if you are in the right place.

3-I remember my first few years homeschooling. Thank goodness my kids didn't complain this much as I made adjustments to the "plan". Hey, something new always goes through stages.

pj February 27, 2008 at 2:56 a.m.

I have not had any problems with WGU either. My mentor always answers my emails promptly and I have enjoyed the process so far 100%. I agree with Pamela... the more you put into it the more you will get out of it!

USN PO1 February 28, 2008 at 6:05 p.m.

I looked into WGU. They cost far more than my tuition assistance will pay. I am only allowed to sign up for 1 or 2 classes at a time. WGU tried to get me to sign up for six months, take as many classes as I want type thing. My Chief said to go to AMU, they will let you take a course at a time and it is a lot cheaper.

Dick March 1, 2008 at 5 a.m.

There is definately a cult mentality with the WGU supporters here. Everybody knows this type of school is a back-door ticket punch diploma. Who are you trying to fool? Yourselves?? Almost everybody gets completely ripped off. It's all about the money. There are people here talking about how tough WGU is just to lend it credibility. Most say the work is juvenile. So many disappointed, rejected and ridiculed people who lay claim to being degreed by one of these places. It's your life. Blow it as you wish. Now...bring on the people who say "most people are narrow minded and just don't understand accreditation. In time WGU will be accepted. Join us, Join us, Join us". (That's the cult crap I'm talkin' about)

Ashlee March 12, 2008 at 4:33 a.m.

I am a current WGU student enrolled in the BA Social Science / Teaching Licencure program. I am currently in my fifth sememster. Let me start by saying that I would love to attend a "brick and mortar" institution but my current schedule would not allow it. That being said, I have had minimal issues with WGU, and am satisfied with my experience.

The issues I have had with the University are:
1- Never getting the Financial Aid office to return calls (but what school is this not true of?)
2- Minor revisions in the online learning format
3- A major structure overhall of my degree program - but it turned out to be better suited for me in the long run.

So yes, there are some issues with the school. However, all the staff have been helpful, and I have had no problem being accepted to student teach at the high school right down the street from me.

Being an independant learner is the most important thing. You get very little direction from your mentor, and must develop a learning strategy that suits your needs. Some classes do involve endless pumping out of essays, others are simply self-study for a few months to pass a locally proctored exam. The most interesting class was writing & public speaking... in which I had to video record my speach (on an extensive research paper) and send it to be graded.

I have attended both WGU and a regular University. The major difference in the WGU experience is that I am able to sort through the course of study, determine what I am already competent in, and focus on the areas in which I need improvement - without falling asleep at 8am lectures.

Joe March 14, 2008 at 5 a.m.

I'm suprised that an NCATE school would get such low marks.

Victor March 18, 2008 at 2:17 a.m.

Has anyone completed the BS in IT from WGU and actually put it to work? I would love to hear from anyone that has done it. I am actually considering enrolling in the near future, but I need some feedback please. Thanks in advance.

Gail March 19, 2008 at 7:50 p.m.

what i should have asked is how do i get my Masters from a traditional college if i can't transfer credits?

Gail March 20, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.

Thanks for responding. I haven't started WGU as yet. I was wondering if after I get my BA in Education if I can transfer to a local college to get my Masters. I've been told that local colleges check your transcripts and obviously if WGU doesn't use credits i wouldn't be able to get into a Masters program. I don't want to waste my time at WGU.

Gail March 21, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.

Thanks so much for answering my question. I was telling my friend who has been a teacher for 7 years about WGU, and he was skeptical because the school didn't offer credits. He was stating I would have a hard time getting into a Masters Program. Thank you very much for clearing this up. Have you been to WGU and if so, what was your Major?

to gail March 23, 2008 at 3:48 p.m.

I entered the MAT in SS and am now a doctoral candidate in a top 25 education grad program. Getting in to selective grad schools is more about your GRE scores than anything else.

to jacob March 25, 2008 at 6:53 a.m.

I don't see what drive and flexibility have to do with grad school admissions.

Nathan April 3, 2008 at 3:08 a.m.

I am a WGU student working on my B.S. in business management. I just finished my first term and I have been very pleased so far. My mentor has always been responsive and I have had no trouble scheduling/taking the assessments. This school is definitely not a diploma mill as the course work has been very challenging and enlightening. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone that is self-motivated/self-directed. The business I work for full-time accepts degrees from WGU just the same as any other school.

Jacob Metro April 6, 2008 at 7:41 p.m.

I don't normally feel it necessary to respond to everything that someone says because people are entitled to their opinions but to respond to the point of "to jacob": Drive and motivation are important factors in gaining access to grad school but flexibility and the ability to learn and use the system have been essential to me in making progress in any of my educational ventures so far and those attributes are coming in handy in my doctoral program as well.

bill April 8, 2008 at 8:34 p.m.

I need to know if this school is legit. I have read all the complaints and praises. Frankly most of the complaints I read are the same complaints I had while attending my junior college on-line classes so those don't tell me allot. What I find a little odd and suspicious is the strange way the representatives of this school act like used car salesmen when trying to get a person signed up. It seems like they must get a commission if you sign on the line. Perhaps I’m too paranoid but I just want to be sure this school is legitimate.

to jacob April 9, 2008 at 6:44 a.m.

They may be coming in handy in your programs but they didn't have much to do with you getting accepted.

to julie:

NCATE is VERY important in the field of education. If one can find an online degree from WGU they should take that over anything else that isn't NCATE... including Drexel. NCATE has reciprocity with all 50 states and territories making certification across borders easy. Non-NCATE programs do not make it easy and many states will not even accept degrees that aren't NCATE.

to JW April 13, 2008 at 12:55 a.m.

For the record, no Ivy League has an undergraduate school of education so the point is moot. NCATE is in the business of accrediting licensure programs and if you want to get into Ivy League graduate programs you better have an NCATE degree because that is who it's for. There are several states that require your degree to be NCATE or they won't even grant you a provisional license.

I don't know what district you teach in but I get paid for having a second masters that has nothing to do with education or even my content area. Rather than blowing money on another degree you should think about moving to a district that will pay you what you are worth.

to Bill April 25, 2008 at 12:04 p.m.

This school is definitely legit. One of the reasons I can say that it because they are certified by the VA (Veteran's Administration). It is not easy for a school to get certified by the VA. I looked into a few other online schools that had pending VA certifications, and all said the adjudication process was rigorous and lengthy.

As far as my experience with the school goes...it has been awesome. I started while I was working in Iraq. I had an AA from Axia (Part of UoPhoenix); all of my credits transfered. I also had several industry certifications from Microsoft and others. I got credit for them since they were already part of my degree plan. Oh yeah, my mentor is also a PhD.

I now have just 3 courses left on my degree. The amount of money and time I saved with WGU is amazing. Less than $3k for 6 months....no other online school can compete.

NJ Teacher May 7, 2008 at 2:41 a.m.

I am in my 2nd term at WGU and I love it. While I complete my coursework, I work as a substitute teacher. My WGU courwework has allowed me to obtain several teaching jobs so far. I am currently working in a 5th grade maternity leave position. The teachers who supervised me during my field experiences were extremely impressed with the program and with me. My principal is impressed with the program as well and feels that this is the way the movement is headed. My experiences also helped me land a summer teaching job and a tutoring job.
I started this program because I was working full time and could not attend school physically. I did the research and saw that the school was certainly qualified and seemed legit, and it really is.
My mentor is awesome. Like any job, I think that there are people who are good and bad at it. Some students might get stuck with bad mentors, the same way you can get bad professors or advisors. My mentor is helpful and responds right away with any questions. The school I did my field experience in was more than happy to take me and is where I work now as a 5th grade long term sub. I found that the Taskstream tasks were a mix- some of them are easy while others require very extensive work. I think this is a good mix.
I will say that I do not always read all of the texts, but I think that the study guides require a lot of self-discipline and are very detailed, more detailed than some regular class syllabuses that I have seen.
The best part is that the post-bac program can go right into an MA for teaching. I am moving through my program quickly and feel that I am getting a lot out of the money and time I put into it.
It really depends on you. It's not for everyone. You do have to do some things on your own, like finding schools to do your field experience in, but I find that I have gotten a lot of help and advice from my mentor when I am questioning myself.
I am still a student but have had extreme success in the education field so far. I live right near a huge college for education too, and this just proves that it may depend on the person, and not the institution that provides your degree.
If you cannot handle being self-guided and regimented, then this program probably is not for you. If you enjoy working by yourself and are a fast worker, then this is a good program for you. I have had a lovely experience so far.

Chris May 7, 2008 at 11:49 p.m.

I am in my second term at WGU. I have an outstanding mentor, but the mentor is not a teacher. You have a mentor for your overall needs and requirements who is there to help keep you on track. Also, each subject has one or more mentors for the particular competency you are working on and they are also very helpful. There are online chats and message boards, student liasons and other resources. The grading is not easy, but the graders get your scores to you in a reasonable amount of time. I was told it would take up to 5 days for one grade and I got a result the next day with good feedback. WGU is not perfect but they are constantly trying to improve things. College is a personal and very important decision so I would not dream of telling anyone what to do, but I am pleased with the program so far.

Roy May 14, 2008 at 8:46 p.m.

Response to Brad:

Brad, the only way to know for sure how many credits would transfer is for your wife to apply to WGU. I think it is fair to say that most if not all her 'basics' should transfer. I too am from Texas and not only is this school accredited but they are also VA accredited and anyone who knows anything about how hard that is to come by can vouch for this school. Then again she is in the teaching field and they are the majority that seems disappointed in their experience with WGU. Give it a shot, or at least have her call them and ask all the questions she wants...they are very helpful.

regards

Tom May 20, 2008 at 8:59 a.m.

Has anybody gone through the B.S. - accounting program at WGU? I am considering it and wanted to know what experiences people have had.

Jim May 23, 2008 at 5:04 a.m.

I read on a WGU advertisement for their accounting program a disclaimer at the bottom saying that their accounting program is not for people who want to become C.P.A.'s or persue public accounting. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the program.

to Angie May 31, 2008 at 7:41 a.m.

WGU's accreditation status is I&A which means NCATE covers all BA and MA level education degrees.

www.ncate.org/institutions/stateInstit.a...

greg June 10, 2008 at 5:11 a.m.

By the way im in the nyc and nj area... and the above is what i read concerning these states..thanks again

@Liv June 14, 2008 at 1:48 a.m.

It wasn't hard at all. The WGU placement advisor sets you up at a school and tells you when to go. You have to complete 60 days student teaching.

@ Nicole June 20, 2008 at 5:41 p.m.

I lived in NC and moved to GA to teach. They are far pickier than NC school districts considering the pay scale is vastly superior down here and I got a job. Your hire will be based on their need, your experience, and your certs. I got the ESL certificate so I can get a job anywhere. WGU offers that too and I suggest you take it.

Wilson Keverenge June 21, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.

It makes no difference where you learn from, education is education is education fullstop. There those who've earned college degrees in prison etc. Great scholars of yester-year did not attend brick schools. Instead were assigned a mentor who used them as a "tools-boy", in the case of a surgeon "boy hand me that knife, boy hand me those pair of scissors and so forth.

By the way I am a "senior" at WGU IT School. I am also a veteran IT guy who started school only in August list year and has managed to challenge several certifications within a short time. Will graduate next term. I am able to prove that I can do it and WGU has said to me right-on. Right now I do have personal straggles but to me that should make me stronger not weaker nor turn me into some cry-baby...

WGU may not be perfect but its far from being imperfect. Its a school for mature people, both literally and metaphorically.

Carol28 June 23, 2008 at 1:03 a.m.

I will begin the MA Special Education program in July 2008. I want to hear from current or former special education students. How was the program? How long did it take them to finish?

Carol28 June 27, 2008 at 2:57 a.m.

Thank you for that information.