B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) Reviews

Education of a LifeTime

By: Anonymous (Graduate) on November 13, 2009

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I’d no intention of writing a review today.  But when I came across some of the reviews here, I decided to reply.   If your motivating question is "How quickly can I pass with as little effort as possible?", do WGU, its students &  yourself a favor …  MOVE ON!  WGU is not for you.  Or, frankly, for any  reviewer  talking about color books, too easy tests , bouncing from mentor to mentor looking for one who will tell them the answers, or who don't bother to read instructions (on financial aid pages or elsewhere).       To reviewers who complain materials are confusing.... WELL, DUH! The materials ARE often confusing! Expect it!  That happens to me each time I’m unfamiliar with content...and need to learn it.  If it's clear at 1st glance, chances are there are experiences in my background that made it so.  That’s what a competency based model is all about. Don't waste another minute.  Pass it! Move on!  WGU lets you handcraft your program to fit your goals.  Use their course of study as a base, and build from there.  My focus has been international and virtual education.  Because I am in charge of how and where I use my time at WGU, I was able to pack up my program and take it to a real-time second grade class in China, while still studying virtually in the states. Go ahead ... Name ANY other online teachers college that insists you have tons of supervised in-school experiences before walking into your student teaching classroom ...AND supports you in finding that opportunity!  What other university gives you weekly personal mentor support when you need it AND leaves you to study undisturbed for a month when you don't?      Having gotten to the 'almost completed' point three other times ... and having to start over because brick & mortars can't accommodate family moves ... I've sufficient experience to make a comparison of WGU, brick & mortars and other online universities.  For example, I've human development courses from 4 colleges (non-transfer policies at all).    WGU's course is more academically rigorous than that at the state university, more unbiased than the expensive private university, and totally lacking in any of the irrelevant busy work demanded by a highly rated online university. WGU's course did seem a bit hodge-podge at first glance, but it didn't take long to see it was because they were pulling the most relevant materials from multiple learning sources.     I reiterate here what other reviewers have already said.  If you are a self-motivated learner who is busy working a full time job, raising a family and still want to attend full time... or if you are a full time student who is willing to work hard to accelerate through a 4 year degree in as little as a year ... WGU is for you.  Otherwise... choose elsewhere. No Teachers -10 because WGU teaches you to teach yourself.

Complete waste of time!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on October 4, 2009

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I have been enrolled in the interdisciplinary K-8 program for a year now. I too have endured mentor changes, course changes and no support from the community leaders/mentors. The tasks are tedious and inconsistent. MOst of which have to be submitted and resubmitted several times before they are passed. They take forever to grade. The course work does not match up with the text information. I too have found that the information that was in my coursework was not the same information I was tested on. I am planning on withdrawing from this program and finding a more traditional program. I would NOT recommend this program to anyone. It is a colossal waste of time and money!

The Best School for Me

By: sherrystarling (In Progress) on August 16, 2009

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I can never understand why people are so spiteful on these review boards. If you messed up with a program, don't roast it and turn away newcomers! I know the first time I attended college it didn't work out, but it was MY fault, not theirs. Now that I went with WGU in spite of the reviews I am so happy with my experience. Have I been ticked off at times? Yes, but no more hassels with any other school. I would never been able to finish my degree at a traditional college, but I am more than halfway through and extreemely satisfied. You HAVE to work and you will have deadlines. And for teachers in texas and all states: If you go to school in one state (Utah for WGU) you also have to CERTIFY in the state you want to teach in. It's the same for people who go to college out of state and then move back home. It is standard operating procedure.

WGU IS WONDERFUL!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on July 19, 2009

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On June 15, 2009, someone calling themselves anonymous said to not trust WGU because Texas does not recognize the degree. I am currently a 3rd year student at WGU and I am from Texas. Texas DOES recognize the degree. I am sorry that you received incorrect information. The only thing that Texas does not recognize is the teacher certification. Once you complete the WGU program and have taken the Utah state exams, you will have a bachelor's degree and a teacher certification, but the teacher certification will be for the State of Utah. You will have to file for what they call reciprocity in Texas. You can obtain a temporary teacher certification for the State of Texas when you complete the program. Then you are required to take the Texas state exams within a year to be certified in Texas. So, yes Texas does recognize the degree from WGU, just an extra step has to be taken for the teacher certification process. Hope this clears things up.

I am COMPLETELY happy with my experience at WGU and would highly recommend it to anyone.

HORRIBLE

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on May 29, 2009

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THIS UNIVERSITY IS NOT A REPUTABLE OR ONE OF INTEGRITY! This university does like to work with students.  They are in a constant state of change and will change policies and classes mid stream.  The professors will not offer and advice or encouragment and will instruct you to refer to your mentor for answers.  Beware of scholarships offered, they will not give you a scholarship in full, however, they will give you an allotement and then take the money away, because of policies that are not stated up front.  Professors do not read any work submitted to thier online bulletinboard and a computer reads works and generates reports that will wrongly accuse you of plagerism, because something was quoted correctly. This university does not follow thru on any thing and addresses concerns or questions once to passify, then it is put into a drawer and forgotten until the student addresses it, then many excuses will be made and again passification will be attempted.

This school was an awful experience and I would NEVER reccommend this to anyone seeking a reputable university.

Great Value & Support

By: Anonymous (Graduate) on May 12, 2009

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WGU is a wonderful school but fact check before you believe everything written below. All evaluators and mentors have BAs and most have MAs. Previous reviews that stated to the contrary are completely false. Also note that this is a non profit university so people who are insinuating WGU is stringing students along for money are a bit paranoid. Unlike Phoenix or Capella, their bottom line is fulfilling their mission to provide equal access to education for all. But do note that while this school is competency based, it doesn't translate into direct credit for your experience- you still need to demonstrate competency by passing assessments. They are currently doing a complete overhaul of their transfer policies for the BA programs to make them more friendly to students with previous academic experience and re structuring the assessments to reduce repetition with tasks in Task Stream. Your mentor is your best support system and can provide motivation and direction, but your education is still your responsibility and if you tend to procrastinate and not do well without strict deadlines, think about this choice carefully. WGU is also providing content mentors to assist with specific content over the phone and online so there is more academic support for students who need it. They are also the only online school to offer teacher certification in all 50 states in an NCATE accredited program. Do your homework before committing, but WGU is the way to go for busy adults who are COMMITTED to getting a degree and can manage their own learning.

VERY SATISFIED

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on April 30, 2009

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I AM CURRENTLY IN MY FIRST TERM AT WGU. I HAVE TO SAY I WAS VERY NERVOUS GOING INTO THIS VENTURE BECAUSE OF THE STUDENT LOANS ETC. I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER WITH HOW THINGS ARE GOING. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A STAY AT HOME ANYTHING TO GO HERE. I WORK A 40 HOUR WEEK AND GO OUT ON THE WEEKENDS WITH FRIENDS AND STILL HAVE TIME TO DO SCHOOL WORK. ITS CALLED MAKING IT WORK PEOPLE. READ WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO, COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO IN TASKSTREAM, WHICH IS WHAT ALL THE COLLEGES I KNOW OF USE, AND TAKE THE PROCTORED TESTS. THATS IT. EVERYTHING IS LINED UP FOR YOU WEEK BY WEEK IN THE GUIDED LEARNING TOOLS AND IF YOU WANT TO GO THROUGH IT FASTER, FIT IT 2 WEEKS IN 1. MY MENTOR GWEN IS THE BEST. SHES LIKE A FRIEND. SHES NOT STUFFY AND RUDE LIKE MOST COUNCLERS AT OTHER SCHOOLS. I LOOK FORWARD TO OUR CALLS EVERY WEEK. AS FOR ESSAYS AND SUCH MY GOD WHAT SCHOOL DOESN'T HAVE YOU WRITE PAPERS. UMMMM HELLO THATS A PART OF SCHOOL. GET OVER IT. AND IF YOU FOLLOW THE RUBRIC YOU'LL PASS. STAY ON POINT DON'T RAMBLE ON TO FILL SPACE AND ITS THAT EASY. SOME ONE ALSO WROTE ON HERE ABOUT HAVING TO PAY BACK MONEY BORROWED TO GO TO SCHOOL. ARE YOU KIDDING? ITS CALLED A LOAN. FIGURE IT OUT.

Good so far

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on April 24, 2009

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I'm in my 1st month of my term, and I'm already through about 4 classes that would have taken me a semester to get through in a traditional college.  That's why I rate it at a 10 for value.  For $3000 over 6 months, you can accelerate at your own pace, move the program as quickly as you have time to devote to it, and get your degree super fast.  It's not easy - let's put that up front.  But I'm no super-whiz and as long as you devote the time to it, you will get through it quickly.  This program, as with all online schools is not for people who aren't self-motivated.  You've got to be your own disciplinarian.  Don't expect your mentor to hand hold you.  In fact, I've found so far that I've got to lay down the law with my mentor right up front about how I want things done and push them to sign me up for more courses. If you're clear and honest with your enrollment counselor when you sign up and then just push your mentor through your program, this is a tremendous value.

Excellent College for Hard Working Individuals!!!

By: Anonymous (Graduate) on April 23, 2009

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WGU is an excellent school for people who have the time to devote to their education.  I completed my BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in a little over a year, I did transfer in several credits but this was still way ahead of time.  I am very proud to say that I graduated from WGU.  My community is very accepting and I have jad job offers at three different schools.  I am currently teaching Pre-K and loving it with the very degree that I earned from WGU.  I am a busy mother of two little boys, one of whom is Autistic and I am happily married.  I lead a very busy life, but I was determined to complete my degree and I did!  Thanks WGU for allowing me to fulfill my dream.  All of the negative responses are typical responses from any college.  I also attended regular universities, and I feel MORE confident in WGU.  I passed all of my Praxis tests with flying colors the first time I took them which is more than I can say for a lot of my coworkers who attended traditional universities.  I am currently enrolled in a Masters degree in Special Education from WGU and look forward to completing it to fulfill even more of my dreams.  I hope they continue to add degrees and branch out to offer EDS degrees!  Thanks WGU!!!

Perfect for me!

By: Morganfarm (In Progress) on April 21, 2009

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I started going to WGU in February and so far it has been amazing. I was a little scared at first but the Education Without Boundaries course really helped me understand the process. It is a simple class but will help you out in the long run. My mentor, Jamie, is excellent. She calls me every Friday at exactly 2:00 and checks up on how I did for the week and asks if I have any questions. You can also move this to a call every 2 weeks if you feel very comfortable but it keeps me on track if I hear from her every week. Its your choice. 

I am 19 years old and this was a much more affordable way for me to get my degree. It will be about half as much as a traditional college. This type of online education will work best with well motivated students who can stay on track and not have people tell them what to do. If you need a teacher telling you what work to do everyday then this school is not for you. My enrollment counselor, Anabelle, was also very helpful to me. Sometimes the counselors are hard to get in touch with but if you leave a message then they will get back with you the first chance they get. 

I would recommend this school to anyone looking to further their education. Depending on how much you know and how fast you are willing to move through your classes you can get done earlier. I have been there for 2 months and already have almost 6 out of 12 credits. I am going to take my test for the class I am taking now in 3 days. 

Another thing that I liked about this school was that they dont have the traditional breaks. Your terms are for 6 months but you can take up to a 5 month long break after that if you want to. If you need a week or two off for a trip or something then you just call your mentor so that they will know you are not going to be doing aby work for those days. Simple as that.

I can not say enough great things about this college! But if you are an easy learner, self motivated, and dont NEED people around to tell you what to do then this school is wonderful for you!

K-8 Interdiscipline Works for me

By: amyleestewart (In Progress) on March 29, 2009

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I have read several previous reviews and thought I should write me own. I too am teaching in the private sector and am working on completing the K-8 interdiscipline so I can get my state certification. My mentor has been very supportive and has guided me every step of the way. I feel very confident that WGU is preparing me to receive my certification. The school does state that courses are non transferable to other universities. I like the aspect of being able to continue to teach and take courses.

There is something wrong with you!

By: cjmyer2001 (In Progress) on March 18, 2009

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 I have 4 friends who have received diploma's from WGU and were hired after student teaching.  They listed the school and the employer had no problem with where they went to school.  

I myself will finish in one more term and already have two schools who want me.  You have to work hard for your degree and the employers are realizing it.

Jan

Why WGU Is For Me

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 12, 2009

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So many people are talking about how they learn nothing and don't feel it will help them teach their students later. I took a different approach.

I've been teaching in the private sector while trying to earn my degree. After all, the best learning comes from actual experience (something you won't get from a traditional college class either). The argument for and against WGU comes down to people who want a lecture and those, like me, who detest lectures.

Some of us chose WGU so that we can get the certifications and move on. I really don't need some professor telling me how to teach. I've taught. I have letters of recommendations from parents of students, credentialed co-teachers, and school board members that back up my work. WGU is only being used so that I can be certified and recognized by "the system".

Really, it's a matter of conformity. If I could get the credential based on current and past teaching experience, there would be no need for WGU. I need WGU so I can continue to teach and work on the "paper work" part of teaching at the same time.

The problem is not WGU

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on February 9, 2009

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I am currently in my third term with WGU.  My mentor is fabulous.  For all those with bad mentors, may I say I feel for you.  I would not be able to make it without mine.  I do, however, feel the issue is not with WGU or its staff but with taskstream and its graders.  All of my problems are with the rubrics and graders.  Indeed, the term "all" is appropriate because I have had at least one issue with practically every task.  The issues have ranged from serious to simply annoying.  My only criticism with WGU would be to consider seriously their involvement with taskstream.  I agree the tasks are not easy and are most definately not spoonfed to you, however, they are often graded randomly, subjectively, and many times inaccurately.  My experience with WGU has been on a scale of 1 to 10 a strong 9, but taskstream gets a whoping 1!!!

Disappointed - Poor Curriculum

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 25, 2009

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My recommendation: do your homework and ask to see the online content, course structure, and grading process before you sign up at WGU. I am a hard-working student with prior Big-10 university and community college experience. I just finished my first semester (BA - Math Teaching) and have decided to leave based on the poor course content and structure. I do not feel confident that this school would properly prepare me to teach. IMPORTANT TO KNOW: The courses are not designed by or taught by WGU instructors. Instead, the course content is all over the board - it's a hodge-podge of content from different learning sites and excerpts from textbooks. The grading is completely unreliable and inconsistent - there are a pool of graders that randomly grade your papers and assignments. Some pass your work with perfect scores, while others will reject the exact same work multiple times. Unlike traditional grading, where you get a number score and an actual grade, with WGU you will not pass a course until all of your assignments are completed. In my experience, it seemed that their "competency-based" process translated to "100% passing." I am so disappointed that WGU did not work out. I was really was looking forward to getting my degree at WGU because it was the only math teaching program I found that would allow me to earn my degree while continuing to work full time. I will now pursue a different degree at another institution that offers better course content and an actual instructor with a reliable grading process. My only positive experience at WGU: my mentor was really great! I would have given her a 10, except the generic support category on this survey seems to encompass more than advisement. Warning - beware of the financial aid office - it's a complete disaster! I dealt with several people who promised to fix their error and none of them did, even after escalating it to a supervisor.

Western Governers University was a joke!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 20, 2009

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I took WGU courses online and it was the most confusing, frustrating time of my entire college experience.  The graders were looing for things that had no relevence to the rubric and when they did not pass your submissions you were given vague reasons as to why making it very difficult to make changes and try to pass it. The easier courses actually had an assignment that said copy this, in your own words and submit it.  I actually felt like I left that course learning nothing at all.  I am retaking that course at a good college because otherwise I'd feel like I would not be prepared to teach that to my future students.  When I told my new guidance counselor about the course she agreed that I should retake it.  The other students were more helpful than the graders, mentors or teachers.  The mentor I had was completely useless, she changed my courses around every few weeks.  I was told to study for a science course and 1 week before I was planning to take the test she decided to change my courses and I now needed to read 2 novels, 2 playwrights, write papers and study for the Literary test which she set for the date of the science test I was studying for.  Now I am paying for school loans for courses that I passed at WGU that my current college doesn't accept.  I would not recommend this "school" to anyone.

WGU is a great college...

By: khenson7 (In Progress) on November 24, 2008

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I have always had the desire to go to college, but during my senior year of high school I got pregnant.  I wanted to stay at home with my baby and be a full time mommy and wife instead of being a part time college student and having a part time job.  With WGU I am able to work at my own pace which is convenient because I do my work at night when my daughter is asleep.  I was able to test out of subjects that I already knew!  Of course I had to complete the work for it- like 7 tasks and then was able to refer for my test. (Which I did when I was half way finished with the tasks so I wouldn't lose time!)  Anyways, at the rate I am going I will have this degree in 3 years instead of 4!  I am so proud and excited that I will be a college graduate while I was a full time mommy and wife.  I have a nice mentor who helps me with any problems that should arrise- very seldom do any.  I would highly recommend WGU to anyone seeking a college degree! WGU is harder for some people because it is a college that you have to stay devoted and focused on because there aren't any classroom settings or teachers so it is easier to stray away from the importance of your work.

Awesome Program

By: sjjwhite (Graduate) on September 24, 2008

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I Graduated from WGU and would recommend it to anyone who is diciplined enogh to take the incentive to do their class work on their own.  I could not have finished my degree any other way because of time and family commitments.

Great for people who want to learn

By: L_Stapley (In Progress) on May 23, 2008

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I am in my third year here at WGU it is a great school for people who are willing to learn and work independently. I have had a few difficulties but none I didn't have with brick and mortar school I attended. I had no problem transferring credits from the other school. My mentor is very good she has always answered my questions promptly and so has every other department in WGU. The tasks are not busy work they are designed to teach you and at least these tasks require you use your brain not just regurgitate useless facts. If you’re looking for an easy school then WGU is not for you. The mentors won’t hold your hand and give you the answers they will help you be successful but it is up to you to do the work and study hard.  I will say sometimes communication is not the best and mentors and the school could do a better job of letting you know important information.

Bachelor of Arts, Science (Bio endorsement)

By: fstvansk8a (Graduate) on April 13, 2008

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I had a lot of credits from a community college. I was planning on using the credits toward a degree in education. The college changed the required credits and only about 30 would transfer. It would have taken me another three years to finish. Then I found WGU and was very skeptical. I decided to talk to the school and I found that I could use what I knew to help me. I didn't have to sit through classes and drive downtown to hear a bunch of information I already knew. I am now done with my degree (after 1 1/2 years). Every time I doubted WGUs legitimacy or practices I was reaffirmed. I passed the Praxis II Science exam with a 195/200 (about the 99th percentile). Also, all the "Busy work" really pays off if you learn from it. When I was interviewed by my principal I was asked about things I did "busy work" on. For example, you are required to write a lengthy essay on formative assessment and summative assessment. Also you are required to write a paper on scaffolding. I was able to talk about these topics with ease the first time I talked to my principal.

Altogether, you get out of the school what you put into it. The busy work is for a reason, and everything else they require you to learn is worth learning. The people whining about the problems with the school are those that couldn't hack it. This school is not for anybody. It is for those willing to do the work. The school has policies to quickly get rid of students that are unable to do well. These are the students complaining. They do not have any policies though that will hold a person back.

For Independant, Self Disciplined Learners

By: virtue_summer (In Progress) on March 16, 2008

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I have been attending WGU since September.  I have experience attending both brick and mortar schools and other online programs, and I found that WGU compares well.  It is different than brick and mortar schools because you have to be an independant learner with self discipline.  A professor will not feed you the information and constantly keep you on task.  You must do a lot of this yourself.  Your mentor will keep in touch with you on a regular basis by  phone, though, to check  your progress and this helps.  

The tasks are not necessarily difficult, but many of them did make me think about the subject and that's the important thing.  Transferring in was easy and with the exception of a critical thinking and a science course, I had already completed all of my non teaching related requirements.  

My mentor calls me regularly and responds to my e-mail in a timely manner, and if she doesn't know the answer she always directs me to the person that does.  WGU also provides a lot of answers to common questions through their online students handbook, etc.  

The learning materials are varied and provide a good range of views.  They seem to try to avoid the bias that exists in many traditional courses due to professors who only present views that match their own.  Videos that show students and teachers interacting are extremely helpful to me, as well be in person observations in classrooms which WGU provides as well before student teaching.

I have already learned a lot, including very practical information such as a teachers legal rights in the classroom.  I don't know about other people's experiences but the graders have been very consistent with me and the rubrics are a lifesaver in terms of knowing ahead of time what is required and how the assignment will be graded.  I was never given a rubric at my brick and mortar universities.  I also enjoy not being subject to a professor's odd requirements.  At a previous university I once got an F on an essay for not having enough sentences in my paragraphs!  At WGU I revise if the comments make sense and if they don't I explain my position and it is usually respected or the reasoning of the comments clarified.  

As to cost, it's hard for me to beat WGU.  At my brick and mortar university I had to commute an hour each way and the cost of gas is astronomical, not to mention the fact that the commute cost me valuable time and slowed down my progress.  At WGU I'm getting through school faster because I can work ahead and I'm able to combine the last few requirements for my BA with the requirements for my teaching credential.  I am also available to apply for and interview for education related jobs other than teaching while I finish my credential because I don't have to work around an inflexible schedule.

Stay away from WGU!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 16, 2008

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Stay away from WGU.  It is a waste of time and money.  I am in my second year and want out.  The college changes policies very often.  The papers are busy work.  It takes almost a week to get them back.  They are graded by people who grade them the way they want.  Forget the rubic.  I do have a nice mentor.  The graders go through taskstream.  They are jokes.  No one ever sees their creditials.  I am passing the work at WGU.  This is a very bad college.  They would not take my previous credits from my college.  I have received emails from others who have had the same problems.  I was told that I could test out of subject that I have know for years.  This is not accurate.  Acculation is almost impossible.  Please, run away from this college.  Get your degree from a college that you can be proud of.  I can say that I am very ashamed of this college.

The mentors are horrible

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 9, 2008

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I can't believe what mess I've gotten myself in by signing up with this school. My mentor is absolutley insane. She placed me in the wrong program, failed to review my transcripts and then fails to make phone calls. My only suggestion for anyone taking WGU classes would be to ask alot of questions to a lot of people. You are bound to get more than one answer. Just stick to your guns and fight for what you need. I NEED certification so that I can move and make more money so I am sticking with the program but I'm actually thinking about dropping this program. I feel like my time is being wasted. The "graders" don't know what they are talking about half the time. Apparently they skim through the work and often ask for things that are already contained in the paper, task, whatever.

BEWARE!!!

I am pleased with my experience

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 25, 2008

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I have been enrolled at WGU since January 2005.  I am finishing up my last assignment currently and will then be certified to teach elementary school level. My experience with WGU has been exceptional.  I will say that there are many changes with the school at this point, but the reason for these changes are due to the growth the university is experiencing.  The program is also not for someone who needs a professor standing over them telling them what to do and when.  I have had no problems scheduling exams in my three years with the university nor have I ever waited two weeks for a response from anyone at the university. I will say that I have had a few mentors and my last one was not very helpful.  
As a WGU student, I often find it necessary to call my mentor for advice and she is available to help me immediately either through online messenger, email or phone.  I feel that as an adult student I am able to be successful in this independent learning environment and finding a great mentor was the best thing for aiding my success.  
I have and will recommend this school to anyone who is an independent learner looking to accelerate through their program.  I have enjoyed my time with this school.

Awesome school if you're motivated

By: chris (In Progress) on January 21, 2008

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WGU is the wave of the future in education.  My mentor guides my progress and answers any questions I have.  I love that the books are entirely optional!  (They tell you books are mandatory, but if you're smart and a good internet searcher, you can get away without them.)  WGU is very affordable and their cost structure encourages acceleration because it saves you money!  I came in in Sept. with my AA, and I will graduate with my state credential in only 15 mos. (including student teaching).

You get what you pay for

By: Anonymous (Graduate) on November 28, 2007

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I started out at WGU and I am already on my third mentor.  The coursework is not the problem, the problem with the school is the lack of communication.  If you have the time to spend making 5 phone calls to get one answer to an email you sent or a voicemail you left over two weeks ago, then by all means this school is for you.  If WGU would properly train their staff on how you answer phone calls and emails in a 24 hour period, the school might be worth the money.  But then again, I guess that is why the tuition is so cheap, you have to scream your head off to get an answer to one question, which takes about two minutes to answer but sucks about two weeks out of your time with the phone calls and emails you have to get just to get a response.  WGU should take some tips from the business world and learn how to respond in a professional and timely fashion to phone calls and emails.  If WGU could fix this aspect, then I would have no hesitation in recommending the school to a future educator.

WGU is Great for the right person

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on November 11, 2007

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WGU is geared for adult students that are organized and can motivate themselves.  When entering a program at WGU the student must understand that this is not a "normal" university.  There are no classes, it is self paced and the student must be able to use research skills.  I have attended WGU for a year and a half.  In that time I have had to deal with many changes at the university because they are still in a period of growth.  The main concept is great and it's a good value for the money because you can take more classes in a term if you have the time and strength and you don't pay any more for your term than you would already have paid for.  There is a lot of writing assignments and I have also found that having the books has been of minimal help, but so far I have been able to pass assessments without a lot of problems that other students seem to have.  There are message boards set up for each "assessment" and I find that they are more of gripe sessions than actual helpful information unless you direct your own questions to the facilitators who are actually part of the mentor program.  If you are interested in the education program that WGU offers, be sure to read the stipulations carefully and truly assess yourself before you sign on to do the program.  The required EWB program that you initially take as an introduction course is very valuable as you will get a sample of how things work and if you are able to work within that environment.  At that point you are able to opt out of the program if it isn't for you.  WGU is different than Phoenix University and Rio Salado as online "courses".  These two schools have structured online classes ... WGU does not have classes, but classes like these are available to take for some assessments that are included in your tuition.  WGU is not an easy alternative to college, its just a different way of going about it and you have to be disciplined to keep up with it.

Great for adults!!

By: iamamhb (In Progress) on November 2, 2007

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WGU has been a true gift!! I have had previous college experience, with my Associates out of the way, and part of my bachelors at a brick and mortar state university. I always felt like sitting in the class room was a waste of time and wished to just "do the assignments and to take the tests". Once I found WGU, I couldn't be happier! It is different from even other online courses. First of all, there are no message board requirements each week, no collaborative assignments with other students. You have the entire term to finish your assignments and take the tests. Or you may elect to finish them in a matter of weeks, and take additional courses at no additional charge!!! This is truely a school for working adults, or parents who are pressed for time. If you like getting a list of tasks (assignments), completing them, and taking a test, then this is the school for you. Many classes have books that are "recomended", yet after a quick browse through the message boards one may find that there is no need to even spend money on books for many classes. CDs and computer programs and some books are sent to you free of charge for some classes. Granted, there are no "teachers", but there are learning communities and message boards for every class with at least 2-4 leaders, who answer questions, if they arent already answered by fellow students who are very eager to help. These message boards are very detailed and questions are just as if in a real class room. If you arent sure that your doing something right, they will give examples, just as a real professor would. For those that need a bit of encouragement, there is a required relationship with a mentor, whom you will schedule phone conversations with on a regular basis. In the beginning it is at least once a week, then slows to once a month unless you need them more. You are always allowed to call when you want, or email. I have also found that other students are really helpful as well. Many of us have exchanged instant messenger names so that we can talk in real time about life, assingments or even have complaint sessions. Word of warning though, it is very very easy to put off doing assigments until the end of the term and getting caught up in stress to get them turned in with time for grading!!! so...PROCRASTINATORS BEWARE! 
The cost is only a few hundred more than what I was paying at Fayetteville State University!!! Much cheaper than other online schools that I checked out first.
Now that I have sounded like a full fledged comercial, I will leave y'all to finish my essay in RUA1.

Not Very Good

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on June 19, 2007

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WGU assigns a mentor to each student. I have had 4 mentors in 2 1/2 years because they left WGU. There is no support for the courses. The courses are composed of 6 to 10 extensive essays you are required to write. The instructions are very vague and there is no support. The text books for the course usually have very little to do with the actual work you are required to complete. The exams are not based on the text books and the competencies that the exams are based on can be up to 4-5 pages of material. You basically teach yourself and write tons and tons of essays. You need to be very good at finding your own material to complete the research and you must be willing to write about 100 or more essays depending on the degree you are working on.

Not very good

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 12, 2007

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The way this school is set up is that it is a series of test. There are no teachers and classes that you learn from. You teach yourself. I found this format to be hard. They suggest books for you to read and such but there is no assignments and no instructor telling you what you need.

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