Western Governors University

Program exceeded expectations. Courses are relevant and knowledge directly transfers to your career. No "filler" courses or "busy work" in this degree program. Their online model is fantastic. This is the modern approach to learning I've been looking for.

WGU is the third college/ university that I have attended. First was a college with a scholarship that was to expensive, the second was a community college and now WGU. I can say that I have had less issue with the staff here at WGU than at my community college. The courses were challenging but not impossible. I often used outside resources, but I did this at all schools I attended. It helped me gain a better grasp on the subjects and helped me pass my classes faster. WGU is a competency based model. This means that you don't have deadlines, don't have busy work that is graded, but you do need to learn the material and prove your knowledge with an exam or performance assessment. This is great for students who hate sitting in classes and feel like the semester is a waste of time when it is being spoon fed to the rest of the students. As such, you have to be on top of your game. YOU have to make sure to set deadlines for yourself and do the work. You will speak with a mentor weekly who will check on your progress, but they don't grade you. This university is for adults who don't want their course materials spoon fed to them. There were classes with better course instructors than others, but I found this to be the case at brick and mortar schools too. Some professors just don't want to work well with students. At least here they don't get to hold your GPA hostage. I left with a 3.0 GPA which was good enough to get me into all the graduate schools I applied to. One even gave me a 5,000 scholarship. I realized though after taking a single class session, I can't go back to normal semester schedules so I am back at WGU for both of my planned Master's degrees. Or at least for one, I deferred at the school with the scholarship, so we will see what happens. Pros: -affordable - regionally accredited - online - CAHIIM accredited - there is help but you have to reach out yourself (writing center, math center, tutors, etc.) - HIM program director is awesome and she runs great RHIA reviews - flat rate tuition, and take as many credits in six months, they also didn't charge me for my transferred credits, which was nice - can take breaks if needed and not miss out on credit for work ( there is no homework!) Cons: - some course instructors seem uninterested - some courses have typos (though this is something I have found in textbooks and courses at all my schools) - uneven performance grading (again though, this happens everywhere, like people wanting the "easy" professors - terrible intake process. I hated admissions. Once i was accepted, I had no other issues, but man admissions sucks. Don't expect this to be easy. No college or uni should be, but if you work and can prove your competence your classes, you can save money and time. They will not baby sit you. They will not hand you the answers, but you can always find help. Also if your credits didn't transfer, don't despair. If you still remember the material, you can quickly get through the class once it is part of your degree. I finished Principles of Management before my course instructor was able to send me a welcome email. (I have been a manager for 6 years).

I attended WGU from 1/2016 to 4/2017. I earned a MS in Management and Leadership. For me it was very hard.. I was 55 years old the brain does not work at 55 like it did when it was 25. I ran into a situation where I was consulting and making full time money on part time hours and so I decided to go back to school and earn a Masters. It is rigorous. I worked part time for 6 months and then was able to devote full time for six month (Unemployment) You will work your ass off. Could I have done this at 25…………………………..not in 14 months. But it is challenging and when you finish you have a sense of accomplishment…..(and of course a degree) It is so much less expensive than most other colleges I think it is a great deal. Just keep in mind you will have to work. You do have to meet with a mentor weekly and since I only had one, I can only speak for her and She was great! Go Molly!

I wasn't going to post a review, but an anonymous user posted, "Students that pass WGU exams are "C-" students at best. The university has lied to them," and I can't help but take a little umbrage to that, and I disagree. I earned 6 IT industry certifications while at WGU that also counted as my exams for many classes. This is waaaaay beyond anything I was ever tasked with competency wise at a brick and mortar school. For example: I took a networking class at the local community college (I worked there at the time), and the requirements were to pass the test-out materials and get the online "ITpro certification" and print out your certificate. After completion we were given a free test pass with the option to take the industry recognized Network + exam, with no impact to pass or fail the class, but a bonus as incentive to take it. I held on to my test pass since it lasted a year, I knew I was entering WGU next semester and I would have to take the same exam and wasn't sure how that worked through them exactly yet and did NOT want to have to take the certification exam twice. So funny thing all the students who attempted it, even those who passed that class with an A, FAILED to pass the Network + certification. Fast forward to WGU, they used THE SAME course prep with ITPro cert, BUT every student in order to pass THAT class had to go pass the much harder Network +. So I know for a fact the students in, at least this class, were far more educated in the material that those who got the "pass" from the traditional college, and even if the WGU students dropped out THAT DAY they earned an (expensive) industry recognized certification they get to keep. I have a feeling a lot of students don't research enough before they dive in. I worked for a college for years and you'd be surprised the sense of entitlement, and feeling that the college should be doing all the legwork for your degree. Everything should be laid out before you in a neat, unchanging path, and that's just not the case here or anywhere. It especially amuses me with the complaints about transcripts sent from other schools, which is most likely not a problem on WGU's end. I elected to obtain my records personally, in sealed envelopes and send them on via certified mail so I could ensure their receipt. Every student has that option, but you might have to **gasp** figure it out yourself. It's not actually their job to get your materials to them in a timely manner, it's not their job to sort out your financial aid situation. It's the student's; it's your job. They are there to help, but you must advocate for yourself, and in order to do that you have to **gasp again** educate yourself in how this college works. I found WGU much more challenging and rewarding than IT courses at traditional colleges. Saying WGU students are C students at best is ignorant and insulting. I think it's fine if you had a bad experience to vent it out here, but that's completely untrue, at least in the college of IT, and an unnecessarily broad statement that makes me feel like maybe YOU didn't research YOUR classes or YOUR degree plan properly, and are now bitter.

The M.Ed (Instructional Design) program was very challenging and robust. The program prepares you for the latest trends in the profession and for further educational plans. The course and program mentors were very supportive and informative. My program mentor’s guidance helped me with the tough times. The program was very affordable. The curriculum was very challenging.

The program was very educational, but I would advise anyone thinking about attending WGU to be highly self-motivated. There are not a lot of deadlines, so the student him or herself must be motivated to set goals and work to achieved them on schedule. If you like to put-work, go to another school. The work is hard, but not impossible and the education compares favorably with other graduate schools I have attended. It is an excellent value tuition wise.

I wasn't going to write a review until I saw a post from a NJ resident with incorrect information. I graduated from WGU in 2011 with a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. It is a pre-K through 8th grade elementary education program, including student teaching in a school in New Jersey (or your state). It is the same student teaching that you would have to complete for a brick-and-mortar school. I was also guided to take all of the Praxis exams that were required for the state of New Jersey. Upon graduating from WGU, I was also guided through the paperwork I needed to complete to get my certification from the state of New Jersey. I am now certified K-6 in NJ because of my education at WGU. There wasn't any reciprocity or even a time delay in becoming certified. I was certified upon graduating just as I would've been from any other school. It was an amazing program for me, given my circumstances. I was recently divorced with two small children at home and needed a program that fit my schedule. I just recently enrolled in the MS program for Special Ed because of my positive experience with the undergrad program at WGU.

I just submitted my last task 10 minutes ago. YaY!!!! The program is for people that are self-motivated but not insanely so. I work as a Director of Nursing and I've been a nurse for+20 years. I found the classes to be challenging and very informative. My mentor was very good. We communicated frequently in the beginning and a lot less as I progressed through the program. She would insist on at-the-least bi-weekly call or texts. My method to deal with the classes were to take the pretest first and use the coaching report to determine where I needed to focus my attentions. The written assignments can get a little tricky but if one reads the rubric and seeks clarification in the beginning you shouldn't have a problem. Plan out your study time and stick to it. If you do that you will have no problem.

I tried to enroll into the RN to BSN program, but could not due to issues they had with my military transcripts. I was given additional credits for military training not listed on my transcripts by the nursing school in which I completed my ADN. Why I got those extra credits? I don't know, but I'm sure the college admissions and records knows. WGU refused to do the research and instead told me to do the work for them, otherwise, my enrollment process would not continue. I chose not to continue. WGU seems unfamiliar with matriculation of military training and education. A subject matter that all colleges should have expertise on. If you are a veteran and received a degree through your military branch wish to proceed with WGU, I highly recommend you wait until they evaluate your transcripts before spending a penny during the enrollment process.

Run, do not walk, to the nearest exit. My journey began with my sending in my transcripts. They showed 3 when I had 2. My "counselor" stated I needed to write the institution asking that they send a letter that I never attended their university. I explained to David Kadleck that this was not my doing but theirs. On FOUR different occasions he asked if the Illinois institute of art and the Illinois institute of art-Schaumburg were the same school. I explained on three occasions, no, they were not. The fourth time he was rude and spoke over me. I waited to a count of three once he became quiet, and once more explained that, no, they were two different schools. I completed the FASFA, testing, etc., etc... I then received an email stating that my admission was denied. Now, I will tell you that I place a piece of paper over my camera on my laptop as it is standard practice at the school I work in as a teacher's assistant - more for the safety of privacy for the children - following the fourth conversation I had with David Kadleck, I was then denied. I o have to say that I was relieved, confused yes, but ultimately relieved. They took the decision out of my hands. I was having severe doubts concerning "attending" this school, and their denial closed that door, to which I will be forever grateful. Check into your nearest instate brick and mortar schools, not only will you be able to converse with a live body, but you might get one that is much more intelligent than is found in this online school. Many brick and mortar schools have online courses. Whatever you do, avoid WGU, it is a waste of your valuable time.

where do i begin? okay so, i got into the program and started to become great. but as i progress into the course under taxation I. it was fun reading about the subject, but the test questions are not in the book. so, I filed a complaint about the test questions with ecare. I have been though so much emotional trama that i hate the school, but anyways. so i have filed the complaint with ecare and it was a big huge drag on argurment about the subject. plus he disrespected my major as a whole and i cannot take it anymore. i am transferring out of there. they say the price is good, but is it worth it? to me, it is not especially when it comes to accounting. plus, the ecare person does not even know what he is talking about. i even asked him if he read the book and his answer was no. so you see my point. How can you know the test questions are correct when you have not read the book? it made me so irate that i cannot stand it. do not go there plus they say that we care about students. that is a lie. its like a mafia. you are either with them or you will be destroyed and your rights will be taken away. anyway, my point is that DO NOT GO TO WGU because they do not like logical reasoning even though they are a school. So What are they? I think that they are monsters. just saying. i hope this helps.

I am enrolled in the RN-BSN program. First, for anyone who thinks this online school is easy, you need to look for another school. The courses are challenging and you have to manage your time wisely in order to complete things in a timely manner. I have completed 30 credits in about 5 months. I only have 3 courses to go. My only complaint would be toward the end of the program, the tasks are very difficult and the support is just not there. I don't know if it's a break or something for the course mentors, but I haven't been able to touch base with any of them for my tasks, which are lengthy and a bit confusing. You also cannot depend on the text that is given. Plan on using outside, credible sources. In the beginning of my coursework, my course mentors were always available and I received prompt responses as well as prompt grading. It has not been the case with my last few classes. I have to wonder if they are not slowing things down to get me to pay for another semester or at least part of it. Although it's not a perfect school, and there will be no spoon-feeding, I am happy to have chosen WGU, as I have learned a lot and been able to work quickly, until now, through my courses, while working. I would definitely recommend this school to an individual who is self-motivated and can work independently without someone spoon-feeding You an education. You really have to work your butt off. Btw, I LOVE my student Mentor. She has been an awesome cheerleader for me. Best wishes to anyone who goes to WGU and I hope this review helps.

I have earned two degrees from WGU, B.S. Business Management (2010) and a MBA Information Technology Management (2016). I have also completed two A.A. degrees at my local community college. So I know what it is like to go to a traditional school compared to an online school. As I said in my title, WGU worked for me. It worked for the current me! I say that because if I would have tried to complete this program when I was in my early 20's I would have failed miserably. I liked the self paced aspect of the school. WGU doesn't have traditional instructors and that was fine for me! Last thing I wanted to do was waste a bunch of time listening to an instructor lecture me about something I could read on my own. Again, WGU worked for me! With WGU you interact a lot, and I do mean a lot, with a student mentor. If you decide to go to WGU and you get a student mentor that doesn't work for you, ask for a new one! The sooner the better. WGU also requires a lot of self motivation. I have a read a lot of the negative reviews and many of the reviewers seem to suffer from self inflicted issues (in my opinion). Let's talk about job placement. I actually got the job I wanted while attending WGU. I have applied for a few other jobs and I have not had any issues with my degree. Is WGU perfect? Nope. Is WGU for everyone? Nope? I would say, if you are considering going back to school you should at least take a close look at WGU and see if would work for you too.

I love WGU. I finished MBA with WGU and learned a lot while doing my MBA. WGU is a great university and it is great for those who are good at the time management and who are self-motivated. MBA with WGU has also helped me to position myself in a better way from my career stand-point. I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family.

According to the FAFSA information on this school. The graduation rate is currently 14% for the Master's program. According to www.collegeresults.org, at the time of this review the overall four-year graduation rate is 7.3% Source> http://www.collegeresults.org/collegeprofile.aspx?institutionid=433387. I received my ADN doing traditional clinicals and chose the video lecture option (as opposed to in class lectures. I received my BSN through WGU entirely online (There four-year graduation rate is 18.2) http://www.collegeresults.org/search1a.aspx?institutionid=104717 I have been a self-directed learner my entire life and am no stranger to this type of program. The problem with this program is that it functions on a Disaggregated model. Whats that you ask? Simply explained, they have one group of people who design their course work. A separate group of people who design the tests and yet a third group who grade papers. So, whats the problem you ask? The people who design the content have no communication with the people who decide the test questions. The people who design the test questions do not look at the course content and, the people who grade papers do not talk to the students or the instructors. In short, one hand does not wash the other. I have taken one class in particular, and it seems that the test preparers and the course content developers do not at all agree on what the focus of this course should be. You will never be able to pass the OA if you are relying on the course content alone. For objective assessments (OA) many of us are used to taking a practice test and then being provided with the answers to the questions you got wrong or a rationale for the questions. This does not happen a WGU. The score you get is the score you get. You have no way of knowing what you got right, what you got wrong and there is no rational provided. Furthermore, If you go to your instructor and ask for guidance on the test, you will be told that they also do not have access to the testing material and therefore can not guide you in resolving any academic shortcomings. So, what happens when the course material does not speak to the material on the exam and the student has nowhere to turn for clarification? The students fail due to lack of adequate support in the content material and you get a four-year graduation rates of 7.3% and 14% graduation rate overall! WGU touts that it is a competency base learning program. This means that if you already have the knowledge base through prior experience great! You take the test, pass, and move on to the next class. If you do not, pull up a seat, read through the course material and we will get you there. Unfortunately, if course preparers, and test prepares are prevented from communicating and don't look at one another's content, Then you run the risk of each group going in two different directions with the student stuck in the middle and the instructors trying to build a bridge for the gap. The problem is that by preventing the instructors from being aware of the testing material, the instructors may build a bridge to nowhere that the student has no choice but to blindly follow. This disaggregated style creates a barrier to learning and fails active learners in their pursuit to expand their knowledge base.

I was very interested in the topic of learning about teaching English Language Learners and the price was right. My advisor did a great job contacting me weekly or every other week to check on my progress. I was prepared for the phone call from my advisor. I typically had a goal already in mind to share with her. When I didn't meet a goal or needed guidance, my advisor encouraged me and pushed me to continue progressing through the program. I completed this program in 1 and 1/2 years, but I spent all of my time after work writing papers and studying. The Masters in ELLs prepared me for the Praxis (state test to be certified). I passed with flying colors and I moved into the role of teaching ELLs the following school year. The coursework was well organized and easy to access from a laptop, phone, or iPad. I found two dead links in the coursework during my time at WGU, e-mailed me advisor, and they were fixed the same day. This was a great program and school!

I don't even know where to begin with telling the world how disappointed I am with WGU. The school either has inside people working for them or they are hacking into students private e mail accounts. I never thought that my personal email account might have been hacked by WGU. Why would they, right? Well, I soon discovered. You can't get help for anything outside the school. Hum, this seems like an unreasonable requirement. Tutors outside the school are FORBIDDEN! Don't even think about getting help on anything, because you have violated some rule. I hate to tell WGU that the reason people now know things is because of the internet. Getting help from their RUDE, NASTY, and MEAN staff is something that I wouldn't wish on anyone. I asked for help from an outside source. TWO WEEKS later I get a notice from the school saying I cheated. The only way they could have known is my hacking my account or someone at that site because I deleted my account and it was my own personal email account, which was registered under a different name, and email address. If you need help and aren't the smartest student, don't bother with WGU. You won't get the help you need and they will just keep sending back your assignments saying that it is wrong with no explanation to why or how to fix it.

I only have 3 classes left! I have found course mentors to be helpful when I had questions. Like any online program, it will require self discipline.

I am a long time IT professional in my 40's with some certifications, lots of experience and a 2 year degree. I looked for about a year at various options to finish my 4 year degree and ultimately wanted something online that was flexible and reasonably priced. WGU fit the bill and after considerable investigation into them I decided to start their IT Security degree. The Good: There is way more good about WGU than bad in my opinion. My mentor is great and has helped me whenever I had any issues. The online curriculum / system is getting better over time as they constantly are updating things to make them better. You earn valuable industry standard certifications along the way which are part of your tuition and the degree you get is accredited. The courses offered have a ton of curriculum which is delivered in a multitude of ways (videos, online books, quizzes, practice tests, flashcards, simulators, etc.). Overall the curriculum is challenging but those with IT experience will have a leg up and be able to breeze through some of the material which is nice. Once you pass assessment tests with 90% (for most classes) than you can schedule your final at a date/time that is convenient for you.......most tests you take from your home and are proctored remotely but some of the certification tests (Network+, Security+, etc.) need to be scheduled through a different process and taken in-person through testing places like Pearson. The cost of WGU is much less than nearly any other online or brick and mortar school, and the more classes you want to take in a semester the less you pay and faster you get done. Combine this with the certifications you get and this is a tremendous educational value. This is truly the future of education pricing as it puts the students more in control and gives you a ton more value. The certifications can allow someone still working on the degree to gain valuable skills and credentials to possibly land a job before even getting their degree. The Bad: There are still some things WGU needs to work out when it comes to some of the curriculum and tracks they offer. The practical process for the database courses I found to be confusing and the Java class practical is a bit much for an entry level Java class. Instead of forcing students to take a python class and a java class they should offer a track...... do you want to take python or Java or possibly another language. Let the students decide and then let the students build their skills up in one of these languages instead of forcing them to learn just a little in a couple. Just as you learn one you have to retrain yourself to learn another and you really don't come away with an understanding of either, in my opinion. The "required" mentoring can be annoying for those of us adults that are going back to school. WGU really treats all students like they are fresh out of high school at times and this is annoying. Luckily for me, my mentor understands and we "flex" a bit on what WGU prefers we do. WGU treats the mentor part of the degree more like babysitting and professionals in the workforce really don't need this. When I started the website had a few bugs but most have been worked out now and things are much better just over the last 12 months. WGU needs to offer some better tools/suggestions for some of their classes.... such as, they recommend SQLfiddle for their database class (a free online SQL editor) but it doesn't always work right, can't save your work, etc. They should simply recommend MySQL or some other solid alternative. For those with IT experience we can get around these things but others in the degree program may not know where to look and WGU needs to do a better job of laying this information out. Overall, I think WGU is a great choice for those that want a flexible online degree that is very affordable and gives you the extra bang with industry certifications. Is it perfect? Certainly not, but I have attended 3 brick and mortar colleges and they all had their issues too....... and they were very expensive and not nearly as flexible.

I regret signing up. The first course was passed in 11 days. The second one has such random, unrelated material in the resources, I had to go to outside sources to get ALL my info. Nothing but pure confusion and annoyance. Very sorry I spent the money on tuition here? Will finish the semester to get paid back via tuition reimbursement and then leave...anywhere else would be better!

So, I began my journey at WGU on 1 January 2016. I wanted to finish my BS in Business, and wanted to do it as quickly as possible. I never dreamed I would be able to finish everything in four months! It was a good program, I learned a lot, but I also set a punishing pace and worked 18 hours a day, 7 days a week to finish it.

I truly value my degree from WGU. I learned a great deal working toward and earning a Master of Science degree in information security and assurance. I graduated in 2014 and I believe the attainment of this degree was a key factor in my promotion with my current employer. I believe on-line degrees still have a stigma, but in this digitized society that stigma is fading. For me it wasn’t about the degree itself. I really had a deep interest in the subject matter and WGU was the best way for a non-traditional student like myself to obtain that knowledge in an organized and affordable manner. WGU does have its faults. Some of the content was recycled, some web pages had broken links to course content, some content had misspellings or general errors, but overall it was good. The mentor is like having another boss and the work is challenging. Their program states the degree is self-paced, but they do push you to get the course work done on-time. For me it’s like everything else, you get out what you put into it. I did learn a lot. It was a lot of work and I’m glad I am done with it, but I do not regret my decision to attend WGU. To be successful in this program you have to have the desire to achieve. You have to be a self-starter. And, in my opinion, you have to be willing to go it alone. WGU does offer plenty of assistance, but the truth is you are better off figuring things out for yourself.

The Special Education program was a wonderful program! I found the program to be very easy, just time consuming and a lot of writing papers. (Not surprised for an online school). I flew through this program in just 11 months. I am a great self- taught person so this type of learning was no problem for me. It seems like the people who leave bad reviews are the people that have to have their hand held throughout each process and have no motivation to be self disciplined. Having to talk to a mentor each week/ every other week got pretty annoying because I didn't really need any help, but they still required you to speak with your mentor by phone. I enjoyed this degree so much, I am returning to get a second Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Well worth the price. Hard work and challenging. I completed my degree in 10 months. I highly recommend this degree to any BSN nurse who wants a challenge and increased career opportunities.

I completed my BSN with WGU. I thought it was a very good program for those who are self-motivated and disciplined. I have read a lot of complaints about the mentors not answering the course assignments. Your mentor is there as a guidance, they are there to keep you on track and give information on who to ask if you have a question or a problem. Course mentors are those that one should ask if they have a question with an assignment. I never had a issue with a course mentor. I actually had a course mentor call me on a Sunday afternoon to give me assistance, I just needed a little push and assistance to finish a paper. Their information technology assistance was a big help and were available till 1am. If you are willing to do the work then WGU is a good program.

Currently pursuing my BSN, with just a couple more classes to finish. It has taken me almost 18 months to complete due to working full time, being a mother and being constantly sick...WGU was perfect for me, be cause I can go for a month without touching a book, and then catch up later. I like the annoying mental calls, because they keep me in check so I don't procrastinate too much. I could have completed my degree in 9 months had I not have all those impediments. My mentor is awesome and really resourceful. The course mentors, some are more helpful than others.... The price is good as well. I haven't had any issues with my assignments thus far, I think those complaining are people who are not doing good through their own faults. IT is very good and prompt at helping with any computer issues. I am not crazy about Taskstream, but I have not had any issues with it so far. Although I prefer an actual grade, I have gotten used to the passing grade of WGU. I would highly recommend if you are the type that does not procrastinate endlessly, like me. The only thing I don't like with WGU is that you can't drop a class, you have to complete all classes.

I have tried to get my MBA in the past from UoP and was so disappointed in the quality of the education that I dropped out. I cannot empahsize enough the difference between the two programs. WGU is actually challenging. As a result, I am proud to display my WGU MBA. I have been telling everyone that I know about the school and the opportunities that they offer. It is a great value, and a very worthwhile program.

I know that WGU prepared me to be an awesome teacher! My student and course mentors were there to facilitate, but I was the one in charge of my education. This is definitely a college for adults. No one is going to hold your hand. You can choose to learn as little or as much as you want. I chose to learn everything I could in the courses of study because my goal was to master the content in order to have the knowledge I needed to become a successful educator. I probably could've scraped by while learning a little, but I would not have been prepared to teach! I am now teaching 7th grade and will begin my Master's in Science Education soon....of course through WGU!

I am very unhappy with WGU- after starting the program and receiving many reassurances that there would be no problem with North Carolina Accreditation and placement for clinical hours-- I now have to start over with a new school so that I may finish my degree- nearly a year of my precious time and not to mention out of pocket money paid for tuition. I have reached out to numerous people for help in clinical placement to receive the necessary hours for graduation--no one is willing to help. They took my tuition money with no problem but now they have disappeared. All I keep hearing is that there should be 'no problem'. 90 hours of clinical work with a school that 'hides' their accreditation problems with NC is inexcusable- then to leave us out there with no follow up, guidance or placement help. ****North Carolina Nurses--stay away from WGU. You WILL NOT BE ABLE TO graduate!!*****(they will tell you that there are no problems but there are)

...me. The sun is setting on my first term. I have finished 3 courses more than required for this term so I decided to take a few weeks off until the start of the next term in December. So, as I'm sitting here watching the Jets whoop upon the Redskins, what do I find myself doing? Working on the next class - the class I can't enroll in until the next term. I didn't pursue this masters for my job. The degree won't get promoted. It won't get me a pay raise. I'm doing it for me. So when I started reading some of these reviews I couldn't help but think of why some of these bad experiences have occurred. My biggest problem with WGU has been me. My admissions counselor wasn't Miss Personality, but she got the job done. My student mentor's weekly call is a welcomed study break every Monday evening. His calls are kind of like talking to Dad, "How's the week been? Got any big plans? This was your goal and you did this... is there anything I can do to help? Here's something you may want to think about. Talk to you next week." He holds me accountable for... me. What I said I would do. As we learned in the Army, the maximum effective range of an excuse .... is zero. Every course mentor has replied to my queries. In 5 months I've done 3 or 4 webinars. Each one the mentors wanted to answer any question I might have. Yes, TaskStream (grading) can be slower than I want, and yes, sometimes I wonder what the grader had been smoking that day, but its no different than waiting when I was at a brick and mortar school. I remember once I took a master's level management course at UT-K, from someone who had never managed more than a typing assistant. Yes, I've had a few assignments returned and one even made me a little irritated, but I fixed what they wanted and moved on. So I think my experience has been better than some because I understood the meaning of "competency based". Truth be told I haven't learned a whole lot of new material, and I'm 17 CU's into a 30 CU degree. That's probably because if I was smart enough to teach myself IT over the last 15 years, smart enough to pass the CISSP (WGU qualifier) and smart enough to pass most assignments the first time, then I was smart enough to understand that a competency based education was not going to spoon feed me. I had to adhere to the schedule I set up for study, and I had to execute. With age and experience comes perspective, so maybe the new kid who can tear apart a data packet gets frustrated with the grader when they can't articulate a security policy well enough to pass an assignment. I've had to write DR and BC plans; I've had to write policies; I've had to do most of the boring things that IT leaders have to do - because I've been one for so long. So, back to WGU. Technology is great. Mentors mentor. Some material is dated. Grading isn't as fast as I want, but reasonable. Lord willing and if the creek don't rise, I'll finish up the degree around my 9 month mark - and it has been a tremendous experience. Remember - competency. If you need someone to feed you knowledge, go somewhere else. Have a desire to learn, and can be disciplined enough to do masters level work? Then WGU is the school for you. Now, back to assignment I want to be over. :-)

I was already working 60+ hours a week in Afghanistan as a Network Administrator when I enrolled at WGU in 2008. In spite of, or in addition to, or because of the rigors and stresses of supporting our troops networking infrastructure under austere and hostile conditions, I completed my degree 3 years later. It wasn't easy, but it was achievable. Since then I have obtained jobs, promotions, and raises that are based partly upon that degree. WGU allows you to add that essential ingredient to your resume. The rest is up to you.

With the exception of the biochem professors, the other course mentors(i.e. nursing)were not very helpful. I will say they were communicative & friendly but didn't really offer valuable advice around the subject matter. For this reason, I decided early on that I was on my own. I believe success in the program is guaranteed since you have 3 attempts to take/retake any of the objective or essay competencies. I challenged one objective score because the cut score had been changed after the test, and failed another-passing on the retake. WIth the essay compentencies, it is recommended that you submit a passing paper on the first try. (That didn't make any sense to me, so I didn't take it seriously). Consequently,I submitted a rough draft if I was unsure of the paper's comprehension. When your paper is returned outlining its deficiencies you're essentially directed how to complete the paper for a passing score. I had 39 credits to complete & did so in 9 months at the cost of ~$7K. Can't beat that!

I'm writing to discuss some of the problems with WGU's implementation of competency based learning. I speak as a alumni of Western Governors University, having earning a masters in business administration in just over five months. I'm presently working on a second graduate degree with them and wanted to share some of my broader observations with the general internet. The good: - The price is great. - They are accredited. - They do allow acceleration mostly. - They're all online. The bad - The graders often don't have backgrounds in what they're evaluating. This creates a number of problems. - The graders have indicated in their response that they haven't read my paper, but issue a grade anyway. - The graders don't even pretend to adhere to a uniform standard. It's amazing to watch how others will put in very little effort, and it sails through. Others will work extensively and make an objectively better response, but it gets rejected. - Rejections often don't make sense. Pick a reason out of a hat why. It's like they just pick a reason to reject it, feel free to change it at any time, or stay with it as long as they like. When you step back and think about it, you could continue to find fault with any paper as long as you wanted. Even if there's no there "there", just by continuing to say it's insufficient. What's to stop you? Apparently nobody at Western Governors. - Appeals are worthless. They never addressed the core issue I questioned them on. When I asked an appeals person directly why my work wasn't even evaluated as indicated in the grader's response, they danced around the question. They'll stand behind their graders. - The course mentors are disconnected from graders. This is arguably the worst part about it. Course mentors, a.k.a. the people that know the stuff are powerless. My course mentor agreed my submission was much better than several others he'd seen, but was powerless to do anything about it. He told me to make it fluffier to get it to pass. The ugly - Once a grader asked me to include a graph of a simulation that didn't exist. It wasn't asked for in the question prompt. I filed an appeal, and they said I could have made it from Excel. OOPS, wrong again! Some of the data required to manually make the graph wasn't any where to be found either. That's probably why it wasn't asked for geniuses! My next submission included a statement say such in all caps on that writing prompt. Then it passed. - Another grader said instead of analyzing a single round in a simulation as indicated by the requirements, that all 8 rounds needed to be evaluated. I filed an appeal, and the appeal predictably stood behind their grader. The course mentor responded to the graders and said that wasn't in the instructions. It took hours and hours to resolve this. I had to be the driver for this because it wouldn't have worked itself out. It ate an obscene amount of my time. - To further illustrate the non-uniformity of their standards, I've had multiple course mentors explain to me, including ECare themselves, that if I opt for an appeal, I could have work that was approved come back as disapproved. How much sense does that make? You passed the test! Oh, just kidding! Sounds like a great, accurate, precise setup, right? - Finally, they have different avenues to communicate, like web forums. I started venting some frustration at the graders and the process, and the course mentor decided an appropriate response would be to attempt to curtail my 1st amendment. I wasn't swearing, saying anything offensive, trolling, or criticizing any individual person. If they're too thin skinned to even allow general criticism of the process and results among the students, what does that mean? Why so touchy? In the end, I have a real love/hate relationship with the school. The idea of competency based learning is liberating. It makes so much sense. It is just so bitterly disappointing that Western Governors University does such a poor job at implementing the idea.

Excellent school with an excellent model! I went straight from WGU’s BS course of study to their MBA program and it paid off big, I am now in upper management as a direct result of my academic accomplishments. The university mentors were amazing, the curriculum was tough but well laid-out and I loved the work at your own pace model. I have recommended this school to a lot of people and they are all on their way to graduating either with a BS or an MBA.

I obtained my ADN in 1976. I researched many, many so called "on line" RN to BSN programs prior to enrolling at WGU. I read all the pros and cons to this program and enrolled on July 1, 2014 I graduated this month. All of my courses transferred and had 40 credit hours to complete. I not only work full time, but full time nights. In spite of the 2 courses that nearly made me quit (statistics and community health), I finished a semester early. The experience was wonderful, so much so, that I am now enrolled in the RN to MSN in education at WGU.....I highly recommend this school. By the way, I am in no way a self starter. All the mentors in all departments, even the IT department are VERY helpful and nonjudgmental, but accessible. I LOVE THIS SCHOOL

I have it a fair rating because the school is legit but you MUST check with your local board first for acceptance! I spoke to a rep to confirm I can continue my education here and be a licensed teacher New Jersey and they said yes. I signed up,enrolled was going to do financial aid but I decided to check with New Jersey State Board of Education to make sure that if I graduate with a degree from them that I could be a licensed teacher over here New Jersey . New Jersey does not except this at all . Although GWU had all the credentials and are qualified New Jersey does not except an out-of-state degree to be a teacher. Have to attend a college in New Jersey to be a licensed teacher . So I'm not gonna write a really negative review there is no reason for it but check with your board of education if you're pursuing an education degree or overall just check with your state first

The university is built on student assessment. This is where corners are cut and this puts students at a disadvantage. It says in the WGU policy and student information that any student that that "passes" an exam is considered a "B" student. This is false. The assessment department uses the modified Angoff method to determine cut scores for their exams.(sometimes they don't use anything and just pull a cut score out of a hat.) This Angoff method is based on the a minimally qualified student - someone that is "just passing." So, you can not translate this to a grade of B. Also, most of the vendors that are used for the development of the exams are less than competent and this results in another loss to the students. Students that pass WGU exams are "C-" students at best. The university has lied to them.

My experience has been positive, though I agree with other reviewers that WGU is not for everyone. College isn't for everyone, either, but if you are considering an online program it is probably important to note some of the differences between virtual and brick-and-mortar venues. Each has its pros and cons, many of which have been tallied in other posts so I won't repeat them. I would, however, like to add value to this thread by commenting on the nature of WGU's programs as being "competency-based." This is an important element and it took two master's degrees for me to really appreciate it. In 2013, I began and completed an MSN. I did this in one semester by reading, writing, taking tests, and studying 8 to 12 hours most days. I don't recommend this, as it's fairly obsessive, exhausting, and has side effects like ending personal relationships. My point being that it can be done, but it takes a lot of focus, self-motivation, and established competencies in the field of study. After completing my MSN, I began an MBA program. I no longer had 8 or more hours a day to devote to school, but I still put in the recommended 15 to 20 hours a week. It has taken me the full two years to complete the MBA on this schedule, but my background and competencies were in patient care and not business... so this makes sense. Having completed an associates, two bachelors, and a clinical doctorate at brick-and-mortar schools, and now two masters degrees online, I will say that I consider the online venue slightly superior. The education seems equivalent and I don't have to travel or circle for parking. You do indeed get out of it what you put in, but ask yourself what you want out of a degree. If you intend to network, then brick-and-mortar may be better with Ivy league being ideal. If you just want knowledge, then the Internet is likely all you need. I will also say that WGU, while excellent, has all the bureaucracy of any other university. That being said, I would absolutely recommend it if you have the time, motivation, and skill set to succeed.

I started this course straight out of a regular college teaching program. The first few classes were so simple I began to wonder about the credibility of the program. The first few classes were material which I covered in great detail while gaining my teaching license. I didn't even read the books, which are free. I just wrote the lessons and papers (tasks) and moved on to the next class. As I have progressed through the course, they are starting to gain rigor and I have begun to research my papers instead of writing them from former knowledge. Seven courses in I have gained a picture of where I am going. Every course is aimed at me being able to write my capstone project. With the competency based program, I was able to blow right through those initial classes instead of waiting for the semester to end. The student mentor is there to help you determine deadlines and keep you on track. Additionally, each course has a course mentor which you can call during business hours or email at any time. I work on the tasks and only contact the mentor if my work is sent back and I don't understand the feedback.

I am currently doing the MSN in management and leadership. GReat program and with great course materials. I am enjoying so far and using the materials for current work. I don't find the system easy nor hard. I don't need a lot of help and coaching either. Just what I expected for a self paced online degree program.

When I started this degree I was working full time in a school as a para-educator and pretty busy. I was able to transfer over a few previous credits from other colleges and I got started. I put my heart and soul into the work and I was able to complete between 30-40 CU's (credits) per 6 month term. In a short 18 months I had completed my degree and I had 2 job offers. Starting this degree my primary concern was would I be able to get a job? Well my experience has been nothing but positive. I have landed a job in one of the most competitive districts in my state (I was 1 of 73 applicants for 1 job). I am currently getting ready to start my Masters with WGU.

This is a serious program. As I read the reviews I understand how WGU is really a composite of competitive adult life in general. Those that excel with this institution seem to be generally hard workers and, specifically, self-motivated. Those that find the program unhelpful appear to be mired in superficial details or simply don't understand their own expectations. The Accounting program is demanding. The volume of study is impressive and the competency-based curriculum keeps you focused on the core principles of the discipline. The broad availability of materials is very good. I don't think they're set up well for Apple interactive study but you can work through it. I also think they need a few more mentors in their core displine areas. The mentors are not there to teach but to keep you focused on the end. And this ends up being a valuable application. I recommend the school. It gets better (and more difficult) every day. Do your research. And if you get accepted at the school be prepared to work hard.

I hear people (mostly anonymous) complain about the system used at WGU, but to be fair people need to ask questions and do their own research before attempting any training program, whether online or brick and mortar. The weekly calls from counsellors are to make sure you are setting goals and not slacking off, they are not there to answer homework questions. There are cohorts for almost every class, that means that you can attend live interactive lectures, or watch them at your own leisure. It costs under $3,500 for 6 months, a fraction of the cost when compared to U of Phoenix. Not to mention that WGU has a better reputation among IT companies. Yes, you can skip the work tabs and take a pre-assessment before taking your final, this lets you know how you are doing and where you are deficient, it gives you a percentage score per category so one knows what to study. There are plenty of tutors available for free, I have used them and have completed 40 credits in just one semester. Why people complain? Maybe they do not take time to study, maybe they do not know how to research questions and topics, I use my mentor as my last resort. One can meet many other students taking the same program, WGU offers many ways to connect with like minded students on social media, including a custom page developed by Facebook for WGU students. It is a great school if you apply yourself and understand that it is not high school, but college and study time is required. Read things carefully, do not assume anything and when in doubt research and ask. There are plenty of resources available to students, failure rests solely on your hands.

rn-bsn is more of a tech degree...very difficult to navigate thru courses....LOTS of tedious non nursing related assignments...those with courses like nutrition and stats, and liberal arts credits from traditional universities required to repeat insulting "competencies", which I assume is money related....don't see how making models out of play do and toothpicks increases my nursing knowledge or patient care....price is cheap, but computer knowledge is a must as I found the tech aspect to be the most challenging. going to search for a quick easy and cheap program...realistically, we all just want BSN after the name and as practicing nurses could care less about US History or public speaking ......

WGU was NOT a good experience...Thank God I got away from that school before I was buried in debt....The mentor was annoying because he called to see you if I was finished with the assignments but never to help with questions about the assignments. Please please please consider whether or not this is something for you...Lack of support is what I got from this school. I was going for a Masters in Health Management and if you have not been in school for a while as well as have a life, i.e. working, family and work in the community this is NOT the place for you.

I am currently attending WGU for my B.A. I absolutely love the set up. I enjoy the self-pacing and the acceleration that is available due to the set tuition rate. I love my mentor, she is a huge support and works hard to help me succeed. This is not the school for you if you want a lot of social interaction or you need a lot of academic support. It is the school for you if want to move at your own pace, save money, and mind your own business:)

I just started the MSISA program, I am very sorry opi chose WGU as this is the most frustrating so called education I have ever paid for. the evaluators are never consistent, nor clear or provide any valuable feedback. The course instructor never has time to discuss . I feel this so called university has no expertise and is not competent to teach this subject. Papers get rejected over and over for nonsense.. He'll their phone system does not even work , what a joke. Buyer beware I will be asking for my money back soon !

This entire course has been a horrible experience. From inadequate mentors to convoluted lessons and drawn out processes I have hated it. I am at the end of my degree but feel as though I have not learned anything. I am no better off than I was before I started. Do NOT waste your money.

WGU has been a wonderful surprise. You never feel isolated or alone, as one might expect with an online program. You are in weekly contact with your personal mentor and you can schedule meetings with course mentors whenever you like There are online forums for sharing information with other students and the online materials are first-rate. I highly recommend this program!

If you are considering going back to school and aren't the sort who needs babysitting in order to stay and task and get work done then WGU is a great choice. I am in term 3 and am on pace to be completely done with my BSIT-Software degree next term. Great school and the competency based model is a real plus for those who already have real world experience in their field of study.

WGU is a great school for people who have a full time family life, work and no time to go to a traditional brick and mortar school. The MSISA (Masters of Science of Information Security and Assurance comes with certifications and real world application. For those who are contemplating this degree think about 1. Cost 2. Certifications 3. Accreditation. If I would have known about WGU prior to attending UOP I would have taken my bachelors there as well. The certs that come with the bachelors degree are relevant for anyone working for the DoD or private sector. If I could critque WGU I would suggest to replace the ISO 27001 GIAC exam for the CISSP. Most companies or government organizations have a requirement for the CISSP. Attaining the GIAC 2700 certification is challenging but in hindsight I would ask WGU to replace that cert for the CISSP. That cert is what most companies are looking for. As for tuition...you are allowed to take as many classes as one can handle within any given term for the same price. One is charged per term and not per unit, so this is an excellent value for cost consiencious people like myself. Good luck and choose WGU. If one is interested in attending and applying please shoot me an email. I can save you the $60.00 application fee, and I get a $20.00 discount for referring. Not looking to make money but I am looking to pass this information on to those who have a full time schedule and no time to attend a traditional brick and mortar school. Good luck go for it...totally worth it. BTW, I was just promoted to Vice President due to attaining my Masters Degree.

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.

A fantastic experience. I entered with very few transfer credits, yet I was able to leverage my 20+ years of industry experience and training to complete a degree in less than 2 years. I was able to learn at my own pace, and never wanted for assistance when I became stuck or hit a roadblock.

Bottom line for me is that this was a fantastic experience - one that has already paid financial dividends for me. I have been in the accounting field for 30 years but have never worked anywhere that a degree was needed. What I had was always enough to take me as far as a woman could go in any company I have worked. Until I managed to become employed by a government where if you had a degree, there was places to go. When a position opened up and I wasn't qualified ONLY because I didn't have the piece of paper that said I was and I didn't get it I decided to go back to school (at 48) and complete what I started. I had some courses from 30 years ago that wasn't sure would transfer or not but I knew I needed quite a bit more. I originally checked into Community College to get some of the courses I needed and was ready to sign up but decided to do just a little more checking. I checking into University of Phoenix because it was online and since I live in a smaller town I thought that would be perfect for me - no long travel or late nights on the road. Wow - the price had me re-thinking and I ruled that out based on that. Back to the Community College is wandered. Then, a lady from church, who is a former Dean of a College, heard that I was looking to going back to school and recommended WGU. I figured that was a pretty good recommendation since she had been in higher education. Then I checked into it - the price was incredible, about as much as I'd be paying at Community College but I could get so many more credits for my money! And their competancy based learning style was perfect for me. I could study at my own pace, test at my own pace and it wouldn't break the bank. I was a little skeptical at first because I wondered if employers would percieve it as not worth as much but after asking around to Controllers & Finance Officers, I was told pretty much - a bachelor's is a bachelor's, competancy based didn't seem to make a negative difference. So after much thought I took the plunge. The best decision I've ever made! I had about a year's worth of credit that carried over (several Bible classes did not) so I figured at least 2 years to complete my BS. But, since I had been in the industry for so long and have lots of life experience, with the competancy based model, I was able to complete my BS in 13 months! My student mentor was fantastic - I didn't need a lot of assistance from her but we talked regularly and each discussion got me energized to face whatever was on my plate next. The course mentors sometimes were difficult to reach but if I ever had a problem, my student mentor stepped in to help me contact them. They were quite helpful and knowledgable about their subject matter and were invaluable to me in some of the more difficult courses. I would recommend (and have) WGU to anyone but especially those that have some schooling/life experience under their belts. You do have to be somewhat self-motivating but if you are, this is an incredible option. It saved my quite a bit of money (only costing me $9000 total, which I was able to get student loans for) and has already garnered me one promotion and I am on a path to another promotion in the next couple of months. I will have re-couped my investment in a year! I am thrilled with the experience & the outcome. I highly recommend WGU.

I finished my BSIT-Software over a year ago and within 4 weeks interviewed with and received job offers from two Fortune 500 technology companies! I have attended many brick and mortar schools and the educational requirements are on par with the local universities I have attended. The only difference between the two is there isn't much hand holding at WGU. You are assigned a student mentor whose sole purpose is to ensure that you are staying engaged and making efficient progress(similar to attendance requirements at B&M schools). They keep you motivated and help to hold you accountable, however, they are NOT subject matter experts-this is where the COURSE mentors come in. Most course information is pretty self explanatory and course mentors are usually not needed. When there is a course known to cause students difficulty, the course mentor actually sends out an email with links to live webinars that are basically Q&A sessions with links to study guides and other resources-they are held several times at different times throughout the week(s). Basically, you get out what you put in. Unlike B&M schools where you show up and are given or expected to take class notes based on the professors own research/knowledge-YOU are responsible for mastering the content enough to complete assessments and assignments. This requires a different mindset than that of every other traditional school I have attended. If you are a self motivated person who can learn almost independently, this is DEFINITELY the school for you. There is a reason why WGU is geared towards adults, they expect that you can set a goal and accomplish it without too much babysitting or outside assistance. Also, unlike other online schools, there are no weekly post or assignment requirements. When you semester starts, you are given access to your course of study(syllabus) and work at your own pace to complete assignments. So if work gets busy one week and you're not able to dedicate any time to study, it is okay. You have until the end of the 6 month term to get your work in(although I believe this has changed a bit to require at least one assignment by the first 45 days-not 100% on this though). On the flip side, if you have an abundance of time, you can work ahead and finish as much work as fast as you can, even adding additional courses to your term if you finish the initial 12 CUs(credit units/hours) with time to spare. And for those wondering, I have also been accepted into a local private university's graduate program without a problem due to WGU's regional accreditation. Before applying, I did ask the admissions office if WGU's pass/fail grading system would be a problem. She informed me that it would not if the transcript indicated that a PASS score was at least of B quality(which it does indicate).

I am a working adult. I just finished my first term with WGU. This is a great school. There is a reason they make you submit a resume. I have a lot of real world experience and I can do the work. It is very hard. I do not think I would have done well if I didn't have so much real-world experience. They make you DO the work as if it were a job. If you have never done the job, it's going to be difficult for you in the MBA IT. I earned every credit this last term. I designed an eCommerce site soup-to-nuts. I wrote and entire I.T. project soup-to-nuts. And I took an HR course that required I design an employee evaluation system soup-to-nuts. This isn't easy stuff. You can learn it, I am sure. Just going to take you more time and study than someone who has experience. if you have no work experience, you're going to have a tough time and this school isn't for you. Personally, I love WGU.

First of all, I started this program a couple of months after graduating from WGU with my 4 year degree in Information Technology. Here is my experience so far: This is a very challenging program. Compared to what I had write previously to what I have to write now, there is a big difference. WGU is for someone who is motivated and self-directed. If you don't fit that description, this is not the school for you. Unlike other schools, WGU don't have classrooms or offices where you can visit a professors. They have course mentors that you can contact for assistance via email or the phone. I needed help from the course mentors in my project management and human resources course - they were very helpful. Regarding an issue with the servers being down, that has never been a problem with me. Other than routine maintenance, I don't have an issue with accessing the learning resources. This school is about using technology to learn the material. So there are videos, e-books, online courses, etc., that are part of the package. So you have to be comfortable with technology. Concerning not being able to access the material on your tablet, don't blame WGU. The designers of the courses (e.g., Pearson), not WGU, made the decisions on how their material will be accessed. These are learning companies that countless schools used. If they've decided that the only tablet a student can use with their courses is an Ipad, what control does WGU has in that matter? Finally, you will only get out of this program what you put into it. So you can sit back and moan about how terrible the school is or you can roll up your sleeves and get busy. Or as a preacher said,you can either make a way or make an excuse.

I've attended Purdue University and Ball State University in Indiana for a Secondary Education major. Strangely enough, I ended up in IT and found myself in need of a relevant degree in IT Management. Traditional wasn't going to work this time, I have a wife and a child now - so I started researching. There's a lot out there in this space, Kaplan, Phoenix, etc. etc. WGU stands alone. Tuition is affordable, resources are all virtual, everyone is attentive and communication is always prompt. If you want to learn independently at your own pace, you can. If you want to interact and attend sessions and lessons, you can. If you want to piss away the semester and fail, you can - but they don't make it easy. Every week, at least in the beginning, you have to interact with an advisor once a week. He or she helps you set goals, and if you don't meet them you have to admit it. I hate to fail people, this was increasingly motivating to me (and insanely annoying, there have been times I've treated my mentor pretty poorly and she's a very nice person). That said, once I got used to this aspect of the WGU process - I liked it. I'm friends with my mentor now, we talk about life at times and I hope to meet her one day. My degree will be wrapped up at the end of July or early August. I'm working on reenrolling for the Masters program already. This fits into my life, why not right? All of this said, I have a degree from a respected brick and mortar college - and this is MUCH MORE DIFFICULT. You rescue you. You decide if you have what it takes, you do the work, you work hard, no TA is going to save your ass here and being nice isn't going to get you an extension. This is real, this is hard, this is earned. Only go this way if you have what it takes, and educate yourself. Most of the students who go WGU fail. The bar is high.

I am a ASN nurse, graduated from a reputable school in 95. I have 40 credit hours to complete BSN. As a single head of household, full time worker, I find it very hard to accelerate through these classes, as some have written. If you have someone at home, to take care of all other responsibilities, maybe. But I would suspect that to accelerate that fast, you would be spending at least 20-25 or more hours a week studying, which is really alot of time. So think long and hard about how much time your lifestyle can really afford for study. I have only been able to complete the required 12 credits for each semester so far, because sometimes life gets in the way. I just think you need to be realistic with how much time you think you will need to study. I dont feel the courses are difficult, but due to the nature of all online learning, there is tons of information, and reading material to wade through to find what's needed/wanted in the exam. As, well, I have found that acceleration through a course because you have "previous experience" is also somewhat a farce. I have a life and did not want to be stressed out by returning to school at the age of 50. So, I will be forced to spend an extra 3000$ for an extra semester. As everyone says prior, its what you put into it, but I think that anyone who said they did it in less than 12-24 months is a probably a rareity.

In theory, this would be a great institution to attend. However, many details on the competency based learning are left out. I completed a period and a half and finally could not bear the inconsistencies that there were per course. First off, most course materials are not view-able on tablets, which I tend to use over computers for reading. Also, most course webpages are poorly laid out and are littered with resources that aren't explained sufficiently within the course syllabus or mentioned at all. If you don't mind trying to wrap your head around a poorly constructive site than it shouldn't be an issue. My student mentor was helpful but the other resources such as the writing center and course mentors were less than helpful. I'm a pretty independent student and don't need much assistance but the times I did reach out to course mentors for specific questions about papers they would talk in vague terms and expectations. I don't need someone to hold my hand or do my work but if I ask a specific question I expect a certain response. Also, be ready to write 15 to 25 page papers consistently. I believe I had one under ten pages. Lastly, there is a wall between you and the person who is grading your work. They grade your work and if they think it needs to be revised they will leave you comments. Any clarifications on their comments is impossible as they lie behind a clock of secrecy. Remember this is a resource that reads the rubics for the course and makes their own opinions on whether you meet the requirements. The do not offer any help other than comments. You must than work with you course and student to mentor to discern what is really being expected. FYI: They are not ACBSP accredited. That was my fault.

Working towards MBA-IT. The WGU program is a challenge in some areas and easier in others. It's been fun and interesting to see how some of the material plays out in the real world and I have already seen that it does. Good program, good mentors and never had problem with getting connected online or with reaching a course mentor. Everyone is polite and willing to help. A word of caution though - this program is not for anyone who cannot study on their own. It's an independent program; you do this on your own. WGU is not for a young student just starting out - there is no classroom, no professor to dock you points for not turning in assignments. Just You. For my schedule - working full time and taking care of my two small children this has been great opportunity to get through an accredited program all the while being able to do it from home.

I can only echo what others have written, you must be a self starter. Every day after work I would come home and do homework for 2-3 hours, and at least hours each weekend day. It is hard work, but well worth it. The mentors are a great asset, and the instructional material and what is learned is just as good as a brick and mortar school. You get out of this program exactly what you put into it. I am very happy with the quality of the education and will be applying for my MSN from WGU.

I'm in an MBA I.T. program. The thing about WGU I learned very quickly is that you must be a real world professional to succeed. For instance, in my project management course, if I hadn't actually done many projects, I'm not sure I could have gotten through it. It's not for you unless you have work experience. You're out here on your own. You must be proficient in the use of technology. WGU has excellent tools. The mentors are always willing to help. But you have to reach out to them. For someone who needs to prove their knowledge, and fill in the blanks to round out their education, an MBA from WGU is the way to go. Their grading is strict and you WILL work your butt off. But if you know your stuff, and work hard on your own, you're in good shape. Definitely not for someone young and inexperienced. You could never keep up the pace. I think that is why you must submit your resume to be considered. All-in-all I am very satisfied so far. Tired, but satisfied.

I completely love wgu and my experience. I am 2 classes away from a Marketing Managemnt degree and I'm really excited! I love the concept that the working adult can attain a degree that you can pay off as you go! This is a huge answer to the need for many Americans to finish their education with minimal debt. I love the student mentors phone calls weekly, they are very quick and to the point. This keeps you on track for the week. The course mentors are amazing and spend extra time with any student wanting to work hard. I am very self motivated and enjoy a new challenge so this program worked well for my goals. This degree has taken a lot of work, it's not easy material So dont be fooled. I've very pleased with my experience and will continue to hold WGU in high regards. I think the school is innovative and ahead of its time. I would and have strongly recommended their programs to potential students.

WGU is exactly what I've been looking for: I can study on my own pace (a.k.a. faster) and have my own schedule. It's being working pretty well for me, because I prefer studying by myself to being taught. So far, I only had to interact with English Composition course mentors to get feedback on my writing, they promptly responded all my e-mails with helpful tips. For the other courses I took so far, I just studied the material, took the exams, and everything went smoothly. WGU is a great option for self-taught people. On the other hand, if someone needs to get "babysat" during their coursework, it's better to look for a more traditional college. ;)

This may be an affordable university, but that's all it is. You can expect little support and guidance from incompetent staff members. They continuously change program requirements and the course materials do not adequately prepare students for finals. I wouldn't recommend this cheap school to anyone. The student experience at WGU is a waste of your valuable time and money.

I was so excited to learn about WGU's K-8 B.A. that I immediately and enthusiastically began the application process. The process was tainted from the start. My incompetent and/or overextended admissions counselor repeatedly missed appointments for the better part of six months (in one case, she actually scheduled an appointment during her vacation, leaving me waiting by the phone for hours for a call that never came). What was supposed to be an easy admissions process turned into an expensive headache. This school may be not-for-profit, but you definitely get the call center treatment. Everything about the admissions process is unprofessional. In the end, I found Indiana University's well-respected online programs. I was admitted quickly and will be completing my B.A. in the next few months. Faculty and support staff at IU have been nothing but professional and helpful. Please do yourself a favor and look into the much more reputable online programs at your state's public universities.

I left a traditional university because I was not able to complete my degree and work full time. I chose WGU because it was accredited and the courses can be completed at your own pace. My hope was that an online university wouldn't be so tedious and I would not have to deal with as much BS. Not so much. You must check in with a "mentor" on a weekly or bi-weekly bases. Mentors are only available during traditional work hours, and mine is often late in calling. This creates a lot of problems for me. The call itself is pointless. It is basically "How are you? and What are your goals for the week?". The one time I did ask my mentor to call me so I would have someone to be accountable to while I was working on a big project he did not. The course content is pretty solid, but good luck getting in touch with a "professor". Google is your friend. I also feel like they try to prolong your experience. My mentor told me that I had to have 10 points over the cut score on any pretests to move on. There was one pretest that I kept passing consistently but not by 10 points, he refused to approve me for the actual test. I got a not passed on my transcript for that semester. At the beginning of the next semester he chose to inform me that it was just his policy and I could have taken the test if I wanted to. Only problem is that your mentor has to approve all of your tests. I also had to finish a course that required 5 tasks. I submitted all of my work in time for grading, but one item was returned to me the last day of the semester for a very minor grammatical error. Again, I received a not passed on my transcript even though I resubmitted within thirty minutes. Just a lot of really frustrating hoops to jump through and no personal interaction with anyone that actually can help you succeed academically. I just need a piece of paper that says I graduated from an accredited university so I will jump through the hoops, but if you are looking for an educational experience look elsewhere.

Firstly, let me say that I did not go through the financial aid process so can't comment on that. That being said, I can only image that it is Byzantine at best regardless of the school you attend. Why WGU? It is accredited and it is online, allowing for the flexibility I needed to complete my degree. My work and business travel schedule prohibited me from going to a traditional school that has strict attendance requirements and rigid schedules. In addition, my salary did not allow me to apply for financial aid so their set tuition suited my needs. That is why the set tuition, regardless of credits completed, was great for me. Additionally, I liked that I could "set my own pace". There were some courses that I felt, after years of personal and professional development, were "tedious" because I already had knowledge of the content area. Granted, the self-pacing/self-study was daunting because you have to be motivated AND organized to handle this type of learning process. Luckily, I have always thrived in this type of environment. So be forewarned that your own personal motivation and organization are the key to your success. The courses (assignments and tests). The online proctoring of tests was tedious in that there are many technical requirements that need to be met (internet connection, virus software, operating systems/computer types, etc.). That being said, it seems to be this way every time technology is involved. I feel for our IT department at work dealing with the "confusion" of us non-IT mortals! :-D Regardless, I got through it. In addition, when turning in assignments, I found it helpful to use a software program such as Grammarly that would give me a % score with regards to possible plagiarism or duplicate online content. This is because WGU, like many universities, puts your written assignments through the Turn-It-In online system used by many universities today. The assignment is given a % score based on perceived duplicated content through an online scan/search. You MUST be aware of this and address the issue BEFORE turning in an assignment to save the need for revision. Also, I would recommend actually reading the rubrics of the requirements they will be looking for in each assignment. Having a rubric checklist that I "checked off" prior to submission helped to save time with regards to resubmission and corrections. The courses (tutoring and instruction) Finally, if you require significant tutoring on subjects, this university may not be suitable since it is primarily for working professionals with a strong sense of self-management and individual initiative. There are course mentors to call on but they will usually guide you to where to find the information you need. Some will also provide online study groups or learning sessions for those struggling. But you should not expect a "classroom teaching environment". If that is what you need, you should go back to university full-time in a classroom environment. All in all, I have to say it was a great experience that allowed me to complete my degree after years of wanting to but not having a higher education university model that could fit my full-time working needs.

I started at WGU in September of 2013 and am just about to complete my first term. So far I have already finished up 48 credits and have only 5 classes left until graduation. I will say that the WGU style isn't for everyone. It does get rough when you are trying to figure out the right way to set up a program or complete a project. I disagree that the course mentors are inaccessible, and have had nothing but a positive experience so far. If you are motivated and have/can get the resources you need to succeed it is a great value school with excellent support staff.

I live out side of the U.S. and W.G.U. works for me. Be sure to have a good internet connection if planing to travel abroad.

I can not say enough good things about WGU. I had 37 credits to do to obtain my BSN degree. I completed my degree in 8 months and I worked full time. The thought of going back to school after graduating with my ADN in 1981 was terrifying for me, but my mentor and everyone I came into contact with through WGU made it totally simple. The coat was lower than other online programs and the program is accredited by the same program that other leading colleges and universities use to accredit them. Would totally recommend this program to others .

Had I been assigned another admissions counselor, I might be a WGU graduate today. I never made it past admissions, despite being a strong candidate for online education. My admissions counselor strung me along for four months. She ignored my email. She "forgot" to call when we scheduled appointments. Once, she called a week after a missed appointment to let me know she had gone on vacation. I found the process extremely trying and unprofessional. Finally, I cut my losses (specifically a $65 application fee). I applied to an online program through a well respected state university. I was accepted quickly and my advisor was phenomenal! The difference in professionalism was astounding. Please do not waste your time and energy on WGU when most state universities now offer high quality, rigorous (more widely respected) degrees that are identical to those earned on campus! I high recommend Indiana University's online programs.

WGU gets a bad reputation because it is all completely online. The truth is, that is the way to go now. I applaud them for their model and others will certainly follow. When the other schools do follow this format, WGU will be known as the trailblazer! If you want easy, then go to what others would consider a "real" school. The bottom line is - this IS a real school and has more accreditations than most if not ALL brick and mortar universities. If you are not a whiner, can be self-motivated, and want to accelerate your degree, then you have what it takes!

I've read some negative reviews of WGU by what seems like new High School students looking for an "easy" degree. This is not the University for you if you fit into that category. The Accounting program at WGU requires a great deal of self discipline and dedication to complete the degree. I was a previous 4 year graduate of a well known brick and mortar state university and found WGU to be more challenging than that University was. On the downside, there is very little support for you if you are struggling- admittedly some of the student "counselors" are ill-trained and poorly qualified to be counselors. However, the materials are great, the testing is fair and fully monitored and if you are truly dedicated to earning a degree at a very reasonable price, this is the online university for you.

This school is, by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me!!!! I have been a stay at home mom most of my adult life and now that my kids are growing up, I felt it was time to do something for me, so I decided to go to College. Of course, having kids that are in school, it made it difficult for me to go to a traditional brick and mortar university! I chose WGU after a friend graduated and started teaching in a local elementary school. I not only completed my degree in 3 years, including student teaching, I am now enrolled in the Masters program for Instructional Design and Technology! That is how much I believe in WGU! The mentor support has been phenomenal and each and every time I have ever had a question, the course mentor has called me back within the day! The only complaint I have ever had has been with the third party graders. It seems as though they are not all on the same page with grading. With that being said, I have always had great information given to me from the graders if a task was not passed the first time around. I do agree with most everyone on here though, if you are not motivated and willing to be a self learner, this is not the school for you! I have friends who went to the local university (a LARGE, WELL KNOWN university... they have over 200 teacher candidates every semester) that say they do not feel as they learned as much as I did! Lesson planning is long and vigorous with WGU, but when it comes to crunch time and having to TEACH that lesson, I was AMAZED how much it helped writing so many lesson plans for tasks. I would recommend ANYONE to WGU... matter of fact, I have recommended several of my own kids teachers to do their Graduate degree! I am a believer!!!

In the beginning WGU sounded wonderful. I have a MS form UMUC that I did online and thought this would be along the same lines. Wrong. Everything is up to you. Generally I have no problem with that. However, if you need help it is difficult to get. I had one course mentor who was great. But now I have a different one that says you need to study more. She says I can only answer specific questions. She blows you off when you send an email and responds only if ecare contacts her. My student mentor is nice, but does not answer emails and if you request help with something she never gets back with you. I only have 5 classes left and will hire a tutor if I have to.

Makes me sad to see that some people did not value the education at WGU. The new position I took at the hospital I work at required a BSN. WGU was far cheaper than the other courses that required time I did not have to spare. Finished my course in 10 months and found much value in the education I recieved. Mentors are there to motivate you and guide you through your journey, my first two were incredible and encouraging. My third mentor not so much but we are adults and don't need our hands held at all times. This is a perfect program for responsible working adults.

Like others that have been successful at WGU, you must be motivated and self-disiplined. The university uses a competency model that is completely unlike traditional and other online schools. This means there are no letter grades, you either pass or you don't. I just earned my BA degree in Interdisiplinary Studies (K-8)and bottom line it was a lot of hard work. I had two terrific Student Mentors. My first mentor left WGU to earn her doctorate degree. My second mentor was with me the rest of the way. We spoke once a week and then bi-weekly to review my progress, discuss what needed to be done in the upcoming weeks, and examine any problems I might be having. If my student mentor could not find the answer, she would either direct me to the person I needed to go to or put me in touch with them. This is a school where you are going to do A LOT of writing. The graders are given a rubric to evaluate your papers, or tasks as WGU calls them, and you must meet the requirements of the rubric. READ the rubric before you begin!! This way you are clear on what is expected of you. Yes, some of the tasks are VERY challenging, but they are doable and I know for myself, I feel all the more accomplished when my tasks pass. For education majors, the material learned is relevant to today's classroom. When you get to your pre-clinicals you will be expected to observe and teach lessons in an actual classroom. The school does not place you for your pre-clinicals, so have in mind where you would like to complete them. WGU does not have a preference of schools. It can be public, private, or charter. Some schools are very welcoming, some are not. Overall, the course mentors (not teachers) are very helpful and are knowledgable in their subject matter. It's their job to help you get through the course and complete the tasks. I only had one course mentor that was incompetent in my opinion. A another student noticed the same things I did and emailed me. I did express my concerns to the appropriate WGU person and hopefully she's not there anymore. However, if you do not need help, you can complete everything on your own. Just know that some course mentors are better than others. I am overall very please with the education I received at WGU. The university has experienced explosive growth over the time I have been a student there. So, there has been a lot of growing pains. A lot of the whining I read about the university are from people that just aren't up to learning the WGU way. You have to be able to work mostly on your own and you are accountable only to yourself. If you would rather be in a classroom with other students, WGU is not the school for you.

I am nearly done with the Masters program and must say that this is the best decision that I have made for quite some time. This has been hard and there have been a few tears but I have learned so much! The value is incredible if you are a self motivated person. The school mentors have been extrememly responsive and helpful.

I recently graduated from WGU, and am now entering into the Graduate School. I spent 4 years here, listening, learning, and a whole ton of writing. I see these negative reviews, and the only thing that comes to mind is whether or not these people have adjusted their tin-foil hats. WGU was an outstanding University. I took my Degree to University of Chicago, Harvard, and UCLA. All three of them accepted the Undergrad without any problem, so anyone who tells you that WGU isn't 'accredited' or 'reliable' needs to rethink that. Those three schools are amongst the finest in the country and even known around the world. If THEY will accept the degree, how is anyone going to call WGU's degree 'questionable' or 'unreliable'? The Mentor thing... it can get old, but only if you have a closed mind and are bored or uninterested. If the Mentor didn't care, they wouldn't call you. My mentor, Xavier, was the finest you could ask for. Period. The classes are challenging. If you think this school is some flimsy diploma mill, you obviously don't know a thing about it. My only issue with WGU is the Evaluators... they would beef me on everything.

My boyfriend referred me because he is going for IT, he is a System's administrator and is really good with online and computer related stuff. I'm not computer illiterate, but the way the website is set up and all of the online classes and online books made it extremely difficult to finish. I have always been an excellent student, but this is not my preferred learning style. I tried to explain this to my mentor, but he kept telling me to "stick it out, it will get easier." It did not! He waited until it was too late for any refund to let me drop and now I owe over $5,000 for a horrible semester and no credits to show for it! I had 3 deaths in the family during this semester and this didn't qualify me for any type of extension or refund! They are heartless and only want your money! I would strongly advise anyone who is looking to better themselves to look elsewhere. Don't get tricked into wasting your time and money like I did!

I have been at WGU, in the Teacher's College, for a little over a year now and so far I have enjoyed my time here. The classes are relevant and provide ample learning resources to complete the task and assessments. But, if you are not self disciplined and lack motivation - I would not recommend WGU to you since that is probably the most important factor in choosing to study here. It's not usually a problem for me, I have my "off" weeks but since the program is flexible, I can easily bounce back to my work and catch up as long as I'm focused. The materials provided within a class are usually really easy to use, navigate and they are informational. I've never had an issue with this at all. The "teachers" are there when you need them and have helped me through phone calls, e-mails, or chatting. I've seen some people say that they aren't helpful, etc. But they have almost always directed me to the right direction. Of course they're not just going to tell you how to do your task because then you wouldn't learn anything. Which was a problem I had in a brick and mortar school I attended before I came to WGU - I would seek help from a professor and he/she would just end up telling me exactly where to find the answer or just flat out told me the answer instead of directing me to LEARN. Now, I will admit that the "mentors" are kind of a joke. Their job is to basically talk to you once a week or two weeks and make sure you're staying motivated and doing your course work. They are very "customer service" like. Meaning, very upbeat and outgoing. Which really isn't that horrible because once in awhile I need to be kicked in the butt to get a task done and hearing their enthusiasm brings my mood up. My biggest issue is that in the past year I have had three different mentors. They've all been really nice but I don't necessarily like the inconsistency. The online portal is very user friendly, in my opinion. I am pretty good with a computer though so that could be helpful. Overall, I would and I have recommended WGU to individuals who are motivated to learn and earn a degree. I'm usually a very strong believer in "you get what you pay for" but even though the tuition is comparably lower than other online universities, I feel that I have not compensated my education for the lower price tag. I plan on continuing my education at WGU and earning a masters degree after I have completed my bachelors.

Overall its been an OK start but I will admit as a full time Legal Secretary and mom of a rowdy three year old boy and 1 year old diva daughter I picked WGU for the price of online convenient education. That being said; I am 24 years old so I am hoping that I will obtain some serious headway once classes get started May 1- the final goal is get my JD by age 30!!! WGU is by every means of calculation the best possible value for the money. I love that a Pell Grant covered all but $300 of my first 6 mo term. For someone who has work experience I love that the competency-based model! I transferred in 36CUs out of 49 total credit hours so that is not bad!!! I am not impressed with the fact that it has take two weeks for Admissions to "Clear" me for Education without Boundarie s Orientation; I know there are many students but lets get real; no excuses there.. Overall so far okay but if I don't get cleared for that 9 hour orientation before May 1 I may re-review WGU. Best of luck to all but if money is a issue I think even with that delay its the only option!

WGU is a great alternative to the traditional college institution. I have a very busy lifestyle with work and family and found there BA and MA programs to be the ideal way to complete college education. I have read some reviews that complain about lack of teachers or mentors not answering there questions and that they had to go out and find the answers themselves. Well WGU is competency based education meaning your not going to have someone sitting in your class or in their office to go to, so that you can get the answer from them. The expectation is that you should be able to LEARN the material from books and from research to be able to provide an answer. WGU is not for everyone, it is for the busy, SELF MOTIVATED student who wants to complete a degree. That being said it is a great program for someone like myself who is working full time in a professional career, has a family or doesn't have time to go to a classroom every day with a bunch of kids who need to be spoon fed answers. WGU education is much like the real world, work hard to succeed, learn to use the communities and mentors for communication, but ultimately completing your degree is on your own terms and passing or failing falls on one person, yourself. Thank you to WGU and all it's mentors and communities for helping me complete my educational goals.

I completed my MBA at WGU in February and it encompassed a self paced - self taught - self disciplined approach on my behalf. I have read all the positive and negative reviews written about WGU and I must say only one is warranted the transcripts. The transcripts are very vague and will be very difficult for any human resources professional to discern, why! The transcript only lists the name of the course and pass or fail listed next to it with no GPA. You heard correctly it does not list a 3.0 GPA next to the course. The transcript has light printed text on the back that boasts that each student has achieved at least a 3.0 in every course passed. Also there is no course description what so ever regarding the competencies attained with each course. I find this aspect of it disturbing at best the reason is I strenuously more effort into this than most and received perfect scores on most of my writing assessments and in this system of grading there is no honors graduates such as CL or MCL. Further by not having a course description does not aid the graduate in applying for certain positions relevant to the degree. I have attempted to by pass this problem my making a WGU MBA portfolio with all the course context and grading sheets from task stream contained within. In light of the issues, I highly recommend to WGU to add substance to the student transcripts and to also reorganize the current system of grading at once because the rest of the college in my opinion is excellent. If you seek help from the mentors and instructors you will receive it. If you have questions about anything student services will take care of you. I enjoyed my time at WGU it was an incredible interactive learning experience that I was able to accomplish at my own paced with at a highly reduced cost compared to traditional universities.

I'm very please with my experience with WGU. Like other reviewers said, my mentor is only, "meh" but I don't really need one. With hard work I managed to complete 34 credit hours in one term. I do think this school is easier for those who finished their first two years of college at a Community college as it better prepares you for writing college level papers. The competency based model requires you to actually learn the material, and as a result I feel like I learned a lot more at WGU than other conventional colleges.

I've read a few gripes about this school, most are the result of flawed expectations. This is NOT a traditional school, it cannot and should not be compared to such. This school is for self-paced, self-motivated adults who already have a firm grasp of the field they're seeking a degree. This school is NOT for people who need their hands held. This is a great, accredited school, at a great value, period.

I recently graduated from WGU in the MBA program and I am very happy to say its over. I have written well over 1000 pages during my time at WGU and I totally believed once I received this degree that it would further my career and it has not. I have applied for numerous positions within colleges and state institutions only to have this degree rejected because it has no GPA and the transcripts are so vague all it lists are the courses with pass or fail listed. I have been rejected by numerous college institutions for entry into DBA and PHD programs because there is no GPA associated with WGU degrees. Sure WGU states when you pass the courses you have obtained the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA but this is meaningless as WGU will not offer a letter to anyone stating this fact because I have requested it to no avail. As far as support my mentors previous job was a used car salesman and every time I had a question about course content he had no answers and quickly changed the subject. I am not going to go on and be negative about WGU because that's simply not my way however it is what it is, I will not be getting a better career nor will I be accepted into a DBA or PHD program with this degree having said that you make up your own mind.

I would give WGU 3.5 stars out of 5. I recommend WGU mostly because of price. Many private colleges are not worth the price and other colleges will put professors part time or have graduate students teach you. WGU is a financially sound decision if you accelerate during the program. It can be a double edge sword financially if you fall behind, and take longer to finish your degree. WGU's Business and IT program has won awards from the US Distance Learning Association. The Education school has not. If you choose to study Mathematics Education at WGU there are some pros and cons. Pro or Con- You will have to teach yourself. WGU will give you a textbook to read and a Math mentor who may point you to useful resources that you will have to self learn. Con- Doesn't offer a discrete math course Con- doesn't offer educational psychology class (Needed on some state teacher tests) Con- You will write math essays that are scrutinized by an examiner meticulously and possibly repeatedly con- There are more effective online learning models than Pearson, which WGU uses. Example: Coursera and edX math classes. Con- On your course of study guide to learning math, more resources should be provided or should supplement already existing programs. Example abstract algebra is already offered online for free at Harvard. Linear algebra is offered online for free at MIT. WGU should redesign the COS so WGU students could reach the level of learning by Harvard and MIT. I still recommend WGU for the price, and its other programs. I wouldn't recommend anyone to being a math teacher as a career nowadays, too much hassle and drama.

I just completed my MBA with WGU. The degree took me exactly 1 year to do, from start to finish. I worked hard. I came home from work every night and worked on papers and projects to get the work done. I averaged writing 75-100 pages of text per month. [Many folks write less, a few more.] The level of work is not for those who want a quick easy ride. You have to read, study and not just regurgitate information but digest and utilize. I felt like I learned a great deal. My mentor was fabulous. She called weekly and helped keep me on track. For anyone who is self motivated and really wants an education and not just and easy C that will get them a degree should consider WGU. If the school has a Masters in Health IT or Informatics I would re-enroll for that as well.

I'll keep this simple: I completed the equivalent of 21 semseter hours in 6 months. I was a highly motivated learner, invested the necessary time and according to the school, I did well. But college is about more than just demonstrating "competency." It's about working with others, learning together and networking with fellow professionals. This school offers essentially zero support on the academic side, not even from a basic Teaching Assistant, and no opportunities to work together with fellow students. We spent lots of time introducing each other and then interaction was essentially banned because WGU is convinced that interaction = plagiarism. Really really bad. So on paper, I was highly successful there, but my satisfaction was somewhere between 0 and 1 on a scale of 10. Don't believe the hype.

As everyone else has said WGU is not for slackers or procrastinators. I let it go for a couple of weeks and had to double my efforts to get back on schedule. This is not easy, and it's not a diploma mill. I have some accounting experience, so it has helped me complete the degree faster and with more ease. There are a lot of materials and they have a mentor for the course, but no actual teacher or lectures. One thing I have suggested is that they develop chapter key points for each chapter in the modules because in a class like CGC1, there are over 35 chapters and only one 71 question exam covering all of those chapters. The books are all online, but they are included in tuition. If you are a go-getter, do it yourself type, you can't beat the value. If you need someone to break things down into small bits for you, go somewhere else.