Western Governors University
Regionally Accredited by NWCCU
Accredited by NCATE (Exclusive School) – This is one of the highest accreditations possible.
Western Governors University states they are the only online university to achieve this accreditation.
Cost: You pay by semester; $2,980 per semester
(About $240 per credit hour if you were to take 12 credits per 6 months)
Military Discounts: Will work with VA benefits and GI bill
Average Length of program: 1 ½ – 2 years
Master’s Degree Programs Offered:
Master of Arts in Teaching – K-8
Master of Arts in Teaching – Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
Master of Arts in Teaching – Science (5-9 or 5-12)
Master of Arts in Teaching –Social Science (5-12)
Master of Science in Educational Leadership
Master of Science in Special Education
Master of Arts in English Language Learning and English as a 2nd Language (PK-12)
Master of Education in Instructional Design
Master of Education in Learning and Technology
Master of Education in Measurement and Evaluation
Endorsement Preparation Program in English Learning and English as a 2nd Language
Post Baccalaureate Programs
(for those that only want to attain teacher certification)
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation – K-8
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation – Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation – Science (5-9 or 5-12)
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation –Social Science (5-12)
What you NEED TO KNOW:
1. Types of Masters offered:
a. Master’s Program for the individual that has a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, looking to make a career change into teaching.
b. Master’s Program for individuals that already have a bachelors degree in education looking to further their educational training and careers.
c. Post Baccalaureate Program for those that already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field want to attain teacher certification, but do no want to attain a master’s degree in the process.
2. Admission Requirements
a. Official transcript, look at general courses you have taken
b. Bachelors degree from an accredited university
c. Application
d. GPA of a C or higher
3. Course Length
Depends on each class as courses are not a set length and are competency based. Ex: if have a lot of experience in one class may finish much faster.
Western Governor’s University works on a “Roll Over System:”
As soon as you are done with one class the other will start. You can go as fast as you like or slow as you like and take breaks when ever needed.
4. How many courses can I take at a time?
As many as you like
5. How many credits can I transfer?
For the masters program an evaluation would need to be done on the courses you have taken to determine transfer eligibility of credits.
6. Teaching License:
If your masters program is designed for those that are NOT already a licensed teacher your course work will include preparation classes and student teaching that meet licensure requirements of most states
Utah
This program is based out of Utah so after completing the course you can take their state’s licensure exam to become a licensed teacher in Utah.
All Other States
You will receive an IR (instructional recommendation) to give to your home state’s Board of Education. This will show your home state you have completed a accredited teaching program. You then would need to satisfy the requirements of your state, which normally is to complete and pass your states licensing test in order to receive your teaching license. This program will meet most states licensure requirements (**NOTE: I recommend that before starting any teaching program to check with your state’s Board of Education to ensure this program will meet your state’s standards)
7. If my Master’s program requires student teaching do I have to find and set up my own student teaching in my home state?
You will pick your top three schools that you would like to complete you student teaching at and your academic advisor/mentor will set this up for you.
Extras:
Western Governors University (WGU) is a non-profit university that offers education bachelor degree programs, post baccalaureate (link to post baccalaureate page) teacher preparation, master degree programs, and licensure programs. WGU programs accommodate those that already have a bachelors degree in an unrelated field and are looking to change careers to teaching.
WGU is the only on-line university to receive NCATE (http://www.ncate.org/) accreditation. This is one of the top accrediting agencies in education; the highest accreditation a teaching university can receive.
WGU is a competency based program that allows you to move at your own pace. There is no group work as they state this is too frustrating for on-line work. You can complete your course work at a time convenient to you as there are no set time to log in. Courses start at the beginning of ever month so you can begin the program at the beginning of any month
Note: About Tuition
a. This program is more affordable than others (2,980 per 6month term = to $240 per credit if you were to take 12 credit hours during the 6 month term)
b. The only down side to this is that if enrolled at GWU you must pay 2,980 per 6-month term no matter how many or how few classes you take. This program is ideal for someone who can make the time in their busy schedule to go back full time.
c. Test books are extra: $300-400 per 6 month
d. If your program contains an on site practicum or student teaching you will be charged an extra $1000 for the last 12 weeks of your program for a site visit
Note: About Post Baccalaureate or Master’s Degree Programs for teacher licensure or certification.
a. You will start with any course you have not taken yet (content preparation program if needed)
b. You would then complete the post baccalaureate program
c. Then you may continue on to the Master’s of Arts program for teacher certification
d. You must maintain a GPA of a “C” or higher