Western Governors University (WGU) is a non-profit, online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, education, health professions, and information technology. WGU’s teaching program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working adults, with courses offered online and on a self-paced basis.
One of the benefits of WGU’s teaching program is that it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This means that WGU’s degrees are recognized by employers and other educational institutions. Additionally, WGU’s tuition rates are relatively affordable, and the university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.
WGU’s teaching program has been recognized for its quality and innovation. In 2019, WGU was ranked as the #1 online university by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, WGU has been recognized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its work in providing access to higher education for low-income students.
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WGU Teaching Program
The WGU teaching program is a innovative and flexible approach to higher education. It is designed to meet the needs of working adults who want to earn a college degree without having to quit their jobs or relocate. The program is based on the following key aspects:
- Online: The program is offered entirely online, so students can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
- Self-paced: Students can complete the program at their own pace, without having to adhere to a traditional academic calendar.
- Affordable: The program is relatively affordable, and WGU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.
- Accredited: The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which means that WGU’s degrees are recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
- Flexible: The program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working adults, with courses offered online and on a self-paced basis.
- Supportive: WGU provides students with a variety of support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and technical support.
- Experienced: WGU’s faculty are experienced professionals who are experts in their fields.
- Career-focused: The program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
These key aspects make the WGU teaching program a valuable option for working adults who want to earn a college degree. The program is affordable, flexible, and supportive, and it offers a high-quality education that is recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
Online
The WGU teaching program is offered entirely online, which provides students with a number of advantages. First, it allows students to learn at their own pace. This is especially beneficial for working adults who may not have the time to attend traditional on-campus classes. Second, it allows students to learn on their own schedule. This means that students can complete their coursework at times that are convenient for them, such as evenings or weekends.
- Flexibility: The WGU teaching program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working adults. Students can complete their coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule, which allows them to balance their education with their work and personal commitments.
- Self-paced learning: The WGU teaching program is self-paced, which means that students can learn at their own pace. This is beneficial for students who have different learning styles or who need to accommodate their coursework around their work or personal schedules.
- Convenience: The WGU teaching program is offered entirely online, which makes it convenient for students who live in remote areas or who have busy schedules. Students can access their coursework and complete their assignments from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Affordability: The WGU teaching program is relatively affordable, and the university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.
Overall, the WGU teaching program is a valuable option for working adults who want to earn a college degree. The program is flexible, convenient, and affordable, and it offers a high-quality education that is recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
Self-paced
The self-paced nature of the WGU teaching program is one of its most distinctive features. It allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace, without having to adhere to a traditional academic calendar. This is a major advantage for working adults who may not have the time to attend traditional on-campus classes or who need to accommodate their coursework around their work and personal commitments.
- Flexibility: The self-paced nature of the WGU teaching program provides students with a great deal of flexibility. Students can complete their coursework at their own pace, which allows them to balance their education with their work and personal commitments.
- Convenience: The self-paced nature of the WGU teaching program also makes it very convenient for students. Students can access their coursework and complete their assignments from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Accommodations: The self-paced nature of the WGU teaching program makes it possible for students to accommodate their coursework around their work and personal commitments. For example, students can take breaks from their coursework during busy times at work or during family vacations.
- Prior learning: The self-paced nature of the WGU teaching program allows students to accelerate their studies by taking advantage of their prior learning. Students can complete their coursework more quickly if they have already mastered some of the material.
Overall, the self-paced nature of the WGU teaching program is a major advantage for working adults who want to earn a college degree. It provides students with the flexibility and convenience they need to succeed in their studies.
Affordable
The WGU teaching program is relatively affordable, and the university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. This is a major advantage for working adults who may not have the financial resources to pay for a traditional college education.
The average cost of tuition at WGU is about $6,000 per year, which is less than half the cost of tuition at most traditional colleges and universities. Additionally, WGU offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. This makes it possible for many working adults to afford a WGU education.
The affordability of the WGU teaching program is one of the main reasons why it is so popular with working adults. It allows working adults to earn a college degree without having to go into debt or sacrifice their financial security.
Here are some examples of how the affordability of the WGU teaching program has helped working adults achieve their educational goals:
- A single mother was able to earn her teaching degree from WGU while working full-time and raising her children. She was able to afford her education thanks to the university’s low tuition rates and financial aid options.
- A veteran was able to use his GI Bill benefits to pay for his WGU education. He was able to complete his degree in just two years, thanks to the university’s self-paced learning format.
- A working professional was able to earn her MBA from WGU while continuing to work full-time. She was able to afford her education thanks to the university’s affordable tuition rates and flexible payment plans.
These are just a few examples of how the affordability of the WGU teaching program has helped working adults achieve their educational goals. The university’s commitment to affordability makes it possible for working adults to earn a college degree without having to sacrifice their financial security.
Accredited
The accreditation of the WGU teaching program by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is a significant indicator of the program’s quality and credibility. HLC accreditation is a voluntary process that requires institutions to undergo a rigorous evaluation to ensure that they meet high standards of academic quality.
- Recognition by Employers: HLC accreditation signals to potential employers that WGU graduates have received a high-quality education and are prepared for the workforce. This can give WGU graduates a competitive advantage in the job market.
- Recognition by Other Educational Institutions: HLC accreditation also means that WGU’s degrees are recognized by other colleges and universities. This makes it easier for WGU graduates to transfer credits or pursue further education if they choose.
- Quality Assurance: The HLC accreditation process helps to ensure that WGU’s teaching program is constantly improving. The university must undergo periodic reviews to maintain its accreditation, which helps to ensure that the program remains current and relevant.
- Commitment to Excellence: HLC accreditation demonstrates WGU’s commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students. The university is committed to meeting the needs of working adults and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
Overall, the accreditation of the WGU teaching program by the Higher Learning Commission is a valuable asset for students and graduates. It provides assurance of the program’s quality and credibility, and it opens up opportunities for graduates in the job market and in further education.
Flexible
The flexibility of the WGU teaching program is one of its most distinctive features. It is designed to meet the needs of working adults who may not have the time to attend traditional on-campus classes or who need to accommodate their coursework around their work and personal commitments.
- Online learning: Unlike traditional college programs that require students to attend classes on campus, WGU’s teaching program is offered entirely online. This allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it easier to balance their education with their work and personal responsibilities.
- Self-paced learning: WGU’s teaching program is also self-paced, which means that students can complete their coursework at their own pace, without having to adhere to a traditional academic calendar. This allows students to accelerate their studies if they have the time and motivation, or to slow down if they need more time to master the material.
- Flexible scheduling: WGU’s teaching program offers flexible scheduling, which allows students to complete their coursework at times that are convenient for them. This makes it easier for working adults to fit their education into their busy schedules.
- Variety of courses: WGU’s teaching program offers a variety of courses, which allows students to customize their education to meet their individual needs and career goals. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as individual courses.
The flexibility of the WGU teaching program makes it a valuable option for working adults who want to earn a college degree. It provides students with the flexibility and convenience they need to succeed in their studies, without having to sacrifice their work or personal commitments.
Supportive
The supportive services offered by WGU are a vital component of the WGU teaching program. These services help students to succeed in their studies by providing them with the academic, technical, and personal support they need.
Academic advising is one of the most important support services that WGU provides. Academic advisors help students to develop their academic plans, choose their courses, and stay on track to graduate. They also provide students with support and guidance throughout their academic journey.
Tutoring is another important support service that WGU provides. Tutors help students to understand difficult concepts and to improve their academic skills. Tutoring is available for a variety of subjects, including math, science, writing, and business.
Technical support is also essential for students who are taking online courses. WGU provides students with access to technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Technical support can help students to resolve any technical issues they may encounter, such as problems with their computers or with the WGU online learning platform.
The supportive services offered by WGU are a valuable asset to students. These services help students to succeed in their studies by providing them with the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.
Experienced
The experienced faculty at WGU is a key component of the university’s successful teaching program. The faculty members are not only experts in their fields, but they also have a wealth of experience teaching online courses. This combination of expertise and experience allows them to create and deliver high-quality online courses that are engaging and effective.
One of the benefits of having experienced faculty is that they are able to provide students with real-world examples and insights. This can help students to better understand the material they are learning and to see how it applies to the real world. Additionally, experienced faculty are often able to provide students with valuable career advice and guidance.
The experience of WGU’s faculty is also evident in the way they interact with students. The faculty are supportive and encouraging, and they are always willing to help students succeed. They are also responsive to student feedback, and they are constantly working to improve their courses.
The experience of WGU’s faculty is a valuable asset to the university’s teaching program. It is one of the reasons why WGU is able to provide students with a high-quality education that is relevant to the real world.
Career-focused
The WGU teaching program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. This is evident in the program’s focus on practical skills, real-world projects, and career-relevant coursework.
- Practical Skills: The WGU teaching program emphasizes the development of practical skills that are in high demand in the workplace. For example, students in the education program learn how to develop and implement lesson plans, manage classrooms, and assess student learning. Students in the business program learn how to conduct market research, develop marketing plans, and manage financial resources.
- Real-World Projects: WGU students complete a number of real-world projects throughout their program of study. These projects allow students to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems and challenges. For example, students in the education program develop and implement lesson plans for their own classrooms. Students in the business program develop marketing plans for real businesses.
- Career-Relevant Coursework: The WGU teaching program offers a variety of career-relevant courses that are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. For example, the education program offers courses on educational psychology, curriculum development, and instructional design. The business program offers courses on marketing, finance, and management.
The career-focused nature of the WGU teaching program is one of the reasons why it is so popular with working adults. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers and achieve their professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the WGU Teaching Program
The WGU teaching program is a popular choice for working adults who want to earn a college degree. However, there are some common questions that people have about the program. This FAQ section will address some of the most frequently asked questions.
Question 1: Is the WGU teaching program accredited?
Answer: Yes, the WGU teaching program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This means that WGU’s degrees are recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
Question 2: Is the WGU teaching program self-paced?
Answer: Yes, the WGU teaching program is self-paced. This means that students can complete their coursework at their own pace, without having to adhere to a traditional academic calendar.
Question 3: Is the WGU teaching program affordable?
Answer: Yes, the WGU teaching program is relatively affordable. The average cost of tuition at WGU is about $6,000 per year, which is less than half the cost of tuition at most traditional colleges and universities.
Question 4: Is the WGU teaching program flexible?
Answer: Yes, the WGU teaching program is flexible. The program is offered entirely online, which allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Additionally, WGU offers a variety of support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and technical support.
Question 5: Is the WGU teaching program career-focused?
Answer: Yes, the WGU teaching program is career-focused. The program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
Question 6: Is the WGU teaching program a good choice for working adults?
Answer: Yes, the WGU teaching program is a good choice for working adults. The program is flexible, affordable, and career-focused, which makes it a great option for working adults who want to earn a college degree.
Summary: The WGU teaching program is a popular choice for working adults who want to earn a college degree. The program is accredited, self-paced, affordable, flexible, career-focused, and offers a variety of support services. If you are a working adult who is interested in earning a college degree, the WGU teaching program may be a good option for you.
Transition to the next article section: If you have any further questions about the WGU teaching program, please visit the WGU website or contact an admissions counselor.
Tips for Success in the WGU Teaching Program
The WGU teaching program is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the program.
Tip 1: Set realistic goals.
One of the most important things you can do is to set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start by setting small, achievable goals that you can build on over time.
Tip 2: Create a study schedule and stick to it.
The WGU teaching program is self-paced, but it’s important to create a study schedule and stick to it. This will help you to stay on track and avoid falling behind.
Tip 3: Take advantage of the support services offered by WGU.
WGU offers a variety of support services to help students succeed in the program. These services include academic advising, tutoring, and technical support.
Tip 4: Connect with other students.
Connecting with other students can be a great way to learn from others and stay motivated. There are a number of ways to connect with other students, such as online forums, social media, and study groups.
Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re struggling with a concept or assignment, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your instructors and fellow students are always willing to lend a hand.
Summary: By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the WGU teaching program. Remember to set realistic goals, create a study schedule, take advantage of the support services offered by WGU, connect with other students, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of earning a teaching degree from WGU.
Conclusion
The WGU teaching program is an innovative and flexible approach to higher education that is designed to meet the needs of working adults. The program is accredited, self-paced, affordable, and career-focused, and it offers a variety of support services to help students succeed.
If you are a working adult who is interested in earning a teaching degree, the WGU teaching program may be a good option for you. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of earning a teaching degree from WGU and making a difference in the lives of your students.
