Western Governors University

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by TEKMAN, Apr 3, 2006.

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  1. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Hello Everyone,

    I need some advice from you; especially someone attends Western Governors University. I am finishing with Troy University in May for B.S in Computer Science. And I already applied to University of Texas at Dallas for Master of Science in Computer Engineering (conditional status); they expect me to pay out-state-tuition because I just occupied a property in Texas less than 3 months. And I am leaving the Marine Corps this May 2006.

    I don't want all my Montgomery G.I Bill to University of Texas at Dallas. Therefore, I plan to attend that school in spring 2007. In the mean time, I want to get my second Bachelor degree in Information Technology - Networks Design and Management Emphasis. I read the description of the degree information; and I really like it because I already posses several certifications such as MCSE, MCSA, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+. Besides, I have hundred credits from schools and Military training. Also, tuition at Western Governors University is cheap….only less than $3,000.00; where, I can bank some money from Montgomery G.I Bill.

    “This challenging degree program is the perfect way to advance your career in network management because it includes earning your Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification. It also includes earning several other IT certifications—at no additional cost to you. So you're not just completing a bachelor's degree, you're acquiring the respected industry certifications that will quickly propel you toward greater professional success. (If you already possess your MCSE, you can dramatically shorten the time to complete the program!)”

    The questions are; how many semesters does Western Governors University offer? What type of method of learning? I like online classes, but I hate Independent Study. How many Western Governors University credit requires earning their Bachelor degree? Are books and study materials are from the school?

    I think I am going to speak with a school representative, but more advices are appreciated. Also, I plan to use the next six months to review my IT skills.

    Thank you very much
    [​IMG]
     
  2. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

  3. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

  4. Nathe

    Nathe New Member

    WGU is a competency based program. You pay by the semester and pass as many competencies as you can. So it can take a person 10 semesters if they have no college or far less depending on what they have.

    It is pretty independent for the most part, but not necessarily independent study. You could study independently to pass a competency or you could take a class somewhere that will give you the needed skills to pass that. You have a mentor who guides you each step of the way and helps you find what you need to pass each section.

    WGU doesn't offer books and materials as such, you get those from where ever you are taking classes or from a local bookstore, online etc.

    You don't earn credits at WGU you pass competencies. So I can't really answer the how many credits thing. It is simply a matter of how many competencies you need to pass for the degree. WGU or someone attending might be able to give you an idea of averages credits per compentency on a transfer.

    From everything I have heard WGU is a good school.
     
  5. Lec

    Lec New Member

    Hello all,

    I've been lurking on this board for the last week or so. I think I've read nearly all the posts on WGU and related, as it is the program that I'm looking at for my own degree. From everything that I've read about it, it seems like a very good option.

    Thought I'd share this article I found via Google - I didn't see it linked anywhere else on the boards and its an awesome resource for WGU info.

    http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1254/is_4_37/ai_n15966199
     
  6. badproduce

    badproduce New Member

    I have attended WGU since Jan. 2005

    When they say challenging,I agree.
    So far 2 different "mentors"
    and my "pace" is always changing as
    something or else is in upheaval.

    I was told at a good pace could acheve
    my BS in Bus Mgmt in 2 years,but i a year and a half only 23 credits,mostly due to
    WGU parameters.

    Good luck,you'll need it.
     
  7. Ding

    Ding New Member


    So, if you are taking additional tests, courses, books, etc. from other sources, you are paying for those in addition to the $6000 or so per year to attend WGU, correct?

    I'm just trying to understand how this all works before I get too far into the process.
     
  8. Lec

    Lec New Member

    Yes and no, mostly no.

    Any classes you choose to take (they are available for any of your required comps.) are included in the costs. As I understand, the only additional costs to tuition are for books.
    I asked them how much the average student spends on books per term. The answer I got was 400-600 per year. So 200-300 per term. It depended on the students need/desire to have books as study aids. You are welcome to either buy the books from their store or from wherever you want (amazon, froogle).

    On a side note... I was also told that they can now, as of a couple months ago, include living costs with their financial aid if needed. But since most of the people in their program still work full time, I doubt they have many people take them up on that.
     
  9. Lec

    Lec New Member

    Oh, to be a little more clear... I was told that those book costs are the only external costs I would expect to see while in class with them, everything else is included (other learning resources & exam costs).
     

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