Will WGU ever get doctorate programs?

Does anyone know if WGU is in the works to establish any doctorate programs? It seems like they are growing like crazy and that would be the next step. Would appreciate it if anyone had any inside info on this. Thanks.

 

I am also waiting for an MS in IT (with software option) from WGU.

 

I would imagine doctoral programs at WGU will have to wait for two things:
1. WGU needs to figure out how to offer a doctorate within their competency methods;
2. WGU might have to become more involved in serious research.
I see WGU as making an increasing effort to engage students academically as students reach to achieve competency, so #2 may not be that far away.

 

No, there are no plans in place at this time.

The problem as it stands right now is that their one mentor to 100 student model does not scale well when doctoral research is considered. Additionally, their tuition model only holds as effective when the one mentor to 100 student model maintains efficiency.

If WGU goes into doctoral programs it will need to

1. Run a completely different tuition model
2. Hire more PhD faculty at a much higher rate of pay with fewer students engaged by each mentor.
3. Likely develop a completely different brand or school for that attempt.

Essentially, running a quality doctoral program exists in a diametrically opposed state to the WGU business model. What makes WGU successful presently won't make them successful at the next level.