Founded in 1997, Western Governors University became the first school to offer all bachelor’s and master’s programs through competency-based learning. Through this model, students progress through courses by completing assessments and demonstrating mastery, not by having to wait until the session ends. WGU’s competency-based learning gives students access to more than 20 of the fastest online bachelor’s degrees available, including programs in elementary education, data analytics, and cybersecurity and information assurance.
At WGU, assessments take the form of tests, essays, or projects and practical demonstrations. Courses start on the first of every month, and students that complete the minimum course requirement can add more as soon as they want. Since WGU’s tuition rates are term-based, the more courses students complete, the lower their overall tuition. For admission, applicants need a high school diploma or GED. They may also need to present work or college experience and may need to complete an assessment test.
WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.