I Just Graduated From Western Governors "U"... Will You Hire Me?

Earlier in 2008, I asked the question all of us have wondered - "Online Degrees - the Real Deal or Diploma Mills?".  In that post, I ranked the educational options available and encouraged folks that if they were going to get an online diploma, it's still better to get it from a school that has a reputation as a bricks and mortar school as well. 

One of the things I talked about in that post is that learning is a state of mind as much as it is a program.  You just have to be ready to convey the value of what you learned to someone who cares - like an interviewer.  That means an online degree can still work, you just have to be able to communicate what you learned and how you will/have used it.

Still, if you threw up the name "Western Governors University" on a resume, I'm automatically thinking diploma mill that isn't credible - and I'd be wrong.

More on good old WGU from Time:

"Established 11 years ago by the governors of 19 states, the virtual university--which is administered from Salt Lake City--has experienced a surge in admissions as more college students look for low-cost alternatives. Enrollment topped 10,000 last spring, growing at a rate of 40% in both 2006 and 2007.

Some 4 million Americans sign up for a distance-learning course each year, whether at an extension of a bricks-and-mortar institution or at an online-only school. Although the latter category is populated mostly by for-profit companies, WGU stands out as a nonprofit funded mainly by tuition and the $20 million in seed money supplied by those 19 governors. To help bolster its reputation, the school obtained accreditation from both regional standard bearers and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the professional body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for certifying teacher-preparation programs. (WGU remains the only online institution that has NCATE's seal of approval.) Such moves were designed to "lend WGU more legitimacy as an educational institution," says Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, who helped found the school when he was governor of Utah.

Today WGU is the nation's largest supplier of math and science teachers in urban school districts. The school's success is owed in large part to its competency-based approach. Instead of requiring that students take specific courses or amass a certain number of credit hours--as most colleges do--WGU asks only that students demonstrate mastery of the subject matter via online exams or papers that could take a day or a decade, depending on the student.

At $3,000 per six-month semester, WGU charges a sixth of the average annual tab at private four-year colleges and half as much as an online for-profit like the University of Phoenix, a mega virtual school that has some 200,000 students. And WGU lets you take as many courses as you can fit in a semester, which means some students are able to finish an undergraduate degree in as little as two years."

It's a good story, and while I'm always skeptical of someone getting a full undergraduate degree in two years, WGU should work harder to get the word out to recruiters and HR folks, so we don't penalize the graduates of their institution.  I'd start with the fact that WGU remains the only online institution that has NCATE's seal of approval.  Also, if you're going to get a degree from on online school, it makes sense to get it in a trade where there always seems to be a shortage - like pharmacy technician training.

After all, if the University of Phoenix can separate themselves from the online pack, why can't a university founded by a group of governors?

Comments

[Alicia]

I'll hire someone from an on-line school. I went to both types of schools and graduated with an on-line degree from Baker College. It was tough work. I didn't have the option of taking basket weaving and other plush courses to get through. I worked twice as hard in a shorter amount of time to get my grades. Let me talk to someone who went to a brick and mortar school and see what fun they had compared to every night of homework I had.

[tiffyjay88@hotmail.com]

Did they pay you to write this? WGU sucks!

[Dustin Lyle]

No... They didn't pay him to write that... That is an actual article from Time magazine. And as a Columbia MBA with a B.A. in HR, I sure as hell will hire someone who has the determination to complete an online program; If its accredited that is. What it tells me is, they wanted the education, not the college experience. They passed up on the binge drinking, partying, etc.. And also have less debt then the average college grad... This makes an employee who is less worried about making his student loan payment and can more focus on work while at work.

[mitch]

hi Dustin and Alicia..
it's very reassuring to see responses like yours.. and that makes me believe in schools like WGU.

I am really busy at work and so i think that schools like WGU would be perfect to attain my long wanted degree..

[Christina]

I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Science Education from WGU, I have a job, and I was accepted into a prestigious graduate school to complete a higher degree in school counseling. I think that as long as you are able to demonstrate what you learned at your college, you will find a job. And for the record, online courses are much more rigorous than those in actual classrooms. You can't just hide in the back and pass. Your education is what you make of it.

[valerie N.]

Thanks for the positives comments regarding WGU. I am a RN am planning to enroll in the RN-MSN program. My concerns are regarding the teaching methods and academic support. Can anybody clarify what " Competency based learning " entails?
Thanks,
A serious student.

[Maargen]

"Competency based learning" means you have to take an assessment test to see if you have an understanding of the subject matter. If you do well on the test, then you don't have to take a course in that subject. This can help you "place out" of prerequisites in math and language courses, for instance, and focus on the courses at the core of the curriculm for your degree.

[Michael Hartman]

I am currently a student at WGU, returning to college after many years. I hold a BS degree in business administration and an MS degree in counseling. I just finished my first semester as an undergraduate accounting major. So far I enjoy the program and my mentor checks in periodically to make sure I'm meeting requirements for my degree. I would strongly recommmend WGU to others

[Isaiah77721]

I would just like to say, I have been in the "degree mill" schools before, and I definately notice a difference in WGU. I also am please to hear from potential employers, exactly what we are told before signing up: it's hard, but it will pay off and people will notice. I would just like to clarify "competency based learning"- While yes, you basically can test out of ALL of your classes, based upon a pretest. This will help you focus on the areas of that particular class you need to study up on, if any. But more impotantly what it means is that you actually understand what you have learned. While many schools focus on teaching you how to take a test, WGU focuses on you being "competent" in all areas of your degree. You really only have one test in most classes, and maybe a COUPLE graded assignments. You can't fail the tests and pass on your attendance and homework busy work like you could at a traditional school. You need to KNOW your stuff to graduate.

[Aurora H.]

I guess attending an online college has its risks and benefits. It is like larning to swim ;I may drown or I may master my back stroke. I'm just going to jump in the water, do the best I can, and become the best teacher I can be!

[loverna]

I can relate to Valarie--May 13, 2010 comment,i am pursuing my RN- MSN into education, and needing to make exact decisions. The situation is i have started at UOP and almost half way through, I enjoy the ciriculuum , but the tuition is outrageous. I am so pleased to read favorable reviews on WGU. I just hope if my decision is for WGU that my graduate will transfer. Loverna

[Ted Nolen]

To the person who "was accepted into a prestigious graduate school" come on, tell us what school this actually is. Otherwise it doesn't have any credibility. Please give specific information. Please.

[D Harris]

I went to a brick and mortar college for 3 yrs and then had to enter the work force early due to a lack of funds for some family members. Now several yrs later I'm a father and have a family to care for, I'm looking to finish my degree to assist in some forms of security. Currently I'm looking at WGU, Charter Oak State College and Thomas Edison State College. My major concern is now that I have my GI Bill I can afford to go for an MBA as well. But I want an AACSB certified MBA froma a respectable college. So which one of these online colleges will get me into a a respectable graduate school? That's my issue. I would like to hear from the WGU grad who's in a graduate school now. What school was it? How did WGU prep you for grad school? etc. Any help would be great!

[Troy Whorten]

With motivation and discipline you can really do well at WGU. I finished my BS in Finance in two years, put in one more term and got my BS in Accounting. I got the job I wanted as an appraiser (along with a fat raise) and am just starting my MBA online through Auburn University.

[brenda]

thanks for your page
I am currently researching signing up for WGU for HR. sounds really impressive being accredited by all four national accrediting agencies and being prepared for a job as a HR manager or director. That is my desired position. Skeptical at first, but since my employer will accept my degree from them, it should really be a no=brainer for me. I am now assured to go with them after reading your blog. thanks again

[glo]

D Harris,
I am really glad to hear that Auburn University accepts WGU's degrees. It is reassuring to know that!

[Daniel Saadipour]

I already have a BS. in Mathematics which I received from a traditional class-room type school along time ago, I am thinking about enrolling in the MBA-Health care management program of WGU, I have also been running several different type of businesses of my own in the past twenty years, so I know a thing or two about the business aspect of this major, but I have no experience in the health-care field, I would like some suggestions, or opinions from people who are presently taking courses, or have graduated from this field, and are familiar with this major at WGU. Are you advising for, or against it? And why? Also what is the marketability of this field in the real (JOB WORLD), Thanks for all your info.......... Daniel

[Wgu sucks]

I know this post is old, just want to chime in. I was going to WGU for a little while whilst I was in the military. Word of advice to veterans seeking to go to WGU.......DONT!!!!!!!! They're all hunky dory while they're getting money directly from the govt (tuition assistance) but the minute they have to do ANY leg work to verify you with the VA you're screwed. It's been 2 years since I was forced to leave that horrible institution and I'm still dealing with the consequence! WGU is a horrible school...word of advice, get a cheaper degree from some community college and the rest of the real education you can learn for free from he Internet and doing your research

[Joey Coakley]

@Wgu Sucks: No offense, but why would an institution keep you around if they are losing money to keep you? The representatives that I have worked with have bent over backwards to make sure I was taken care of, but I have realistic expectations of what MY responsibilities are. Additionally, the point of going to a college like WGU is to have a degree worth the paper it's printed on. If you're seeking specifically the knowledge you'll gain from a community college, then great - but for those of us who need validation of our knowledge in the workforce, a community college degree just won't do. In terms of the price of a respected degree, you won't find one much cheaper than that offered at WGU.

[question]

I am trying to do some research about WGU. I have a BSN and want to persue MSN. I am excited about their tuition and that i can complete the program as fast as i want. I am just not sure if it is a good idea to take it online from WGU. I dont know if their quality of education is as good as some traditional class based schools. I really want to hear from some who have attended this school or this program. Would i have problem finding a job later or have my degree equally recognized as other so called good big schools

[Phil]

WGU to me appears to be a rare exception to the rule. I'm 25 and I'm finishing an certification currently in web design. I've been a self taught designer and I'm just starting to find success with being employed full time over the last year doing design work and seeing some serious up tick in my freelance work.

As any designer will tell you your portfolio is the most important and ultimately I don't need a degree to be successful in my field. But the simple truth of the matter is that makes me nervous or feel like I'm assuming too much. Freelance work ebbs and flows as all designers know. And I like the idea that I can find full time work rather easily and supplement it with freelance or even work part time to keep steady work during the slow times and supplement it with freelance work.

Regardless I've been looking at pursuing a degree in marketing since this is a secondary passion of mine to design and something I'm constantly integrating. Whereas a design degree would generally be wasted on me considering my extensive experience. But I have always had misgivings about college since I feel they don't really have the best interests of their students in mind anymore. So many schools have outrageous tuition and churn out idiots. I guarantee I can work in a business place better than a majority of graduates. Sadly the system is broken and most likely will never be fixed. But WGU is a small beacon of hope. Degrees based upon competency, what a novel idea! If you did this in a tradition school half of them would flunk out. I've always felt you learn more from experience and collective knowledge than you do from just simply reading a book and answering questions. As such I love this approach and I love that people actually are giving it credit. Hopefully this will catch on. But schools won't like people dipping into their cash cow so it likely won't. That and too many people have stodgy ideas about pedigree and accreditation that is quickly becoming outdated and illogical. I'm applying today and look forward to learning more. I hope this will be the degree for me.

[Adam]

I earned my BS in marketing management from WGU in 2009. At the time, WGU was the only school I could afford that could get me the (accredited) degree I wanted/needed to move out of the cubicle farm that was crushing my soul. Near the end of my final term I began to think about graduate school. My positive experience with online learning at WGU taught me first and foremost that learning is about your own efforts far more than it is about what someone else (a professor, a boss, a colleague) is going to GIVE you. In May 2011, I finished my MBA from the University of Michigan. People who take the time out of their lives to troll the internet and grind their axes about the quality of schools they don't attend should consider finding a hobby - perhaps one of their self-approved colleges will have some courses of interest to fill the free hours of their day. Best of luck to you all.

[A Facebook User]

I have read every single comment in this thread-- positive and negative both.

I have been doing reams of research on schools as I am set to go back to get my MBA-Healthcare Administration. After separating the wheat from the chaff, guess which institute of higher learning tops my list? That's right, WGU.

Is WGU the best school on my list? Doubtful. I investigated Harvard, Georgetown, and a variety of other schools. Is WGU the worst? Not even close. Is it the most affordable? Well, yeah... but that is not the sole reason I chose WGU.

Nobody at US News and World Report was paid by the school to write a great piece: http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/online-education/2010/11/04/the-nonprofit-approach-to-online-education.html
Nor anyone at the Economist: http://www.economist.com/node/21541398/

Or NBC News: http://www.wgu.edu/sites/wgu.edu/files/images/NBC_News_sidebar.png

And on...and on...http://www.wgu.edu/about_WGU/wgu_news

This is a new world we live in. Online education is here to stay. And WGU stands at the top of the heap. I look forward to the rewards I will reap as a result of completing my education at WGU.

[Andy]

I am currently attending a school that has an actual building. I of course am prejudice towards this type of school. I also feel that the quality of education would be better from an physical school. I may be wrong, who knows. I do know that I would like Alicia (the first comment) to go ahead and line up with me toe to toe academically speaking, since I apparently have just fun times to talk about . . .

This type of school is for adults. That is the difference. Not everyone has the ability to up and quit to become a full time student. This type of education is mainly good for getting a promotion/raise, which is what most people care about. It serves it's purpose. Most people attending these types of colleges are not premed, not potential engineers, not anything of the sort, but usually lower to mid-level people and looking for a bump.

[Kristen]

You have to be careful with WGU since they only do pass or fail no letter grades and no GPA's. I know one lady whose employer would not reimburse her tuition expense because they do not recognize WGU as a legimate source of education. If you chose to get your BSN from WGU and then go to another university for your MSN chances are good it will not be excepted. Also not all instructors are degreed educators some are attending WGU themselves - this is why they are called mentors. If it sounds to good to be true sometimes it is. Be Careful!!