Western Governors University
Offers accredited online competency-based bachelor's and master's degrees.
Company facts
- Founded
- 1997
- Employees
- 9,500
- Headquarters
- United States
- CEO
- Scott Pulsipher
- Type
- Non-Profit
- Subsidiaries
- WGU Academy, WGU Indiana, WGU Washington, WGU Texas, WGU Missouri, WGU Tennessee, WGU Nevada, WGU North Carolina, WGU Ohio
About
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, accredited online university formed in 1997 by a coalition of 19 U.S. governors. The founding vision was to provide accessible higher education through innovative, competency-based degree programs, allowing students to progress at their own pace. This approach is designed to eliminate traditional barriers to education, such as geographic location, scheduling conflicts, and high costs, making it ideal for busy professionals seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. WGU operates on a unique model that focuses on learning outcomes rather than seat time, meaning students demonstrate their mastery of subject content through assessments rather than completing a fixed number of credits. This flexibility allows WGU to cater to diverse student needs, making higher education attainable for a broader demographic, including working adults, military personnel, and first-generation college students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across several disciplines, including business, education, information technology, and health professions. With a mission to expand access to quality education, WGU has become a leader in online learning, producing graduates who are well-prepared to meet current workforce demands and contribute positively to their communities.