Los Angeles (CNN) - After spending 20 years in a midlevel job at a Southern California credit union, Dawn Moore wanted a promotion. But to move up in the company, Moore needed a bachelor's degree. So what stopped her from going back to school? A full-time job, a family and a tight budget.
"I needed a university that was accredited, would work with my schedule, and I could do from home," said Moore, 55. "I just felt at my age and with everything I had going on in my life, I didn't feel like walking to a campus, sitting in a classroom and doing the traditional brick and mortar."
But then she discovered Western Governors University.
The university was started by a group of governors from the West who wanted to make education accessible to adult students with busy lives. It's an online, nonprofit, fully accredited university, a distinction not granted to all online campuses. It's a school without boundaries - there aren't any teachers, curriculums are personalized, and students can go at their own pace.
This type of flexibility draws adults who are strapped for time. The average student is 36, and 70% of them have full-time jobs.
"What makes us most unique is that we're competency-based; we actually measure 'learning' rather than 'time, " said Robert W. Mendenhall, president of Western Governors University. "So for each degree, we define what we expect graduates to know, and be able to do. When they demonstrate it, they graduate - independent of how many classes they've taken."
Another deal breaker? Costs. At traditional universities, tuition and fees can run up to more than $30,000 a year. At Western Governors, students pay a flat rate of $3,000 per term, which amounts to $6,000 per year. Rather than paying hundreds of dollars per unit (like in most other schools), students take as many courses as they can handle for a flat rate. This arrangement allows those on the fast track to speed through their classes, saving precious dollars and cents.
Michael Norwood is an Army reservist whose job as a drill sergeant meant traveling at least twice a month. "If I ended up pulling a 12- to 15-hour shift, I could head back to my room and get in a couple (of) hours before I had to call it a night and do it all over again," he said.
Norwood pursued his bachelor's degree in business management while hopscotching the country training Army recruits. "The school helps individuals who are in combat, too, who are actually in the field and away from civilization, he said. They have a chance to do their studies and not be penalized for missing a class."
After receiving his diploma, Norwood jumped right back in to classes at Western Governors - this time to pursue an MBA.
Western Governors offers degrees in four areas: business, information technology, teacher education and health care. Students pair up with a mentor, who helps with classes and advises them on when to increase or decrease their loads - depending on what s going on in their lives.
For Moore, illness interrupted her studies three months after enrolling.
"I found out I had colon cancer," she said. "Western Governors let me do my classes as I was recovering. It wasn't a pressurized situation. I don't feel a traditional school would really let you take a break."
Moore, whose cancer is in remission, said she focused on using her studies to push through recovery.
And two years later? Moore graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management and she got her promotion.
I just graduated from WGU with a dual BA in Special Education (prek-12) and General Education (prek-5) in December. I am grateful for the opportunity to earn a degree while raising a family and working full time. There are many online and brick and mortar schools that are fantastic, you need to find the one that works for you. I worked my butt off to earn my degree, but the best part about WGU is the fact that I had access to a mentor (who would call me as often as necessary to help me navigate the WGU world), Community Mentors for each subject (who hold Masters Degrees or higher in the field they are serving as mentor) that will help you online, on the phone and skype, as many times as necessary to help you understand and pass the tasks. Everyone who is enrolled in WGU has a mentor and access to Community Mentors who can help with any daunting task. I was never alone in my quest for higher education. I did not have my degree handed to me – I had to earn it. I would recommend WGU to anyone looking for an alternative (not an easy) route to a degree.
Wow, Western Governer's University must be having a tough time, if they have to pay for full page advertisements like this.
Sounds like they're getting a great education at the diploma mills. I remember when you could just buy a degree from a company that advertised inside of match book covers. Yes, I know, I'm very old, but having a Bachelors Degree from an online university where the students and teachers never meet seems too good to be true and must really be a BS (pun intended) degree. I bet they also have a lot of really hard papers to write where they can just cut and paste everything off the Internet.
Diploma mills are a problem. But Western Governors isn't an example of one. I've seen their postings on the academic job websites, and they're seeking highly qualified individuals. As long as you hire qualified people as teachers, online classes can be every bit as challenging as those offered in a classroom. In fact, they can even be MORE difficult due to mandatory message board postings.
I graduated from WGU and landed a fortune 500 job earning 100k plus per year! I love online schooling.
I graduated from Oregon State and will never be employable!
Relax everyone...isn't the purpose of college is to find yourself, your voice, your position in life. Online or brick and mortar schools is irrelevant. If an education gives you the tools to be confident and a baseline of education, then that is great. As a hiring manager for a global Fortune 100 company, the facts are what can you do for me (or my company); how can you add value?. Experience and the ability to deliver results is what counts in the long-run. All of this short sighted conjecture is just silly. Grow up...a degree is only worth the person behind it. Just my two cents in a world that wants my job.
I respectfully disagree. I have been quite sucessfully employed in my field for many years. Yet, i only have an associates degree. There are many defense based high tech jobs in my field that I can not have. Even though I have > 25 years experience they wont hire me, due to a lack of a bachelors degree. Some people/companies cant see past the sheepskin.
The teacher's college is NCATE accredited. To put that in perspective only 24 "B and M" schools including Stanford share the NCATE national accreditation honor in California . As a student I still must pass state mandated testing such as the PRAXIS or CSETS, CBEST, RICA and not to mention for my dual license I will be doing 16 weeks of Demonstration Teaching between elementary level and secondary as part of my Degree plan. Very detailed papers and objective exams clearly require extensive knowledge for the courses taken. Trust me that the teacher's college does NOT take the NCLB act lightly.
As a student that has attended B&Ms before, I can attest that just sitting in a class listening to lectures is NOT a learning style that fits myself. Let me say if you like to learn at your own pace that is faster than any CLASSROOM can offer than go to WGU because you will NOT be disappointed!
I have a BA, a corp job, a small house and an old car. I am single woman who makes a decent salary ($50s). But I will never get out of debt because of student loans (my only debt besdes my home). I wish I had never gone to public university, despite all the good times, friends and educational experiences I had. A 4 year degree is a waste. And before you go talking crap, I pursued my dream industry and did everything I wanted in my education. I was told that you get the education, the job and everything will fall into place. NOT TRUE. No one factors in 9/11, bad economies, crappy politicans, 8% interest on those loans and making $30K/year the first 10 years out of college, when they say get your degree. If I had to do it all over again, I would've gone to a trade school for something useful like AC repair or a mechanic. And if I had kids I would tell them to think outside of the univerity box- because this day in age, they are just another number, waiting to find a job.
I agree 100%. There are very few degrees worth the cost of university these days. Most are not worth it.
I agree also....Graduated with loads of debt in '82 as a teacher only to be offered starting salary of $12,000-$20,000. Actually a Catholic school offered me $8,000 yr. Absolutely insulting. I quit teaching and started a construction company. The Catholic Church that ran the school hired me to remodel the rectory....I made $35,000 in 4 weeks! Yep it was payback time and I don't feel a bit guilty.
On the other hand I advise my children to explore careers and salaries before making any kind of educational commitment. My oldest daughter went to court reporting school a 90 credit program. The total cost including her stenography machine was about 15k. Her wages $50-$75 hour depending on where she is at. Last year she ha one job where she made $8,000 in 5 days. It's a great occupation for women. Look at Community College of Allegheny County in PA. for the program.
My other daughter is becoming an Optician. My son is at Penn State for Computer Security and Forensics. All of these careers will pay more than the bills.
Choose your career wisely....and it's never too late to retrain. My third daughter was born with cerebral palsy. I needed to work nights and from home...I retrained in computer science and went back to teaching......While teaching I learned about online day trading.....retrained again and I'm now a full time trader....from home! For me it's the ideal career and it didn't cost me very much....just the cost of books and the school of hard knocks.
Check out what I do hxxp:// http://www.tradingroomblog (dot)com
You seem to be very bitter. No one is guarenteed a job in the US with or without a degree. Most people go to school to get an education and learn how to think, but some people think that they deserve a job just because they have a degree is laughable.
The irony of a school without teachers granting a degree in teacher education.
Kinda like the irony of making a comment without first understanding things like facts.
exactly
I have a BS in Industrial Design. For 4 years I had to spend a minimum of 20 to 30 hours (sometimes 40 to 60 hours) a week in the machine shop, building physical models of my designs. Nobody I know has $100K+ of machine shop equipment in their house that we had in our shop. Most ID schools today have 3-D printers , CNC milling machines and CNC lathes in addition to non CNC milling machines and lathes. If you cant build working models and presentation models of your own designs, nobody in the industry will hire you.... I also had to take 2 years of material an process classes. The most important part was going on filed trips to see how it is actually done in the real world. You just cant do that online. This online degree might work for some majors but not for all....
It's obvious that you skimped on the English classes.
"But to move up in the company, Moore needed a bachelor's degree."
This is what I find annoying, why should someone have a degree to be moved up? If they have been on the job long enough and the experience to do the job, isn't that good enough?
No, unforunately, experience is not enough any more; it doesn't count for anything. As my father always said, "there are a lot of people (educated a–holes he called them) with B.S. degrees out there. And that is exactly what they are – BS!!" Experience has been overrun in favor of education. Just because someone has a degree doesn't mean they know the work.
And it looks as though I might be one of them as I can't seem to spell the word "unfortunately"!
So many naysayers. I'll bet 90% of the people with negative comments on here are doing nothing to better themselves. They just enjoy spouting venom at others. If you don't like WGU, don't attend. See you in the workforce whiners.
Actually I have a BS in Industrial design and I'm very gainfully employed and have no use to further my education. This online stuff might work for some majors but not all. It took me 4 years (most programs are 5) at about 80 hours a week of class time, studio time and machine shop time. None of which you can do online.
Yes Alex, we get it, YOUR education is better than that of anyone else who did the work online because you went to tailgate parties and campus bashes, go sell that to an HR department somewhere (don't be disappointed or bitter if someone with a lesser degree but a more valuable outlook of the organization's needs gets promoted/hired before you do).
Actually, I have a tenure-track position in academia. 
No teachers? Then who puts together the courses, evaluates the assignments, gives feedback, and so on?
wgu.edu. You can read all about it there.
I went to Tufts in Boston and Georgetown in DC for law. I have undergrad debt but no law school debt thanks to a program in law school which pays my tuition if I practice public interest or government (I'm a prosecutor) law for 5 years. After the 5 years, I can work at a law firm which will pay me a premium for my prosecutorial experience. That should kill off my undergrad debt in 3 years tops (210k per year). Then I can return to prosecuting.
Umm, who cares?
Wow, thanks for letting us know how little your weenis is d-bag!
I have to say one thing here and that alot of brick and morter schools are offering online classes now as well to meet the needs of their "traveling" students.
What is the difference between these online courses versus an online school? Take a look at Harvard right now as they offer some courses strictly online or online and at the campus or via web conference.
I have truely done alot of research on these type of schools before obtaining a bacholers from AIU online and found that alot of employers prefer experience over degrees, but a degree tells them you are willing to go the extra mile to get that extra training to get better at your job or become more efficent in your field.
To me a brick and morter school is great in its own way as you get more interaction with people you may have never met and you get a hands on meeting with professors or teachers who have been teaching their whole lives and may have relevant experience in the field. It also allows you to ensure you are learning the material and not "skimming" by just to get the paper for $80k.
Online schools force you to sit down and study or read from a book, but of course you can also "skim" by here as well if you truely wanted too by just doing the bare minium. You are also taught, usually, by instructors who have field experience and will give you time if you ask them for it, but you have to ask for their attention. This to me illustrates real life if you need help you ask for it since it will not be handed to you.
I see both sides of the coin and I do not have a prefence of which type of school folks go to. You get out of your classes what you put it in to them.
Excellent input.
I am a stay-at-home mom to two under 3 and would NEVER have the chance to go to school if it weren't for WGU. I was hesitant about the school at first, but now that I am in my first term, I realize this is the BEST school ever. I have serious school pride now! My father is also attending WGU while holding a full time job. The classes are challenging and I am learning a lot. This IS a legit school. I am in my 3rd month of my first term and have completed 7 classes, because I have a lot of time on my hands at home when I am not taking care of my kids.
Someone from WGU is on this site defending them with full vigor.
Clearly there are many of us. Many closed minded individuals judging WGU without knowing anything about it. Go to a physical university if you choose, more power to ya! But obviously we are happy with our decision.
Gone are the days when you actually physically went to class, interacted with classmates, professors, administrators, coaches, etc. Weclome fast food college where the piece of paper is the only goal. These McDegrees make those once earned degrees valueless.
blame it on employers looking for letters in front of your name rather than actual competency. we're just playing to thier tune.
I think you need to wake up and smell the coffee. Distance learning has been a fact of life in the UK for decades (I got my MBA in 1996 that way) and anything that reduces the cost and maintains quality is to be welcomed. Sorry if that spoils your view of how 'real' education should be delivered!
Speak for yourself! I attend WGU to better myself. Not for a "piece of paper".
Who says you have to go to school to get an education? All you need are the right resources.
Where's the "Advertisement" flag on this "article"? No critical analysis, just gushing on about how good WGU is. And tons of comments that conveniently buttress the school.
Yeah I guess they should write an article about the merits of traditional brick and mortar schools in the U.S. and how they're the best in the world right? I'm certain my old college professor that obtained his degree in the 1940's would agree wholeheartedly with you.
It does read like an advertisement doesn't it?
Generally comments are short and more spontaneous; it's obvious people who comment are paid to promote that sh!t...
Where is my check then damnit?!?
Or maybe, just maybe, when you find something really exceptionally good, you don't have to be paid to support it. I have never been paid to support or endorse WGU in my life. I don't expect I ever will be. Trust me, there are days I wish I had a camera over my shoulder so they could see just how much work I do for them on their behalf, but I have a true and deeply seeded love for this school. People like you aren't going to shake it. But I guarantee that anything negative anyone has to say, someone will have an answer for. For every bad experience, there are hundreds more good experiences. For every problem you can come up with, we students have found a way around it. We Go Further because that is what we are inspired to do.
I really like what WGU has provided for working adults. As a teacher, I can appreciate a continuing education without having to go to actual classes, especially since I would really like to get a degree in administration. I however, believe it is only for adults who are working and looking for jobs, or young students who cannot afford boarding at or near a "brick and mortar" university. I would not recommend it to a kid fresh out of high school who needs to not only learn how to exceed at their chosen carrer, but learn life skills and real-life social problem solving. University not only prepares you for your career, but prepares you to think in so many different situations since you are immersed in a place where you meet all sorts of people and challenges. Of course, the armed forces does the same, in which it would be great if they took classes at WGU...
I guess I agree with you. This type of college is more for working adults who may want a promotion. I would be dissapointed in my son if he chose online schooling right after high school.
WGU is meant mostly for working adults – in fact, without some prior college experience, it's pretty hard to get into WGU in the first place.
Bad advertisement on CNN.
A lot of paid commentors too.
This is becoming NewsMax..........
I am a WGU alumni. There is a small catch: You must be able to study on your own. The mentors and instructors do not teach. They will refer you to the materials but that's as far as it goes.
So while it's a great opportunity for those who are self-learning, it's definitely not for everyone. Nonetheless, I obtained my degree through this university and saved a lot of money and headache. The last thing a mature adult needs or wants is to be in a university classroom with sweaty teenagers. How depressing.
The WGU proctored exams are set by other universities and the projects and assessments are marked externally also.
The entrance exam is quite difficult. But at $6K it's worth a shot even if you don't make it.
I'm sorry that you had this experience. I have not had the same experiences. Granted, I've come across a few course mentors who were not as willing to go through course materials bit by bit by bit, but each and every mentor I've met has been willing to teach me if I needed it. All I had to do was ask.
Great Story! I am currently a third grade teacher at an International School in the Middle East and my husband goes to WGU for his teaching degree. I can tell you for certain that his education is definitely better than mine. WGU strips down all the BS tenure, grumpy Professors, textbook-profit-scheme, time-wasting, unnecessary costs of brick and mortar schools. While I am chipping away at my $100K in private school loans, we are able to pay out-of-pocket for his school loans. Yes, we pay almost $1,000 a month for just MY loans... I don't wish this kind of stress on anyone.
When I go back for my Masters it will be at WGU. It just makes sense to me. There are so many people in the world who haven't gone beyond high school for whatever reason but this is definitely a way for people to reach their personal goals. I am so proud of my husband for being smart about his schooling.
- Grateful Wife of a WGU student
More like your husband "logs-in" to WGU. He doesn't actually attend class.
The problem with these online schools is the lack of human interaction and fulfilling experience. I went to the University of Hawaii for my undergrad and master's, and currently am getting my Ph.D. at Chapman University. I would never trade my 6 years of college experience and current schooling for a quick online degree, which many employers would not even recognize.
There isn't really a lack of human interaction. I see other WGU students periodically. I just don't live on campus. Even when I went to brick and mortar schools, I didn't live on campus most of the time. I still had to schedule time to see other students outside of the classroom then, just as I do now. The biggest difference is that now we all have conversations online in forums, on facebook, in online communities, on phone conferences, in webinars, and in other ways that the school has set up for us. We have mixers where multiple students gather just for the purpose of meeting each other. We have service projects where students get together to give back to the community. And...for the record...my online degree was recognized immediately by one of the world's most renowned companies in the defense industry. Months before I graduated. And I'm living up to their expectations due to my outstanding and exemplary education.
That's wonderful for you. Nevertheless, I still think traditional face-to-face education does not compare to online forums, discussions, etc. There is a loss of connection. I do, however, think this type of communication is beneficial when used as supplementary to in-class lessons.
I guess my perspective is coming from working in the Education field and academia. For the most part, we do not recognize degrees from those who received them online.
I would not want my child getting a degree from WGU or any online school. I can't imagine a high school senior being excited about attending WGU. It would moreso be a last resort, after community college.
Haha I'd love to meet the person that cheats his/her way through WGU. It would be very, very difficult to do. On the other hand, it appears that cheating at traditional colleges isn't quite as difficult: http://www.bangstyle.com/2011/12/cheating-in-college/
Wrong. hats your opinion not a fact.
Yes, that's* my opinion; therefore, my commentary. I guess they aren't teaching you how to write at WGU.
HAHAHAH. Boom! Roasted!
Got him!
Nice Alex.
Hi Alex,
I think most individuals in academia would agree with you. The reality however is that online education is growing in both popularity and demand...hence the reason schools like Columbia, NYU, etc. are adding entire degree programs online with little/no residency requirements. Online education isn't for everyone however in the years ahead, this notion that online education doesn't compare to a traditional degree will be a minority view. While "social interaction" and face to face teaching may be have been an important part of the education process in the past, in today's connected world it's no longer an absolute. The reality is that online education is the future. Schools will either realize this and adapt or they will lose their student base over the long-run. For the record, I have hired individuals with online degrees in the past and been pleased with my decision so perhaps I'm biased. I do believe however that I'm not the only one.
I agree with you. Traditional schooling is not for everyone; however, I don't think high school seniors should aspire to go to University of Phoenix or WGU. What I liked about my traditional university was the overall experience which is my point. Living on-campus for my undergrad and graduate years, I had easy and daily personal access to my professors, advisors, and colleagues. There were events like tailgating for football games, fraternity gatherings, on-campus concerts, etc. that were always happening at the university. Things, I think, are not available at online schools.
Professors were always accessible and literally accross the street and knew students at a more personal level. There are certain things I do not agree with regarding traditional colleges (large class sizes, multiple choice tests, among others), but I think the student-professor relationship becomes even more watered-down at the online school level.
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