A naive question about WGU's learning format

[amalgamate]

If this has been asked before, I apologize, please point me in the right direction. I couldn't find anything in search(both on here and google).

How much does WGU actually provide content vs. just being a medium to get credit for prior knowledge? for example, is it assumed that you know most everything or can figure it out with outside resources? Are there lectures, reading material, pointers to resources, etc.

I ask because I applied to the MS - data analytics program and the admissions counselor was more or less saying that if I didn't already know everything/most content that it wasn't right for me. They would need my transcripts, a resume, and me to plead my case. I think I was surprised because having 2 undergrad degrees and a great GPA, I'm so used to schools looking at my background and saying "when can you start?" I have 2 Bsc, one in business and one in computer science. I have a few years experience as a software engineer. It really made me question whether WGU was right for me. My assumption is that he's so used to people diving into the deep end and failing that he's setting expectations.... but both my programs have been online. first was Excelsior, heavy clep/dsst... second was a traditional program through brick and mortar but all online. Don't get me wrong, I applied to this program because it was in line with my current field and would allow a good amount of knowledge transfer.

[rebel100]

It is "competency" based...so rather than being spoon fed then regurgitating the information you will have to be a self starter to succeed at WGU.

My MBA had a pretty robust set of instructions that detailed what had to be demonstrated to show that competency. There were online books that held the information made available by WGU free of added cost...but I usually skipped those for easier to digest info from reputable internet sources. Every class had a mentor who was available and typically had copious lectures available guiding you to the right material to allow you to demonstrate your proficiency. They were also available to answer questions as to why a given submission was rejected and how one might correct it and re-submit. Some classes even had a guided study group to help you through the material.

At the graduate level they do expect you to have some experience within the field. I too was required to submit my resume and speak to my business leadership before being allowed into the MBA program. WGU is not for everybody, I wouldn't choose it to teach me career change type education....unless it was to something I was already familiar with.

[amalgamate]

It is "competency" based...so rather than being spoon fed then regurgitating the information you will have to be a self starter to succeed at WGU.

My MBA had a pretty robust set of instructions that detailed what had to be demonstrated to show that competency. There were online books that held the information made available by WGU free of added cost...but I usually skipped those for easier to digest info from reputable internet sources. Every class had a mentor who was available and typically had copious lectures available guiding you to the right material to allow you to demonstrate your proficiency. They were also available to answer questions as to why a given submission was rejected and how one might correct it and re-submit. Some classes even had a guided study group to help you through the material.

At the graduate level they do expect you to have some experience within the field. I too was required to submit my resume and speak to my business leadership before being allowed into the MBA program. WGU is not for everybody, I wouldn't choose it to teach me career change type education....unless it was to something I was already familiar with.

Thanks! This makes sense and was what I was looking for

[davewill]

Also you're paying per term, so if you spend tons of extra time studying while you're enrolled, it costs a lot more money than if you come in and efficiently dispose of your projects.