Western governors' University - WGU - competency based? Experience or opinions?

[GoodYellowDogs]

I'm finishing up my BS and looking for a masters program. I'm specifically thinking of a MBA or MS in Health Care Administration. Does anyone have any experience with WGU? I don't quite get how it works.

Thanks!:coolgleam:

[dcan]

Not used it, and only really looked at their undergrads, but their system was basically a flat fee for six months at a time, as many classes as you can take in that time. For the IT degrees the classes taught you the relevant industry certifications, and the certification was basically the class, so if you already have some of the certs (some people in IT have a LOT of them) then you basically already completed those classes and can skip them.

WGU is considered a "second tier" of school outside the Big 3, along with AMU (which is just a normal online school with lenient policies). Not that it is in any way bad, but just somewhat outside the main focus of this group.

That said, many of us would love to know more about it to at least be able to advise others, but we need a guinea pig...

[marianne202]

I looked at their BS in health informatics and I had a really hard time trying to get straight answers and responses from WGU. I ended up choosing a different college program that transferred in almost all my credits from my previous degrees and coursework. They were willing to give me far more transfer credits than I would have received at WGU. Even with WGU's flat semester prices it would have taken almost two years to complete a program with lots of duplicated coursework and cost a lot more money. If you want a decent Master's in Healthcare Administration I can recommend the Bellevue University program. I completed their online 18 month accelerated MHA in March. Good luck!

[dcan]

Totally coincidentally I just came across this:

Braile comments on I teach for a diploma mill, er, I mean online university. AMA.

The original post is about someone who works for a scam online college, but the thread linked is about a WGU grad degree. It is well regarded.

[jtalama]

I attended WGU for six months but had to withdraw due to family/work issues. I opted for the Big 3 after deciding to continue my schooling, but I will be going to WGU for my masters.

[GoodYellowDogs]

Thanks everyone! I've talked to a couple of people in addition to scouring the boards. I'm pretty sure I'll go with WGU. 1. The reasonable cost fits in better to my single-parent budget 2. I have about 25 years in HC Admin, so I think it is a faster, not easier, way for me to go. I've been looking at masters programs for the last year and I think this will work for me. The nice thing is that I have about 6 months to make a final decision.

[valsacar]

I'm doing my Masters there (Information Security and Assurance), I just started (actually, officially start May 1st) but liking it already. On the 15th of the month before the class starts you do the orientation course and get to see the course of study (outline of the program, what study materials to use, assignments, etc). You can start right there (I did, already just about done with 2 courses as they are ones I was already very familiar with) and turn in the projects when you officially start.

It's a lot like using SL, self-paced and they tell you what to study. Some courses use proctored tests (certs, or test you can do at home with special webcam and software they send you) and others are just project based. Most of mine are projects, they seem to have 3-4 projects to complete per course (once they all pass, you're done). The projects are actually pretty good, for the ones I've done they are exactly the type of work I've been doing (already work in the industry).

If you go to WGU send me a PM, they have a "refer-a-friend" thing that waives the $65 application fee. I would need your name and email to do it, and give you the same info for your side.

[ryoder]

Sounds cool valascar. Please keep us up to date as you progress through the program.

[jtalama]

I'm doing my Masters there (Information Security and Assurance), I just started (actually, officially start May 1st) but liking it already. On the 15th of the month before the class starts you do the orientation course and get to see the course of study (outline of the program, what study materials to use, assignments, etc). You can start right there (I did, already just about done with 2 courses as they are ones I was already very familiar with) and turn in the projects when you officially start.

It's a lot like using SL, self-paced and they tell you what to study. Some courses use proctored tests (certs, or test you can do at home with special webcam and software they send you) and others are just project based. Most of mine are projects, they seem to have 3-4 projects to complete per course (once they all pass, you're done). The projects are actually pretty good, for the ones I've done they are exactly the type of work I've been doing (already work in the industry).

If you go to WGU send me a PM, they have a "refer-a-friend" thing that waives the $65 application fee. I would need your name and email to do it, and give you the same info for your side.

@valsacar - I plan on pursuing an MSIA there at WGU. Would absolutely love to hear more about your course work! And, I'd like to do a refer-a-friend thing too.

[marianne202]

OP, I would highly recommend that you look at the AUPHA website and make sure whatever school you choose is approved through them or in the file for any master's in healthcare admin. The reason is that professional organizations such as ACHE and other jobs such as academia and some hospitals will want your grad degree in HA to be from an AUPHA approved / accredited program. Just something to consider. I used the AUPHA website to narrow down my list when I was looking at MHA programs. I don't believe WGU was on the list at that time. If you plan to get your ACHE fellow or want the best options once you graduate I highly recommend that you review the AUPHA site before you sign on anywhere. I have 30 years experience in healthcare and related industries, but I wasn't going to spend money on an MHA that wouldn't be recognized and accepted down the road. It is kind of like MBA programs and their accreditation agencies. You can have an RA MBA without the backing of the accreditation agencies you won't be as employable. Good luck!