While I did not go to college myself,my husband, Chris, has his bachelor's degree in Computer Sciences. The IT field can change in the blink of an eye, so a degree and certifications are vital in advancing your career. After finishing his bachelor's degree, he was able to double his annual salary. That's more than pocket change! His degree also made him eligible for advancement, as many management positions in his field require not only certifications but a bachelor's degree at the minimum. While having experience and being a hard working, competent employee are important, we are finding that the value of a degree has become exponentially important in today's competitive job market.
When I signed up for my high school classes, a lot of emphasis was placed on what would best get me ready for college. It was largely assumed that high school graduates would leave high school and proceed directly to college. That wasn't my path and that's okay, though I think things have changed some since then. People are still encouraged to attend college or secondary education as it can further your success, but these days people are reminded that it's something they can achieve regardless of what stage of life they're in.
Western Governors University - WGU - was founded by the Governors of 19 U.S. states. This was the first time in higher education history that Governors of several states joined together to create an accredited, online university. WGU is recognized for its innovative approach to learning and is proudly supported by over 20 major corporations and foundations.
Whether you've decided to attend college for the first time or you want to further your education, WGU costs less (half the cost of other
online schools) and takes less time than other online universities. WGU is extremely flexible helping you climb over those obstacles that might have prevented you from enrolling in higher education in the past. Taking a competency based approach, you can master course content and challenging assignments prior to taking assessments - and all of this is at your own individual pace! Whether that's in a library or in on your couch in your pajamas, you can learn any place or at any time.
WGU excels in four main areas: business, information technology, education and nursing. Visit the degree and program list here for more information. You can also read more on WGU in the news. WGU is celebrating their 15th anniversary with 16,000 degrees having been
earned during that time!
"It's a school without boundaries—there aren't any teachers, curriculums are personalized, and students can go at their own pace.” – CNN
"Let's not waste anyone's time or money. You won't find that phrase emblazoned on a T-shirt, but it's essentially the motto of Western Governors University (WGU), a private online school that has worked hard to prove it is anything but a diploma mill.” – Time Magazine
WGU was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Top 50 Most Innovative Companies in 2013, and there's a good reason for that! At WGU, the courses incorporate real-world competencies that have been developed with employer input - that's why the institution is so well respected and recognized! WGU has the same accreditation as state universities and private colleges, with 98% of employers rating WGU graduates as "as good or better" than others. WGU has even won national awards and recognition as an innovator of low-cost, high quality education.
Take a peek at the WGU graduation video below. It had me smiling and nodding, as I can definitely relate. Are there any obstacles in your way preventing you from furthering your education?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Western Governors University. The opinions and text are all mine.
