Western Governors University Reviews of Bachelor's in Information Technology

"I do not think I would be telling any of my friends about this school. When you go to try to talk to them, they want to hang up on people. There would be a time that I was going to stop because the stuff that I was learning would not be on the test. I spend a lot of time to study and come to find out that I was wrong about what I was learn. They told me that my other half been in the hospital was not a emergency. I know that it was. If there was something that come up they did not like it when you could not get to the phone."

"This school is what you make it. Overall, I had a great experience! The good: -Cheap. I’ve read about some people finishing their entire bachelors in one term… that’s a bachelors from an accredited program for 3500 dollars. -For IT, the fact that your classes are certifications is a double win. Certs can be 300+ each, and you get 3 tries in each one. -I personally really like the competency based approach. My attendance and participation don’t mean that I know how software programming works, but in a regular program those things could potentially fail me. -My advisor was always super helpful and answered very quickly. -The alumni learning resources are great! I still have access to Idemy, LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, etc. great especially if you’re in IT and your employer is too cheap to pay for training. The bad: -Some of the learning materials were a little sub par. For the CompTIA exams, I opted for buying my own study guides online as I know they work. In real life though, it’s up to you to find the right resources anyways so I guess this could be “real world experience” -Some of the classes were not great, and I felt like there was a bit of overlap with the gen Ed stuff. Lots of project management terminology, etc. Overall, if you are in IT and are debating it, do it. Just make sure you get a calendar and plan your times, it’s really easy to procrastinate."

"This university asked me to complete 71 credits and a total of 21 classes to complete my BS in Information Technology claiming my ASS degree in Computer Science Network Systems from SLCC was over 5 years and said I need to retake the classes. I asked the adviser if her degree would expire in 5 years and she didn't have any answers but refused to take the credits from my degree with a 3.47 GPA. They are thinking about making money and nor to provide education. They do not understand the student's point of lean and finishing their education. I do not recommend this University if you are transferring degrees. I would give 0 stars for this kind of treatment. They are trying to make money and refusing other institutions' degrees. Maybe after I finish the 21 classes with WGU my degree would expire after 5 years."

"WGU being online and competency based was amazing for me. I tried to go to a brick-and-mortar school in 2011 and it just wasn't for me, I dropped out halfway through the semester because endless homework assignments and picky teachers and pointless reports and such all the time. WGU is straight-forward - study, learn, test. You can take tests right away if you know a topic ( lower algebra, for instance ) or are given a myriad of resources to study with ( pluralsight subscription for life, I believe! ) The IT degree was certification-heavy and was a big reason I chose this school and degree. A+, Network+, Security+ and such are definitely entry-level certifications that are often held in higher esteem than a degree alone is ( DoD contracts require sec+ or higher, for instance ) I didn't need much help in a lot of the classes, but when I did, course mentors could be reached by email and phone quite often. They don't hold your hand, and if you're just not putting in the effort they're not there to make up that difference - But they definitely point you in the right direction and are helpful enough for me to give them a good rating as well. Overall loved this experience. Graduated in October 2018, was offered a job in January 2018 ( 25k+ to my salary! ) P.S. - A lot of the negative reviews seem to be from people that don't appreciate the format, the lack of hand-holding, or just can't competently handle admissions processes and such - This school is not for everyone. If you're motivated, willing to put in a lot of work, and push through anything - do it! If you feel you need a little more support, can't focus your efforts, and want a real person in front of you, don't do it."

"It's funny how this website says 'Grad Reports' and yet there's a ton of review of people that didn't graduate from here simply trying to give it one star. Well, needless to say, don't listen to the non-graduates... being salty because you couldn't hack it doesn't give you a right to down on the thing you couldn't do well in. Grow up people. That being said, I love WGU. My program manager was helpful and insightful, motivating me to get my degree faster than I would have if I hadn't had her or went to a brick and mortar university. I did have my Associates degree from another (brick and mortar) college before I got here, so perhaps I was a bit more motivated than others to finish. And I will say, if you're motivated and don't need to be baby-sat through your degree (ie you're a functioning adult) you'll do well here. The classes were fairly straight forward, all of them having every article of information you could need online at your fingertips, so you didn't need to provide your own textbook. They all had what they called 'cohorts' as well, which are lectures either given live or through recordings, you have a choice to do either. Homework is provided through the coursework, and you can work at your own pace through that as well. Then you either have a Practical Assessment or a Test in order to finish the class. PAs tend to be either 5-20 page essays (depending on subject and material covered) or more of a short answer style all in APA format. I found all Course Instructors helpful when reached out to, and I reccomend that if you're struggling you reach out to them early and often. They will help guide your learning process and give you insights on how certain things work if you're confused. There's also a writing center that helps you with your formatting and writing skills. For those of you that are worried about accrediation, unlike other online schools, Western Governers University is accredited just like prestigious brick and mortar schools are, regionally (remember regional is better than national when it comes to accrediation) WGU is accredited through the same organization that accredits niversity of Washington, University of Oregon, Gonzaga University, University of Utah, University of Idaho, and Brigham Young University, to name just a few. Basically, while you're going to a smaller university (like some of us have locally) you have the weight of that accreditation behind it. I literally tell everyone I know about WGU, due to it's excellent class format, the pricing plans, and the ability to accelerate your learning if you already have some experience in the subject. It has absolutely been my best decision, education wise, to become a Night Owl. WGU Rocks!"

"I think it's funny reading some of these reviews from students who came from ITT Technical University. When I enrolled it was right around the time ITT go shut down and I remember my advisor telling me all about some of these students and what they expected WGU to be. Well a couple years later I've graduated and what can I say about WGU? Unlike ITT or many other illegitimate schools it is very much a legitimate university that is accredited to the same level and by the same bodies as many other respected public universities and is non-profit. I also had years of experience as a Senior Information Systems Engineer and I still found many of the courses to be quite challenging and rigorous. WGU is no joke and if you expect to just go to WGU and slack off to get a degree you've come to the wrong place. It is very self-driven and self-paced, so if you're not a motivated person -- it will not work for you. Overall I would highly recommend WGU to anyone looking for a flexible, affordable, and respectable degree program that will give you entirely valid skills for the workforce."

"This school only sees you as a dollar sign, my enrollment counselor did not keep in touch with me nor did he help to guide me through the waters. I had to figure out for myself what was going on with my enrollment. They want you to go to their sister program so they can earn more money. I wouldn't send my dog to the school"

"I am currently trying to enroll. My enrollment specialist is the worst fit for her job that I have encountered. She doesn't seem to have much of an idea what she's doing when I ask questions, she ums a lot and takes a very long time to look up information. She also has no idea what to say when the caller doesn't stick to her "script" of stock answers. I was told I didn't pass one of the readiness assessments and I would have to take it again. There are 4, so I asked which one? She said she has no idea, the system doesn't tell them that, I just have to take all 4 tests over again. So if I have no idea which test I did poorly on, how am I supposed to brush up for the retake??"

"The instructors and the courses are fabulous!! However the financial aid department is the worst. They drop the ball and you are left to pick up the pieces and get them back on track. I requested a refund that is normally I was told a 15 day process I am going 45 days and now advised that it will be issued through a 3rd party never heard of that. This my last term with WGU good luck to rest of you stay on top of your account because financial aid will NOT"

"Western Governors University is a great school; however, don't expect to just sail through courses. This school is tailored for individuals whom are highly self-motivated, resourceful, and goal oriented. I stand behind WGU 100%, I am so glad I embraced the opportunity to further my education and increase my earning potential."

"Like others have mentioned similar situations - I also had years in the IT field, but my lack of a degree was getting in the way of advancement. Comparing them with other regular brick and mortar schools and other online colleges I had attended - WGU is by far the best value and with the "competency based" system you earn industry certifications while you earn credits towards graduation. They do not hand out degrees - some of the certifications are extremely tough. You have a school mentor that is with you throughout and checks in weekly, as well as each class has a mentor to help with the material. Although it is self-paced, you do have a schedule to keep. Getting used to the mentor system took awhile but they really do help!"

"WGU provides an online and fast paced learning environment. At other colleges, I would become bored with the subjects or be unable to pay for every semester. By saving up enough money for two semesters, I was able to fit double the classes in and complete my degree!"

"Just admitted to WGU and couldn't be more happy about the process. My admission counselor, CJ S, has been awesome. He was very consistent with contact and extremely helpful. Made the process of submitting documentation, taking tests, and completing the admission from a - z very painless. Im excited to begin classes in December!"

"I never completed registration to get into the program. I have 5 years experience in direct systems and database administration/training as well as all but 4 credits (Capstone project) towards an AAS in Systems and Network Administration (a move made it impossible to complete the capstone) and was told that my lack of programming related on the job experience meant I would not be admitted without obtaining certifications (which, for the record, they advertise as being part of the degree program itself). This place is essentially a degree mill that isn't interested in a student body that needs to expand their skill knowledge, but one that instead just needs the degree for already well established skill sets. If that's what you are looking for it will be a great opportunity for you. Unfortunately - the program itself won't work very well for most people."

"Zero value certification (A+ cert) is not relevant to Data Management. I have been DM for 20 years...this ciricullum is a joke. Save your money and find a school that offers value added classes. The student counselor addressed me today in a short, angry manner (K**) when I shared my dissappointment. I felt cheated out of $3000.00 and she stated this was not alot of money. Sorry K**, to a father of a family of 4 children, this is alot of money."

"As a professional, I was used to self-study to get individual certifications. The additional benefit to WGU is that most of my certifications that I needed for classes applied to my job. I could not say that for any other university that I had taken classes at over the past 20 years."

"Great school for people who are self motivated and goal oriented. I have attended WGU for the past year and I have not had a single negative experience. Mentors are very responsive if help is requested and a proactive when the notice you are struggling with a course . The courses in the degree programs are comprehensive and challenging. I would, and have, recommended this school to my friends/family."

"Outstanding program! I really appreciated that the school is fully certified and transferable, if I wanted to go get my masters at the local state university it would be no problem. I liked coming out of the program with a lot of certifications. The pricing structure was a model that should be adopted by all schools, it really encourages focus."

"This is a terrible school. If you know everything and just need to take a test then you are going to do okay. If you EVER have a question about anything you can forget it. If you ever need help you will be told: "Sign up and take the class at another university and then trade it in here for credit." "CLEP it." "Take DDST/DANTES." "Get a tutor." I have never received any help for anything from the university and only speak to my mentor for some reason once a week and all he or she does is approve assessments for me to take. Unless I can get approval and here we are. Again. I cannot even tell you how many mentors I have had. Maybe 10 at this point? I wish I had never started this program here. I would never recommend this program or school to anyone unless you clepped all of the non-IT stuff and just took the certifications. I don't know what any of the other programs are like. I had plans to go on and get my Master's but I hate school so much at this point that I would rather drink poison and have pretty much decided maybe in 20 or 30 years...never again for now though."

"Firstly, I'm not some shill paid or enticed to give a favourable review, I'm doing this of my own accord because I, honestly had a great experience with WGU and will gladly answer any mature comments or questions that anyone has regarding my experiences. I recently graduated from the BSIT program and am now starting up the Master of Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program. My experience with WGU has been nothing but exceptional. My program mentor, Hope, was a wonderful source of support and encouragement my entire time in the undergrad program. The course materials were on-point and a wealth of knowledge, coupled with webinars and live cohorts for demonstrative learning. The course mentors were extremely helpful, responsive and always available. In the past year, WGU up'ed the social interaction with the revamped student portal, course discussion areas and alot more social networking integration, giving you the opportunity to interact with fellow students in your programs and the school, in general. The extra knowledge I've gained through the courses and the addition of all the industry-standard certifications I earned in the process, like CCENT, MCPS, CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, Linux+, etc. go a long way to help with career growth. It was worth the time, energy and money (and for much less than alot of brick and mortar schools) with the option to accelerate your studies to take up less terms. You have to be driven, though. Even with all the support you have available, it's ultimately up to you to get it done and graduate. The tools and resources are available, but it's important to properly manage one's own time and progress to get there. Having all that freedom can make it hard to balance your education, personal and possible work/family/etc responsibilities. I suspect much of the graduation rate issues revolve more around that than anything else. I know that there were a few times my health and family issues nearly derailed my education and my mentor fully supported me through the process and helped me get back on track. Good luck wherever you may go to advance your education! WGU might be right up your alley, or it may not. Hopefully, my little review might help you some. Feel free to ask questions, if you have any, though!"