News Feature: Degrees for Busy Moms

For Busy Moms, an Online Degree from Western Governors University Makes Sense

If you’re a busy mom, finding time to further your education, even when it’s critical to getting a job or advancing your career, may seem impossible. From school projects to work to carpools to soccer games, your time is booked—so how can you possibly go back to school? If you’re thinking about getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree, consider an online option like Western Governors University.

Five words describe the reasons WGU makes sense for busy moms:

1. Relevant—You’re too busy to spend time working on a degree that won’t help you advance your career. WGU offers more than 50 degrees in high demand fields such as education, business, information technology, and healthcare, so when you finish your degree, you’ll be equipped to compete in today’s tight job market.
2. Flexible—WGU’s unique academic model allows you to plan your studies around your life. You earn your degree by demonstrating that you have the required knowledge and skills, not by spending time in class. The programs are challenging, but you’ll determine the pace and the schedule. So, if you need to do your schoolwork in the evenings after work, during the kids’ piano lessons, or between soccer games on Saturday, you can. And, you won’t have to leave home to attend classes or work on group projects.
3. Credible—WGU is regionally and nationally accredited, and our Teachers College, which serves students in all 50 states, has earned NCATE accreditation. We regularly survey employers who hire our grads, and 98 percent of them rate WGU grads as excellent or good employees.
4. Supported—WGU’s programs are designed for busy adults. When you enroll, you’ll be assigned to a mentor who will work with you much as a personal trainer would, ensuring that you get the help, support, and coaching you need to be a successful student at WGU.
5. Affordable—Unlike many other online universities, WGU is non-profit, and tuition is roughly equivalent to that of a state school and is charged for six-month terms. Because you’ll earn your degree by demonstrating your competence in your field of study, you may be able to utilize your work experience and prior education to reduce the time needed to complete your degree. You’ll work with your mentor to set the pace that’s right for you. So, if you’re able to commit more time to your studies, you can accelerate your program and complete your degree more rapidly, which will also save on tuition. Depending on your circumstances, financial aid—and even scholarships—are available.

If you’ve been thinking about going back to school—either to finish your bachelor’s degree or to get a master’s—take a few moments to visit www.wgu.edu to see if a degree program from Western Governors University is right for you.