WGU Competency-Based Education: Programs Offered and Degrees Available
WGU Competency-Based Education: Programs Offered and Degrees Available
WGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed for students seeking to gain real-world skills in high-demand fields. These programs are built around WGU’s competency-based education model, allowing students to progress through their coursework by demonstrating mastery of the material.
Some of the degree programs available at WGU include:
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Bachelor of Science in Business Management: Focuses on leadership, management, and business operations. Ideal for students looking to pursue careers in business leadership or management roles.
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN): Aimed at registered nurses looking to advance their education and skills to take on leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
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Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Offers comprehensive knowledge in areas like network security, programming, and database management, preparing students for various IT roles.
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Master of Business Administration (MBA): Designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in business management, with a focus on leadership, strategy, and organizational management.
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Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning and Technology: Focuses on the integration of technology in educational settings, perfect for those looking to lead educational initiatives or improve teaching methods.
These programs are designed to be relevant to current industry needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge that employers are actively seeking. WGU works closely with industry professionals to ensure that its degree programs are aligned with the latest trends and job market demands, giving students a competitive edge when entering or advancing in their careers.
By focusing on practical, real-world competencies, WGU prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields, including business, healthcare, IT, education, and more. This competency-based education model ensures that students graduate with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
4. How to Demonstrate Mastery and Progress in WGU’s Competency-Based Model
In WGU’s competency-based education (CBE) model, students demonstrate their mastery of material by completing assessments that are designed to test their understanding of specific competencies. These competencies are the key skills and knowledge that students need to master in order to succeed in their careers and contribute effectively to their chosen industries.
Here’s how the mastery and progress system works:
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Assessments: As students progress through their courses, they are required to complete assessments such as projects, papers, and exams. These assessments are designed to test whether students can apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned to real-world situations.
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Faculty Support: Students are not left to navigate the program on their own. WGU provides a robust support system, including mentors and faculty members who help guide students through the process. Faculty members are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer feedback on assignments and assessments.
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Feedback and Reassessment: After completing an assessment, students receive detailed feedback that helps them understand areas of strength and areas that may need more focus. If a student doesn’t pass an assessment, they can retake it after reviewing the material they need to improve on. This process allows students to truly master the content before moving forward.
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Self-Paced Progress: Because WGU’s model is self-paced, students can accelerate their learning by moving quickly through areas where they are already proficient. Conversely, students can take more time in areas where they need additional review, ensuring that they are fully prepared before advancing.
The emphasis is on learning and demonstrating mastery rather than completing a set number of class hours. This ensures that students can move through their programs as quickly or as slowly as they need to, depending on their individual progress.
