Pros/Cons of a Western Governors degree

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 30, 2013

Why don't you tell us what you've heard, and we can verify or refute.

There is a LOT of basic (and very detailed) information about WGU in this forum - have you read through any of the other threads?

LoveToHike · Apr 30, 2013

I feel like the pros and cons are different for everybody and will depend on what's important to you. For myself, I was looking for a school that didn't require group work, was affordable, and I could do at my own pace. WGU fit all those so they are my pros. Cons? Graduating with is a 3.0 is a con for me, but it doesn't bother others. I was also concerned that since it's competency based, I wasn't going to learn anything new but that hasn't been the case.

After being in the program for just 2 months, I have to say I'm thrilled with WGU and I'm glad I chose it. My mentor is fantastic, I'm learning things, and I wish I hadn't spent so much time making up my mind about WGU! (my stumbling block was the 3.0 GPA)

I tell everyone I know about WGU because I'm so happy with it.

Trenata · Apr 30, 2013

LoveToHike, are you in the clinical part of the program or in the non-clincal first 6 months of the program? If you are in the clinical part, are you located in Texas? I would love to ask some questions! I really like the sound of WGU and glad that I found allnurses to find out more!

jeli42 · Apr 30, 2013

Can anyone tell me the pro/cons of a Western Governors degree. I've heard conflicting views and don't know what to believe.

I was looking into their pre-licensure program as well. But the biggest con for me as that at the most I would graduate with a 3.0. Since becoming an NP is my end goal, this did not seem feasible. I called a few colleges and they said that a 3.0 might not be competitive enough to get into an MSN program depending on how strong the applicant pool was. I didn't want to take that chance so I've applied to other programs instead. However, if you just want to get your Bachelors, I think it's a great program!

NurseNightOwl, BSN, RN · May 1, 2013

A lot of people seem concerned about the 3.0 conversion due to plans for a higher degree... Maybe down here where I am things are different, because a 3.0 would be acceptable for future programs (except CRNA of course).

Trenata · May 1, 2013

I hope WGU will change this if enough people express concern!

jeli42 · May 1, 2013

A lot of people seem concerned about the 3.0 conversion due to plans for a higher degree... Maybe down here where I am things are different because a 3.0 would be acceptable for future programs (except CRNA of course).[/quote']
I don't know where you live but I live in Southern California (Los Angeles) where it is VERY competitive. We are talking about average GPA for getting in is at least a 3.4-3.5 but more likely around a 3.7. Unless you have over 5 years of RN experience the 3.0 might not matter but I definitely would not want to wait that long. Even then it's not a guarantee.

jeli42 · May 1, 2013

I hope WGU will change this if enough people express concern!

Me too!! It's a very good program and recognized by a prestigious hospital (Cedars Sinai). My friend who works at Cedars said it is well known at their hospital but due to the untraditional grading system, he decided to go to Azusa Pacific instead because he also might want to continue past his Bachelors.

klone, MSN, RN · May 1, 2013

I hope WGU will change this if enough people express concern!

Changing it would go against their "competency based" philosophy. They do not measure degrees of competency. Either you have the competency or you do not. That's why it's pass/fail. I do not foresee that changing.

jeli42 · May 1, 2013

Changing it would go against their "competency based" philosophy. They do not measure degrees of competency. Either you have the competency or you do not. That's why it's pass/fail. I do not foresee that changing.

True. Their whole system is based on that so come to think of it, you're right. It won't change.

Trenata · May 1, 2013

I realize they are competency based. However, I wonder if there is some way that they can make a change in the outgoing GPA seen by other universities. It is the greatest disadvantage I can see at WGU. I still plan to go there even though I had possibly hoped to become and NP.