WGU Online Master’s Degree Programs (M.A. & M.S.)
For working professionals, the decision to earn a graduate degree often comes down to one question: How do I fit this into my life? Western Governors University (WGU) was designed to answer that question. WGU offers fully accredited online M.A. and M.S. degree programs that fit into your busy schedule—no fixed class times, no campus visits, and no rigid semesters.
With WGU’s unique competency-based learning model, you move forward as soon as you master each subject. This allows motivated students to graduate faster and save money. Whether you want to advance your career in business, healthcare, IT, or education, this guide covers everything you need to know about earning a respected master’s degree on your own terms.
1. Understanding the Master’s Degree
Before diving into specific programs, it is important to understand what this credential represents and how the WGU experience differs from a traditional university.
What is a Master’s Degree?
A master’s degree is an advanced academic qualification awarded after completing a specialized course of study. It builds on the foundation of a bachelor’s degree, helping students develop deeper knowledge, leadership capabilities, and specialized skills.
Graduates are often considered for mid-to-upper-level professional roles, leadership positions, and jobs that offer higher salaries.
Duration & Cost: Traditional vs. WGU
One of the most common questions is, “How much time and money will this save me?”
| Feature | Traditional University | WGU Online |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years (Fixed Schedule) | ~18 Months (Self-Paced) |
| Tuition Model | Per Credit Hour ($500–$1,000+) | Flat Rate Per 6-Month Term |
| Schedule | Weekly lectures & deadlines | 24/7 Access, No set login times |
| Admissions | GRE/GMAT often required | No GRE/GMAT required |
2. The WGU Advantage: Competency-Based Learning
WGU does not rely on “seat time.” Instead, it uses a Competency-Based Learning model.
- Mastery Over Time: You progress through courses as soon as you can prove you know the material. If you have 10 years of experience in HR, you might pass a course in a week. If a subject is new to you, you can take your time.
- Flat-Rate Tuition: You pay per 6-month term, not per credit. This means if you accelerate and finish 10 courses in one term, the price is the same as finishing 3.
- Accreditation: WGU holds the same regional accreditation (NWCCU) as major state universities, ensuring your degree is respected by employers.
3. Business Master’s Degrees
The College of Business offers programs designed for strategy, leadership, and management.
Program Breakdown
| Degree Program | Focus | Avg. Time to Finish | Tuition (Per Term) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Master of Business Admin) | Strategy, Team Leadership | 12 Months | ~$4,805 |
| M.S. Management & Leadership | Change Management, Innovation | 17 Months | ~$4,805 |
| MBA Healthcare Management | Regulatory Compliance, Patient Care | 12 Months | ~$4,805 |
| MBA IT Management | Tech Strategy, Security Mgmt | 12 Months | ~$4,805 |
| M.S. Accounting | Auditing, Financial Reporting | 19 Months | ~$4,805 |
| M.S. Marketing | Digital Analytics, Brand Strategy | 18 Months | ~$4,805 |
| M.S. Human Resource Mgmt | Talent Acquisition, HRIS | 18 Months | ~$4,805 |
Skills You Will Gain
- MBA: Data collection, financial statement analysis, and talent management.
- Accounting: Prepares you for CPA, CMA, or CIA exams.
- HR Management: Fully aligned with SHRM curriculum standards.
4. Technology Master’s Degrees
For IT professionals, currency is key. WGU’s technology degrees often include industry-standard certifications as part of the coursework at no extra cost.
Program Overview
| Degree Program | Key Skills & Certs | Avg. Time to Finish | Tuition (Per Term) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. Cybersecurity & Info Assurance | Ethical Hacking, Forensics (Incl. ISM, Pentest+) | 20 Months | ~$4,660 |
| M.S. Data Analytics | Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Big Data Modeling | 21 Months | ~$4,565 |
| M.S. Info. Technology Management | IT Strategy, Project Management (CAPM) | 18 Months | ~$4,805 |
| Accelerated B.S. + M.S. IT | CompTIA Triad + AWS Cloud Practitioner | ~5 Years (Total) | ~$4,080 |
5. Health & Education Master’s Degrees
College of Health Professions
These programs are designed for leaders in administration, not clinical practice (unless specified).
| Degree Program | Best For | Avg. Time to Finish | Tuition (Per Term) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Healthcare Admin (MHA) | Hospital Admins, Department Heads | 21 Months | ~$4,995 |
| M.S. Nursing (Leadership/Education) | Registered Nurses (BSN required) | 18 Months | ~$4,995 |
| M.S. Nursing (Informatics) | RNs moving into Data/Health Tech | 20 Months | ~$4,995 |
Teachers College (Education)
WGU is a leader in producing STEM educators. Note that some programs lead to licensure while others do not.
| Degree Program | Licensure? | Avg. Time to Finish | Tuition (Per Term) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. Instructional Design | No (Corporate/Higher Ed focus) | 10 Months | ~$4,950 |
| M.A. Teaching (MAT) | Yes (Includes Student Teaching) | 24 Months | ~$4,950 |
| M.S. Educational Leadership | Yes (Principal Licensure) | 22 Months | ~$4,950 |
| M.S. Curriculum & Instruction | No (For current teachers) | 18 Months | ~$4,950 |
6. Admissions & Eligibility: What You Need
WGU’s admissions process is streamlined, but there are specific requirements for master’s programs.
- No GRE or GMAT: WGU typically does not require standardized entrance exams.
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Resume: A current resume highlighting your professional experience is required.
- Program-Specific Requirements:
- Business: Usually requires 3 years of relevant experience or a specific undergrad GPA.
- IT: Often requires a STEM degree OR valid certifications (like CCNA, CISSP) OR 3+ years of IT work experience.
- Nursing: Must possess an active, unencumbered RN license and a BSN.
7. The Student Experience: How You Will Learn
Assessments: OAs vs. PAs
Instead of midterms and finals, you pass courses through two types of assessments:
- Objective Assessments (OAs): Proctored, multiple-choice exams taken at home via webcam (using the Guardian Browser).
- Performance Assessments (PAs): Projects, papers, or presentations submitted to the Evaluation Department.
Your Support Team
- Program Mentor: You are assigned a dedicated mentor who stays with you from orientation to graduation. They call you weekly or bi-weekly to check progress and unlock new courses.
- Course Instructors: Subject matter experts available for specific questions on difficult course material.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Should I get a master’s degree? A: If you are looking to break through a career ceiling, switch industries, or qualify for leadership roles that require an advanced degree, a master’s is a strong investment.
Q: Is a degree from WGU respected? A: Yes. WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This is the gold standard of accreditation in the U.S.
Q: How much does an online master’s degree cost? A: At WGU, tuition ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 per 6-month term. If you finish in two terms (1 year), your total degree cost could be under $10,000.
Q: Can I transfer graduate credits to WGU? A: Generally, no. WGU rarely accepts transfer credits into master’s programs because the degree is built on a specific competency map. You are expected to complete the full program, though your prior knowledge will help you pass assessments faster.
Q: Do employers like online master’s degrees? A: Increasingly, yes. Earning a degree online while working demonstrates time management, self-discipline, and tech-savviness—skills highly valued in modern remote/hybrid work environments.
Q: Can I do my master’s degree entirely online? A: Yes. Most programs (Business, IT, Healthcare Admin) are 100% online. However, Nursing (MSN) and Licensure Education programs (MAT) require local field placement or student teaching hours in your community.
Conclusion
Earning an online master’s degree from WGU is a smart investment in your future. By leveraging the competency-based model, you can balance work, family, and study while accelerating your timeline to graduation.
Whether you are pursuing an MBA to lead a company, an M.S. in Cybersecurity to protect digital assets, or an M.Ed. to reshape learning, WGU provides the flexible, accredited, and affordable path you need to succeed.