Western Governors University Online 
 
The Best Relatively Cheap University You've Never Heard Of (HINT: it's only online)
- Kathleen Kingsbury, TIME Magazine Education Reporter 
To view the full article, click here
Reasons to choose Western Governors University:
- WGU is now a member of the Microsoft and Oracle IT Academies. These memberships offer unique integration of both Microsoft and Oracle learning resources into WGU's IT degree programs, affording WGU students the opportunity to learn using simulations, live labs, and proprietary software.
- WGU's competency-based education model allows students to demonstrate their knowledge through carefully designed assessments, thus eliminating the need to take classes in which they are proficient
- Supported by over 20 major corporations and foundations that believe in WGU's commitment to producing highly-competent graduates *
- WGU’s low tuition and ability to accelerate degree completion combine to make the program a great option for those on a budget
Western Governors University Online Featured Programs |
| Computer and Information Technology Programs
|
Western Governors University - Computer and IT Programs
^ top
 Health Informatics - Bachelor of Science
This program is for experienced healthcare, health information, or IT professionals seeking an affordable online bachelor’s degree and IT certifications to work in the high-demand field of health informatics.
The CAHIIM accredited B.S. in Health Informatics prepares learners to become designers and developers of health informatics and information systems for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The program equips students with a combination of healthcare and IT skills and includes two IT certifications as part of the curriculum.
This program is for:
- Healthcare professionals who want to develop IT skills to move into health informatics.
- Health information professionals who want to gain expertise in health informatics.
- Information technology (IT) professionals who want to move into health informatics.
- Motivated individuals who are seeking a career that combines expertise in healthcare, IT, and business.
Like all WGU programs, progress in this degree is measured by passing challenging assessments. Some assessments in this program are actual IT industry certification exams. Thus, as part of the program, students will study and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in tuition-a huge cost savings for students):
- CompTIA A+ (2009 Objectives)
- CIW v5 Database Design Specialist
Courses in the Health Informatics BS program include:
- Healthcare Eco Systems
- Healthcare Informatics
- Legal and Ethical Considerations in Healthcare
- Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
- Planning and Implementing Public Healthcare Systems
- Computing Fundamentals - Hardware
- Computing Fundamentals - Software
- Database I
WGU’s Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Eligibility for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) Credential:
Graduates of WGU’s B.S. in Health Informatics program are eligible to apply for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credentialing exam.
^ top
Information Technology - Bachelor of Science
The B.S. in Information Technology will give you a foundation of IT skills and knowledge as well as nine recognized industry certifications that will boost your career’s long-term health. This program is for established IT professionals who need a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications to advance their careers and experienced professionals with “real world” experience who seek a broad foundation of IT skills and the IT certifications to get ahead.
This program incorporates nine industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition—a huge cost savings for you):
- CIW Web Foundations Associate
- CIW Web Design Specialist
- CIW JavaScript Specialist
- CIW Database Design Specialist
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Networks+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7 - Configuration
Courses in Information Technology BS Degree program include:
- Information Technology Fundamentals
- Web Development
- Systems Administration and Management
- Software Development
- Databases
- Technical Writing
^ top
Information Technology / Databases - Bachelor of Science
WGU's B.S. in Information Technology—Databases program provides you with the leading-edge database administration skills that employers demand along with eight IT certifications. This program is for established database administrators who need a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications to advance their careers. It is also ideal for experienced IT professionals with "real world" experience who want to move into database administration and need the credentials to do so.
This program incorporates eight industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition--a huge cost savings for you):
- CIW Web Foundations Associate
- CIW Web Design Specialist
- CIW JavaScript Specialist
- CIW Database Design Specialist
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Database Developer (2008)
You'll also complete coursework in operating systems, networks, software, security, and project management. If you already hold relevant IT certification, you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.
Courses in Information Technology / Databases BS Degree program include:
- Systems Administration and Management
- Technical Writing
- Database
- Software Development
^ top
Information Technology / Networks Administration - Bachelor of Science
The B.S. in Information Technology--Networks Administration will prepare you with the cutting-edge network server administration skills that employers demand as well as nine recognized industry certifications including your Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Server Administrator. This program is designed for established network server administrators who need a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications to advance their network server administration careers. It is also ideal for ndividuals who wish to become network server administrators and need the training and credentials to open doors.
This program incorporates nine industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition—a huge cost savings for you):
- CIW Web Foundations Associate
- CIW JavaScript Specialist
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Networks+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7 – Configuration
- Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Server Administrator
- Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)
Courses in Information Technology / Networks Administration BS Degree program include:
- Directory Services
- Network Design and Management
- Server Administration
- Networks
- Operating Systems
- Web Programming
- Web Systems and Technologies
^ top
Information Technology / Networks Design - Bachelor of Science
WGU's B.S. in Information Technology--Networks Design and Management program provides you with advanced network design, systems engineering, and management skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone with experience in networks design, who wants to specialize in networks design or network systems engineering as well as experience IT professionals with “real world” experience who wish to become network systems engineers.
This program incorporates eight industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition--a huge cost savings for you):
- CIW Web Foundations Associate
- CIW JavaScript Specialist
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Networks+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7 – Configuration
- Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator
Courses in Information Technology / Networks Design BS Degree program include:
- Implementing Directory Services
- Implementing Network Infrastructures
- Network Servers
- Planning Directory Services
- Planning Network Infrastructures
^ top
Information Technology / Security - Bachelor of Science
WGU's B.S. in Information Technology—Security program provides you with the latest IT security management skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for established IT security managers who need a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications to advance their careers and experienced IT professionals with “real world” experience who wish to move into IT security and assurance positions.
This program incorporates 10 industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition—a huge cost savings for you):
- CIW Web Design Specialist
- CIW JavaScript Specialist
- CIW Database Design Specialist
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7 – Configuration
- Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA® Security)
Courses in Information Technology / Security BS Degree program include:
- Designing Customized Security
- Security
- Technical Writing
- Operating Systems
^ top
Information Technology / Software - Bachelor of Science
WGU's B.S. in Information Technology—Software program provides you with solution-drive software development skills that employers demand along with ten IT certifications. This program is ideal for established software developers who need a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications to advance their careers and experienced IT professionals with "real world" experience who wish to become software developers.
This program incorporates ten industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition--a huge cost savings for you):
- CIW Web Design Specialist
- CIW JavaScript Specialist
- CIW Database Design Specialist
- CIW Perl Specialist
- CIW Web Development Professional
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7 - Configuration
- Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 6 Programmer
Courses in Information Technology / Software BS Degree program include:
- Introduction to Programming I/II
- Software I
- Software II
^ top
Information Technology Management - Master of Business Administration
The MBA in Information Technology will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to take on mid- to upper-level IT management positions in a variety of settings. The program is ideal for experienced IT professionals seeking to move into management positions and experienced professionals who seek in-depth knowledge and skills in business and IT management and strategy.
Areas of study in the Information Technology Management MBA Degree program include:
- IT Project Management
- IT Strategic Solutions
- Management and Strategy
- Leading People and Teams
- Creating and Maintaining Business Value
- Products and Customer Relationship Management
- Innovation
^ top
Information Security Assurance - Master of Science
The M.S. Information Security and Assurance degree program is ideal for someone with a bachelor's degree and experience in security and assurance who wants to earn a master's degree in a high-demand field.The M.S. in Information Security and Assurance will prepare you with the necessary skills for the protection of networks, communication, and data, as well as the knowledge base for planning, implementing, and managing enterprise level security and system integrity. You will become an expert IT security and assurance manager.
This program has been certified by the National Security Agency’s Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program. This certification verifies that WGU’s courseware meets the requirements established by the Committee on National Security Systems National Training Standards No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and 4012 (Senior Systems Managers).
This program incorporates several IT certification exams into the curriculum. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition — a huge cost savings for you):
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®)
- Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)
- EC-Council Disaster Recovery Professional Exam (312-76)
- EC-Council Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (EC0-350)
- EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (EC0-349)
- GIAC G2700 (Standards and Policies)
Courses in Information Security Assurance MS Degree program include:
- Network Fundamentals
- Network Security Practices and Policies
- Cyberlaw, Regulations and Compliance
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Forensics and Network Intrusion
* The WGU National Advisory Board consists of major corporations and private foundations such as: AT&T, Dell Computer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Google, Hospital Corporation of America, Microsoft, Oracle, Qwest, Tenet Healthcare and more.
| 
