Western Governors University is Filling a Big Hole in the Resume; Professionals Are Earning Online Competency-Based Business Degrees.

Business Editors

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2004

"I actually feel differently about myself, not that lack of self-esteem has ever been a big issue for me. I have a greater sense of validation regarding my skills both personally and professionally," said Vicki Simek of Vineland, N.J., about her recent bachelor's degree in business from Western Governors University (WGU).

Simek needed a business degree to advance her career. "The head of the department in which I currently work as a contract employee feels that I would be the natural selection to succeed him when he retires in the next few years. I'd like to have that job," she said.

This is just one reason people are returning to college to get a business degree. Some successful business people just want to have a degree to round out their knowledge in a chosen field, and some find a hole in their resume that needs filling. Others, like Texas inventor-entrepreneur Grayson Bass of Lubbock, say that in today's competitive business environment, academic credentials are critical in landing a position and advancing a career. Bass needed a bachelor's degree from an accredited university before pursuing his goal of a post-graduate degree.

The unique competency-based business degrees offered by Western Governors University (www.wgu.edu/biz) were a perfect fit. WGU grants degrees and certificates based completely on "competencies" -- the ability to demonstrate skills and knowledge on a series of assessments carefully selected to measure a student's mastery of a field of study -- not on required courses.

With a customized degree program accelerated by what he already knew, Bass expects to earn his bachelor's degree in business this year. "Having blazed my own trail and having an entrepreneurial mentality, sitting in a classroom imposed on me more time than I would allow. I am able to focus my time and energy at WGU on the areas in which I need to gain skills and knowledge," he said. "It's so efficient and student-friendly. All the experience and competency I've gained means less time in college."

In addition to two existing degrees in information technology management and human resource management, Western Governors University now offers five new bachelor's degree programs in business management, finance, marketing management, business professional studies, and management accounting. Detailed information is available online at www.wgu.edu/biz.

According to Dr. Robert Mendenhall, WGU president, these degree programs are an excellent fit for the student who has already started a career and/or achieved a professional certification. "The degrees are designed for the adult learner who has solid work experience or who holds a qualifying professional certification but lacks the broad business academic training to take his or her career to the next level," said Mendenhall. It's also designed for the professional person, like Simek, who wishes to develop a management career but is held back by lack of a bachelor's degree.