WGU Continues to Lead the Nation in Educating Math and Science Teachers

Online university's secondary math education program is ranked #1 in the nation by the National Council on Teacher Quality

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WGU Washington

Dec 11, 2014, 01:24 ET

SEATTLE, Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University (WGU) produces more science and math teachers than any other university in the U.S., according to a new study from Eduventures. In 2013, WGU awarded more bachelor's and master's degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education than any other institution in the country. WGU also enrolled the largest number of new students in math and science education programs last year.

WGU has more than 53,000 students nationwide, 7,000 of whom call Washington home. Despite representing just 2 percent of the national population, Washingtonians make up 13 percent of WGU's enrollment nationally. WGU Washington – WGU's Seattle-based affiliate serving the entire state – was established by the Legislature in 2011 and has awarded roughly 3,000 bachelor's and master's degrees to professional men and women statewide.

The university's NCATE-accredited Teachers College has earned a national reputation for quality and value. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recently ranked WGU's secondary math education program first in the nation, citing its quality, accessibility and outstanding student teaching experiences. WGU is also a partner in 100Kin10, a multi-sector network focused on training 100,000 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers by 2021.

"From Seattle to Spokane, our state's modern economy depends greatly on a skilled and educated workforce, particularly in STEM fields," said Jean Floten, Chancellor of WGU Washington. "By educating great math and science teachers, WGU Washington is providing the cornerstone for the continued growth and success of this region."

Like all of WGU Washington's degree programs, the university's teacher education programs are competency-based, an approach to teaching that focuses on measuring learning rather than time spent in class. Designed to meet the needs of busy adults with work and family obligations, competency-based learning allows students to advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course subject matter. Students have around-the-clock access to course materials, individualized support and guidance of faculty mentors and may study and learn on their own schedules. Because they are not restricted to standard semester or term calendars, many students are able to accelerate their time to graduation — the average time to earn a bachelor's degree at WGU is less than three years.

Tuition at WGU Washington is affordable — about $6,000 per year for teacher education programs — and is charged at a flat rate, regardless of the number of courses taken. The university is committed to keeping costs as low as possible; tuition has not increased since 2008.

About WGU Washington

WGU Washington was established by the State Legislature in 2011 in partnership with nationally recognized and accredited Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Washington residents.

The state-endorsed, online university offers more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education and Health Professions, including Nursing. WGU Washington's competency-based learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults by providing an affordable, flexible option for earning an accredited, respected college degree. It's non-profit and receives no money from the state.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).

The university has earned the support of more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle and SunGard Higher Education.

* One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791

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WGU Washington News –For Immediate Release Follow WGU Washington:

Contact for media inquiries:
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SOURCE WGU Washington