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

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The university producing the largest number of science and math teachers in the U.S. is online and competency-based, according to a new study by Eduventures.  In 2013, Western Governors University (WGU) —parent university of WGU Texas (http://texas.wgu.edu/)— conferred more bachelor's and master's degrees in STEM education than any other institution in the country. WGU also had the largest number of new enrollments in math and science education last year.

WGU has more than 53,000 students and 40,000 graduates nationwide. Since WGU Texas launched in 2011, the student body has grown to over 5,700, with new students enrolling each month. In addition, WGU's NCATE-accredited Teachers College has earned a national reputation for quality and value. In 2014, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) ranked WGU's secondary math education program first in the nation, citing its quality, accessibility, and outstanding student teaching experiences. The university is also a partner in 100Kin10, a multi-sector network focused on training 100,000 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers by 2021. Partners in Austin and Texas include Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, IDEA Public Schools, Educate Texas, Greater Texas Foundation, Citizen Schools, the UTeach Institute, KIPP Houson, and The Texas Tribune.

"Improving and expanding STEM education in our K-12 schools is vital to sustaining and growing the nation's economy," said Dr. Philip Schmidt, Vice President and Dean of WGU's Teachers College. "WGU has been focused on educating great math and science teachers from the beginning, and the strong growth in these programs is evidence of their quality."

Like all of WGU Texas'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 24/7 access to course materials, studying and learning on their own schedules with the individualized support and guidance of faculty mentors. 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 Texas is less than three years.

Tuition at WGU Texas is extremely affordable—about $3,000 per six-month term for teacher education programs—and it 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.

More information about WGU Texas's Teachers College can be found at http://texas.wgu.edu/education/online_teaching_degree.

About WGU Texas 
As the state's only online, competency-based university, WGU Texas offers accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in today's high-demand fields. WGU Texas's model is unique—rather than earning degrees based on time spent in class, students advance toward their credential at their own pace by demonstrating competency. On average, students graduate with a bachelor's degree in three years—saving time and money. WGU Texas offers some of the lowest tuition in the state — most of the university's degree programs are charged at a flat rate of $3,000 per six-month term, and terms can begin on the first day of any month.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Learn more at texas.wgu.edu  or call 1-877-214-7011.

Follow WGU Texas: 
http://www.facebook.com/WGUTexas 
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university 
http://twitter.com/wgutexas 
http://www.youtube.com/user/WesternGovernorsUniv

Contact for media inquiries:  
Holly Subervi, PR Manager                 
512-225-6652 or 512-965-4500
holly.subervi@wgu.edu

Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7011 
texas.wgu.edu

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SOURCE WGU Texas