Western Governors University Expands Its Online Degrees in Science Education

Disciplines Include Chemistry, Physics, Biological Sciences & Geosciences

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 21 -- The need for highly-qualified science teachers is greater than ever. There are thousands of teacher job openings every year, and school districts struggle to find qualified science teachers, especially in chemistry and physics. The WGU Teachers College now offers 10 accredited online science education degree programs designed for current or aspiring educators who wish to teach chemistry, physics, biology, earth science (geosciences) or general science.

Founded by 19 U.S. governors to expand access to higher education, Western Governors University is the only exclusive online university accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The leader in teacher education accreditation, NCATE sets robust and stringent standards for teacher training in all areas of the discipline.

Enrollment is now open for students seeking a bachelor's degree and initial licensure for middle school general science or high school chemistry, physics, biology or earth science. These degree programs give each student the content knowledge and effective teaching skills needed to become a highly qualified science teacher. Already licensed teachers who wish to earn a secondary science certification can choose from master's degrees in the same disciplines.

As part of their degree program, students will be required to complete lab assignments. The labs and all required materials will be shipped to the students to allow the students to perform experiments at home.

WGU's personalized competency-based education approach makes it possible for students to accelerate their programs and complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree in two to four years or a master's degree in 18-24 months. The actual time to completion will depend on the incoming student's prior college, experience, and time commitment to study.

Tuition at WGU is very affordable at $2,890 per 6-month term. This is less than half of what other reputable online universities typically charge. Enrollments are open continuously and new cohorts begin each month. Scholarships are available for rural educators through a Department of Labor grant.

To learn more about these degrees please visit www.wgu.edu/scienceteacher or call toll-free 1-866-225-5948.

About Western Governors University (WGU)

WGU is the only accredited online university in the U.S. offering competency-based degree programs. The private non-profit university has been a leader in online education for more than 10 years. WGU, now serving more than 10,000 students, was founded by 19 U.S. governors, and is supported by more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include corporations and foundations such as AT&T, BearingPoint, Dell, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, HCA, Microsoft, Oracle, Qwest, SunGard Higher Education, Sun Microsystems, and Zions Bank. WGU offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business, information technology, teacher education, and health professions, with students in all 50 states. More information is available at www.wgu.edu

  Contact for media inquiries:
  Amber Podlucky - PR Coordinator
  801-290-3658
  apodlucky at wgu.edu

  Contact for enrollment information:
  866-225-5948