WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Start Your Education Today with an Introductory Term
A Personalized Path to Success
Whether you’ve already done some college or are starting from scratch, WGU’s Introductory Term can help you approach your education path with confidence. Get a feel for our online, fully supported approach to higher education by taking a WGU course that applies toward your degree. See how well WGU fits into your personal schedule. After you complete your Introductory Term, you can continue on your education path with a six-month term.
Guaranteed Admission
Don’t stress about getting accepted. By completing an Introductory Term, you’re automatically admitted as a WGU student as long as you meet admission requirements. Some bachelor’s programs may have additional requirements you’ll need to satisfy before moving forward.
Low Risk—Zero Obligation
WGU’s Introductory Term allows you to take up to two courses for a nominal fee without committing to an entire degree program. Choose to continue your bachelor’s education and we’ll refund your Introductory Term course fees in full.* If you decide WGU isn’t for you, there’s no obligation to continue.
Ready? Jump Right In
With WGU’s Introductory Term, you can start your education the day you apply or any time before admission. Complete courses that count toward your bachelor’s degree while waiting for your enrollment application to process. We know your time is precious—make the most of it with an Introductory Term.
COST
$99 per course*
Most Introductory Term courses are $99 and take two to three months to complete. Students can take one or two courses and be reimbursed after continuing in a WGU degree program.
VALUE
Stackable Credit
Get a jump-start on your education with a course specifically recommended for your learning path. Choose from a broad selection of available WGU courses that count toward your degree completion.
EFFICIENCY
10,000+ students
Over 10,000 students have accelerated their progress toward a WGU bachelor's degree with the courses available in an Introductory Term. Are you next?
*Courses that include third-party certifications may have an additional charge. Extensions beyond your defined access period cost $99 per month and do not qualify for reimbursement.
Start Your Introductory Term Today
There’s more than one way to start your degree at WGU. You can wait for your enrollment application to process and begin a six-month term the first of the following month. Or you can opt into an Introductory Term and take your first course immediately. Introductory Term courses count toward your overall degree completion.
“Engaging in meaningful discussions, collaborating on projects, and learning from others' experiences has taught me the value of empathy, open-mindedness, and the importance of embracing differing viewpoints. These interactions have not only shaped my academic pursuits but have also equipped me with essential life skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.”
—Jerry Boone
College of IT Student
How To Get Started
Enrolling in a Personalized Introductory Term
When you apply to WGU, your background and experience are considered. Then custom educational paths that will help you succeed in earning your degree are recommended. These paths are informed by the successful journeys of thousands of WGU graduates. Which path you take is up to you. Your dedicated Enrollment Counselor will walk you through these recommendations and help you decide which path best complements your circumstances and goals.
Apply to WGU and share your background and experience.
Explore recommended educational pathways and consult with your Enrollment Counselor.
Choose the path that aligns best with your needs and educational goals.
Work toward your degree with the support of WGU faculty, coaches, and mentors.
Take Courses Before Committing to a Six-Month Term
An Introductory Term provides flexibility, a more personalized start, and allows you to earn course credit that stacks toward your WGU bachelor's degree. This opportunity to familiarize yourself with WGU’s competency-based, online learning can help you approach the rest of your degree program with greater confidence and capability.
A Personalized Start to your WGU Bachelor's Degree
How an Introductory Term Works
Get started with your first course for a refundable $99 fee.
Complete your course in two to three months.
Credit for your course is applied to the WGU program you selected.
Continue into a six-month term, working toward your bachelor’s completion.*
*You are eligible to apply for federal financial aid at the start of your six-month term. View tuition rates here.
“With my busy schedule - having a special needs daughter, being a single mom, working full time - this format of school is perfect because I can work at my own pace. Even though I have a ways to go, I find it so achievable because of the support I have. I wouldn't be able to do this any other way."
—Melissa Kasperski
School of Education Student
Is an Introductory Term Right for Me?
Opting for an Introductory Term can be beneficial for any student who wants to start their program sooner or get a feel for WGU’s approach to online higher education before committing to a six-month term and tuition.
The courses offered during the Introductory Term cover general education requirements. If you’ve completed a significant number of general courses or hold an associate degree or higher, it’s likely you’ve already met these requirements and would be better served by starting with a six-month term.
Personalized Learning and Support
- Access all coursework online 24/7, enabling you to fit your education around your life.
- Develop skills and fulfill course requirements for your degree, accelerating your journey to graduation.
- Secure your educational path with guaranteed admission into a WGU degree program by completing an Introductory Term.
- Receive one-on-one coaching, exam support, and detailed progress tracking every step of the way.
Start Your Introductory Term Today
You don’t need to wonder anymore if higher education is the right fit for you. Find out for yourself with an Introductory Term—the low-risk entry path to earning a career-expanding degree.
