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Western Governors University

Academic Careers

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Educate. Motivate. Transform.

Academic careers at WGU focus on supporting learners through mentorship, instruction, and meaningful assessment. As a faculty member or academic leader, you’ll help learners build real-world skills, stay on track, and move confidently toward their goals.

Find a Teaching Role That Matches Your Passion for Education

Academic Career Paths

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Faculty

Faculty roles at WGU are about making a direct, meaningful difference in learners' lives. You'll serve as a Mentor, Instructor, or Evaluator, providing personalized support, coaching, and instruction that helps learners progress with confidence in a flexible, competency-based environment.

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Accreditation & Compliance

Accreditation and Compliance roles support the foundation that makes everything else possible. You'll help ensure academic quality, integrity, and trust—working behind the scenes to meet regulatory standards while enabling innovation and a continuous improvement model.

Academic strategist analyzing data and planning programs

Academic Strategy

Academic Strategy roles are ideal for big-picture thinkers who enjoy turning insight into action. You'll work at the intersection of data, innovation, and academic excellence—helping WGU design, launch, and evolve programs that meet the needs of today's learners and tomorrow's workforce.

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Academic Leadership

Academic Leadership roles are for those who want to lead with purpose and shape the future of education. In this area, you'll guide academic teams, influence strategy, and help scale innovative learning models that expand access and improve learner outcomes.

Learning designers collaborating on program development

Program Development & Learning Design

Program Development and Learning Design roles are for creators and problem-solvers who want to build impactful learning experiences. In this area, you'll collaborate with academic and industry partners to design modern, engaging programs that prepare learners for real-world success.

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Program Mentor

Our Program Mentors are the heart of our student success model at WGU. As a Program Mentor, you'll have the unique opportunity to provide personalized, one-on-one guidance to students, helping them navigate their educational journey with confidence and success.

Hear from our Program Mentors
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Evaluators

Our Evaluators help turn achievement into opportunity. As an Evaluator, you’ll use your expertise to assess student work, provide meaningful feedback, and validate the competencies that move learners forward. If you’re driven by quality, purpose, and helping students succeed, this is where your impact matters.

Hear from our Evaluators
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Course Instructor

Our Course Instructors bring learning to life at WGU. As a Course Instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to guide, coach, and inspire students as they build confidence, develop new skills, and progress toward their goals. Through meaningful connections and expert support, you’ll help turn potential into progress and make a lasting impact along the way.

Hear from our Course Instructors
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Subject Matter Experts

Our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) help shape the learning experiences that power student success at WGU. As a recognized expert in your field, you'll contribute as an independent contractor (1099), partnering with academic and learning design teams on project-based work to create relevant, engaging course content that reflects current industry practices and workforce needs. Through your expertise, you'll help ensure learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals.

View SME Opportunities

Hear from Our People

"I absolutely love my role because it allows me to support students at some of the most pivotal moments in their academic and professional journeys. As a Senior Program Mentor, my 'why' is rooted in helping students build confidence, navigate challenges, and realize they are capable of far more than they initially believed, just like my WGU Program Mentor did for me. This job feels like 'paying it forward' and building meaningful connections all at the same time. Watching students overcome obstacles, persist toward their goals, and grow throughout their program is what makes this work deeply meaningful to me."

Lauren C., Sr. Program Mentor

Sam B.
"What I love most about my role is helping students realize that they can earn their education on their own terms and that success is possible, even when life is complex. As a two-time WGU graduate, I bring both lived experience and practical insight into my mentoring, using what I've learned to better support students as they work toward their goals. What keeps me invested is WGU's innovative spirit and genuine willingness to listen. Ideas are encouraged, growth is supported, and improving the student experience is a shared responsibility. I've built a career here that I'm deeply proud of, and that pride shows up in the care, consistency, and quality of support I provide to every student I serve."

Wesley R., Sr. Program Mentor

Wesley R., Sr. Program Mentor
"I've spent most of my life working in Education and Mental Health. As a Program Mentor, I get to use a unique blend of both skillsets to help students navigate their academic, professional, and personal lives. Each student's story is different; it's my role to truly listen, support, and meet each student where they're at every single day."

Ryan S., Program Mentor

Ryan S., Program Mentor

Get Answers and Take the Next Step

Sage can answer questions, help you explore roles, and guide you through applying at WGU, right when you need it.

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