Petersen receives Master’s Degree from Western Governors University

Erica Petersen, of Medford, has graduated from Western Governors University (WGU) with a Master of Arts in Educational Studies. Petersen participated in the nonprofit, fully online university’s commencement ceremony in late November, where she and thousands of other graduates were recognized and celebrated for their achievements.

Petersen’s college career began with a little more responsibility than most – as a freshman, she found out she was pregnant with a son at 18 years old. Despite adversity, she eventually earned her first degree.

“A lot of people discouraged me, saying that I would not finish my college degree,” commented Petersen. “In 2015, I proved them all wrong - I received my bachelor's degree with my two children watching proudly.”

Five years later, in 2020, her husband encouraged her to go back to school for her master’s degree. As a mother of two, she needed a university that was flexible and affordable, making WGU a clear choice. In January 2021, Petersen officially started her master’s program at WGU and finished it in August at 29 years old.

“Being a teen mom and completing my master’s degree ten years later is a dream fulfilled,” added Petersen.

There were over 1,200 undergraduate and graduate degree recipients from 46 U.S. states and military installations overseas who participated in the recent commencement ceremony. Approximately 76% of the graduates come from at least one of the following historically underserved populations: first-generation college students, students of color, rural residents, and/ or low-income earners. Graduates earned degrees in business, K–12 education, information technology and health professions, including nursing.