This school appears in our ranking Top 10 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Education Online.
Founded with the belief that adults should pursue educational opportunities while still being able to work, Walden University has offered a student-focused curriculum since it opened in 1970. Now an online college, the university provides students with the ability to explore higher education without having to put their current careers or lives on hold. More than 57,000 students attend the university from all 50 states and 150 countries worldwide as of December 2016. The university offers a variety of programs ranging from add-on certificates to full doctoral degrees.
Walden maintains strong support from its students. Of the international students enrolled in online programs here, 91 percent are satisfied or very satisfied with the school. On a broader level, 85 percent of Walden students say they would be likely or very likely to recommend the university to others. Nearly 81 percent of students at the school are satisfied with all or most of the faculty.
Walden University is a Certified B Corporation® member, meaning that the school has demonstrated a commitment to upholding standards of social and environmental impact and accountability. The university has long pushed for social change, a key feature of its curriculum and institutional goals over the last 45 years. Faculty, staff, and students collaboratively work toward making the world a better place, not just in mission statements but in the practical application via coursework, degree programs, publications, and hands-on involvement in local communities around the world. Six of the school’s master’s degree programs feature specialization in Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Walden University Accreditation
Walden University holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, most recently reaffirmed in 2013. Several of the school’s individual programs also maintain accreditation through various organizations. Examples include several online counseling programs, accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; undergraduate business and accounting programs, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Master of Science in Project Management, accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center.
Walden University Application Requirements
Those who want to apply at Walden University will fill out an online application, complete a student profile and submit appropriate documents as required by the degree program. The student profile should cover contact information as well as a history of the student’s academic achievements and employment history. Application materials include an official transcript from any previous schools, and some programs may require additional supporting documents, such as a resume. Applicants should note that Walden University gives credit for “life experiences,” which could include military service, employment in certain fields, and specialized credentialing, such as CPA certification.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees vary widely at Walden University. Students will pay a per-credit rate for tuition, the amount of which depends on enrollment status and program. For example, students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Accounting can expect to pay $965 per semester hour. There’s also a technology fee of $185 per semester. Transfer students can save money by having up to 15 credit hours transferred from another school. Tuition for the online Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling requires $465 per quarter credit hour, and up to 45 credits can be transferred. For students in the Master of Science in Project Management program, tuition costs $1,010 per semester hour. Applicants should check individual programs for tuition rates and fees.
For students who need financial help in paying for college, Walden University offers the standard options available to accredited colleges, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. In addition to these, however, Walden also offers a number of unique options that students can take advantage of to save money on school. These include the “Tuition Reduction Program,” which is a series of discounts on programs for alumni, alumni referrals, family members, and others, as well as “Limited-Time Savings,” which are special discounts on programs or program fees offered on a limited-time basis. Interested students should contact the school’s bursar or financial aid office for information about money-saving opportunities.
Online Degrees Available
Walden University offers a broad range of online graduate programs for students who want to advance their careers or start new ones. Several of these programs have gained accreditation from their applicable accrediting agency, giving graduates the advantage of earning a degree that conforms to national standards. Examples of accredited programs at Walden include the:
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- Master of Science in Project Management
The Master of Science in Accounting helps students to prepare to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam, which could lead to licensure. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Upon completion of the degree, students should be able, among other things, to use research techniques to assess managerial decisions, communicate effectively within the fields of business and accounting, and evaluate businesses to assist in solving problems. Three tracks are available for accounting majors: Accounting for the Professional, Accounting with CPA Emphasis, and Self Designed. Each track requires 30 hours to complete.
For students who want to pursue careers in counseling, the online Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling offers a specialized field of study. Students here will learn from respected educators in the field, develop a creative project that addresses a social need and create an online portfolio that could be useful in obtaining employment after graduation. Designed for future counselors and accredited by CACREP, this program uses evidence-based practice and a rigorous set of courses to prepare students to sit for state licensure exams. Specializations within this degree program include Addiction Counseling, Military Families and Culture, and Forensic Counseling. The general program requires 90 to 96 quarter credits, a licensure plan, and two, 6-week pre-practicum labs.
The Master of Science in Project Management is accredited by the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs of the Project Management Institute, a distinction that enables students to learn top techniques and approved methods in the industry. Those who choose this program will use established practices for project management, understand a business’s goals and use their skills to solve problems, learn how to manage projects from start to finish, and learn how to assess their skills within the context of social and ethical principles. Class topics include Managing People and Promoting Collaboration, Project Scheduling, and Budgeting and Management of Operations. This fully online program from Walden University requires 30-semester credits, 27 of which come from core courses.
Website: Walden University
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