Online Degree Programs – Walden University

Online Degree Programs – Walden University: A Comprehensive Guide

Walden University is an online university that offers a wide range of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university is known for its commitment to social change and social justice, and its online programs are designed to help students achieve their career goals while making a positive impact on society. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Walden University’s online degree programs, including its history, accreditation, program offerings, tuition and fees, and student resources.

History and Accreditation

Walden University was founded in 1970 as an institution that offered doctoral degrees in education. Over the years, the university expanded its offerings to include a range of programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Today, Walden University is part of the Laureate International Universities network, which is a global network of higher education institutions.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, many of the university’s programs have specialized accreditations from organizations such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Program Offerings

Walden University offers a wide range of online degree programs across multiple disciplines. These programs include:

Bachelor’s Programs:

• BS in Accounting
• BS in Business Administration
• BS in Communication
• BS in Criminal Justice
• BS in Health Studies
• BS in Human Services
• BS in Information Technology
• BS in Nursing (RN-BSN)

Master’s Programs:

• MS in Accounting
• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Education
• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in Health Education and Promotion
• MS in Human Resource Management
• MS in Information Technology
• MS in Nursing (RN-MSN)
• MS in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
• MS in Psychology
• MS in School Counseling
• MS in Social Work

Doctoral Programs:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Health Education and Promotion
• PhD in Management
• PhD in Psychology

Each program has its own set of requirements, but all of them are designed to be completed entirely online. Walden University also offers several certificate programs in areas such as information technology, project management, and public health.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees at Walden University vary depending on the program and the student’s location. However, the university provides a transparent breakdown of costs on its website. As of March 2023, undergraduate tuition ranges from $325 to $370 per credit hour, while graduate tuition ranges from $490 to $695 per credit hour. Doctoral tuition ranges from $870 to $1,155 per credit hour. In addition to tuition, students may need to pay fees for things like books, technology, and other materials.

Financial aid is available to eligible students, and Walden University participates in federal financial aid programs such as grants and loans. The university also offers a variety of scholarships and other funding opportunities to help students offset the cost of their education.

Student Resources

Walden University offers a wide range of resources to help its students succeed academically and professionally. These resources include:

• Academic advisors: Students are assigned an academic advisor who can help them plan their coursework and stay on track to graduation.
• Tutoring: The university provides free tutoring services to students who need additional support in their coursework.

• Career services: Walden University has a dedicated career services team that can help students with job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and more.
• Library resources: The university’s online library provides access to thousands of academic journals, books, and other resources that students can use for research projects and other assignments.
• Online writing center: The writing center offers assistance with all aspects of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining to revising and editing.
• Student support services: Walden University offers a variety of support services to help students navigate the challenges of online learning, including 24/7 technical support, disability services, and academic accommodations.

Pros and Cons of Walden University’s Online Degree Programs

Pros:

• Flexibility: Walden University’s online programs are designed to be flexible, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.
• Accreditation: The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and many of its programs have specialized accreditations, which ensures that the degrees earned by students are recognized by employers and other institutions.
• Range of programs: Walden University offers a wide range of programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, which means that students can find a program that matches their career goals and interests.
• Commitment to social change: The university has a strong commitment to social change and social justice, which can be appealing to students who want to make a positive impact on society.

Cons:

• Limited interaction with peers and faculty: Because Walden University’s programs are entirely online, students may have limited opportunities to interact with their peers and faculty members in person.
• Self-motivation required: Online learning requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline, which can be challenging for some students.
• Higher tuition: Walden University’s tuition is higher than some other online universities, which may be a barrier for some students.

Conclusion

Walden University is a reputable online university that offers a wide range of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university’s commitment to social change and social justice is evident in its programs and resources, and its accreditation ensures that degrees earned by students are recognized by employers and other institutions. While the higher tuition and limited interaction with peers and faculty may be drawbacks for some students, the flexibility and range of programs may make Walden University a good choice for those who want to earn a degree while balancing other commitments.

Why Walden