Walden University: Think Community, Think Globally! Think Superior Degree!

In the very first year of the decade of the 70’s two New York teachers (Bernie and Rita Turner) founded Walden as option for working adults who needed to opt for doctoral degrees. A year later (1971) in Naples, Florida the first Walden office is opened. Most of the students were educational administrators and they attend a month long session to focus on their dissertations proposals. 

By 1977, the first university based Summer Session is held at the University of Rhode Island with an already formal curriculum called the Guided Independent Study Program, which focused on education and sociology. It is in 1979 that Walden is granted licensure and it is allowed to confer Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s in Minnesota. By 1984, the academic office moved from Naples in Florida to Minneapolis in Minnesota.

The new decade, 1990, brings new accreditation from North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Two years later, the original founders (Bernie and Rita Turner) sell Walden to Don Ackerman (Florida entrepreneur) and he is then the new chair of the Board of Directors. The year of 1995 is quite groundbreaking for Walden: it offers its first master’s degree, an M.S. in Education Change and Technology Innovation-the first completely online master’s degree in education in the U.S.

As it seems to be “tradition” at Walden, every new decade has a turning point for the institution: By 2000, Walden becomes the first distance-learning university to be categorized “research intensive” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. A year later, renowned Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. acquires 41% of Walden University. The School introduces a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration, plus a Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Administration. By this same year student enrollment has reached the number of 2,000.
 
In 2002 the four schools with Walden’s degree programs are established as such: School of Education, School of Psychology, School of Health and Human Services and School of Management. The year after (2003), Walden offers its first bachelor’s completion program, along with new Ph.D. programs in Community College Leadership and Public Health and a Master of Public Health; last but not least, registration is of 8,000 students.

In 2004, Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. changed its name to Laureate Education, Inc., and purchases the remaining interest in Walden University. The registration of student body has reached 13,000 in 17 degree programs. Finally, in 2005, the National Technological University fused with Walden to create the 5th school: the NTU School of Engineering and Applied Science.

As you can see, Walden University has a lot of history in the making! This School is no “newbie” to the business of learning and because of so many years of experience in the area, students know that the programs are accredited by renowned institutions and their degrees are vouched for by a highly competitive university!

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that the university meets established standards of quality and that its degrees and courses will be recognized by employers and universities around the world.

Now that accreditation has been established, it’s important to mention the Colleges and Schools that are part of Walden University:

College of Education:
M.S. in Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Ph.D. in Education

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
School of Health and Human Services:
Health Services Ph.D.
Human Services Ph.D.
Public Health Ph.D.M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)Nursing M.S.

School of Psychology:
Psychology Ph.D.
Psychology M.S.
Mental Health Counseling

School of Management:
Applied Management and Decision Sciences
Ph.D.M.B.A (Master of Business Administration
Business Administration B.S.
Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Administration

School of Public Policy and Administration:
Public Policy and Administration Ph.D.M.P.A. (Master of Public Policy and Administration)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Administration

NTU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences: M.B.A. (High-Tech Master of Business Administration)Computer Engineering M.S.Computer Science M.S.Electrical Engineering M.S.Engineering Management M.S.Software Engineering M.S.Systems Engineering M.S.Certificates

As part of the admission process, faculty and academic staff must develop, approve, and ensure that all admission policies and procedures are met responsibly. This is why the circumstances regarding admittances are dependant on academic degrees and records, statement of purpose, and sometimes work experience.

All resolutions, of whether to admit a student or not, are based on review of the student’s academic background and professional experience. Students must comply with a goal statement, and other required materials, to be considered for the application process. Another element that is well thought out is how practical and apt the student’s goal towards the degree program is. The offers for admission remain active for a year and each school and/or program has its own list of requirements that must be carefully reviewed before submitting documents and such.

Financial Aid applying early for this process is highly recommended because of the timeframe it takes for the process to be ready (5-8 weeks). To be eligible for such process, the student must comply with the following: Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen. Be registered for the selective service if required to do so. Have a high school diploma or GED, or have already successfully completed an Ability to Benefit Test. Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student or enrolled in an eligible certificate program. Not owe a refund on any federal grant, nor be in default on a federal student loan, nor have borrowed in excess of the loan limits under the Title IV programs at any institution. Must maintain good academic standing in their program and make satisfactory progress toward the degree sought, as outlined below. Must be enrolled at least half-time, Undergraduates at least six (6) credits half-time, twelve (12) credits full-time. Graduate students three (3) credits half-time, six (6) credits is full-time. At Walden there is a variety of options made available for students who are in need of economic relief: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Federal PLUS Loans.

The learning experience needs a lot of support! That is why at Walden, University Services is designed to look after the student through his development to ensure success. Services include Bookstore, Concierge Customer Service, Commencement, Academic Advising, Disability Services, Financial Services, Library, Registrar, Residencies, Student Union, Veterans Benefits, Walden email and Writing Center.
By assisting professionals online, Walden University has served higher education since the 70’s. Working with these professionals, who seek positive social change in turn, the students have found how to build up both careers and personal lives. The greater global good is Walden’s vision and a positive society transformer is the university’s mission. The students who want to be part of this vision and mission enroll at Walden University for a prominent degree and purpose.