Walden University

In 1969, Harold "Bud" Hodgkinson, a faculty member at the University of California wrote an essay entitled "Walden U: A Working Paper." In the paper, he described a university where the faculty members and students worked together in a research mode. This paper inspired two teachers, Bernie and Rita Turner, to lay the groundwork for Walden University. The couple, who were social activists, collaborated with Hodgkinson to develop a university that was student-centered.

The concept created more than 30 years ago still exists at Walden University with students working collaboratively with faculty. The concept is that students will apply their hands-on knowledge and skills in the workplace, the community or the world. Initially, the school only offered doctorate degrees in education, but eventually grew to offer doctorates in management, health and human services as well as psychology.

From the beginning, a summer residency has been an important part of the university and, in the mid-80s, Walden began offering monthly four-day residencies in addition to the summer sessions. In 1994, the Walden Information Network (WIN) was established, leading to the creation of an electronic university. The following year, the university began offering a Master of Science in Educational Change and Technology as well as a web-based doctorate in Psychology.

In 2001, Sylvan Learning Systems, which is now Laureate Education, purchased a controlling interest in Walden University and began transitioning the institution from a graduate-only university to more comprehensive school. Many programs and degrees were added, but they were still concentrated in administration/management, education, health and human services and psychology.

Today, Walden has one of the most distinctive online learning communities in the country. The university believes that a degree is only worthy if it can be applied by graduates to actively address social challenges in order to promote greater global good. There are more than 47,800 students enrolled at Walden from all 50 states and more than 150 countries.

Walden University Accreditation Details

Walden University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association since 1990. In addition, the Richard W. Riley College of Education at Walden is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits the BS in Business Administration, MBA, DBA and Ph.D in Management as well as the BS and MS in Accounting programs. The DNP, MSN and BSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits the Ph.D in Counselor Education, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the MS in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling programs. The MS in Project Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute and the BS in Information Technology is accredited by ABET.

Walden University Application Requirements

In order to apply for Walden University, prospective students must complete an online application. In addition to the application, they must submit a current resume, applicable test scores and a list of transfer credits. Walden must also receive official transcripts from any college or university attended. If the student has not attended any colleges or universities, they must provide high school transcripts indicating that they have received a high school diploma or its equivalent. A Student Readiness Orientation is required and is taken in a self-paced format. Some programs have specific admission requirements so it is important to review information for the student's particular course of study to determine what other items may be required as part of the application process. There is no application fee at Walden University.

Students may request transcripts from previous schools on their own or Walden's admission counselors can request them after the student submits a transcript release form.

Walden University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees at Walden University vary by degree as each program is tailored to fit the special needs of professionals in those fields of study. Most programs have a technology fee that ranges from $120 to $160.

Tuition reduction opportunities are available and may include forms of financial aid. The school offers more than $60 million in financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants and tuition assistance. New students who are active-duty members of the military, a veteran of the Armed Forces, a spouse of a military member or an employee of the Veteran's Administration receive a 15 percent reduction in tuition over the lifetime of their program. Graduates of Walden or a Laureate Institution based in the United States will receive a 15 percent tuition reduction over the life of their program as well. Employees of United States higher education institutions benefit from a 10 percent tuition reduction.

Bachelor's students who choose the Accelerate Into Master's program can save up to 50 percent on their master's degree by choosing certain electives during their undergraduate program. In addition, Walden offers discounts to specific partner organization members.

Walden University Online Degrees Available

Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision

The Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University provides the knowledge and skills for graduates to assume leadership roles in clinical, community, academic or other settings as a counselor educator. Students are provided with the knowledge that will allow them to change the world around them and others through advanced teaching, supervision and counseling skills. The program is designed for the professional who wants to take their career to the next level and lead change in the communities they serve.

Students may take a General Program or may choose from the following six specializations:

• Advanced Research Methods
• Consultation
• Counseling and Social Change
• Forensic and Mental Health Counseling
• Leadership and Program Evaluation
• Trauma and Crisis

Tuition for the doctorate degree is $510 per quarter hour and 93 total quarter credit hours are required. There is one four-day residency required with a fee of $1,275, which does not include travel, lodging or other expenses. There are also two eight-day residencies required at a cost of $2,395, which also does not include travel, lodging or other expenses. There is a technology fee of $120 per quarter. Students may transfer up to 45 credits.

For students who are seeking a new career or who are hoping to take their current career to the next level, Walden University offers a student-centered curriculum with a flexibility that will allow them to meet their family, work and social obligations.