Online Education: Walden University

Founded in 1970 as a Florida institution offering doctoral degrees to working adults, Walden University is one of the earlier pioneers in distant learning. In the early 1980s, the school relocated to Minnesota where it later gained regional accreditation and in 1995 became the first university to offer a completely online master’s degree in education program.

For-Profit University Owned By Laureate Education

Today, Walden University offers about two dozen degree programs and is a for-profit entity owned by Laureate Education, Inc. a company founded in 1998 as Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., and owns universities around the world including Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and Sichuan Tianyi University in China.

Walden University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees as well as certificate programs. Meeting state of Minnesota guidelines, the university’s Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) allows candidates to specialize in one of three areas: Early Childhood Education; Special Education, Emotional/Behavior Disorders and Special Education, Learning Disabilities. Walden offers guidelines to students pursuing teaching licensure in other states which may mean that other requirements (such as student teaching) be met before a license can be conferred.

R.N. Program Open To Current Nurses

Other Walden University bachelor level programs include degrees in Business Administration, Child Development, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Communication, Instructional Design and Technology, Nursing Completion Program and Computer Information Systems. The Nursing program is open to current Registered Nurses who are looking to complete their education including grads with associate degrees and those with nursing certificates.

Many of the same programs available on the Bachelor’s level are also Master’s degree programs. Degrees in Public Health, Public Administration, Software Engineering, Mental Health Counseling and Forensic Psychology are offered. Doctoral degrees in Public Policy and Administration, Health Services, Human Services and Education are among the nine doctoral programs offered through Walden University.

No Walls In This Class Room

Unlike some online institutions which may still require students to show up on occasion at a designated location for a class, test or a seminar, Walden University operates without walls except perhaps those in your home. Students log on the Walden site where they can follow comments made by classmates as well as their instructor. There is no particular time when students must log on although there is an assigned period whereby students must complete their studies.

Weekly discussion topics, required readings, and assignments listed in the online syllabus are posted to help students stay on course as they complete each course. Support services including research, writing and technical assistance is also available. The university also student support services, an academic advising team and financial counselors as needed.

As with any distant learning program, students should familiarize themselves with the school, their various programs, entrance requirements, degree path and everything else related to the school. Speak with a university representative directly if your questions are not being answered satisfactorily by what you read online. Online education isn’t for everyone, but it is an option that certainly has gained strength thanks to Walden University and other schools.

More Information: Walden University

Adv. –  Prospective students considering enrolling in online courses, should perform due diligence to make sure that the program of study is everything they need it to be. Schools should be accredited, courses relevant to degree program and financial aid options should be available. To help you succeed, please visit our online education page to help you build a better future!

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