What Walden University is Known For:
Walden University was built on the principle that knowledge and education are most valuable when they make a positive impact on the world. With over 60 online degree programs, including more than 300 specializations and concentrations, Walden enables students to achieve the worthy goals that underpin their motto: “A higher degree. A higher purpose.”
Walden University has helped over 49,500 alumni develop the skills and knowledge they need to not just enhance their careers, but also enrich their personal lives and the lives of everyone they encounter. In addition to high academic standards, accomplished faculty, and rigorous curriculum, Walden offers students the unique opportunity to gain the experience they need to affect positive social change.
Unique Opportunities at Walden University:
Walden University offers a wide array of degree programs to support your educational goals, including:
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
School of Counseling and Social Service
- Ph.D. in Human Services: Learn to evaluate and create better, more effective public and private service programs to help others.
- M.S. in Mental Health Counseling: Develop the skills and knowledge you need to seek licensure and help others with behavioral disorders.
School of Psychology: Programs are available on the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate level to help you learn the tenets of psychology and how to help people’s increasingly diverse and complex needs.
School of Public Policy and Administration: Real social change starts with public and nonprofit leaders who are willing to lead the charge and make a difference. Degree programs and certificates are available to give both public and nonprofit professionals the training they need to navigate government, private and nonprofit organizations – and, as a result, execute solutions that will affect positive change in their communities.
College of Management and Technology
School of Management: Want to make a measurable difference in your organization or field of work – or simply thrive in today’s increasingly complex business environment? Our bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs provide a curriculum in business, management and administration, helping you develop the confidence and skills you need become a more effective leader.
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership

Today’s educational environment is increasingly complex and challenging. Arm yourself with the tools necessary to become an effective educator through Walden’s education and leadership programs. This program can help you learn effective tactics to make lead your school or community into a brighter, more educated future.
College of Health Sciences

School of Health Sciences: Our advanced degree programs, rooted in practice-oriented theories as well as qualitative and quantitative research, can help you better understand society’s increasingly complex health needs.
School of Nursing: Nurses are essential to today’s growing healthcare industry. Gain real-world nursing skills, work with students around the country and learn the skills you need to excel from nationally recognized educators in the field. Programs include:
- CCNE-accredited master’s degree online
- Post-master’s certificate in nursing
Accelerate into Master’s (AIM)
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If you want to progress from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree in less time, the Walden’s Accelerate into Master’s (AIM) degree option may be for you. In this program, high-performing undergraduate students can take as many as five graduate-level courses as an undergraduate student, which are then applied towards a master’s degree. You could earn your master’s degree in as little as one year, depending on your choice of degree program and personal progress. The AIM option is currently offered to qualified undergraduate students enrolled in the following Bachelor of Science areas:
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Studies
- Political Science and Public Administration
- Psychology
- Public Health
Why We Love Walden University:
- Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
- Their M.S. degree program in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
- All of their programs highlight the importance of using education to contribute to the greater global good, and encourage students to apply what they’ve learned to make positive changes in their families as well as communities and organizations around the world.
FAQS about Walden University
What Is Walden University?
Walden University is an online, for-profit university. It offers bachelors degrees, masters degrees, doctorate degrees, and certificate programs across disciplines and academic fields. However, it predominately serves masters and doctoral degree students. More than 80% of its students are enrolled in graduate level programs.
Consistent with being a part of a Public Benefit Corporation, part of Walden University’s key initiatives is to cause positive social change. It works with its instructors to develop curricula that help students apply their knowledge, develop their skills, grow their networks, consider perspectives, and learn in a way that they can address practical problems at individual, organizational, communal, and societal levels.
Where Is Walden University?
Walden University’s physical location is in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, its programs are offered online. Walden University serves students in states throughout the United States and from countries throughout the world. Its faculty is global.
Some programs might require students to complete an in-person internship, externship, or practicum. In those cases, students typically work with advisors to set something up in their home states and countries.
Is Walden University Accredited?
Walden University is an accredited online university. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which is one of 6 accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Walden University has been accredited by the HLC since 1990 and had its most recent accreditation review in 2013. Because accreditation is based in the U.S., students from other countries should check with their government to determine whether or not it accepts the accreditation status of Walden University.
Walden University has also received specialized accreditations for certain programs. These accreditations exist in addition to the university-wide accreditation. Some accrediting agencies for specific programs, schools, and colleges include:
- The Council on Social Work Education
- The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- The Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs
- The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
To determine whether or not the program of your choice is accredited by one of these agencies, you can talk to an advisor or counselor at Walden University.
Accreditation signifies that schools have hired faculty and developed curricula deemed by an independent review to be of high quality. Attending an accredited school may be a requirement for students to obtain professional certifications and licensures, secure financial aid, and secure employment in some fields. It may also be necessary for students who plan to transfer their credits to another school in the future.
What Is Walden University’s Application Process?
To apply to Walden University, applicants must provide unofficial transcripts, official transcripts, a resume, and a summary of their working and academic history. Applicants can submit their unofficial transcripts to get a free evaluation of which credits will transfer. After that, applicants can apply online. They must create an account, complete a student profile, fill out an application form, attach supplemental materials, and submit an application.
Once students are accepted into Walden University, they will receive additional information about how to secure financial aid and access the Student Readiness Orientation. Students can then register for courses, obtain course materials, and otherwise prepare for classes.
Some students might want to apply to receive credit for life and military experience, by testing out of courses, or through other means. You can learn more about these opportunities through Walden University.
What Is the Structure of Walden University’s Programs?
Students at Walden University use an online platform called Blackboard to access courses and course materials (note that the platform it uses might change over time). Through the online platform, students access assignments and readings, contribute to class discussions, and otherwise participate in class. Students might use chat, video, shared documents, and other digital tools to do their work.
Through their online accounts, students can access:
- Blackboard
- Online classrooms, chat rooms, and course syllabi
- Grades and other academic records
- Admissions, registration, and financial records
- Student services (libraries, research databases, and more)
- Online tools for support
- Academic advising teams
- An online tracking system
Students also have access to an e-portfolio which they can use to store and share course assignments and papers with classmates, colleagues, and supervisors. They can also create presentations and record and track their academic and professional development.
Walden University students report spending 20 hours per week on their online courses. They typically access coursework at times convenient to them but meet course requirements and due dates alongside their classmates. Many of their courses are designed to meet the needs of working adults.
*Note on Licensure
Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the National Board for Certified Counselors at www.nbcc.org/stateboardmap and contact the appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.
Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.
Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6320 or [email protected] to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.