Walden University Reviews
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Master's in Education - Reading & Literacy
School recommended by
Laura
on
September 10, 2009
8/10 people found this review helpful
I am taking my last class at Walden before I get my degree. I have corresponded with people from all over the US and abroad. This has been a fabulous experience for me and I have learned so much new research and information that I have applied in my classroom immediately. There are some great instructors but when I found one I really clicked with, I continued to request her for the remainder of my program. This program truly help me to grow as a writer and I am seriously considering getting a Doctor of Ed degree as well. I am still researching costs and other universities. The online format worked very well for me. I highly recommend Walden!
Learn More about Walden UniversityShysters- DO NOT ENROLL
School not recommended by
Hank Wilson
on
August 11, 2009
56/62 people found this review helpful
I am (was)working on an EdD in Education. I recently ran into finacial hardships. I called Walden academic advising, told them I could not pay for the class, and was given the go ahead to drop the course and ask for leave. Now, they want me to pay for it. Until I cough up $4200+, I can not register for the next term (which equates to $8400+ for the two terms). They want proof advising said I could drop without paying. It was a phone call. There is no proof. A while back, Walden was great. But about a year and a half ago, they changed to where it's all about the dollar- screw the students. It's hard to get a live body on the phone. The classes do not prep you to write a dissertation under the Walden format guidelines (which way differs from other universities). Enroll any place else.
-Hank
thinking this over
School not recommended by
Jacqueline Beglicter
on
August 06, 2009
37/39 people found this review helpful
I was planning to apply with this University and since reading all the in-put I changed my mind to be a student at Walden University.
I have done 3 other on-line classes with National University and it was no pic-nic. I didn't continue because of pretty much of the same thing that has been posted from the students who went through Walden University. I think on-line Universities or college on-line need to really work at presenting more flexibility to students and be more available to their students. That's my personal opinion. I will continue my studies at a local University where I can actually talk and see the instructor.
Walden is the worst Online School in the Country!
School not recommended by
Rodney Chavez
on
August 01, 2009
49/54 people found this review helpful
Walden promises all types of support from faculty and staff. Once they have your money, you get none of these! I went for three quarters and the Professors are rarely in the courserooms and they rarely reply to the discussions. Its as though all students are on their own in the classroom. Fights between students ensued while I was there due to the absense of any type of guidance from their professors. Do NOT waste your money on this school. Capella is the best online school and they do everything Walden does not!
STAY AWAY
School not recommended by
Ben Draper
on
July 23, 2009
53/58 people found this review helpful
My wife is a student at Walden University in an online graduate degree program. Though she was told up front the program was only 2 and a half years, and that her thesis would only take 2 semesters, she is in her eighth semester of thesis writing due to the refusal of Walden staff to provide feedback to her or meet deadlines required by the syllabus. The student loans are piling up, and my wife has spent countless hours calling people who don't call back and writing emails to people who never do anything to help her. She is on her fourth thesis chair, and there is no help or end in sight. She had hoped to be teaching on the college level last year, and now will not be able to until at least next year, so this has cost us lost income as well. There seem to be many other students in the same situation with this school. Walden is clearly not meeting their obligations or providing the service that they promise.
Great Experience but EXTREMELY expensive
School recommended by
Caroline Taylor
on
July 14, 2009
37/49 people found this review helpful
I had a good experience but was not able to finish-ran out of money-it will literally will eat up all of your financial aid(and I had full aid)Found other programs literally thousands of $$ less. If you have plenty of money I would recommend this school.
REWARDING EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
School recommended by
Dr. Ashford Maharaj
on
July 05, 2009
26/34 people found this review helpful
My educational experience at Walden University allowed me to hold my full-time job while simultaneously completing a very, very challenging Walden academic program. I graduated in 2001 with the Ph.D. degree with a specialization in finance. The most difficult test for me was to separate myself from becoming an ABD (all but dissertation) Ph.D. or a fully accredited Ph.D. certified graduate. In other words, getting past the dissertation committee is kind of a rocket science. More importantly, however, is the fact that the Ph.D. from Walden gave me the ticket for successful advancement in my career as a banker and as an academic.
You have to work!
School recommended by
almostdone
on
April 21, 2009
49/56 people found this review helpful
I am almost done with my MPA from Walden. It has been a really rewarding experience and I have learned a lot. Don't think about applying if you are not dedicated as the courses are intense. That said, the school has been very supportive through a recent illness. Its a great alternative for working adults who want to do most of their work from home.
MS degree program in nursing
School not recommended by
Shari
on
March 28, 2009
87/105 people found this review helpful
My experience at Walden, which only lasted 2 weeks, was terrible. From the moment that I first inquired about the program, I had problems. I ignored all the red flags, which I now regret.
First, I couldn't get in touch with my assigned counselor and later discovered that he no longer worked there. Then every other person was rude to me.
The classes were not as good as I had expected. (I have a BSN and a MS in another field). The website was not user friendly at all, and I'm very proficient with computer technology.
The "last straw" was when my instructor sent me a rather inappropriate and unprofessional email, stating that I needed to relax, just because I asked a simple question...and that question was when was my grade for an assignment going to be posted!
I'm currently looking for another more appropriate program and a university that cares about it's students. Do not waste your time with Walden!
My experience at Walden University
School not recommended by
Carol
on
February 23, 2009
131/156 people found this review helpful
My experience at Walden U was not as I had originally anticipated.
At Walden, I think most of the instructors try to work with and have more patience with hardworking adults, who have children and other major responsibilities. However, from my experience, there are a few that do not. For instance, I had a family crisis and one of the teachers, who I thought, would allow me to complete my work, and grade it, did not. She let me do all the work and did not grade it, so I did not pass that course. When I attempted to find the email that I sent her,and she responded to, Walden University had purged the email system; thus not allowing me to appeal the grade.
I usually saved everything, but I did not get a chance to save that email to an external email. When I first started the degree program, I used my hotmail account to receive email correspondence, but later they changed it where all of the student's email addresses were through Walden. Now, I can see why.
Great experience
School recommended by
maureen
on
February 12, 2009
45/53 people found this review helpful
I have been "at" Walden for three years. I am taking it slow, finishing up an MPA. I have been extremely happy with the program and classes offered. The instructors are very adept and almost all hold doctorates or JD's. You have to WORK to pass these classes. Its a challenge but well worth the effort. The other students are very accomplished professionally.
Walden University Review
School recommended by
S.L
on
January 29, 2009
109/120 people found this review helpful
I am currently an online student majoring in Psychology at Walden University. I transferred in after receiving my Criminal Justice degree from another University. I am going towards my Masters then PhD in Psychology through Walden.
Currently I am happy with their online structure, format and how they teach the courses. The instructors sometimes put more or less emphasis in the class depending on the instructor, but it is the student who should be reading, studying, writing and working hard on his or her research to meet the goals ahead.
I am never impressed with tuition and it is typical for that since they are private online schools, but the ability to meet these deadlines as well as working full time and having a family is crucial. I am not impressed with the administration as far as the staffing ratio at Walden because my Academic Counselor finds it hard to have much time for me since he is so booked up with students. I think Walden needs to back off the profit situation and try to build up some staff first. I would much prefer to have my own finance advisor assigned to me, but they utilize all advisors in the department for everyone. However, the administration is not my concern as much as it is my learning experience.
So far I have had a good learning experience and I am not turning back or away from Walden. It has the best online education available to me and I plan to complete my full education there. Good Luck to all of you new or prospected students of Walden. Go ahead and take the steps to enroll. I would recommend it.
Be Very careful and keep good records
School not recommended by
Anne
on
January 29, 2009
113/130 people found this review helpful
Be careful - I am still battling Walden, which I did enjoy, because they say I failed three classes. I know I did not, but I have no proof now, and cannot finish my degree until I jump through all sorts of hoops, including financial, and basically have to admit to failing these classes. Because I didn't keep my printouts of my grades, I have NO PROOF, and they will get away with this. It is sad. Keep good records - very good records - Walden itself, as in the classes and education, was great - the instructors were helpful, and I gained a great group of peers that helped each other out - our online study group!
The Administrative Support at Walden University is a joke!
School not recommended by
Anonymous
on
October 02, 2008
109/118 people found this review helpful
I completed my undergraduate degree at Walden University in Business Administration. The administrative support I received was absolutely terrible. This problem wasn't limited to one department either. I had trouble with the Financial Aid department, the Bursars office, the Academic Advisors, the "Graduation Team", etc.
Every issue I encountered required me to e-mail and call at least ten times (and this is not an exaggeration and I have the e-mail chains to prove it for anyone doubting me on this). Nobody would ever handle any of my problems, and I was constantly pushed off on other people. I have never received this poor of customer service from any other organization (and I've had to deal with a lot of notoriously poor organizations like the VA, DoD Records Offices, State Unemployment Office, and Credit Card companies).
I have been done with the Walden program for two months now, and of course I still can't get anyone to respond to me and tell me if they are even working on processing/issuing my degree. Also, I still haven't received my Financial Aid award (Pell Grant and Stafford Loan) from 4 months ago. In fact, I was actually told today that I will not receive it, because the school didn't process it on time and there is nothing I can do about it. Apparently the Financial Aid has to be processed during the term it is to be awarded for (although I submitted it two weeks prior to the term's end date, apparently it takes three months to process like everything else at Walden).
The program price is a little costly, but the convenience of doing your degree quickly (took 3 six-week courses at a time to complete 19 classes in a little over a year of course time) and at your own time added to the value. I would say that they are by no means a Diploma Mill as I do feel I learned a decent amount and I am a lot better at writing long (usually a 5-10 page paper per class). However, I think they should revise their mission statement to say something along the lines of "To push as many people through the school as quickly as possible, while having as little administrative support as possible to keep costs low, with the goal of generating as much profit for the shareholders" or the motto to "At Walden you are just another number, so don't ask us for anything accept the address to send the check to". But this is just one person's experience...
MEd in Science Education
School not recommended by
Dawn
on
August 11, 2008
49/59 people found this review helpful
My experience overall was not pleasant. I signed up with this program because of the course sequence and length of courses, which would allow me turn earn my degree in 18 months. It turns out that they have a 5 week "break" in between each session, so the degree stretched out to over 2 years. Also, I did not enjoy the online forums. We had to rate each others work and respond to the postings. I thought this would be the teacher's job. I did get my master's degree for not a lot of work. I would change the format to include higher percentages of the final grade being devoted to our individual work, not how many times we gave suggestions to others.
Rebutt to July 28, 2008 review
School recommended by
M.L.
on
August 05, 2008
37/52 people found this review helpful
Walden is a great university. The teachers are caring and supportive and always are there to help you to attain your degree. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the US Dept. of Education. They consisitently tell students to check with their individual states, FLorida included, to make sure YOU the student are aware of all the preparations needed to sit for your states licensing exam. This is the students responsibility not Waldens'. Each state has their own laws for licensing. I know this because I am a psychology Ph.D. student at Walden and I am updated on the licensing laws in my state and what I need to do. Walden has been a great experience for me a working Mom, Wife and Student.
PhD. in Public Policy and Administration
School recommended by
Michael
on
August 05, 2008
41/50 people found this review helpful
Online schools are becoming more accepted in the professional world and should only increase given the rising cost of gasoline, the questioned security of traditional ground classrooms, and the fact that more people in our society are becoming technology savvy and comfortable with the use of computers. I realized with my professional and family obligations, an online school was the only way I would be able to handle those obligations and further my education. I reviewed several schools and found Walden University to suit my needs best.
One of the Walden Enrollment Advisors took time to explain the beginning process. I had finished my Masters degree at a traditional “brick and mortar†school 14 years prior so I was concerned about starting school again. Part of the enrollment process requires the applicant to write a proposal of study and this most likely assisted my enrollment advisor in assisting me to choose a course of study. It also gave me confidence that I could work, have a family life, and finish my educational goals successfully.
Because my professional career had been involved with the public sector and I was interested in increasing my opportunities in that sector, I chose Walden’s Public Policy and Administration doctoral program. The school offers several specialization areas but because I really did not wish to concentrate in one specialization, I picked the General Studies section. Later, I learned that there was an option to substitute three classes for one of their KAMs (Knowledge Area Modules) and I finished three courses in homeland security and emergency management planning.
If I understand correctly, KAMs are specific to Walden University and actually it was the second reason I chose Walden. KAMs can assist the student in learning what is needed in a dissertation. Walden apparently found that many doctoral students end up “All but Dissertation†and the KAMs serve can serve as a springboard to the dissertation. KAMs are best described as a literature review with an application in mind.
At this point, I have finished all but two courses and I have started working on my first KAM. In my estimation, I have about 2 years to go to finish my degree. I highly recommend Walden University for anyone with a busy life and a drive for achieving further educational goals.
Overview of Online Programs/My Experience at Walden
School recommended by
Anonymous
on
July 28, 2008
253/458 people found this review helpful
Let me begin by offering this warning--BE VERY CAREFUL!! Yes, there are some online colleges that are legitimate; and there are others that are nothing more than degree mills. It is very important to recognize that all of these colleges are private institutions and are usually for-profit. That makes a huge difference when it comes time to validate your degree to either your employer or to another college. There are several factors that you must consider. First, what exactly do you want to accomplish with your degree. If the answer is personal satisfaction or perhaps a raise or promotion at work, then online may be the way to go. However, if you are looking to advance yourself with a master's or doctorate degree, like I am doing, then online may not be a viable route.
For example, there are at least three online law schools--none of which are accredited by the American Bar Association. Without ABA accreditation, you cannot practice in Florida, which is where I live. So, online is not a viable option for me. Second are the cost considerations. Online schools are typically outrageously expensive. And there is no benefit to paying that additional fee. If you are interested in obtaining your degree online, start with your state university.
Most universities are facing a funding crisis that prohibits them from building additional classrooms. As a result, many have turned to online versions of their classes. They carry full college credit (make sure that they are regionally accredited) and the cost involved are quite reasonable--in some cases as low as $240 per credit hour. And they all offer financial aid that is almost 100% guaranteed (no felony drug convictions and must be registered for Selective Service if a male).
I got mine through a reputable distance learning university. It was NTU and now is called Walden University. I found it because my former employer was promoting it (and they were a fortune 300 company!) Anyway, whatever you do, make sure your distance learning university (whether it be online or otherwise) is accredited. If so, then go for it! I would say that employers look at my Master's Degree as a true degree and don't have a problem with it. However, I've never heard of anyone getting a BS or BA online and it being considered acceptable. I'm sure times change though. But in your case, for a Master's degree, it is more acceptable.
Master of Science in Education - Integrating Technology in the Classroom
School recommended by
Suzanne
on
July 28, 2008
24/28 people found this review helpful
I really enjoyed my online degree program. It was very nice to be able to do the work on my own time, watch video lectures when I wanted to, and have the freedom to keep the rest of my life fairly normal. I'm still excited about all the gas money I saved! The format of my classes was very nice, because you knew approximately how much work you would have each week. The professors were all very helpful, and all the materials were current and relevant. There were a few things that could have been improved about the actual website used for the classes, although most things were easy enough to find. Overall, the online degree experience suited my needs perfectly, and I wouldn't trade the experience (or my resulting pay increase!) for any other.
M.S. Degree Program in Clinical Research
School recommended by
Amanda
on
July 15, 2008
19/21 people found this review helpful
Walden University offers a M.S. Degree Program in Clinical Research Administration online which worked with my schedule. I found the program to provide an interesting curriculum considering it was an online program. Coursework included clinical research, data management and epidemiology to name a few. The ethical and legal issues covered in one class provided an interesting overview of those issues. However, I would have enjoyed spending a little more time in practicum, since that provided the real world practice that brought everything together for me. Making the most of the practicum is important to make the most of the experience. Online learning can be challenging and rewarding. The fact that I had so much flexibility in my participation I felt I was creating my own learning experience. However, it did require a certain level of discipline that I was not used to and it can take some adjustment. Finding a way to balance is important when trying to adjust to an online learning environment.
Loving Every Minute-EdD Educational Administrator(Teaching and Learning)
School recommended by
Denise Marie Johnson-Jackson
on
July 15, 2008
12/32 people found this review helpful
I love every minute of being a student at Walden. I love that Walden has a program that is really gear towards true leadership practices (hands on). Also, the professors are just like me-"A Down Home Educator"
Worth it over time
School recommended by
Jared
on
July 14, 2008
24/41 people found this review helpful
Walden University's Ph.D. prgrams will work in your favor over time. The Walden Ph.D. will not immediately attract employers. But, as you acquire additional professional experiences, certifications, and/or licenses in your fieled, your Ph.D will become an awesome enhancement. The Walden Ph.D. has a significantly positive effect on the resume of professionals who have achieved alot or plan to achieve alot. Acquire the degree from Walden, if you plan to become or are already an interesting person with an interesting background to begin with.
Masters in Social Work
School not recommended by
ps
on
May 30, 2008
33/42 people found this review helpful
Beware of getting a MSW through any on-line university. In order to get employed in the field your masters degree will mean nothing if it's not from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. You will not be able to sit for licensing exams, and most jobs in the field require you get a degree from a CSWE accredited program. I'd hate to see someone spend the money and time for a degree that meant nothing.
Masters in Nonprofit Administration
School not recommended by
Jolene
on
April 22, 2008
88/99 people found this review helpful
My online learning experience was great. The faculty and student dialog in the online classroom was very interactive and fulfilling. It was neat to be able to have dialog with people that are in different areas of the country working in the same field as you are. The coursework was interesting and books we were assigned to read were current and pertinent to the topic. The assignments and discussion topics all related to the readings for the week and were outlined in advance. The best part is that it was all online and I could complete everything from the comfort of my own home when it was a good time for me to complete homework. My Walden experience prepared me for my new career in nonprofit management.
Walden University online B.S. in Psychology
School recommended by
Laly
on
March 31, 2008
41/50 people found this review helpful
Walden University has the best of everything out there. Before ending up here I took classes through Devry Online and the University of Phoenix online and I was not satisfied with what I got.
The coursework that we got at Walden was very challenging and it was very informative. I feel that I never got assignments from which I didn't take something with me for future reference. I got to keep a lot of the materials that we used and it was just awesome to have all the information that I'll need to pursue my career as a psychologist. The online tools we used were forums, videos, audio files, and a lot of Microsoft Word and PowerPoints also.
My classmates and professors were great. We all met each other at least twice for discussion in the chat room for our class and we got to know each other very well. The discussions helped a lot of us develop our thoughts and our minds. The overall experience was one I won't trade for nothing. Walden is great!
