Walden University was founded in 1970 by a trio of educators who identified the need for a university that offered flexible doctoral degree programs for working professionals. They wanted their university to provide high quality doctoral programs that considered social issues as well as academic rigor. Although Walden University has expanded its offerings to include undergraduate and graduate degree programs, it has stayed true to its original mission. Advancements in information technology has also helped the school to restructure its programs to offer students even more flexibility through its online learning initiatives. Here are some details about the school and one of its popular academic disciplines.

Walden University Accreditation Details

Universities have to meet rigorous academic standards to gain accreditation credentials so a school’s accreditation status is an important indicator of the quality of its academic programs and its reputation within the academic community. Because future employers use a school’s accreditation status to gauge the quality of education received by employment candidates, students are often advised to verify a school’s accreditation status before considering enrollment in degree granting programs. A school’s accreditation status also affects a student’s ability to transfer credits if they need to temporarily interrupt their studies or change schools. Through its reputation for academic excellence and its comprehensive degree programs, Walden University earned its initial accreditation credential through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools-The Higher Learning Commission (NCACS-HLC) in 1990. Its status was recently reviewed, and its credential was renewed by NCACS-HLC in 2013. In addition to the school’s overall accreditation, the academic disciplines represented within the school’s degree programs have also earned specialized accreditation credentials. For example, prominent Walden University programs like ones in business, teaching and nursing have earned Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation credentials respectively. Additionally, Walden University’s information technology degree programs continue to attract interest, and they are accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission.

Walden University Application Requirements

Every part of the Walden University experience including the admissions process is designed to make getting a degree as a working professional as stress free as possible. Students see the Walden University difference as soon as they contact the school’s admissions office. Walden University is known for its online programs, and enrollment begins with a concise online application. The admission process continues with academic advisement and the collection of important admissions documents. Applying to a Walden University college or school requires verified documents pertaining to one’s academic record, pertinent job experience and a statement of one’s professional vision and goals. The application process varies with the type of degree or certificate program for which one applies. For example, students who apply to Walden University’s doctoral program must have official transcripts for an advanced degree or higher sent to the school’s admissions office, and they must submit proof of at least three years of work experience. Those students who desire to enter an undergraduate degree program must submit a copy of their high school diploma, and they must be at least 24 years old. There is some flexibility for this requirement for students who have completed some college credit courses. Students who have completed at least 12 credit hours can transfer the credits and enter Walden University at 21 years old. Additional exceptions are made for the age requirement for those who are or were active duty military members as well as those who have completed 90 college credit hours.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Walden University understands that many people want to further their careers by obtaining a degree, but some people feel constrained by the costs of attending a university. Walden University acknowledges that the costs of a quality education can be high, but it makes every effort to place students in the path of financial aid in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and other discounts. The tuition for each degree program at Walden University is different because there are different economic values placed on certain disciplines. However, the school’s accredited status allows all students to apply for federal financial aid in the form of loans and need based grants to pay for their courses at Walden University. Besides federal funding sources, students also have access to tuition reduction programs facilitated by the school. Walden University has partnered with certain businesses and organizations to give employees and their affiliates education and training discounts. Certain occupations also qualify for educational discounts; for example, military members and higher education teaching staff qualify for 10-15 percent discounts toward their university courses. Walden University also presents students with grants that are degree program specific. For example, those pursuing an advanced degree in nursing can receive up to a $2,500 grant. There is also a need for people in the field of public health so those enrolled in a Master’s of Public Health degree program at Walden qualify for a $3,000 grant plus an additional grant of over $5,000 for those changing careers to pursue the profession. Doctoral students in programs like business and information technology are also eligible for $5,000 grants. Grants and scholarships like the ones described are available to those residing in the United States as well as international students.

Undergraduate Information Technology Related Degree Programs Offered

One of the most sought after careers in the modern, global economy is within the discipline of information technology. The first step that students often take when they embark upon a career in software development, systems engineering or network engineering is obtaining an information technology related undergraduate degree. Walden University’s online learning model is completely aligned with delivering quality degree programs within the information technology discipline. The university offers students a variety of degree program options for its undergraduate program that include bachelor of science degrees in business administration, computer information systems and information technology. The undergraduate degree program in information technology allows students to hone their skills in applied science, computing and engineering. It is the information technology degree program that primarily attracts students who want careers in software design, development, quality assurance as well as test and evaluation. The key difference between the Information Technology undergraduate degree at Walden University, and those at other universities is that it is a completely online program that is fully accredited with the prestigious ABET certification.