| Walden University | |
|---|---|
Seal of Walden University |
|
| Motto | A higher degree. A higher purpose. |
| Established | 1970 |
| Type | Private, for-profit |
| Chancellor | Bill Clinton (Honorary chancellor of Laureate International Universities) [1] |
| President | Jonathan A. Kaplan[2] |
| Students | 47,456 [3] |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Campus | Online |
| Website | www.waldenu.edu |
Walden University is a private, for-profit,institution of higher education. Headquartered in the Mills District in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Ed.S. (Education Specialist), Ed.D. (Doctor of Education), D.B.A. (Doctor of Business Administration), and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees in a number of academic fields.
Walden is a part of a network of campus- and online-based for-profit universities owned by Laureate Education Inc.[4]
Contents |
Walden was established in 1970 by two New York teachers, Bernie and Rita Turner, who created a program for working adults to pursue doctoral degrees. In the summer of 1971, the first classes took place in Naples, Florida, focusing primarily on school administrators. These initial classes were to allow the students to form dissertation topics with their faculty partners before returning home to work at their respective schools while also working on their dissertations. In 1972, Walden conferred its first degrees: 46 Ph.D.s and 24 Ed.D.s at its first commencement in Naples, Florida.
In 1979, the Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board licensed Walden to grant Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s in the state and in 1982 the school moved its headquarters to Minneapolis. In 1990, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredited the University. In 1995, the school expanded its offering with the nation's first fully online master's program in education, offering a Master's in Educational Change and Technology Innovation.
Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. purchased 41 percent of Walden University in 2001, gaining a controlling interest in 2002. In 2004, Sylvan Learning Systems became Laureate Education, Inc. Former President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, is an Honorary Chancellor of Laureate International Universities. Former President Clinton was the keynote speaker at Walden University’s commencement on July 30, 2011.
Walden University has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accreditation agency, since 1990.[5]
Additionally, some of Walden's degree programs are individually accredited as well. The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).[6][7] Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 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.[8][9]. In June 2011, Walden University earned accreditation for its business degrees from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. [10]
In 2001 U.S. News and World Report referred to Walden as "well regarded"[11] and, in 2000, a "respected virtual institution."[12]
Fast Company, in its 1999 review of five entirely online schools, gave an "A" grade to Walden stating that they were "hard-pressed to give Walden any demerits".[13]
Walden University sponsors several peer-reviewed and refereed academic journals.
Walden alumni include Nicholas J. Hadgis, dean of the School of Hospitality Management at Widener University (AACSB accredited).[18]