Walden University (Minnesota)

Infobox University
name = Walden University |

motto = A higher degree. A higher purpose.
established = 1971
type = Private, for-profit
president = Jonathan A. Kaplan, J.D., President
city = Minneapolis
state = Minnesota
country = USA
undergrad = 1,440
postgrad = 25,082
postgrad_label = graduate
faculty = Visit Website
campus = Online
mascot = None
free_label = Degrees
free = 23 degree programs
website = [http://www.waldenu.edu/ www.waldenu.edu]

Walden University is a private, for-profit, specialized distance learning, regionally accredited university of graduate and post-graduate learning. Headquartered in the Mills District in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University embraces a post-baccalaureate educational system. This university offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) and Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) 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. [ [http://www.laureate-inc.com/univOLSummary.php?recID=13&pageType=overview Walden University's profile at Laureate Education Inc.] ] .

History

"For a full timeline of the University's history, click [http://www.waldenu.edu/c/About/About_221.htm here for Walden University's website] "

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 at a hotel 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.

Colleges and Schools

College of Education

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (which encompasses):

- "School of Public Policy and Administration"

- "School of Psychology"

- "School of Social Service"

College of Management and Technology (which encompasses):

- "School of Management"

- "NTU College of Engineering and Applied Science"

College of Health Sciences

- "School of Health Sciences"

- "School of Nursing"

Accreditation

Walden University has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1990. [ [http://www.ncahlc.org/index.php?option=com_directory&Itemid=192&Action=ShowBasic&instid=1574 Report on Walden University at the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools] ]

Publications

*"International Journal of Applied Management and Technology"
*"Journal of Social Change"
*"Journal of Social, Behavorial and Health Sciences"

Reputation

Fast Company, in its 1999 review of five entirely online schools, gave its only A grade to Walden stating that they were "hard-pressed to give Walden any demerits"." [ [http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/24/onlinesch.html "Do These Online Schools Make the Grade? A point-by-point look at five institutions that offer programs entirely on the Web." Issue 24, April 1999, Page 264, Heath Row, Illustrations by Jonathan Carlson] ]

Although they have not performed a comprehensive review of the university, U.S. News and World Report has been complimentary to Walden University. In 2000 and 2001 they referred to Walden as "well regarded" [ [http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/articles/011015/archive_012069_4.htm U.S. News & Reports, Money & Business - "So where's the beef? There's high quality online, but it takes real work to find it", Rachel Hartigan Shea and Ulrich Boser, October 7, 2001] ] and a "respected virtual institution" [ [http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/articles/000410/archive_018224.htm U.S. News & Reports, Money & Business - Best Graduate Schools - "More people are getting degrees without stepping onto a university campus.", Carolyn Kleiner, April 2, 2000.] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.waldenu.edu/ Walden University Website]
* [http://www.laureate-inc.com/ Laureate Education Inc. Website]