Walden University

WhoStoleSecond September 20, 2006 at 11:33 p.m.

Just another mini version of UOP. Money oriented, nothing different, nothing spectacular. At least they do screen candidates. Ultimately, they deliver in the same way, the same product as most every other online college. When is someone going to offer something new?

RL October 26, 2006 at 1:57 a.m.

I am a Walden PhD student in the Psychology program and can not say enough good things about the school. The professors are great and knowledgable. (Having attended Capella and UoP, I can not say the same).

I would and do recommend Walden to anyone and eCollege is a standand learning environment much like BlackBoard or WebCT. All of which UoP and Capella do not use, while other Brick and Mortar Colleges/Universities do.

New Guy November 27, 2006 at 1:14 a.m.

Denis Miller, just to let you know most institutions of higher learnings are in business to make a profit. If you know of a college or university that does not make a profit on its tuition, fees and etc.. please let me know. They have expenses like all other institutions and businesses, which are all financially held accountable by either the state, trustees or shareholders.

RRFO February 21, 2007 at 10:42 p.m.

I have liked everything I have seen about Walden so far. I have been accepted to the counseling psych M.S. program, but before I enroll I am wondering if anyone out there can vouch for how a degree from Walden looks to employers? Is it generally considered a valuable degree? Is it worth the investment if the program offered meets all my student needs (licensing program)?

Thanks for any advice....

julia March 18, 2007 at 1:45 a.m.

RRFO, I'm considering Walden, and your question sums up my concerns. From what JAG says, it doesn't look too good. Does anyone have anything else to say about this topic? Is an online PhD really just a meaningless piece of paper? If so, why are so many people actually enrolled in places like Walden? Will I be able to practice with, say, a PhD in Psychology from Walden?

just a guy March 26, 2007 at 6:28 a.m.

From all the research I have done, Walden rates as the best PURELY online school.

However, Thats like saying they are the best of the really, REALLY, sucky schools.

don't go here... Get your degree online from a tradional state supported school. You can't go wrong doing that.

Just a Guy March 27, 2007 at 5:58 p.m.

Bo Bo shan has an agenda. He is a paid by the online schools to promote them. Anything he says must be taken as suspect.

You can do better than Walden, NCU, Capella, Or UoP.

I have no agenda. No one is paying me. I'm just giving honest opinion.

Bo Bo lied. I never said online was an invalid form of education. What I said was that the four schools I have listed above are not well respected and are in my opinion a ripoff when compared to traditional school's online programs.

Duke University's online program seems to provide a better education than does it campus based program. I have acknowledged this. Does this sound like someone who is saying that online "is not valid"??

The four schools I have listed above are interested in one thing. Seperating you from your money. You can do better.

Green Ball April 15, 2007 at 4:24 a.m.

Look, if you are a good writer, you will continue to flourish whether you are attending a traditional or virtual university.

If you are a good student, researcher, author, artist, or whatever ...you will evolve as long as you put your craft into practice.

There are many traditional schools that have the reputation of allowing students to graduate based on how much they are willing to pay. I went to one for undergrad and graduate. I excelled but that was because I loved school.

I am now completing a PhD at an online university and have been required to write far more than any of the traditonal schools required of me....that makes me wonder a little bit.

I have read many peer reviewed and scholarly articles showing that students learn the most and retain the most information from active particpiation rather than through being a member of an audience. I was shocked buy this scientific fact.

Although the power and rigor of a commanding lecturer is definitely enjoyable, rote memorization has its' limits.

It's up to you, how you approach education. There are scholars and slackers on every level of education. There are great professors and lousy mentors and the vice versa.

You make your life happen!!! Read!!!

Tenured Business Professional April 27, 2007 at 5:07 p.m.

I am a senior manager with approximately 25+ years of experience. When I decided to pursue my master's, I enrolled at Capella, with some of the same concerns that many of you have about the credibility and acceptance of institutions offering only online degrees.

I've done a great deal of reasearch and support the view that many students are better served by attending established campus-based universities that offer online and distance learning degrees (and many of the top schools now do so.) I now study online at Indiana Wesleyan University and am delighted with my choice.

I eventually (post-retirement) intend to teach. My situation is probably unique, but it will require academic credentials from respected campus universities, even if I have chosen to study online. As well marketed as the online universities are, degrees conferred from them are not nearly as well respected in academia.

Jazzy Jeff May 29, 2007 at 10:30 p.m.

Hello,

I just wanted to state that I too am looking for an online program, and I too am considering Walden University. I express the same regards as those who say Walden University seems to be the best of online schools around. I am gathering this information from the fact that they are affiliated with Sylvan Learning Systems and the Laureate Network. From what I have heard, the courses are challenging and the faculty seems well accomplished.

My concerns is also regarding "traditional" universities and online schools. I graduated with my Bachelors degree from the University of Florida so I am a little skeptical about pursuing an online degree with Walden, unfortunately, I do not want to give up my full-time job to go back to school especially when i can evolve so much more by applying what I am going to learn to my current job for advancement.

I have spoken to various people and the "BOTTOM LINE" seems to be that if you study and during your interviews you stress why you took the route and exhibit qualifications, you will have no problems landing a job.

The main reason I cannot complete the degree I am seeking at Walden is because no other colleges offer it "strictly" online. However, for my MBA degree, I most likely will choose a Brick College rather than Walden due to the prestige and the plethora of "traditional brick" campuses that offer MBA's online.

Current Walden Student June 2, 2007 at 10:09 a.m.

Here's the thing, if you have the option to give up your time and your life offers flexibility to go to a land based institution, then it is probably a better program. What you are missing at Walden is being around coined PhD's and doing the internship/teaching part of the program. HOWEVER, this is all changing and less people have the ability to pause three to four years of their life to do so on a stipend, therefore distance education is gaining momentum.

I would agree that Walden is profit oriented and accepts anyone, but as you go through the residencies and classes, the amount of students that actually make it through the end of the program are very few in number. You will be really frustrated in your first couple of classes, but after that your peers will have absolutely stepped up a few notches.

I have gotten a lot out of my Walden degree (just moving into Dissertation), but I'd be lying if I said there were certain "traditionally degreed" individuals at the academic institution I've been teaching at for 3 years that haven't tried to poo poo it. I wouldn't have given up my well over 6 figure salary early on in my life to go that route though as I wasn't pursuing academia back then. Basically, It comes down to what you do with it. If you go this route, choose a tough dissertation committee and publish the hell out of it when you get yourself degreed. I agree with one of the above posts in that there is much you can do to validate your doctorate for those who poo poo it with how you use and apply it.

Moral of the story, it is not an easy degree to achieve, and it is definitely inferior to land-based programs in reputation, BUT I'm going on tenure track in the fall at an AACSB institution with an ABD status from Walden.

On a related note, I have a peer that has a PhD from a FAR INFERIOR institution than Walden, but he was extremely well published, and just left our university to go to move to a state school. It just further stresses that it is less about the degree and more about your research and publications.

Couple of pieces of advice, if you choose Walden, use the self-paced structure to your advantage, you can get this done in 2 years without giving up a 6 figure salary...and be totally prepared and committed to backing up your degree with significant publications and contributions to your field.

Good luck.

Correction June 14, 2007 at 5:26 a.m.

Walden is regionally accredited, not nationally and regional is the standard for most universitys as a whole but there can be other certificaitons and accredidations tha are important depending the school you are a part of and the industry you are interested in.

Pat June 18, 2007 at 5:59 p.m.

One concern that I have is, that I am looking to get my PhD in psychology and I am faced with 3 absolute over-the-top programs that are sought for nationwide (thus have an acceptance rate of about 1-3%)or online degrees. I am already pulling my hair, since I find myself in a true dilemma. Sure, traditional universities offer some distance programs, but stop short of doctoral programs (other than the EdD). They either simply don't know how to implement the necessary components or are still to snobby to arrive at the age of distance learning. I am seriously considering getting my degree from another country, due to idiotic GRE requirements (not done in 99% of foreign countries), program costs, and quality of such US degrees. In the UK one can get a doctorate with an honors degree and qualifying work, a pure research degree, highly respected worldwide (no, I am not a Brit), and they are mentoring students long distance. I will probably do that.
I think, if one is searching for a Masters degree to complete via distance , he or she will find some program in the US that is meaningful, and I , like just a guy, agree that it should come from a traditional university, so that, in the case you want to move on to the next level, you have at least traditional learning with attendance and access to all the resources needed. This is even more important when students want to stop at the Masters level. The best masters level is probably also one, that will give you a "terminal/professional" qualification, so you won't find yourself in "explanatory" situations afterwards, when people start questioning why you did not move further.
Good luck to you all in finding what you are looking for.

Pat June 24, 2007 at 6:43 a.m.

Hi Todd

I know, I actually decided already against this diploma mill. I will look further for something that's worth being paid for.

Pat June 24, 2007 at 11:35 p.m.

Ahmad

Walden is a sdiploma mill , accredited on the basis of ???

They had exactely 2 students taking the EPPP exam within 5 years; a joke ! Speaks for the quality of the program. When you look at the program, and you know your field, you know why they don't pass. Go with what you want, I for my part, think, I am made for a higher quality learning and would not consider this place anymore. You , as educators?? :):):)

Ahmad June 26, 2007 at 1:13 a.m.

You don't have to become all worked up about "your" school, the only thing I ask you to do is; look at their passing rates.

That's it for my part, I did not come in here to discuss this sort of thing in such length, just on the basis of honesty.

Iris July 2, 2007 at 6:30 a.m.

This blog has been very insightful. I've been asking a Walden advisor for references and have had absolutely no response. I will be finished with my MBA from Univ. of Redlands in November. I was considering the Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences at Walden. I went to one of their information sessions at a local hotel here in San Diego. I was one of two people who attended that particular evening. I did get the sense that it was a sales pitch. The program seems like a lot of work and a lot of money. I'll be honest, I am mostly concerned with how I can increase my earnings with a Ph.D. Walden seems like a good choice because I am working full time. However, I am now somewhat skeptical based upon everyone's comments. There is another college in town, Alliant International Univ., that has a DBA program but I can't get a feel for how this degree is perceived by employers. Any suggestions or comments would be very much appreciated.

Pat July 2, 2007 at 9:02 a.m.

Iris, consider this one. UK degrees are highly respected; also in the US.

http://www.abs.aston.ac.uk/newweb/

Academic July 6, 2007 at 3:45 p.m.

Walden is a good school and a good fit for some people. If you are interested in an academic career just know that there is a prestige hierarchy. The Ivy League grads look down on the state school grads that in turn look down on the on-line grads. Some of the posts here that suggest an online degree from a state school is better than an online degree from Walden are entitled to their opinion. But if they had gone to Walden (where I earned a Ph.D. in Applied Management) they would have learned something about critical thinking, clear writing, evidence-based argument, and citing your references rather than just offering opinions. I see a real lack of that in their comments, so I guess they must have spent their college days at football games and fraternity parties. It is true that those are things Walden University doesn't have.

Eddie July 9, 2007 at 6:23 p.m.

A few months ago finished my Ph. D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences at Walden. Was quite happy with the university, its faculty, and rigor of the process; I'll put my knowledge, research skills, and academic writing skills against any new graduate's. Had taught five years at community colleges with good reviews, wanted to change my full-time career to academia. Applied for 72 tenure-track faculty positions, for each of which I was fully qualified (except AACSB) January through July - got three phone interviews, no campus visits, nothing more. Then I read in a peer-reviewed management journal that there is a severe shortage of management Ph. D.'s for such positions!!

What's going on?

Ahmad July 17, 2007 at 2:58 p.m.

Pat,

Walden did not claim that its education degree leads to licensing. Every state has its own requirement how teachers should be evaluated and consequently licensed.

Walden specifically requests that MSc in Education candidates check with their state requirements before embarking a graduate degree at Walden. In fact, the MSc in Education programs are tailored for those who are already practicing teachers (licensed and certified). Those who seek alternate route of certification would have to find other ways.

Concerned student July 26, 2007 at 5:33 a.m.

I am a LMFT (Licensed Marriage Family therapist)located in California. I too am very concerned about furthing my education at Walden University. I do not want to get degree as licensed Psychologist because I am already a Licensed Therapist, but I was considering recieving my PHD in non-licensure Health Psychology. Does that make a difference in the job market whether or not Walden is APA accredited? Please advice....

Dr. B (ABD) July 26, 2007 at 10:33 p.m.

My dissertation chair has an earned Ph.D. from Harvard and he is on faculty there as well. I am also his Graduate TA, which has given me a ton of teaching experience online! Faculty Mentoring… rigor?

My content expert on my dissertation committee earned her BBA, MBA and PhD in PPA from a research intensive traditional university (fully accredited, professionally and regionally). Instead of working elsewhere, she is full-time faculty at Walden and continues to live in my home town of Jackson, Mississippi. She is also a Walden U Administrator, which keeps her working 60 hours a week and always traveling. Expert faculty?

My methodologist on my committee is a graduate of the Fielding Institute, which is another fully accredited distance learning institution. She’s really hard core and stays on me.

Walden University’s commencements are extremely traditional and are archived on the web for anyone who wants to experience what type of academic community we have. http://inside.waldenu.edu/c/Student_Facu...

Dr. B (ABD) July 26, 2007 at 10:47 p.m.

And final.... If ANY of you have insecurities about attending Walden University or ANY institution (traditional or non)... don't go! Why waste your time and money?

I have earned degrees from AACSB and ACBSP accredited business schools... and did extremely well on the GMAT.... I could have gone anywhere... especially back to my alma mater for free. But I guarantee you that my level of writing and research would not have been as good as it is at Walden. Walden's dissertations are published in UMI... my alma mater's isn't.

I believe in Walden's mission and its product. It's been growing strong for 37 years and has never been denied accreditation!

I have already been offered an associate professorship at a private college.... and it's because of my work.. not the school name or brand.

Lets not let disgruntled hearts and ignorance interfere with our desires to earn an advanced degree.. check it out for yourself... the information is there!

also, you can look at publications from the sloan consortium where you will find that an online education is accepted and is believed to be equal to or better than traditional by most hiring organizations.

anna August 4, 2007 at 2:49 a.m.

I just completed my Master's degree from Walden University on line. It was a very rigorous program. The further into the program I got, the more work was expected. I learned a lot. I was able to apply everything I learned from each course I was in, and apply it to my own classroom. It was very time consuming work. The instructors were knowledgable, and impressive. My fellow classmates were from all over the country, so I was able to get to know them and we were able to compare schools and ideas. Walden is great and I am proud to be a graduate of this university.

krysium August 12, 2007 at 3:48 a.m.

I earned an M.S. in psych from a state school, and was talked into the biology PhD program by a neurobiologist I did my Masters thesis with. The PhD program there required 1 course, thats it. The rest was research. I spent 3 years in that program and politics between the bio and psych departments got so bad a committee was impossible. I was so close to graduation I had already been offered a post doc position with William Timberlake, and awarded a post doc position with Sheppard Siegel. My dissertation faculty was instrumental in getting those positions. Then the department heads started vying for control of the new neuro department and it filtered down to my committee, thus ending an award winning graduate career.
My story is one of several that I know of where political concerns and pettiness from the faculty at U of IL, and IL state ended M.S. and PhD careers. Three in my department in the same year. And yet the schools allow it.
The almighty research dollar drives the University. Some institutions done even pay salaries, the professor depends on grants. With that kind of focus students are cast aside easily, now tell me about the dangers of "for profit" institutions where the professors are paid to teach and that is their focus.

AMH August 16, 2007 at 9:06 p.m.

I'm glad most of my answers were answered by just reading what was posted. I really didn't want to get caught in the middle of the "tug-of-war" going on over "brick" vs "net". Honestly, people are going to say negative things about anything one does to better themselves. These are usually individuals lacking something in their lives and want you to join in their misery. Are there online schools that suck? Yes. Are there "traditional" universities that suck? Yes. It's all about doing what works for you. I know people who have gone to Brown, Yale (law), GT, etc... who have not accomplished a thing. There are people attending Walden who have done more than they have with their
"respected degrees". I went to Clemson University, University of South Carolina, and Webster University. It took me two BA degrees (Clemson and USC) to realize that school is what you make it. I have been accepted to two PhD programs, but will not go. In trying to start a business, who has four (4) years to sit at some University? Broke and unable to really focus on "your" career. I work with street kids all over the world, so that requires travel. With Walden I can be in Brazil, Haiti, Mexico, Africa, etc... and still work on my degree. So as of Dec. 2007 I will start Walden's Phd program in public policy. And I guarantee I can go toe to toe with anyone attending traditional programs.

Dr. B September 8, 2007 at 1:29 a.m.

Just wanted to follow up with you all!

Walden University is no longer a for-profit institution. Laureate Education, Inc. is now Laureate Foundation, Inc... a 501(c)(3) corporation. We are NON-PROFIT... which allows us to receive more research funding and strengthens our mission of student centeredness.... on top of that... more full time faculty... and an opportunity to get tenured faculty. We're definitely moving in the right direction!

Dr. B. September 10, 2007 at 12:59 a.m.

Actually, Laureate was sold this summer and ceased to be traded August 27, 2007. Laureate Foundation was formed. This give a lot of flexibility in terms of focusing on academics instead of the almighty dollar and stockholders.

Dr. B September 23, 2007 at 11:30 p.m.

Hey HLJ. Have all of your MBA professors been the same way? I ask because in the Ph.D. program, I have had absolutely no issues with their participation or feedback....they have 10 days...This is because our work is so extensive, the professors have no choice but to be thorough in their feedback. Sometimes they can be too thorough and BRUTAL in their feedback. One professor told a colleague of mine that she may not be Ph.D. material and that she should probably reconsider the program.

Also, I think you should make your concerns known in the surveys you take at the end of each course. Walden takes those very seriously. You can also do like I do and email Provost DeZolt directly. She'll get right on it and that's a promise.

Our new president.... as a research institution I was not too golden on the idea of hiring an attorney. But come to think of it... it really doesn't matter who the president is because the Chief Academic Officer, the Provost, Dr. Denise DeZolt, is the one who makes all of the academic decisions. The president only handles policy and is simply a figure-head. I think his experience in higher education and working with government policy will definitely keep us where we need to be as an institution.... but like I said... Dr. DeZolt is really the head huncho.

HLJ September 24, 2007 at 2:10 p.m.

Hi Dr. B:

Thank you for your timely and quality response. I think/hope your post reinforces the point that Walden is a quality institution

Professor feedback: if 10 days is the standard then I withdraw my complaint. I get mine in maybe a week. What irked me this time was that we were told we would get feedback by X date but it would't arrive as promised. But, as you said, eCollege tech issues were happening at the same time so that may have been a factor. I know my current professor was having some complicated tech problems not of his making. (Some of the technology, while functional, is a bit archaic. Text-only OAES, for example. We do lots of spreadsheets, graphs and statistics in the MBA program and text-only simply doesn't cut it.)

Points taken on lawyer and provost. Also on financial aid - although I've made a LOT of phone calls.:)

As for "brutality", no problem at all. Better the straight story than being strung out for no good reason.

Thanks again.

HLJ September 26, 2007 at 5:54 p.m.

Dr. B:

I received the survey link and completed the survey. However, I did not state everything I wanted to state, as the survey was not confidential (it asked for email addresses used at Walden).

Perhaps a truly confidential survey would generate better results.

HLJ September 27, 2007 at 5:34 p.m.

Dr. B:

I did see that licensure email and, yes, that IS a big deal. Even though I am MBA and maybe AMDS, I also love teaching (I actually taught a graduate capstone course for two years even though I didn't have a masters degree - the University (a very well recognized one, BTW) thought my experience more than compensated).

As for the "working" email addresses...d'oh! I wasn't thinking...

Dr. B September 28, 2007 at 1:13 a.m.

Oh I understand man. I think Walden is experiencing some big time growin pains. I had a hold placed on my account some time last year... it's because they charged me twice for tuition.... and I didn't catch the issue until I went back through my stacks of mail and saw the invoice that had been long sent to me. lol

Keep your head up, HLJ..... I've still seen worse situation than ours... and at traditional universities too.

DWW October 2, 2007 at 2:17 p.m.

Looking to start the Phd program in finance in may of next year. Can anyone tell me how long the program takes to complete, assuming taking 2 courses per quarter. I am currently working on the completion of my MBA from the University of Phoenix (Ground Campus), which is a great program. I have also completed a B.S. in Finance from a brick and mortar university, so I am looking forward to the challenge of the Phd in Finance. All helpful advice and tips would be greatly appreciated.

Dr. B October 4, 2007 at 2:52 a.m.

Including the dissertation.... taking two courses per quarter... the Ph.D. in the School of Management could take you (realistically) 3-5 years. I've known a few to do it in short of 3.... but they did absolutely nothing else but school work.

Respondants October 8, 2007 at 12:31 a.m.

Dr. B,
Some time ago you pointed out a Harvard grad that is now on faculty at Harvard. I would like to point out that he already had an MD, so his PhD from Walden was useless since it is actually an MD program he professes in. Second, Dr. Robinson is not at University Park, the main campus, which would likely never hire an online for-profit PhD.
How can you consider a school that has no admissions selection for an MS or PhD program to be high caliber? I think if a person’s background is good, then they may get hired in academics, but its tough in better schools. But you try to compare Ivy's and non-profits to Walden, it doesn't work. Even now that Walden is non-profit, it is going to take some time to get it back up to par. Open admissions and online only PhDs are not respected.

Respondants October 8, 2007 at 1:26 p.m.

Dr. B, the standard programs are successful because they are so rigorous. I do agree with you view on lack of support in some instances. There has been a paper written by a Dr. Kohun from Robert Morris University who started a new Doctor of Science program that has been highly successful. I do not believe any school can truly offer a PhD online. A PhD consists of sacrifices and working closely with advisors. You cannot get interaction with other students online like you can in real life. During my PhD, I would go out to bars and eat with some of my colleagues after classes. This is the time where I learned the most. Other than that, a PhD is mainly a dissertation which could be done online. I believe this is why Dr. Kohun's method is so successful. The students have classes and work with each other, but eventually depart to complete (after they have a great deal done) their dissertation.

As for Walden, I do not believe any For-Profit University should exist. Second, open enrollment to Bachelors, Masters, and especially Doctoral should not exist. Even if "they will drop out...." exists, in a for profit institution, they will do everything they can to keep the person enrolled to keep the money coming in.

I do agree with you that Walden will gain ground. Now that it is non-profit, I believe they will start to reinvest into the school and get more out of it.

Dr. B. October 8, 2007 at 3:55 p.m.

Walden's doctoral programs are extremely rigorous. APA is a must and everything that is researched must have a social change component that is workable and subjectable to peer review.

You mentioned sacrifice....... try working working full time, providing for a family, maintaining a household, and meeting demands from professors who sometimes don't care about your personal obligations. :-) To me... that's sacrifice.

Dr. B October 8, 2007 at 7:23 p.m.

Respondants... hi again. :-)

Me mentioning Harvard or any other Ivy league school is not an implication that Walden is just like Harvard... I put that out there to show how we are being taught and mentored under highly qualified, well published faculty, and exemplify by the opportunities I've been opened to since I began my doctoral journey... that's all. Harvard will always be Harvard...Yale will always be Yale...etc. Heck... the shortest dissertation published at Yale was only 8 pages.... But it's Yale and I'm not going to dispute that.

Tenured Faculty: Walden has not had tenured faculty, but has had faculty employed there full-time for almost 30 years.... The tenure issue has come up amongst faculty governance meetings... but as a former for-profit institution... that was not going to happen. But now that things have changed.... from what I'm told, it's up for discussion again. Also, having well-published, non-tenured faculty can be a good thing.... it makes faculty really earn their money and keep their job. When I was in college, most of the tenured faculty did nothing but held class (sometimes), kept minimum office hours.... and bitched. lol At Walden, faculty has office/contact hours... but they're accessible when I need them.

Open enrollment: Walden has a mission of broad access to higher education.... which I think is a good stance. Everyone should have access....regardless of location... culture.. or race.... Even though there is no need for GMAT, GRE..etc, there is an individual criteria that must be met before getting into each program. Anyone can apply, but everybody's not getting in....I know two people who were denied admission because they did not have the preferred professional experience and did not do well on their admissions essay. Quite a few have also been admitted as CONDITIONAL where they must prove themselves worthy to stay in by exhibiting good scholarship and maintaing a B average.

Especially with minority populations (white women, blacks, hispanics, asians, indians, american indians...etc) Walden has bridged the gap to higher education access... Walden ranked 44 in the nation for producing doctoral degrees under the total minority category in all disciplines, 5 in business, and 19 in psychology. Nova was 1, Harvard 7, Rutgers 39, IU 57, Princeton 77, University of Tenn 95.

APA: You're absolutely right... APA should be a major part of any doctoral program... but I'm afraid it's not pushed like it should be. I have friends who are in traditional programs who's work has been submitted to professors and get a grade of A.... and after reading it.. I'd oftentimes wonder "how in the hell." But that's not for me to do.... you know.

I'm glad your perception about Walden is opening up a bit more.

Respondants October 9, 2007 at 6:31 p.m.

The changing of jobs is due to the school I was attending. I went to a tier 1 premier research institute. You are forced between giving up your life and graduating. Which brings me to point out that I am an academic snob. Most of us are from these types of schools (As you pointed out, Yale, Harvard, CMU, MIT, etc).

The open enrollment is still a big deal to me. I believe they should offer entrance exams for anything beyond a BS. If the student cannot pass the entrance exam, they are hurting other students in the class who are more advance.

The idea of advertising "minority populations" I have always been against. I don't believe separating people into groups is a good thing, it actually brings on more prejudice. All people should be treated equal regardless of gender, sexuality, nationality, and religion. These factors do not play a role in education (except for maybe private, special purpose religious schools). I feel the places that put emphasis on these areas (gender, sexuality, nationality, etc) are advertising to gain the same types of students to advertise more. This whole idea of diversity is a good one, but needs to be better thought out of how it is presented. I think the programs should not accept people based on any of these factors, but take the best candidate and ignore the rest. I understand my view on this stance is not well taken, but I feel the best candidate is the person who best meets the model they are looking for.

I have looked at Walden and researched it more. I disagree on not granting tenure. The idea of tenure is to allow faculty to openly research areas of high debate and publish results with no penalty. If, for example, a Walden professor published about For-Profit Universities as being a bad thing, they would have surely been fired (prior to the movement). However, you are right on the money with office hours. This holds true most when you are dealing with professors who teach at a doctorate level and below. They usually want nothing to do with anyone who isn't a doctoral candidate.

I am curious to see how switching from for-profit to non-profit is going to effect the school. It will be exciting to see results in all different areas from graduation rates, acceptance rates, programs, professors, structures, schools, and outcome of students (meaning the difference before and after). I bet the most changed areas are ones we believe wouldn't change at all.

Dr. B October 9, 2007 at 9:27 p.m.

oh.... Respondants.... I don't mind you being an academic snob... i love academic snobs......my best friend is one.... it really keeps things going. :-)

what's ironic is that i consider myself to be an academic snob too...... not because of the schools i went too.... but because of my accomplishments: what i know, who i know, who knows me, my growing high-regard in the academic community, acceptance amongst my peers, my professional experience, and of course... just for being who i am. :-)

Respondants October 10, 2007 at 7:57 p.m.

Oh, and that above comment is not derogatory in any way. I actually want to know the publications and areas Walden is outputting to see where they stand now. I just realized that the way I wrote the second paragraph sounds very snobbish and bad.

Dr. B October 11, 2007 at 2:11 a.m.

Walden Publications

Dissertations: All published in Proquest Database.

Walden Alum Mag: alumnimag.waldenu.edu/

Journal of Social Change: www.journalofsocialchange.org/e/JournalH...

Journal of Social, Behavorial, and Health Sciences: www.jsbhs.org/

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology:
www.ijamt.org/IJAMT/IJAMT_home.htm

Journal of Educational Practice for Social Change
jepsc.org/

Student Organizations/Honor Societies:

Education: Phi Delta Kappa
Psychology: Psi Chi National Honor Society
Management: Sigma Iota Epsilon National Honorary and Professional Management Fraternity

COMMENCEMENT (a must see): streaming.waldenu.edu/Commencement_Summer07.wmv

Dr. B October 11, 2007 at 3:15 p.m.

Gosh Respondants...... two phd's and considering another. i just don't think i could do it... walden is 4.5 years for me... i have colleagues who are in their 5, 6, and 7th years. you're better than me. lol

As for your research proposal... i think it would be interesting.

Dr. B. October 11, 2007 at 3:56 p.m.

Ok.. I understand now. If you did decided to take courses, what program would you be taking them under?

I agree about the dissertation... which mine is a phenomenological study.......but my statistics and research courses were hell for me. Walden had a face to face stats course that we took during our 2 week summer residency on campus at Indiana University, under Walden faculty, of course.... people cried. There was tons of group work, which only made the professors pile it on more. lol

I also agree.... a good advisor/mentor is key to your success as a doctoral student. They must take an interest in your work.

I just posted under the NCU blog to this guy who went to ITT but couldn't get into a program at Pace or RMU.... i'm not really sure what to say about him.... maybe you can hone in on what I told him. :-)

Dr. B October 11, 2007 at 5:15 p.m.

Hi Respondants.... i may have stated it wrong... it's the NCU page for this online degree review site. You've posted there before. Just go back up to the colleges page and choose NCU.

with the D.Sc degree... it's similar to the DBA and Ed.D. it's a pracitcal degree and is not really research focused... if i were in the program, i'd take the field project too.... lol

Btw.... i just submitted three more articles for peer review.... about 5 minutes ago. Wish me luck!

Dr. B. October 11, 2007 at 5:41 p.m.

OMG.... a moment in time. Respondant and I can agree to disagree. lol

Dr. B October 11, 2007 at 10:53 p.m.

No problem, Respondants...... and thanks for the compliment!

Dr. B October 12, 2007 at 9:26 p.m.

DWW....which post are you referring to? kinda preface me with a quote from my the post you're talking about.

thanks.

Dr. B October 13, 2007 at 2:52 a.m.

oh ok... now we're on the same page... to answer your question.... all three. lol it all depends on how you pace yourself and your courseload..... also on how many credits you're able to get transferred in... which is typically not very many.

DWW October 16, 2007 at 10:23 p.m.

I have completed a four and half year degree in finance from a brick and mortar university. Now I attend the University of Phoenix, and I anticipate graduation with my MBA in February of 2008.Currently I attend the ground campus in Houston TX, and my experience has been very good. It’s all about your professor, not the school.

Some professors take time and teach you essential tools necessary to make it in competitive world today. Some just have neither passion nor desire to teach and therefore, the students suffer.

Given that I’m a ground campus student I cannot comment on the online experience. However, I do intend to attend Walden University for my PhD in Business Finance. I have asked my PhD professor’s about Walden, and it is very well respected in the business world.

There will always be comparisons in life, Mercedes VS BMW, Harvard VS Yale, or Online VS Ground Campus. Who’s to say which is better or worse? It’s all about your experience and what you do with your education. The masters of success learn to gather all of their personal experiences and focus them on what’s relative to accomplish their personal goals.

I don’t depend on my degree to get me into a career opportunity. I depend on my ability retain all my educational experiences and apply them to the best of my ability. If you are an exceptional candidate for employment you will get the job. Someone will value you and not so much the educational background.

In closing, you have to sell your self. I know a girl who graduated from Rice University with a 3.7 in Business Management who is selling cars on a small lot for a living. So, therefore, it’s not about where you get the education, but rather how you apply what you have learned in your life. Don’t depend on the degree, depend on the knowledge. That is the true power.

Kind Regards,

D. Williams

Dr. B. October 17, 2007 at 2:51 a.m.

DWW..... Awesome words! We look forward to having you in Minneapolis!

Save up for your books and residencies.... you're about to enter into a unique academic community.

The Heck October 17, 2007 at 7:37 p.m.

Well DWW, it figures you go to another school with no admissions from Phoenix since almost no respectable school would take you into a PhD with a UoP degree.

The Heck October 17, 2007 at 8:28 p.m.

Well at least you took the easy way out.

The Heck October 18, 2007 at 12:04 p.m.

Well you go to Walden, so you should know. Since ignorance is not understanding something, and you go to Walden who doesn't teach much, you are ignorant. I'm just telling you that Walden is no accomplishment. You get in as long as you have a credit card. They are out to make money. You said they are no longer for-profit, well show me some reference that states they are now a non-profit organization.

DWW October 18, 2007 at 4:17 p.m.

Well I understand you very well. You seem to be one of the individuals who depend on what everyone thinks in order for you to feel confident in your self. Thats ok, there are many people who need acceptance from others to feel valuable. However, to be honest, my faith is in God, who created man, therefore, no matter where I go, God will be with me. His favor on my life has been in overflow. So, I guess you are right, we live by 2 different paths of life. In closing, take this bit of wisdom with you, when your trust is in man, they will always fail you, when your faith in God, he will never fail you. No matter how you feel, God, if he so chooses can even change your hearts towards the perception of individuals who gradutate from Phoenix or Walden. God is no respector of person, therefore, we should not be as well. We have no right to judge someone who God has created in his own image. You should be ashammed of yourself. I pray that God have mercy on you, for one day you will reap what you have sown in peoples life with your comments. Good Day.

Kind Regards,

D. Williams

DWW October 18, 2007 at 5:45 p.m.

Are you saying, that for those who believe in God, who believe that he created the brain, mouth, tounge, ear, sight and smell, shouldnt believe that God is scientific?The begining of thought started with the brian for man. Tell me, can you think scientificly without your brain? Didnt think so. Well, thats your opinon, and I have mine. Rather to believe in God and be at peace with everyone, than to not believe and pass judgement, because when you judge people by your standards, and there is no higher power monitoring your hearts motives, then you therefore become your own God. I do respect your opinions, but you are no better than anyone, so who are you to judge. I dont respect how your negativity will affect peoples lives by reading your post. The love of money is the root of evil. However, dont think state schools are not trying to make money either, both need money in order to further the education of schools no matter where it is from. Do you agree with all the money spent in Irac, when all of our soilders are dying everyday over God knows what. I bet you arn't submitting letters to the president about it. So we pick our battles in life and this judgement made by you on educational preference reveals a lack of character in yourself. We can agree to disagree. That is fine by me, but can we at least agree that there is a more constructive approach that could be utilized when expressing one's opinon on their educational preferences? Education with no wisdom is foolishness. We should able to atleast agree with that. I am now finished casting my pearls amoung swine. Good Day Sir. May you have a Blessed Life!

Kind Regards,

D. Williams

DWW October 18, 2007 at 6:12 p.m.

I dont agree with the recruitng practices of some of the for profit universities, including the university of phoenix. It is a high pressured sales call from the start. Education should be a free choice, which is how I decided upon it. As long as we can respect each others decisions I believe we can all get along. Wouldn't you agree?

Shala October 19, 2007 at 5:14 a.m.

Heck

If you look at the top of the page you will see that Walden is no longer a for-profit university.

Dr. B October 19, 2007 at 12:42 p.m.

Heck is an MIT graduate.... i'm sure he/she can find it him/her self.

Btw... October 19, 2007 at 12:51 p.m.

Walden's parent company was sold and operates under an education foundation. Laureate Education, which has 52 traditional universities worldwide, ceased to be publicly traded on August 17, 2007.

Dr. B October 19, 2007 at 4:16 p.m.

You're right... but if it's operated under a 501-c3.... it does.

Walden Pond October 19, 2007 at 4:30 p.m.

Walden University is committed to providing broad access to higher education. Our scholarships are an investment in the future of our students and the future of the communities they serve as advocates for positive social change.

Walden offers scholarships that are

Merit-Based: For academic and professional accomplishment
Need-Based: For demonstrated financial need

Dr. B October 19, 2007 at 5:46 p.m.

like i asked before.... what for-profit institution can you name that lists the amount and type of research funding for faculty and student research? fellowships? scholarships?

Dr. B October 19, 2007 at 10:58 p.m.

going back to the drexel scenerio..... if that's the case... then every university is for profit. without tuition none of them would last.

as for walden being operated by a non profit but still being for-profit... again the still scenario still exists. i too have seen the NCAHLC's site and have oftentimes checked back for updates. i am anxiously awaiting the change.

i have first-hand knowledge of the 501-c3 filings under the foundation's name. i have seen them with my own eyes........ but time will manifest these documents to the public....actually they are already public....i have forwarded them to approximately 226 walden students who shared the same concern...... and word has gotten around within the university.

which brings me back to this point.... which no one has been able to address just yet.... if what i has been shown to me (official documents) is all a lie...... and walden is a for profit institution............. why would it deduct from its bottom line and pay for people's free ride (merit and need based) to gain a higher degree? doesn't that push more toward the institution's mission versus bottom line? let's be rational.

Honorary Member October 19, 2007 at 11:20 p.m.

Dr B that is a good question. Walden's offering funding to students and faculty might definitely be taking away from profits. This shows that in the spirit of education, Walden is investing in its faculty and student's success. This helps the university create a better brand name. And in spite of having a less rigorous (not open) admissions policy, offering funding helps recruit better students and faculty.

Not true October 20, 2007 at 3:14 p.m.

That is not true Leroy. For profit institutions are not required to offer scholarships, fellowships, or research funding for students or faculty.

Not true October 21, 2007 at 6:44 p.m.

where can i find information to support this?

Not true October 21, 2007 at 10:24 p.m.

well i think he should be able to direct me to it, huh?

Not true October 22, 2007 at 12:36 p.m.

neither did or do i

Yes October 22, 2007 at 2:23 p.m.

Ya, its full of all of that because people think these schools give out real degrees.

Dr. B October 22, 2007 at 7:26 p.m.

If it's questionable, Brian Williams, I say don't go. You and only you must feel confident in the degree you earn and the institution you attend. There are tons of good online masters programs out there, traditional and non-traditional. Drexel has one, but, as someone stated on another site,.... because it's earned from an incorporated, for profit, arm of the university... it's garbage. I do not agree because your degree will read Drexel just like those attending campus.

I say that to say this. Whether it's Walden, Drexel, Duke, or anywhere else, your degree is what you put into it and earn from it. The value of your degree is based on what you financially earn anyway.

Online is not easier... the Sloan consortium shows that in their years of research. Do not let strangers discourage you from realizing your dreams and achieving your goals.

I personally have not had any issues with my credentials. Many doors have been opened to me because of my degrees. I have never been denied a job or client to this day!

What most important is that you realize that the degrees are paper.... some people get by on flaunting a school name/brand. I can honestly say I got by because of what I learned in the process and how I applied that knowledge to my profession(s). I am very proud of my accomplishments.

Anyway... you'll have to do some soulsearching and figure out if online learning is right for you.

Dr. B October 22, 2007 at 8:26 p.m.

thanks for referring to me as a philosopher. i also like the terms: scholar, scholar-practitioner, and social change agent.... :-)

i think we're moving