Walden University

Walden University is a university with a mission to offer programs promoting social change.  Walden University strives to offer programs that not only develop relevant skills and knowledge necessary in the workplace but also prepare individuals to contribute to their own community.

Based on a research paper by Bud Hodgkinson, which explored the idea of a student-centered university allowing working professionals to earn advanced degrees, and the input of his colleagues the Turners, Walden University was born in 1970.  As time and technological process have drastically altered the idea of convenience, Walden University has updated its format as well, now operating as a distance-learning university.  Students can earn bachelor’s through doctoral degrees in the fields of education, technology, health, social and behavioral sciences.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

  • Offers online bachelor’s through doctoral and post-grad certificate programs
  • No campus-based programs

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online degree programs and courses at Walden University use MobileLearn(SM), a highly interactive online learning system using audio, video and text.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program is a completion program for nurses who already have some form of nursing education.  The online program is highly interactive, complete with individualized support from academic advisors.  Courses in the program include:

  • Health Assessment
  • Topics in Clinical Nursing
  • Family, Community and Population-Based Care

Duration and Cost

The program requires 185 quarter credits for completion of which 45 must be completed at Walden University.  Individual completion time of the program is different for every student, and depends on how many transfer credits are accepted.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Students can enter the online Master of Science degree program with an RN or BSN.  Both groups have the option to choose form three tracks-Education, Leadership and Management and Nursing Informatics.  Core courses include:

  • Issues and Trends in Nursing
  • Advancing Nursing Through Inquiry and Research
  • Information and Healthcare Technologies
  • Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare

Duration and Cost

All specializations require 35-59 credits, depending on if the nurse enters the program with an RN or BSN.

Online Doctoral Degree in Nursing

For nurses already holding advanced qualifications and experience, the online DNP program is ideal.  The program requires a practicum that may be completed in part through earning additional credits.  Topics covered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program (DNP) include:

  • Healthcare policy and advocacy
  • Quality improvement
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Information systems/technology
  • Advanced nursing practice
  • Organizational and systems leadership

Duration and Cost

The program requires 47-53 quarter program credits and can usually be completed in 18-24 months.

Online Certificates in Nursing

Nurses who have already earned a masters degree can earn a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics or Nursing Leadership and Management.

Duration and Cost

The program requires 17 credits.

Faculty

All nursing faculty at Walden University hold doctoral degrees.

Things to consider:

  • Practicum is required for DNP program, but may be earned through course credit.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice program is not accredited.

Accreditation

Walden University’s BSN and MSN degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Walden University
155 5th Ave S # 100
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2597