While working as faculty at the University of California in 1969, Harold “Bud” Hodgkinson, wrote a paper describing a university where faculty and students collaborated on research. He titled the paper “Walden U: A Working Paper” and the document inspired Bernie and Rita Turner, two teachers to create the same type of university described in Hodgkinson’s work. The Turners and Hodgkinson worked together to create a student-centered university.

More than 30 years after Hodgkinson’s paper was published, Walden University continues in the same tradition with students collaborating with faculty in effort to provide them with hands-on knowledge they will carry with them into their working lives. The university made summer residency a critical part of the student learning experience and, in the 1980’s, the university added monthly four-day residencies. The Walden Information Network (WIN) began in 1994 and this led to the creation of an online university.

Sylvan Learning Systems purchased a controlling interest in Walden, adding undergraduate programs in addition to the graduate programs that already existed. Sylvan, which is now Laureate Education, concentrated the undergraduate studies in management, education, health, human services and psychology.

Today, almost 48,000 students attend Walden and are enrolled from all 50 states as well as 150 countries. The university offers a distinctive online learning system that not only provides high quality education but also encourages students to address social challenges that increase the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Walden University Accreditation Details

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association. Accreditation demonstrates that the college meets or exceeds criteria set by the agency indicating excellence in education. In addition, programs are accredited by the following industry-specific agencies and organizations:

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Project Management Institute

Walden University Application Requirements

In order to apply for Walden University, prospective students must complete an online application.
Students must also submit a current resume, applicable test scores and official transcripts from each college or university attended. If the student has not earned college credit, an official high school transcript must be provided.

Students are required to undergo a Student Readiness Orientation which is conducted in a self-paced format. Some programs may have additional admission requirements so students are encouraged to discuss requirements with an admissions counselor. Walden University does not charge an admissions fee.

Walden University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at Walden University varies with each program. Students are encouraged to discuss tuition costs with their advisor prior to enrollment.

Financial aid is available for all students and, each year, Walden provides more than $60 million in aid to students. Active-duty military, veterans and their spouses receive a 15 percent reduction in tuition. Graduates of Walden or a Laureate-based institution are also offered a 15 percent tuition reduction. Employees of higher education institutions receive a 10 percent reduction in tuition. Financial aid at Walden University is offered in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. Students must complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify.

Walden University Online Degrees Available

Bachelor in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Walden University is offered completely online. The program is available in two tracks – the RN to BSN and the RN to BSN to MSN. This allows students to adjust their program to meet their own higher education goals. There are ten nursing courses required for the degree, allowing students to complete the program in as little as 15 months. Unlike other colleges and universities, students begin taking nursing courses from the beginning of the program. Practicums can be located close to the student’s home, allowing them to gain hands-on learning experience with no travel requirement. Students are able to transfer as much as 75 percent of credit earned at other institutions toward the credit hours required. There are 135 credit hours required for the RN to BSN program and 181 credit hours required for the RN to BSN to MSN program. Like all programs at Walden, students are able to implement what they learn in an effort to improve community health and to uphold the reputation of the healthcare environment. The Digital Learning Experience by Shadow Health provides students with an immersive virtual learning environment, helping them build health assessment skills. Courses required for the RN to BSN track include:

  • Advocacy Through Healthcare Policy
  • Foundations of Nursing Research
  • Health Assessment
  • Information Management and Patient Care Technology
  • Issues and Trends in Nursing
  • Leadership Qualities in Nursing
  • Quality and Safety Through Evidence-Based Practice
  • Role of the Nurse in Public and Global Health
  • Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health
  • Topics in Clinical Nursing

Courses required for the RN to BSN to MSN program include:

  • Essentials of Evidence Based Practice
  • Foundations of Nursing Research
  • Health Assessment
  • Issues and Trends in Nursing
  • Leadership Competencies in Nursing and Healthcare
  • Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health
  • Role of the Nurse in Public and Global Health
  • Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health
  • Topics in Clinical Nursing
  • Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology

Tuition for the nursing program is $325 per quarter semester hour. However, students can transfer up to 135 credits from their RN degree, lowering the total tuition costs from $60,825 to $15,450.

Graduates of the undergraduate nursing programs at Walden University are qualified for leadership positions in the field of nursing. Graduates have found positions in community organizations, federal agencies and world-renowned healthcare settings throughout the world.

Because the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees are offered completely online at Walden University, students who have work, family and social obligations that prevent them from achieving their higher education goals are able to do so. In addition, Walden can arrange for practicums in the student’s local area, eliminating the need to travel. Walden University offers degree programs that can help students move into a new career or advance in a current career using their flexible, online format.

Another excellent resource:

Cheapest Accredited Online RN to BSN Programs to Most Expensive- A Complete List