Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation

Accreditation is a mark of quality. Walden has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990. The HLC is one of six regional accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Being accredited by the HLC validates that our institution lives its mission, operates with integrity, offers programs that focus on student learning, hires faculty that are academically qualified, and provides the resources and support necessary for our students to succeed. Through the regional accreditation process, both quality assurance and continuous improvement are evaluated.

In 2013, our accredited status was reaffirmed by HLC.

Our accreditation status:

• Allows access to federal and sometimes state financial aid.
• Provides confidence in academic quality and standards to those evaluating the transfer of credit from one institution to another.
• Instills confidence in employers when evaluating job credentials of potential employees or determining tuition support for current employees pursuing further education.

Many countries have their own accrediting and regulatory bodies, and degree recognition differs from country to country. If you reside outside of the United States, please review the requirements of your country of residence to confirm recognition of your Walden degree or program.

Specialized Accreditation

Specialized accreditation is given to a college, school, or specific degree program within a university, most often for professional programs that lead to certification or licensure. To receive this type of accreditation, the college, school, or program must demonstrate that it has relevant content, qualified faculty, and adequate resources to meet rigorous accreditation standards set for a specific field, discipline, or profession. By earning this accreditation, the specific program, school, or college demonstrates that it has met the standards that prepare students for advancement in the field.

Walden is proud to have earned specialized accreditations from the following organizations:

Social Work — Council on Social Work Education

Walden University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSWE's Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing standards that define competent preparation for professional social workers and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.

Education — Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Walden University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, from April 2019 through June 2026. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation, promoting excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Walden University earned CAEP accreditation by meeting rigorous national standards and demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.

CAEP accreditation is based on a review of The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership’s initial teacher preparation programs—the BS in Elementary Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Special Education—and advanced educator preparation programs—the EdS in Educational Leadership and Administration and the MS in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration. Three of these programs were reviewed by Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs), which defines content-area standards for programs, and achieved national recognition: Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Special Education, EdS in Educational Leadership and Administration, and MS in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration.

Business — Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), is a leading specialized accreditation association that identifies and supports excellence in business education worldwide. Walden University’s BS in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and PhD in Management programs are accredited by ACBSP. Walden’s BS in Accounting and MS in Accounting programs are also accredited by ACBSP and have earned the organization’s Specialized Accounting Accreditation.

Public Health — Council on Education for Public Health

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Board of Councilors acted at its September 6, 2019, meeting to accredit the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Walden University for a five-year term, based on an application for accreditation submitted on February 3, 2018. On June 5, 2020, the CEPH Board of Councilors accredited the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at Walden University, after reviewing an accreditation application submitted on April 21, 2020. Based on CEPH procedures and the documentation submitted, the effective accreditation date of both of these programs is February 3, 2018. CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and programs of public health. CEPH accreditation provides assurance that the program has been evaluated and met accepted public health profession standards in practice, research, and service. For a copy of the final self-study document and/or final accreditation report, please contact the dean of the School of Health Sciences (adchshealth @mail.waldenu.edu).

Nursing — Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)—The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

Counseling — Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)—Walden’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision; MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; MS in School Counseling; MS in Addiction Counseling; and MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CACREP accreditation ensures that the content and quality of counselor-preparation master’s and doctoral degree programs have been evaluated and meet standards set by the profession.

Project Management — Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs

Project Management Institute (PMI)^® Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs—Walden’s MS in Project Management program is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs. PMI GAC is the world’s leading specialized accrediting body for project management and related degree programs, affirming that Walden’s curriculum meets rigorous quality standards established by PMI GAC.

Technology — ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)

ABET—The BS in Information Technology program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. ABET is the internationally recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation reaffirms the quality of Walden's information systems and technology programs and support services, as well as its commitment to continuous assessment and improvement.