Admissions

Submitting your application to Walden is a straightforward, three-step process designed for busy working professionals:

1. Complete your online application: Create an account on the Walden website and fill out the general application with your basic contact information and the degree program you’ve selected. There is no fee when you apply to Walden University.
2. Submit your history: Provide your employment and personal history as requested within the portal. Some programs may also require a current resume or CV.
3. Request your transcripts: Request official transcripts from every college or university you have previously attended. Walden can often help you request these from your former institutions.

Once your Walden application is complete, an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to discuss your start date, evaluate your transfer credits, and guide you through your next steps.

No, there is no fee to apply to Walden University. This means you can apply, review your options, and make an informed decision.

While specific requirements vary by program, Walden looks for a core set of qualifications to ensure every student is prepared for the rigors of online learning.

At a high level, the general requirements include:

• Proof of previous education: You must have earned the appropriate prerequisite degree (e.g., a high school diploma/GED for bachelor's, or a bachelor’s degree for master’s level) from an accredited institution.
• Official transcripts: When you apply to Walden University, you must submit official documents from all previously attended colleges and universities.
• Employment and personal history: A record of your professional experience, included in your Walden University application, can help advisors understand your background and career goals.
• English proficiency: You must be proficient in English to succeed in the curriculum.
• Access to technology: Since all programs are online, you must have a computer and internet access that meet the university’s technical standards.

There’s no fee to apply to Walden programs. Additionally, Walden does not require SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT scores. You are assigned a dedicated Enrollment Specialist who guides you through every step, from selecting your program to completing your application.

Walden’s online application is designed with busy professionals in mind and typically can be filled out fairly quickly.

While the application itself is brief, the total time to receive an admission decision depends on how soon your required documents are collected. The most variable part of the process involves requesting official transcripts from your previous schools. Walden can often assist you in requesting these to speed up the process.

Once all your documents are received, your file is reviewed by the admissions team, and you will typically receive a decision shortly thereafter.

Since Walden has multiple start dates throughout the year, you don't have to wait for a traditional “fall semester” to begin. You can apply to Walden University today and potentially be in class in just a few weeks.

Once you’ve decided you want to go to graduate school, make sure you start preparing your application several months before the school’s deadline. Most colleges and universities—like Walden University—have an online application process and experienced enrollment specialists to assist you in completing your application. Once you’ve researched schools and made your choice(s), the process of applying typically follows these steps:

1. Complete an online profile, open your online application, and begin filling in your information.
2. Gather supportive documents for your application. (These may vary by school and/or program.)
3. Provide official transcripts.
4. Include applicable test scores.

Once you receive and accept an offer of admission into your university of choice, you’ll be considered a student and will receive further instructions on how to apply for financial aid, set up your student account, register for courses, and more.

Depending on the degree program you’re interested in, many U.S. schools require a written statement as part of the admission process that explains why you’d like to pursue a certain field of study at that particular institution. If you’re passionate about a specific academic area, writing a goal statement shouldn’t be too difficult. And, if you have any questions, most colleges and universities have knowledgeable enrollment specialists who are available to answer questions about your goal statement and other elements of the admission process.

If you’re interested in pursuing a degree online, you’re in good company. But with so many colleges and universities to choose from, how do you select the right one? Here’s a list of six criteria that can help you narrow your search and select the best institution for your personal and career goals.

1. Accreditation. When it comes to selecting the right institution, the best place to start is accreditation. Accreditation by an independent accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as The Higher Learning Commission, signifies that an institution meets rigorous quality standards and you will receive a quality education.
2. Programs. If you already know what you’d like to study, make sure the online colleges and online universities you’re considering have strong programs in your area of interest. If you’re still undecided about what you will study, choose an institution with diverse offerings to provide a number of options.
3. Curriculum. Once you’ve identified an online program you’re interested in at an accredited university, investigate its curriculum. Many colleges show required and elective course descriptions for each program on their websites, making it easier to determine the right program for you.
4. Technology. An institution is only as strong as its technology. From mobile apps to video chatting with instructors and classmates, technologies employed by colleges and universities to help online students learn and stay engaged are important. Be sure to investigate the technologies used by the institution you’re interested in attending to ensure they meet your needs.
5. Price. Many institutions offer financial aid, grants, and scholarships for adult learners. An Enrollment Specialist at the university of your choice can help you identify the funding options available.
6. Graduate success. Explore the websites of your top university choices to see what graduates have done with their education. One inspiring story may be enough to help you make your final decision and get started pursuing your dream career.

Once you have made the decision to pursue an online degree program, you can begin gathering or considering some of the things you’ll need to complete your online application. Here’s a preview of what information you can expect to provide with the online application at Walden University:

• Program of interest. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to speak with your Enrollment Specialist for recommendations on which online degree program best suits you and your goals.
• Preferred start date. Here, you can choose from any of our upcoming start dates. Typically, there are several start dates available for each program to accommodate your schedule.
• Academic history. If you have previously earned a degree, you can include your previous institution’s information, your major, year of graduation, etc.
• Employment History. Take the opportunity to fill in where you work and what you do. For this section, you may import your information from your LinkedIn profile. Military experience is also considered and may translate into potential credit toward your degree.
• Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be reviewed for eligibility of credit transfer, but you must submit official transcripts for financial aid to be processed, if admitted to the university. Be sure to request official transcripts once you have decided to apply to Walden.
• Résumé. Don’t forget to update this as well with your previous academic, work, military, and life experience!