Walden University Offers New Bachelor of Science Degree Programs in Psychology and in Child Development

Minneapolis—March 31, 2008—Walden University, one of the largest online providers of graduate degrees, is offering Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and in Child Development, adding to a current undergraduate offering in Business Administration. Adult learners can earn these degrees while balancing work and personal commitments, as they also become prepared for an increasingly global economy and job market.

According to a recent national poll from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, nearly two-thirds of employers say “too many of today’s graduates lack the skills to succeed in our global economy.” Walden University is directly addressing this critical skills gap by including elements such as global awareness in the undergraduate curriculum. As a member of the Laureate International Universities network, Walden has a growing international student body that gives students a unique opportunity to gain a diverse, global perspective.

“Since gaining greater global awareness and understanding cultural diversity is becoming vital to all professions, we strive to have our graduates become more globally competent,” said Jonathan A. Kaplan, president of Walden University.

Walden, a leader in distance learning for 38 years, provides the opportunity for adult learners to advance their careers and join a community of 28,000 students from more than 70 countries. In addition, Walden undergraduate students will be encouraged and prepared to pursue their learning through graduate work in aligned fields of study.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of psychology and its relevance across a number of professions in an increasingly diverse and global society. Students may take up to 70 percent of their courses in psychology topics while completing general education courses that emphasize civic engagement, social responsibility, and global awareness—core to Walden’s mission. Courses help students understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues as well as reflect values that are the underpinnings of psychology. Students may choose from four concentrations: Psychology Applied to Everyday Life for general interest; Psychology Applied to the Helping Professions focusing on areas such as counseling or social work; Psychology Applied to the Workplace to apply knowledge in a nonprofit, government or business environment; and Preparation for Graduate Studies for students considering an advanced degree in psychology.

Designed for working adults, Walden’s Bachelor of Science in Child Development degree program addresses the need for increased quality care in early care and education for infants and children to age 5. This non-licensure bachelor’s program, offered through The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, allows current and future professionals in the early care and education field the opportunity to earn a degree while continuing to work. Students will benefit from the program’s unique curriculum that blends the latest research in child development and education, insights and guidance from national experts, and a look into effective early care and education practices around the country. Students can choose from three concentrations—Preschool, Infant/Toddler and a dual concentration in Preschool and Infant/Toddler—that deliver an in-depth focus on child development, child-centered learning, developmentally appropriate environments and effective practices for working with children and families.

Walden also currently offers a BS in Business Administration program designed for working adults with concentrations in finance, human resource management, information systems, management, marketing and a general/self-designed option. The undergraduate business program, with courses in ethical leadership and social responsibility, is designed to put students on the path to making important contributions to their organizations and communities, a hallmark of Walden’s mission of preparing students to have a real-world impact.

Walden University, an accredited online institution, ensures that its students have what they need to succeed in their studies, including access to academic advisors, tutors, a writing center, university librarians, and a full range of other student support services. Walden’s bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, psychology and child development also effectively track into closely-related graduate programs for students who want to continue their education in the discipline.

For more information, call an Enrollment Specialist at 866-492-5336 or go to www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master’s and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, public policy and administration and health and human services, as well as master’s programs in engineering and IT and bachelor’s programs in business, psychology and child development. Walden University is a member of the Laureate International Universities network, a leading global network of accredited campus-based and online universities. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org; 312-263-0456.