You’ve decided to earn a master’s degree and selected an accredited online university with a number of academic programs that interest you. Now you’re ready to take the next step: enrolling in a master’s degree program.
Enrollment officially launches your online higher education journey, and it’s an exciting time. Good colleges and universities streamline the admissions process and guide you through it from start to finish. What should you know about enrolling in a master’s program? Here’s a step-by-step guide to what to expect:
Step 1: Choose a Master’s Program
Are you interested in earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree online and would like to work with children? Or maybe you’re a teacher who wants to earn an MS in Education (MSEd) and advance your career into leadership.
That’s where Enrollment Specialists come in. They can launch your higher education journey by helping you find a master’s degree program that’s just the right fit. At Walden University, you have your choice of almost 30 master’s programs with over 100 specializations.
For the master’s in nursing candidate, it could be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care specialization. For the teacher aspiring to leadership, it could be an online MSEd degree with an Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Licensure Preparation) specialization.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Once you’ve chosen your online degree program, an Enrollment Specialist will continue to guide you. To start, all prospective students must complete an application. At Walden, here is some of the information you will need to provide:
- Name of master’s program
- Start date: Depending on the online degree program you’ve chosen, you may have a choice of start dates.
- Academic history: This demonstrates you have the academic background your master’s degree program requires. Plus, you may be able to transfer credits from previous courses you’ve taken, potentially shortening the time it takes to complete your online master’s program.
- Transcripts: For admission, you’ll need to provide official transcripts from universities you’ve attended. Your Enrollment Specialist will let you know how to get transcripts.
- Employment history: Why is this important? You may be eligible for credit based on military experience and professional experience.
Master’s candidates may also need to provide other materials that are specific to their online degree programs. Alumni may have an expedited process. Student wellness and disability services are also available.
When your application is complete, your Enrollment Specialist will review it and submit it to the admissions team.
Step 3: Prep for Success
Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into your master’s program. Now it’s time to make some important arrangements before your classes begin:
- Follow up on financial aid: Make sure you’ve explored all financial aid options that may be available to you: federal financial aid, military savings, alumni savings opportunities, and more. At Walden, you may qualify for program-specific savings through the Believe & Achieve Scholarship™.
- Get oriented: Student orientation is an important offering at all good colleges and universities. If you’re earning a degree online, your orientation will help prepare you to become a confident online learner. During your master’s orientation, you’ll explore your university’s online classroom, learn about student support services, receive tips to help you create your new school-life balance, and more.
- Celebrate: Enrolling in an online master’s degree program is an occasion worth celebrating. Gather your family and friends—they’ll want to congratulate you and learn more about the online education experience you’re embarking on. They also can become a great source of encouragement and support while you’re earning your degree.
Earn Your Master’s Degree Online?
Online MS programs offer the flexibility to earn a degree while working and enjoying personal time. As a master’s student in Walden’s MS degree programs, you can set your own weekly schedule and work anywhere you have internet access.
Earn that MBA you’ve dreamed about. Choose a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Elementary Education degree program and build skills that will empower children to learn. Work for social change in your community while earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) or an MS in Human Services.
Now that you can earn a degree online, where will your passion for lifelong learning and career enhancement take you? Create your own bright future by earning a master’s degree online.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering online certificate programs and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.