A Student-Centered Approach to Learning
As an online student at Walden, you have the opportunity to connect with students and faculty from diverse locations and backgrounds . This leads to an energetic exchange of ideas, opinions, perspectives, and experiences.
Our learning model encourages a deeper level of student discussion and immersive conversations that engage everyone in your online classroom. By collaborating with professionals from different fields and cultural experiences, you’ll gain a broad range of perspectives and best practices you can apply to drive change in your own organization and community.
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Not all online academic institutions are accredited. However, the best online colleges and universities will have earned regional accreditation. For example, Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation assures learners that they are receiving a high-quality education. Furthermore, accreditation makes it easier for students to transfer their credits and apply for professional certifications.
Absolutely. When employers of online graduates of Walden University were surveyed, the majority believe online degrees are equal to or more valuable than degrees earned in face-to-face settings.1 Several factors contribute to the success of online learners:
- They learn from faculty with field experience.
- They can work in their industries while they earn degrees.
- The best online colleges offer helpful student resources and career planning and development.
1Source: Walden University 2018 Employer Survey
Successful online degree programs are built on an infrastructure of cutting-edge distance learning technology, offering flexibility to students far and wide. No longer tied to a desktop or laptop computer, online learning keeps pace with active students by providing easy access to classes, forums, videos, and podcasts from their indispensable mobile devices. Leading online institutions like Walden University deliver cutting-edge technology that matches your individual learning style. Thanks to Walden’s exclusive MobileLearn® technology, your smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, or iPod touch are now convenient extensions of an “anytime, anywhere” online learning experience.
Yes. Because online learning offers flexibility and convenience, you can keep working while you attend classes. Not only do you keep your income, but working while learning offers other benefits. For example, some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees. Furthermore, you continue to build work experience, which can look great on your résumé.
The answer to this question depends on the online university you choose. Online colleges can offer courses in three formats: synchronous, asynchronous, and self-paced. Synchronous online courses require students to log on to live sessions at specific hours each week. These sessions may take place during typical work hours, on weekends, or in the evenings. Both asynchronous and self-paced online classes allow learners to watch lectures and complete discussions on their own schedules. However, asynchronous courses maintain strict deadlines, while self-paced courses allow students to take long breaks. Most course-based programs at Walden use asynchronous learning, but competency-based programs at Walden use a self-paced method.
Online degree programs and their on-campus counterparts typically cover the same information. In fact, online and in-person classes in certain types of programs must be equally rigorous in order to allow graduates to earn appropriate licenses. For example, the Council on Social Work Education accredits Walden’s online master’s in social work using the same criteria as it uses to evaluate on-campus offerings. Furthermore, some online courses use the same syllabi and textbooks as on-campus offerings. In addition, certain aspects of online education are more difficult than on-campus learning. For example, asynchronous online classes require learners to develop excellent time management skills.
When it comes to finding the best online academic institution, reputation is key. Walden University has been leading adult learning and developing distance education programs for 50 years. Now more than ever, working professionals need online access to an accredited university that enables them to achieve success and receive the support they need, from enrollment through graduation. At Walden, students and graduates receive ongoing assistance as they work to earn their degree, advance their career, and effect positive social change.