"I am nearing completion of my doctoral studies in Healthcare Administration at Walden University. Previously, I earned my undergraduate and master’s degrees at a traditional campus-based institution. While I initially questioned whether online education would suit my schedule and self-discipline, my experience at Walden has shown that online doctoral study is highly effective for students who are organized, motivated, and able to work independently.Walden’s online learning environment requires strong time management, sustained engagement, and personal accountability. In my experience, the program suits self-directed learners who recognize that progress depends on consistency and discipline. Prospective students should have realistic expectations about the demands of doctoral study and the independent effort required for success. While faculty availability varies, my overall experience has been positive. The curriculum is academically rigorous, professionally relevant, and rewarding. The program challenged me to analyze critically, manage my responsibilities effectively, and interact thoroughly with the material rather than rely on constant direct guidance. The workload is substantial; in my experience, doctoral study requires 25 to 30 hours of focused work each week. Success depends on protecting study time, keeping a clear plan, and persevering across challenges. My family’s support has been essential. This experience also confirms a principle supported in the literature: long-term achievement is closely associated with sustained effort, perseverance, and devotion to meaningful goals (Duckworth et al., 2007; Datu, 2021; Khindri & Rangnekar, 2022).Overall, this program has strengthened my knowledge, increased my confidence as a scholar-practitioner, and positively influenced my professional practice in healthcare administration. Walden University is both excellent and challenging. I recommend the program to learners prepared for a rigorous online academic experience and willing to invest the discipline, time, and effort needed to succeed.ReferencesDatu, J. A. D. (2021). Beyond passion and perseverance: Review and future research initiatives on the science of grit. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 545526. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.545526Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087-1101. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.1087Khindri, A., & Rangnekar, S. (2022). The trait of perseverance: A literature review and future research directions. The American Journal of Psychology, 135(3), 271-285. https://doi.org/10.5406/19398298.135.3.02"

Dr. Sheila Blanche Davis

Reviewed: 5/16/2022
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2021

"I believe that Walden University is an excellent school. I highly recommend Walden University to anyone who is looking to pursue a quality education. The professors and administrative staff at Walden University are experienced and have a wealth of knowledge."

Dr. Inas elansary

Reviewed: 5/12/2022
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2023

"Hi, I am along term person since 2016 at Walden university, receive 2 master, Doctorate and enrolled in DHA recently. So, I have nothing but exceptional experience. college that goes beyond basic career prep and equips you with ethical decision-making and critical-thinking skills and a greater understanding of and solutions for societal challenges to not only prepare you for a career, but for life it is WALDNE"

Dr. Sheila Blanche Davis

Reviewed: 2/28/2022
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2021

"Walden University is an excellent school! I recommend Walden University for those folks who are looking to achieve their academic goals and pursue a quality education, at a well-recognized university. After graduating from Walden University with my PhD in Health Services with a Specialization in Healthcare Administration, I believe that I am now better positioned to contribute to effecting Positive Social Change throughout local and global communities."

KMSonja

Reviewed: 8/11/2019
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2019

"I did not graduate, I withdrew. Walden University is inept and unable to provide clear direction. If you are considering going here- RUN! The leadership has changed so many times since I started, and advisers were numerous- I lost count after 14... No one can give a stratight answer and no two have the same answer. Misguidance, misinformation is the only speciality that Walden has. After 8 long years and 400K in Debt, I am done. It is not worth it. They let anyone into any program even if the background doesnt match. They are just money hungry and do not really care about the student or their success. The department I was in had 5 maybe 6 or more different chairs during 8 years. It has been a dispointment and waste of money, with ZERO return on the investment as I cannot find a job in the field since I have no clinical experience or degree to back the administration portion. WALDEN SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN! No one knows what is going on there and there is zero continuity bewteen deparments and systems. EPIC FAIL! I would love to give them less than one star but that is not an option."

Anonymous

Reviewed: 11/29/2018
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2018

"Overall, I do not think the program is worth the amount of money that you spend. The courses readings typically have nothing to do with the assignment. Or the articles are so out of date. When including information in a paper, references should not be more than 5 years old. Therfore, this leaves you to do a lot of research on your own. There are a lot of discussion board that really seems so lower level of academia. Some of the other assignments are useless such as writing a paper on how to conduct research."

A Student

Reviewed: 11/13/2017
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2019

"I have read some posts about the financial aid office at Walden and they are true, They are awful and I expressed that in my last student survey. I also do not agree with the Residency you are required to take that cost you in addition to your tuition $1375.00 and if there is not one close by then you have to fly and book a hotel while your there which is additional money, and it is all for nothing. I went to one and I did not learn anything new, or anything that could have been taught online. Just another way for this university to suck money out of people seeking their doctorate. The teaching staff at Walden is good, really have not had a problem with them and the subject your taking for whatever semester always has good reference material, good amount of time to answer discussions, and turn in papers."

Ph.D. Graduate

Reviewed: 5/14/2016
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2016

"This University is designed for you! It requires one to be dedicated and self motivated. I had the best support from my mentors. College is not easy and may times, people get the concept mixed up. For instance, looking for an easy way to earn a degree! It's all up to you...not the University you chose. Their responsibility is to guide and assist when called upon."

Shocked!

Reviewed: 4/24/2014
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2017

"Currently I am in my second quarter in the DBA program and I am desperate to transfer! I'm not sure who is giving all these praises and excellent reviews, but I know from first hand experience that this DBA program is geared only towards writing your final project than learning anything. I would expect a doctoral program to be much more rigorous and challenging- and it is not! I have already contacted the school where I obtained my Bachelors and have begged them to help me transfer. I've made a grave mistake attending Walden, and I'm getting the &%$ out of there!"

Freneka Minter

Reviewed: 12/26/2012
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2016

"Because it is online, campus safety, surrounding area, and transportation is not a concern. I think it is a great option for a busy professional wanting to continue his/her education."