"Attending this school was a negative experience. PhD advisors department are a joke. Three days later after withdrawal, I wanted come back (I was in almost dissertation). Literally I was rejected not for finantial department, but regular advisors, my advisor never contacted me. Like a punishment, I would have to wait two months. The same after some months. Conclusion, you will be only a number, not empathy, not interst. Make other choices if possible."

Alicia

Reviewed: 6/6/2024
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2027

"Doctoral student, the Walden University, is not recommended. I very much agree with many of the published reviews. I decided to withdraw from Walden University for several reasons, among the most serious, the amount of biased details. They have everything very well studied. At the beginning of your doctorate, your Ph.D. advisor will treat you wonderfully, until you get closer to your Dissertation process, in which they will ignore you. then they will change for the worse. Instructors who will criticize your work more, the Dean on duty who will not work for your success or concerns if you have a problem, and the advisor who will ignore any issue you ask about. And all that, because you will already be close to the dissertation, which will also be eternal in time and cost for the student. In my case, they also confused me about the end date of the degree."

Lilly

Reviewed: 11/22/2022
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2022

"This place is just a money factory. I do not recommend this place. It is a very rough place. On this place there are no advisors, they are voracious sellers, which is the opposite of a proper academic environment. Try to find a decent place, for your personal and professional success."

Erica Burns

Responded: 11/22/2022

We're sorry to hear this is your perception of us, Lilly. While we recognize no organization is perfect, we strive to provide great experiences for every person that engages with us. If you are willing to discuss this feedback with a member of our team, please email us at WeCare.Walden@mail.waldenu.edu with your name, email address, and phone number, and a member of our team will contact you.

FRS

Reviewed: 2/18/2020
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2023

"New York pulled their ability to recruit students from new york. I enrolled in 2010. I took a leave in 2014/2015. When I tried to returned in 2019 to finish my degree, I was told I could not because they cannot enroll anyone from New York. I have 60 credits in the program and I cannot finish. I can’t get any answers from the school on how I can’t complete the program or how I can get reimbursed. Does anyone baby any information or has experienced this?"

Current Student

Reviewed: 12/17/2019
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2019

"You stay longer and pay more because the processing and communication time is not conducive to timely finish. The worst is URR review when trying to complete the process and exit. This department takes 14 days to review a document regardless of their workload. Financial aid just can't seem to perfect the act of accurate and efficiently billing and crediting. Processes change without advance notice, so you are left feeling uttlely confused. Good luck trying to get a recommendation letter, considering your chances of getting the same faculty for more than one course. Walden needs to do better at their processing time, and faculty respectfully communicating with students."

STAY AWAY

Reviewed: 4/30/2019
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2018

"This has got to be one of the worst colleges in existence. This university prolonged my degree for 14 years, and my dissertation for 7 years. I am a half million dollars in debt and still never finished my PhD because I was not able to find a practicum or internship site, and this university never placed me. They took my money all through college and once I was required to do my field work, they turned their backs and never provided a clinic. So now I am stuck with all this student loans debt and no degree. BEWARE, I AM SERIOUS STAY AWAY, OR YOU TOO WILL BE SORRY, AND WILL NEVER FINISH YOUR DEGREE. . ABSOLUTE WORST DECISION I EVERY MADE!!"

Professor

Reviewed: 2/7/2018
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2017

"There's a reason why the PhD Psychology programs are not accredited by the APA. Because there are no admission requirements. Many students in the program lack the intellect, motivation, and resources to benefit from higher education, let alone graduate school. Walden has no psychology labs, no psychology clinic, and no hospital affiliation. It's a cash for credit sham to receive a bogus PhD, that's useless in the professional world. Its a degree mill, but the degree is worthless The PhD Psychology graduates have less knowledge about psychology than a typical BS or BA psychology students from a traditional college/university."

S. Watts

Reviewed: 2/1/2018
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2020

"Walden has prepared me to do a better job in my career, which ultimately has allowed me to advance in my field. The instructors are knowledgeable and eager to help the students succeed. The academic residencies are a lot of fun and allow for networking across disciplines."

Anne Schneider

Reviewed: 7/13/2017
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2017

"HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. Money making endeavor that cares only ...... about making money. What a nightmare. Although the quarter classes were ok - good, the dissertation process is beyond compare. I am a university professor who has been on dissertation committees - and to see what my husband has been put through, and the credit card bills ........... ONLY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM IF YOU HAVE LOTS OF TIME, MONEY, PATIENCE AND APPRECIATION FOR BEING TAKEN FOR A RIDE"

Psych Major

Reviewed: 6/25/2017
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2017

"I finished my MS and PhD at Walden. The program is not for everyone. Needs a lot of self motivation, but at the end you will be more prepared to work on your own than most other schools. Very difficult but worth the effort. Many will be admitted, but most don't graduate. The graduation rate is under 20% for PhDs. So while attending Walden University may not appear to be prestigious, graduating from the PhD program shows persistence at the very least. Depending on the state you live in, some consider a degree from Walden University rather prestigious. Internship sites often comment that they prefer Walden students because they tend to be more mature. Many of the students are quite a bit older, but it leads to unique life experiences and perspectives being added to the discussions. The work load is heavy, but so is any graduate program. Just like any other program, if you stay organized, resilient, and focused, you will do well. It is a blended program, which means that you do need some in person residencies at the very least to graduate. You cannot earn a PhD all online, even at Walden. But depending on what program you choose, you may only have a few residencies to do, and before you know it you're on your last one and working on your dissertation. The school has a ton of resources but most students don't take advantage of them because they're already overwhelmed with classwork and don't make or have time to research them. Just like any school, some professors are incredible and some are checked out a bit. Ivy League professors can sometimes be found here, and students have been known to earn Ivy League post-doctorates once they graduate."

Ghighi

Reviewed: 6/6/2017
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2023

"In attendance for about a year and was initially impressed with the quality of education/administration, but that impression is changing towards the negative. Most of my concerns rest with technology, administration, and support with a few issues extending into curriculum. For an online educational institution, technology integration is extremely fractured as compared to other online institutes of higher learning. Student support services are also fractured offering student no direct lines of communication to administration. No defined escalation procedures. Be prepared to wait a minimum of 20 minutes on hold to reach any department. If you need to speak with more that one department, your entire day may be consumed. The academic advisory staff is low in number and unbalanced in ratio to the student population. Advisory staff is transitory and therefore often inexperienced and unresponsive. The quality or residencies fluctuates with some being great and others being absolute fiasco."

Anonymous

Reviewed: 1/31/2017
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2008

"College is the foundation for building a sustainable future. Jump in and do it! You won't regret it."

drruss

Reviewed: 5/12/2016
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2015

"I had a great experience at Walden University. I would recommend students attend in-person residencies because meeting your classmates face-to-face adds a great deal to the experience as you can then put a face to the name in classes. Also, relationships with faculty members are greatly enhanced. Overall, like all academic pursuits, you get out of it what you are willing to invest. Nobody will hold your hand, like the real world, you need to stay on top of your studies. Because Walden is an online university, they are very strict about following policies that are required for accreditation. I can't say enough positive things about my experience at Walden. It was a wonderful experience and it has helped me both academically and professionally."

Drsagacity

Reviewed: 5/7/2016
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2015

"Overall, I had a great learning experience at Walden University. At the end of the day a student will get out what they put in. Distance learning is not for everyone; however, if you can be organized and stay on top of your work, distance education has tremendous advantages. At Walden, your classmates will be a diverse group which adds to the richness of the experience."

Reviewed: 3/17/2016
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2019

"I am finding this to be an excellent university. Walden's classes are well written, organized, and most of the faculty is truly invested in sharing their knowledge while encouraging our own. I highly suggest attending the residencies as it provides the many benefits of being face-to-face with faculty and other students... plus, a beautiful reason for travel :)"

Current Student

Reviewed: 1/13/2016
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2019

"You get out, what you put in. As in most courses, it is up to each student to put in their best effort. I am working hard and gaining excellent theoretical knowledge, applications, and personal development through Walden University. I have had many great professors who are passionate about psychology. While some professors have been less than great, this experience is similar to the other Universities I have graduated from. Online education is not for the faint of heart and requires discipline, patience, and hard work. Also, attending residencies, in person, is most certainly worth the financial investment. It is where I have gained valuable relationships with my peers. All the best!"

miffed1

Reviewed: 12/20/2015
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2018

"WAs offered first term free scholarship, started the program and three weeks in I was thrown to collections for the $5700 unpaid tuition. My advisor and the collections department within student financial services both acknowledge the offer, but state they cannot figure out who pays it or how, or even when. The scholarship has disappeared."

Ph.D. Psychology Student

Reviewed: 11/6/2015
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2017

"This program is demanding and takes a lot of work to master the material. You get out of it what you put in and must be motivated and disciplined to be successful. It isn't a "degree for a fee" and everyone does not deserve to pass just because they pay tuition. If it were that easy, everyone would do it. I found all the student support services knowledgable and helpful, from admissions and advising through to the end. The only criticisms are that in a face to face situation, you gain enrichment through the experiences of your instructors and cohort, and working side-by-side in research institutions is a needed skill if you want to get into academia. There are also little to no opportunities for grad assistantships that would help with the huge financial burden that earning a Ph.D. entails. I found too many classmates who didn't do the assigned readings, evident in their interactions on the discussion board. Reading posts from people who are attempting to bluff their way through the course is a huge waste of my valuable time. They need to be more selective in who they allow into their programs, and weed out those who do not rise to the level of scholarship needed to complete the program. But, being a for profit college, makes this a big business. The convenience was a huge factor in my staying here."

Sylvania Jones

Reviewed: 10/27/2015
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2015

"Online education is not for everyone. You have to be on top of everything from financial aid to your required courses. Like everything in life we have the choice this Walden online educational course works great for me. You will get out whatever time and commitment you put in. I'm working on chapter 4 and 5 of my Dissertation. If I need assistance my Doctor,research department and the writing are all available to assist me in any way they can. No different than a physical university."

David

Reviewed: 3/25/2015
Degree: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2011

"I started Walden in the spring of 2008. I took my MS in Gen Psy in the spring of 2011. I finished my academic requirements for a PhD in Education Psy in March 2014. I also completed the academic requirements for a PhD in both counseling and clinical psychology. My observations: Some professors were what I refer to as absent professors. Class response, evaluation of weekly postings and assignments reflected inconsistent and, frankly, unconcerned attitudes. Several professors indicated that they taught as many as 5-7 other online classes, as well as perhaps 2-3 or more in-class teaching assignments. Clearly the school administration does not do a very good job of monitoring instructor teaching ability in these conditions. Instructors must be evaluated and audited on a regular basis to insure they have the ability to actually instruct their students and provide appropriate feed back etc. On the other hand some instructors clearly provided a superior teaching experience. In these cases weekly discussion postings received detailed evaluation, complete with pointed inquiry and encouragement. Weekly assignments - designed to help the student develop critical thinking skills - also provided these instructors an additional medium for teaching. Bottom line the student must study, must contribute, must take an active part in the learning process. Books are expensive, no doubt. I explored every avenue I could to help reduce this expense - used books, Amazon, etc. One positive note, in several classes we had no text requirements as all written material drew from journal articles, web published materials and the like. I am in the 5th quarter of my dissertation process. Do I feel I have learned anything? Yes. I have a 4.0 GPA with 190 hours of completed graduate school classes. Do I feel I have been abused, taken advantage of, or exploited? Sure, in many ways. Do I think the ENTIRE process has been of value and contributed to my enhanced knowledge of both psychology as well as the education process? Yes I do. Bottom line: Walden needs to change. However when compared to other on-line schools I personally feel they do a better job than many and a significantly better job than a few. Will I be employable when I finish? I have no idea. Thank you"