"I absolutely would not pay for this school or waste your time. There is nothing that sets this school apart from other schools with the exception of the ridiculously high cost, which again, is not worth it. Bopping between individuals to get anything figured out is an absolute nightmare. Hands down the worst schooling decision I have made."

Bernadette

Responded: 7/24/2023

We’re sorry to hear that this is your perception of Walden University. Our desire is to create incredible student experiences and outcomes, but we also realize there are always areas for improvement. We would like to learn more about your specific situation and your feedback to see how we can assist. Please email us at WeCare.Walden@mail.waldenu.edu with your name, email address and phone number, and a member of the appropriate team will reach out to you within 24 hours to discuss your feedback.

Amy

Reviewed: 5/21/2023
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2025

"The communication was horrendous. It’s staffed with representatives who some are great, and the others have no idea what they are talking about and read off their scripts. I withdrew last winter for personal reasons and was looking to go back. First I was told I did not need a SAP appeal. I was told this by two very competent reps… then it all went down hill. I applied to have it reviewed twice only to have an email sent twice saying I wasn’t a student even when I was registered for classes. When I called to ask about this I was told by a rep “you’re going to have to appeal it”. Couldn’t answer any questions about warning period, or even acknowledge conversations with other reps. It was just a mess. It’s no wonder this place has a 27 percent graduation rate. I’ll just attend a brick and mortar!"

Erica Burns

Responded: 5/22/2023

We're sorry to hear this is your perception us, Amy. 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@waldenu.edu with your name, email address, and phone number, and a member of our team will contact you.

Maria L Sanchez

Reviewed: 6/8/2022
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2023

"Omg. This University is bad. The university just wants money. They make you take classes you don't need for your degree. Horrible experience they keep extending my graduation year. Horrible don't come here find other universities is not worth it......"

Kyrie Regan

Reviewed: 5/11/2022
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2020

"Walden University's online programs not only allowed me to pursue my career while working full-time and with an infant but also to learn methods that work for me. Throughout my time at Walden University, I gained great skills in clinical and professional writing, an understanding of different therapeutic methods and modalities as well as gained many great friendships. These friendships have lasted years past my graduation and I am so thankful for that and the connections I have made. Now as a Walden Ambassador I am excited to further expand the growth of Walden University and hopefully in the future return for my Doctorate in Psychology."

Anonymous

Reviewed: 5/11/2022
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2019

"Because of the great faculty, classmates, and field instructors, I was able to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Masters of Social Work degree I received at Walden. I continue to work at the place I did my clinical internship at since my graduation two years ago. Walden gave me the knowledge and experience to become a successful clinical social worker."

Sarah

Reviewed: 3/7/2022
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2022

"I am a recent MSW graduate of Walden University. I graduated with a 4.0 gpa and passed the masters-level licensure exam a few weeks after completing the program. I was offered employment during my last term of school from multiple agencies. So, my education from Walden did what it was supposed to do--get me licensure and jumpstart my social work career with a pretty decent job in the field. Do I think that the program was perfect? Absolutely not. My biggest gripe with the program is the sheer laziness in its design--many courses have repeating information and I felt as if I was learning nothing new. The course material could get pretty boring and redundant...quick. For an example, the coursework for Field 3 and 4 was the EXACT SAME as Field 1 and 2. I would think the course work should evolved since Field 3 and 4 is considered "advanced year" but it did not. In another class, the discussion from one week was pretty much the same as a previous week. It's like they ran out of topics to focus on and began repeating lessons. Also, they could have done a better job of teaching/explaining clinical interventions. There is no instruction in the courses, you are provided with readings and you are more or less teaching yourself the content. For some classes this was very, very hard to do. I did what I had to do to ace the classes, even when I felt like I didn't adequately absorb the material. I had a pretty good field practicum that helped fill in some of the gaps like it was supposed to do. I will say that the program significantly improved my writing, as it is 99.9% writing (no tests or quizzes). My instructors were top-notch and very knowledgeable about the field. I never had an administrative or technical issues unlike some others. I used my GI Bill to pay for school, so I had no problems with financial aid. My education accomplished what it was supposed to and for that...I am thankful. But Walden really needs to revamp many of its courses to make them more interesting, practical, up to date with current social issues, and far less repetitive."

Owen Zack

Reviewed: 2/2/2022
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2022

"Terrible communication within the school, mainly the field department. If you are looking to obtain a degree and are required to complete field/internship, I would strongly suggest enrolling in another school. The lack of communication (no phone numbers for the entire field staff) and lack of assistance in placing students in internships (you have to find you're own, which has been challenging due to covid) is a lot to deal with."

Gina Giovanoni Strasser

Reviewed: 1/6/2022
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2021

"I have wanted to pursue Social Work for awhile now but life got in the way. I finally made the decision to pursue my passion. From day one I was supported by faculty throughout my journey. The professors all have real life experience, highly educated and passionate about this profession and seeing their students succeed. There were times when it came to finding clinical placements that I got worried, but the school supported me throughout that process also. I had the desire and the passion to make a difference and Walden was there to make that passion a reality. I was supported by my professors and the school when I had COVID and was very sick, I was still able to finish my semester classes on time, passing them with minimal effect on my degree path. I made a career change at 50 years old, working FT, having a family, a worldwide pandemic, and getting sick but was still able to complete the program, on time and pass the national licensure exax and hired as a social worker 4 weeks before graduation. You have the dream and the drive, Walden WILL support you to make your dream a reality. I am a proud 2021 Master of Social Work-Advanced Clinical Practice graduate and now a licensed social worker."

Chazzarae Young

Reviewed: 8/18/2021
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2021

"To those of you men and women who are reading this review, I want you to know that dreams really do come true as long as you stay confident and persevere in any situation. I graduated from Walden this past February of 2021 after attending the Barbara Solomon School for Masters of Social Work online program since November of 2017. It is with great pleasure that I inform you all that I have been hired within my current public school district as a Special Education Social Worker, adding about another $30,000 to my yearly income. Also, another goal I would like to achieve in the near future is to determine whether I want to go back for my Doctorate in Social Work as well as take courses in Early Childhood Education. Just like life, education is what you make it and it is true that it does not have to be about the degrees earned but the processed it took for you to obtain that degree. Sincerely, Chazz Young, MSW"

Olivia

Reviewed: 3/4/2021
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2022

"If you’re looking for a sign this is it. This is a for profit school that does not care about your academic career. They provide no support and lie about the time it will take you to graduate. Please do your research and read the reviews on better business bureau. This is not a school it’s a business out to get your money. Do not give them your hard earned money. You will be left with nothing but problems."

Jennifer

Reviewed: 2/1/2021
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2022

"Please read reviews if you are considering this school. There are some good professors who are professional however, most of the professors are awful. I am now having to take the same course for the third time! I absolutely cannot afford this but the teacher never ONCE returned my emails this term. When I asked the head of the department she sent me the most passive aggressive emails and arranged a meeting with me and was honestly one of the rudest people Ive ever spoken to, and she's a SOCIAL WORKER. She blamed ME even though there policy is 48 hours to return emails from students. This makes sense as its ONLINE university. This has cost me thousands of dollars that I dont have. I have contacted the better business bureau and will contact Minnesota's commerce commissioner. Please read the complaints on the better business bureau before you go anywhere near this school. I wish I had read these reviews before I applied."

Nicole

Reviewed: 6/25/2020
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2021

"I was so frustrated and disappointed with the orientation and on-boarding process. The platform for students is not user-friendly nor well-designed. Different ways to contact students in class, or the instructor, or the school advisor - needs so much streamlining. There is a technology fee added to every quarters tuition for what they had! I had phone calls with 5 different people to try and sort out my account (before class started). I was told why things were this way or that, but no one wanted to listen to what was frustrating. I was really excited about the idea of Walden. But, I lasted 2.5 days before I withdrew. I just didn't want to invest the money into something that I didn't anticipate getting better."

Lindsay

Reviewed: 5/3/2020
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2021

"I have loved this program so far, I officially graduate in Funerary of '21. Time management is a big aspect of it especially if you chose to work full time or take extra classes than the 2 that is normal. I have been in the program for a little over a year, I have had no problems in any aspect. My advisor and I talk every semester to make sure I am taking the appropriate classes to graduate on time. I have not gotten lower than a 92 in a class so it is definitely doable, but you have to be committed to getting your work in on time and reading the material. Some teachers don't give as much feedback, but I have asked for more and they are always willing to expand on why they grade the way they do."

Steer clear

Reviewed: 12/11/2018
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2018

"The convenience of an online degree cannot be overstated. In that context, Walden University was a great option; however, if we students are expected to adhere to the business-like models of these universities, a give-and-take should be expected. In other words, we agree to pay an extreme amount of money. I expect the student support services and academic growth to be worth this amount of money. Walden University does not provide a cohesive approach academically. The professors are allowed, in large part, to behave however they choose. This often results in an unreasonable amount of points being deducted on assignments due to a particular professor's pet peeves. I was a former educator so I get we all approach grading differently; however, this should be done within a reasonable manner. Instead, professors at this university are allowed to do as they please. An example is one of my children was in an accident that resulted in a med flight to the children's hospital in Little Rock, AR. I was three days late on two assignments. I received Fs on both assignments. When I reached out to my academic advisor, she said the professor was within her rights. Furthermore, the student support services (e.g., financial services, academic advising, etc.) are severely lacking. I have been placed in the wrong courses by the registrar's office which resulted in a delay in getting the proper course materials as well as received zero support in dealing with the professors. Long story short, you're going to pay a lot of money to most universities. I would tell anyone to make sure it's not with Walden University."

Queen

Reviewed: 8/17/2018
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2018

"This program was not what I thought it would be. Ill be starting my last semester in less than a week and it has been a journey. This program is very demanding but it is possible to complete. While it is possible to make all As each professor is different and will allow different things. One thing I like about the program is that no matter who your professor is, they all follow the exact same syllabus and class structure. Usually discussions are due by day 3 (Wednesday), but depending on your time zone, day 3 might end at 2 am Thursday. Im in Florida, so technically my day day 3 ends at 2 am Thursday and NOT 11:59 Wednesday. Projects and other assignments are due day 7 (Sunday). This is the structure of all classes that Ive had throughout the program. With this structure, there are no surprises, so thats a good thing. But, if you have a full time job, or other responsibilities, it can get really challenging if youre not focused. I didnt really take notes the entire time in the program bc there was only one test within the entire program. And that will be the only one you take during the program (unless something changes by then). This program is writing upon writing upon writing. Its exhausting, but Ive learned a lot. My highest complaint is cost. It is rediculous to pay to be here. Its very expensive and I feel as though I am being financially raped. College is more of a monopoly these days. As well, there is a mandatory residency that requires all students to travel. There are a few of these residences throughout the year, but if you are in the advanced standing program, you are only required to attend one. Other MSW must attend two. They may not be held in the state in which you reside. You will be responsible for travel, hotel stay, transportation, food, everything! Thank God I was able to drive to Georgia from Florida, and I had a friend who stayed there. Anyway, this stuff all adds up. Also, Ive experienced the most challenges as it relates to finding internship. You MUST advocate for yourself when the time comes to do youre internship. Staff makes mistakes, and they may miss something. Its up to you to check in to make sure everything you need is complete before you start interning. While i am thankful for my degree, the money may not be worth it to a lot of people. BUT, Im glad I had the opportunity to go to Walden. I hope this helps"

Anonymous

Reviewed: 5/15/2018
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2018

"Prior to entering my field education, my experience has been great. The professors were helpful, and very informative. The residency was like a vacation away from home. I really enjoyed it. Now, entering my field education, it seems the ball has been dropped. The syllabus is not accurate to what the professor is wanting from the students. Everything is scattered on the blackboard and unorganized, resulting in students being unaware of certain information. For one assignment, I saved the blog on accident too early. I immediately posted the full assignment with references in the comments area. She docked me points because she failed to see my second posting in the comments. After trying to communicate with her about it, she replied that she would not look into it any further. During my site visit over the phone, she wasn't engaged in conversation. Then, we have process recordings, in which I received a 90/90 on the first one using the required template. On my second one, she gave me a 0/90 stating I did not use the correct template. The ending experience to my MSW is not what I expect from a school where I am paying over 3 grand for a class. I expect higher quality education, and more organized staff. I am not saying this is not a good school just from one professor. This school can do better in my opinion."

MSW

Reviewed: 6/15/2017
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2018

"The online program is supposed to be able to fit student's schedules. However, it doesn't and each course has a group project where there is lack of communication, and is not convenient for people who work full-time with a family. I was planning on doing my doctorate here, but if this is how it will be for that degree, then I rather not. Stick to what you advertise about online courses, and stop creating chaos in the classes. Its no ones fault but the schools. That's why students choose online rather than in seat. I would also like to add that these group assignments create a learning barrier for students who want to complete assignments to their fullest potential."

Reviewed: 5/4/2017
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2017

"I enjoyed my time at Walden. I have met some of the nicest people, and made a really good friend. Some of my professors, all licensed/P.h.D., were absolutely amazing. Utilizing adobe connect or through uploaded videos. I did my undergrad work at brick n mortar schools, and it was not different there... Some horrible professors, and some amazing professors. If you take responsibility for your education, stay proactive, and advocate for yourself, you will do fine. It is a tough program, but I absolutely feel prepared for licensure in the future."

DIYGrad

Reviewed: 8/18/2016
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2016

"I attended this University for three years. I grow so tired of reading the Walden "cheerleaders" who seem to believe if you hate this school, it's all because you didn't "belong there" (read: aren't smart enough for college work) or weren't good time managers. In my previous undergrad online program, I earned a 3.90. Therefore, I think I was pretty knowledgeable about online work and pretty smart too. Sure, I earned my MSW and it's even accredited (finally!) so there's no issue with that. Walden itself just blows. Pure and simple. Some professors are pretty good. Most are sub par; a few are pretty awful. Few actually "teach". Unlike my undergraduate experience, material here is mostly regurgitated stuff with little feedback given. Naturally, the onus is placed on the student at the master's level which is understandable. But that doesn't excuse lazy professors who give canned feedback (when you get any at all) or don't respond to direct questions. The cost for the MSW program is totally outrageous, especially when you learn that each of your classes are "5 quarter credits" instead of the usual 3 credits. So when you see that it's north of $500 bucks "per credit", remember that's PER QUARTER CREDIT. Yes, that means one class is about $2500, plus some additional fees. Books used to be included in the costs, but not anymore! So you're paying for books too. When Walden changed that part of their program, they lowered tuition by 1%. Do that math and see if a 1% decrease comes close to covering what you'll pay in books! SERIOUSLY? Academic advising is non existent, and those folks change constantly. You cannot enroll in your classes online, you are always emailing these people to ask to be put in the next classes. In the MSW program, you are required to complete two internships. You will receive virtually no assistance in locating these internships. They will tell you "We don't know your area". After making (I'm not joking) over 100 phone calls, sending out dozens of emails and even going into some local agencies with my resume and my fingers crossed, I had to push my field placement semesters back because I couldn't find anything. I was NOT alone in this. When I finally found someone to take me, the quality was so poor. Of course, I didn't want to say anything because if I did, then I'd probably have to find a NEW field placement. When it has taken you over five months to even FIND something (and yes, I live in a huge metropolitan area - most legitimate places simply said "We don't take interns from online universities" or in some cases, "We don't have any respect for Walden so we won't work with their interns") there's no way to rock the boat. I learned very little in my field placements because Walden didn't really care. There are other programs, even online ones, that assign the student intern to placements so they can control the quality of those placements. I knew people that flat out lied about their placements - either those who continued to work for their employers but told Walden they had a different assignment, or many who fudged their field hours. What a joke. As I stated, I graduated from Walden with a 3.5 GPA. Thus, I'm not an idiot, I'm not a poor time manager. The Walden "Cheerleaders" who allege that are just being defensive because they cannot admit that this school is really not that good. Yes, I learned some in my classes and I can sit for my social work exam. I'm wise enough not to consider engaging in therapy because frankly, I need to get some entry level jobs and gain some of the skills the program lacked. SERIOUSLY DO NOT BOTHER WITH THIS SCHOOL. Don't listen to the cheerleaders. You'll get an okay(ish) education at a huge price tag and with more garbage than a student should deal with. It's not a well respected University. GO ELSEWHERE!"

Jerry

Reviewed: 5/7/2016
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2017

"The only people I have seen struggle with the program are the ones that had severe personality disorders. I am thankful the workload washed them out. The workload is also right on target as Walden owning the largest library in the world provides students with the exact material we need. You may also put more into the course or less if you want and still earn an A as it is adult learning. People that cannot learn on their own often complain the most. I really have enjoyed the overall process and feel I excel in many areas over students from other schools such as understanding different models, interdisciplinary collaboration, applying evidence based practices, and scholar applications. Most of all Walden does not brainwash into the only clinical model of social work that is pushed in contemporary times. I am a little behind than other schools in role-playing client interactions but I have taken upon myself to learn therapy skills on my own. I feel I am well rounded and ready to handle the field the same or better than other brand new clinicians."