Walden University Online Psychology Doctorate Review
Walden University is a regionally accredited, online university that offers many master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology and related fields. Today, students from more than 100 countries and all 50 states pursue degrees online at this university. Other related degree subject areas are health sciences, counseling, human services, education, social work and public health. (Walden.edu).
Favorite Features
Ph.D. program is available in several popular concentrations
Do you have a specific area of psychology you intend to focus on in your doctoral program? Walden University probably has an option for you. Concentrations available are:
- Clinical psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Industrial and organizational psychology
- Accelerated psychology option
- Forensic psychology
Students also have the option to create a blended Ph.D. program in consultation with their staff advisor.
Also, the university has a Psy.D. in Behavioral Health Leadership. With these many options at your disposal, you should be able to find a program that fits your career needs in psychology. If you have a similar interest, you also can take doctoral classes in social work, counseling and human and social services.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
One of the vital factors to consider, especially with an online college, is accreditation. A university that is accredited by a major accreditation agency has shown that it meets solid standards of quality. This means that your future employers should hold your degree in high regard, whether it was earned on campus or online.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is recognized as a respected accreditation body by the US Department of Education.
Ph.D. in clinical psychology has both online and practical experience components
The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from this accredited university provides you with the skills and background to work as an educator, researcher, practitioner or consultant in many clinical environments or private practice situations.
This is a blended program that features mostly online doctoral courses in psychology, but also an academic year in residence, where the student is provided with crucial, hands on experience.
Scholarships and discounts are available for the Ph.D. program
Students can receive an $3000 grant and their first residency with no fee if you live in the United States and start the program within a specified period. Check site for details. (*Walden.edu).
Strong student services staff at Walden
The university is known for providing students with exceptional student services. There is 24/7 technical support, as well as a writing center to assist with your dissertation, a large career services center and much more. Students in this program will never feel alone and without the help they need.
Many start dates available for Ph.D. in psychology program
Some universities offer only a handful of start dates for a doctoral program. Walden University offers many throughout the year, so you will always be able to find a start time that fits with your busy personal and professional life.
Least Favorite Features
Ph.D. in psychology program has no accreditation
Like many online psychology degree programs, this program is not accredited by a major accreditation body. The APA does not provide accreditation for online programs, so it is hard to know the level of quality the program has.
Program is expensive for an unaccredited online university
With the dissertation included, the total tuition for this degree can be nearly $70,000. This is a high price for a program that has no accreditation. It is possible some employers will question the value of the degree due to no program accreditation.
On time graduation rates are low
As with many online, for profit universities, the ontime graduation rate within four or six years is low. At Walden, it is only 20%. This means there are many students who either take many years to graduate, or drop out.
However, another point of view is that some students attend part time and may take more than six years to earn their degree.
The Details
- Year established: 1970
- For profit
- Based in Minneapolis, MN
Degrees offered
- Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Psychology – 65 quarter credits required
Concentrations
- Clinical psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Industrial and organizational psychology
- Accelerated psychology option
- Forensic psychology
Tuition
- Full Ph.D. program – $70,000
Student Facts
- Average age of students is 39
- 52,000 students live in all US states and more than 155 nations
- University is #1 in the country for accredited universities that award Ph.D.s to African Americans
- Walden students loan default rate is 6.8%, which is well below the 12% average for the entire US
- Most students that are hired by companies have employers who say (97%) that they would hire another graduate from Walden University
*Indicates school is a Featured Partner. Click here for disclosure on Featured Partners.
References
- About Walden University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://info.waldenu.edu/about-walden
- Walden University Graduation and Retention Rates. (n.d.). https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/walden-university/academic-life/graduation-and-retention/
- Walden University Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/resource/walden-facts