Walden University

Walden University's accredited programs have provided 45 years of higher education opportunities in trending careers for adult learners around the world. The university's mission seeks to develop professionals into scholar-practitioners who continually innovate career practices to improve community welfare and increase positive social change. Students at home and abroad pursue their passions in a variety of disciplines including health sciences, nursing, counseling, human services, psychology, education, public health, social work, criminal justice, management, administration and information technology. Walden's programs allow working professionals to become experts in their field and advance into leadership positions through degree work at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Access to affordable higher education occurs through regional campus locations across the country and distance education programs that reach students in all 50 states and more than 150 countries. Walden has earned recognition as a top school by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education for conferring degrees to minorities at the master's and doctoral levels across professions.

Walden University: Accreditation Details

Headquartered in Minnesota, Walden holds regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which allows it to confer bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degrees. The university also has program accreditation from the following organizations that oversee curriculum standards for their fields of study:

• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Project Management Institute (PMI)® Global Accreditation Center (GAC)
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

 
Regional and program accreditation applies to both traditional on-campus or online programs. In addition, Walden follows state authorization guidelines for conferring degrees outside of Minnesota.

Walden University: Application Requirements

Depending on student status, admissions requirements will vary. All students should submit a completed online application with appropriate requested documentation such as

• Official transcripts from high school or equivalent programs for first-time undergraduates,
• College transcripts listing course credits for transfer students,
• College transcripts documenting degrees obtained for master's or doctoral candidates,
• Applicable verified test scores from ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE, CLEP or TOEFL exams,
• Relevant employment history for entry into some master's or doctoral programs,
• Proof of active duty or retired military service,
• Written essay or goal statement for some programs.

 
Admissions counselors can assist prospective students with the application process. Certain types of information, such as relevant work or military experiences, may count towards degree requirements and accelerate a student's program.

Walden University: Tuition and Financial Aid

Since Walden tailors programs to individual professionals in each field, program costs vary by degree. Per credit cost for undergraduate courses averages $280, master's degree credits range between $550-$580 apiece, and doctoral expenses run upwards of $980 for each credit. Additional technology fees range from $120 to $160 per term. To alleviate financial obligations, Walden offers a variety of ways to trims costs. Students can apply for the following tuition-reduction opportunities through federal, state, local and university programs:

• Federal Student Aid, called FAFSA
• Federal Work Study Program
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Federal Pell Grants
• William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
• Federal PLUS Parent or Graduate Loans
• Federal Stafford or Perkins Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized government loans)
• GI Bill Education Benefits Program
• Military Tuition Assistance (active duty personnel)
• Veterans Affairs Benefits Program
• Organization Tuition Assistance (employer sponsored programs)
• Walden Tuition Reduction Program (for students outside the U.S.)
• Walden Tuition Grants (for new students residing in the U.S.)
• Walden Departmental and Program Scholarships
• Walden Alumni Tuition Program
• Walden Higher Education Professional Development Program
• Walden Family Savings Tuition Plan

Master of Science in Counseling Online at Walden University

Designed for professionals working in the health services industry, the online MS in Counseling degree offers a two-year pathway to obtaining advanced studies that can lead to career advancement and prepare candidates for licensure exams. The CACREP accredited curriculum develops competencies in understanding and using:

• Counseling theories
• Evidence-based research
• Diagnostic assessments
• Therapeutic tools and treatments
• Trending practices in the field

 
Academics are supported by experiential learning through a supervised 100 hour practicum and 600 hours of field work. Core studies for the 90 quarter credit generalist degree cover:

• General counseling foundations
• Lifespan development
• Diagnostic and assessment protocols
• Psychopharmacology
• General counseling techniques
• Psychotherapy principles and practices
• Principles of prevention, intervention and consultation
• Multicultural counseling
• Mental health counseling
• Groups process and dynamics
• Substance abuse counseling
• Educational counseling and assessment
• Career and vocational counseling
• Individual, couples, and family counseling
• Legal and ethical counseling issues
• Trauma, crisis and disaster response

 
Additionally, students can choose to specialize the generalist degree in one of five concentration areas with the addition of two courses per specialization:

• Career Counseling - focuses on counseling practices and vocational issues in academic, clinical and organizational settings. Candidates learn how to administer and interpret vocational assessments and to help students or clients make informed educational decisions and career choices. Studies include Academic and Career Counseling; and Career, Consultation and Assessment.

• Addiction Counseling - addresses the challenges faced by individuals and families as they struggle with addictive behaviors and their effects. Studies emphasizes trending treatment and intervention models designed to encourage recovery. Coursework includes Theories, Treatment, and Case Management; and Assessment in Counseling and Addiction.
• Forensic Counseling -  increases competencies in conflict management and negotiation to resolve conflicts. All candidates take Treatment of Forensic Populations and then choose one more course from Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Peace; Juvenile Justice, Delinquency, and Development; or Mental Health Law.
• Trauma and Crisis Counseling  - develops skills to intervene effectively, activate appropriate coping mechanisms, and support the public and first responders during emergencies. Requirements include Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue, and Crisis Management.
• Military Families and Culture -  examines the complex physical, mental and emotional challenges faced by military personnel and their families. Candidates look at the effects of prolonged separation, combat-related injuries, and associated post-traumatic stress on individuals and families. Studies cover Military Culture; and Working with Military Spouses, Families and Children.

 
No matter which concentration candidates choose, earning this trending online Master of Science in Counseling can open exciting career possibilities. If a counseling career sounds like a dream profession, then consider Walden University to make it a reality.