The university was founded in 1970 by two teachers who sought a way for adults in the workforce to pursue their doctoral degrees. Bernie and Rita Turner laid the groundwork for the university, in collaboration with Harold “Bud” Hodgkinson, a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley. One year earlier, Hodgkinson had published “Walden U.: A Working Paper,” an article that initiated the concept of a student-centered university. Brought together by a shared vision of a new kind of institution for higher education—one that focused on positive social change and allowed professionals to continue working while earning a degree—the educators named their institution “Walden University.”
Expand Your International Experience As a Walden student, you’ll be part of a learning community that includes faculty and students from cities across the United States and even around the world. Through collaborations in your online classrooms, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your perspective and gain invaluable insights into other cultures and workplaces. Walden University is also the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 60 accredited online and campus-based universities that spans 29 countries with more than 675,000 students worldwide. Our unique, multinational educational community creates opportunities for people everywhere to advance their lives and the communities they serve. Through the Laureate network, our students have access to: Study abroad opportunities. Student exchange opportunities. Unique dual programs through university partnerships. Learn how you’ll benefit from earning your degree from a leading accredited online university. Request information, call 1-866-492-5336 in the United States, or see a list of international phone numbers.
In 2001 U.S. News and World Report referred to Walden as "well regarded" and, in 2000, a "respected virtual institution." Fast Company, in its 1999 review of five entirely online schools, gave an "A" grade to Walden stating that they were "hard-pressed to give Walden any demerits". Walden’s Master of Business Administration program is listed among distance M.B.A. degree programs offered by 48 of the top business schools.