Walden University Reviews

When asked for further edification on subjects that are not comprehensible, SMEs typically direct students to the Writing Review Center or send a link to a video on paper structure, rather than explaining what could improve the submission for future real-world application. For example, I was told by an SME that the company I was researching was not a reliable source for its own mission and vision. Instead, I was advised to use a ratings and review platform as a more accurate and credible resource. When I asked the individual overseeing the Tempo program to explain this directive, he stated, "Companies lie all the time. If you go to the webpage for the flat-earther society, you will see that." When I questioned if this comparison was reasonable, given that the company I was researching is publicly traded, and why the company would lie about its mission and vision but an unrelated website wouldn't, he became defensive and refused to answer.

Another SME told me to make changes to a paper simply because she wanted me to, even though these changes were not aligned with the rubric. Additionally, the individual overseeing the program has encouraged me not to ask questions and to just make the changes to my papers without understanding the "why." His instruction was to follow the SME's way in school but do it my way in real life. My reason for choosing Walden was not due to it being a reputable institution or one that would reflect well on a resume; instead, I went with the cheaper option. I am learning the very hard way that cheaper is not better. Had I known this would be my experience in the beginning, I would have avoided this institution at all costs.

I have completed all of my courses and was set to graduate in May of 2024, however now I have no idea when, if ever, I will graduate. I will soon have to begin paying back over $30,000 of student loans for a degree I may never possess. I have an academic advisor who is like talking to a robot and a field coordination system with no connections with NJ agencies. Any attempts to contact anyone higher up have been futile. There is no one to talk to. I highly recommend that you take your money to a non-profit, reputable college or university.

My chairperson would tell me exactly how she wanted me to write the title and later tell me it was wrong. In other areas, she would tell me exactly how she wanted me to word it and then later make more recommendations to correct what she said previously. It feels that this is a game, and I am on the losing end as the one with no power. Yet, the faculty state that this is all a normal process. Now I have a new chairperson, and I guarantee you, in the end, it will be the same game. "Yes, these things will work, and you have great information," but will continue to string you along. I even utilized their alignment appointment system with other doctorate faculty who would look at my prospectus and tell me that I have great alignment, only for my chairperson to later state otherwise.

Other doctorate faculty would say yes, this is great, and you should have no problem going on to the next stage with a proposal, only for my chairperson to recommend more changes. They do not have a solid system, and a rubric was never filled out for me during each stage as it should have been. I was just now given the MyDR and Taskmanager link to upload my prospectus with other board members when I did everything in CANVA/Module for previous quarters.

Anyhow, for those who don't fully understand the language here I am using, to be blunt, it all feels like a scam. I think my doctorate is being held hostage. A few years Walden had a lawsuit brought against them for treating ** female students with bias and prejudice, specifically in the doctorate program where they dangle a carrot and tell you to try and catch it but keep pulling it further and further away. Yes, ** students successfully pass and obtain their doctorate. I am sure those are the passive ones who don't seem to have a problem, never make a complaint, and continue to take it until they pass. However, my mama didn't raise a fool, and I am not one to bend over and just take it.

When I ask questions, no one seems to have any logical answers as to what is going on or why things are not linear in this process of making needed corrections, fine-tuning things continually to where you should be able to reach an end after two semesters to then move on to the next stage. If I had to do it all over, I would have gone to where I received my Master's from the University of New England. That was the most challenging but best education I have ever received. They have professionals who will hold you to high standards but also hold themselves to those same standards.

I want to change programs without entirely starting the coursework at another University, such as the University of New England, but that isn't possible. All universities will have you start over if you are this far in the program with your research, so I encourage others to make sure they do not begin the doctorate program at Walden University until they do thorough research.

- During the two years, I had probably four different academic advisors (some of my classmates did not have that experience). It would have been nice to have one solid person; all of mine were very professional and nice.

- GRADUATION CEREMONY: Walden has two ceremonies a year, and the location changes, which is fine. But not only do they require you to purchase the grad regalia, they also charge $300 just to attend an in-person ceremony. After spending THOUSANDS, I feel they should not be charging that. I would have gone otherwise!!