Walden University Online MBA & Dual Degree MSN/MBA
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The Walden University School of Management offers an online MBA with two pathways: course-based and competency-based. The course-based program is how degree programs are traditionally delivered. Students take the prescribed courses, receive grades, and eventually complete the program.
The course-based Walden MBA includes four concentrations: a general track, a self-designed track, healthcare management, and human resource management. This MBA requires 50 quarter credits and can be completed in just 15 months.
A competency-based MBA, where students can set their own learning pace, can be completed in as few as 11 months. These competency-based programs are ideal for self-motivated students who have strong time management skills. Competency-based programs approach learning from a skills perspective, requiring students to master skills rather than complete specific courses. This allows more flexibility in pacing and provides an avenue for students to complete their degrees faster and at a reduced cost.
In the Walden MBA competency-based programs, faculty members are available to online students to provide support as they move through the competencies. Faculty members administer exams, papers, and projects as necessary to assess competency.
The Walden MBA curriculum is career-focused, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and best practices. It utilizes innovative learning modalities, real-world assignments, and online discussions to enhance learning. The variety of concentrations offered speaks to the flexibility of the MBA program and the ability to cater to individual business aspirations. Courses or learning competencies are delivered in a prescribed sequence, and time-to-completion varies depending on part-time or full-time study, the concentration chosen, and individual progress through the programs.
Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher may apply. Applicants with a non-business bachelor’s degree must complete a non-credit “Business Essentials” course during the first semester. Graduates may go on to careers associated with their particular concentration, including positions such as chief financial officers (CFOs), financial directors, vice presidents, hospital administrators, technical managers, management analysts, and marketing directors.
Walden University also offers an MSN-MBA dual degree program. This program consists of 70 quarter credits and can be completed in as little as 2 years. The curriculum emphasizes critical business skills such as evidence-based decision making, creative problem solving, and strategy development for nursing practice. Dual degree program courses include policy and advocacy for improving population health; managing human resources; healthcare systems and quality outcomes; dynamic leadership; and managerial finance.
The Walden MBA programs are accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The MSN program of the MSN-MBA dual degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is operated out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is a completely online school with no physical campus.
| Program | Degree Type | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
| Dual Degree MS in Nursing / MBA | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
What to Expect from the Walden University Online MBA & Dual Degree MSN/MBA
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Walden online MBA program must hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Application materials include a fee, official transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation. GMAT and GRE test scores are not required. No work experience is necessary. As mentioned above, applicants without a business background must complete one extra non-credit course during their first semester.
Admission to the MSN-MBA dual degree program is available to registered nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Applicants must have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, as well as an active RN license in good standing.
Study Plan: Walden University’s online MBA program is a flexible option for professionals. It is generally a part-time program designed for working adults. Students can choose their start date, work from wherever is most convenient, and set a study schedule that suits them.
Course-based MBA programs require 50 quarter credits and can be completed in as few as 15 months. A competency-based MBA program can be completed in as few as 11 months. Students may transfer in up to 25 credits to reduce the time to completion.
Students may begin courses in the fall, spring, or summer, and courses last eight weeks each, with two per 16-week semester. Faculty support, peer collaboration, and networking are all part of the program. Typically, students spend about 15 to 20 hours per week on each course. The MSN-MBA dual degree program can generally be finished in two years.
General MBA Course-Based Program Curriculum: The course-based Walden University general MBA program consists of 50 quarter credits of coursework. The program includes 45 quarter credits of core courses and a five-credit capstone course in sustainable business practice and strategies. Core courses include dynamic leadership; managing people and promoting collaboration; fostering a culture of innovation; managing business information systems; communication for leaders and managers; improving business performance; accounting for management decision making; marketing for competitiveness; and managerial finance. In addition, business students with a non-business background must complete the non-credit course business essentials.
MBA with a Specialization Course-Based Program Curriculum: The course-based Walden University MBA with a specialization program consists of 50 credits of coursework. The program includes 30 quarter credits of core courses, 15 quarter credits of specialization courses, and a five-credit capstone course in sustainable business practice and strategies. Core courses include dynamic leadership; managing people and promoting collaboration; improving business performance; accounting for management decision making; marketing for competitiveness; and managerial finance. In addition, business students with a non-business background must complete the non-credit course business essentials.
Specialization Courses:
- MBA Healthcare Management Curriculum: delivery of healthcare; law and ethics in healthcare; and healthcare finance.
- MBA Human Resource Management Curriculum: individual and organizational performance management; human resource analytics; and conflict management and negotiation.
- MBA Self-Designed Curriculum: In the self-designed concentration, students may use transfer of credit from prior graduate work in the management or business discipline, choose three courses from the Walden MBA specializations in healthcare management, or human resource management, or select any of the following courses to equal 15 quarter credits. List of available courses include organizational perspectives and implications for leaders; contemporary challenges in business; complexity and systems thinking dynamics; organizational decision making and judgements; fostering a culture of innovation; managing business information systems; organizational leadership: doctoral theory and practice; business strategy and innovation for competitive advantage; principles of public administration; health policy and systems thinking; health communication in the 21st century; finance & budgeting for the public sector; human resources management and strategic planning; the global technology environment; systems analysis and design; personal leadership: mentoring and coaching; understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society; supporting information literacy and online inquiry in the classroom; new and emerging technologies; organizational and social dimensions of information systems; introduction to the nonprofit sector; and communication for leaders and managers.
Competency-Based Program Curriculum: The competency-based Walden MBA consists of 30 semester credits. Core competencies cover 27 semester-credits, including business essentials, dynamic leadership, managing people and promoting collaboration, fostering a culture of innovation, managing business information systems, communication for leaders and managers, improving business performance, accounting for management decision-making, marketing for competitiveness, and managerial finance. Students also complete a capstone (sustainable business practices and strategies).
Online Experience: Walden University uses the myWalden student portal as its online platform. All new students participate in an online orientation. Through the Walden online experience, students have access to academic and writing help. They also have online forums where they can discuss their career, work-life balance, and get help from peers, faculty, their academic advisor, and alumni. Overall, the platform allows students to navigate all that is required to complete their courses, view grades, and participate in class forums. Courses are delivered asynchronously and include weekly deadlines. Students also have access to round-the-clock technical support and Student Success Advising.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the Walden MBA as the program is completely online.
Paying for the Walden Online MBA & Concentrations
The tuition for all Walden online MBA programs is listed below. Online students should contact the admissions department of the Walden University School of Management for a customized tuition assessment, as fees may vary from year to year.
Walden University may offer grants and scholarships to graduate business students. In addition, students can apply for federal grants and loans through the FAFSA. Other options include securing financial help from outside resources, such as the community or other organizations. Finally, students should speak with their employer to see if they are eligible for a tuition reimbursement program.
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Quarterly |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 70 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in 24 months. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.5 GPA or Higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 70 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $550.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $38,500 |
Walden University Master of Business Administration (MBA)
SponsorFor the latest academic year, we have 185 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
- Walden has spent over 25 years perfecting education delivered online. Walden offers students a career-focused MBA program in a flexible online format
- Students can choose the general MBA program or a specialization in Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, or Self-Designed
- The specializations are available in the course-based format
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 50 |
| Time to Complete? | As little as one year. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's Degree |
| GPA Required? | 2.5 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 50 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $610.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $30,500 |
* Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 15 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-529-5933.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 to $1,200.
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