Walden University Online MBA (Including Self-Designed & Competency-Based Programs)

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MBA - Healthcare Management (Competency-Based)
• MBA - Human Resource Management
• MBA - Project Management (Competency-Based)
• MBA - Self-Designed

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The Walden University School of Management offers an online MBA which includes a general track, self-designed track, healthcare management, human resource management, and project management.

The Walden MBA with a general track includes a choice of two learning 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 three concentrations plus the self-designed MBA are course-based only, whereas the general MBA may be completed through competency-based learning.

Competency-based programs approach learning from a skills vantage point, requiring students to master skills rather than completing specific courses. This allows more flexibility in pacing and provides an avenue for students to complete their degrees faster and at a reduced cost. Walden University dubs this learning pathway Tempo Learning. In Tempo Learning, faculty members are available to online students to provide support as they move through the competencies. Faculty administer exams, papers, and projects as necessary to assess competency.

The Walden MBA requires the completion of 30 credits and can be completed in just one year through the fast-track program. If students have the time and capability to double up on courses, this can be a great option to complete an MBA in just one year. Otherwise, the program may be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years. For the general MBA, students complete 27 credits of core courses and a capstone. The MBA with a concentration or self-designed MBA requires the completion of 18 credits of core courses, nine credits of electives, and the capstone.

The online MBA curriculum is career-focused and emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and best practices, utilizing innovative learning modalities, real-world assignments, and online discussions. 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 the time to completion varies depending on the choice of 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, human resource managers, project managers, management analysts, and marketing directors.

The Walden MBA program is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Walden University is operated out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is a completely online school with no physical campus.

What to Expect from the Walden Online 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.

Study Plan: The Walden online MBA can be completed in as little as one year through the fast-track program. Typically the program is completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years. Students may transfer up to 15 credits to reduce the time to completion. The program begins 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 for each course.

Course-Based Program Curriculum: The course-based Walden MBA consists of 30 credits. The general MBA includes the following core courses: business essentials; dynamic leadership; managing people and promoting collaboration; fostering a culture of innovation; communication for leaders and managers; managing business information systems; improving business performance; marketing for competitiveness; accounting for management decision-making; and managerial finance. A capstone course in sustainable business practices and strategies rounds out the program.

The self-designed track and concentrations in human resource management, healthcare management, and project management complete the following core courses: business essentials; dynamic leadership; managing people and promoting collaboration; improving business performance; marketing for competitiveness; accounting for management decision-making; and managerial finance.

In addition, MBA students with a non-business background must complete the non-credit course business essentials.

Healthcare Management Concentration Courses: Contemporary topics in the U.S. healthcare delivery system; law, ethics, and policy and healthcare administration; and healthcare financial management and economics.

Human Resource Management Concentration Courses: Individual and organizational performance management, human resource analytics, and conflict management and negotiation.

Project Management Concentration Courses: Practices in project management, enterprise and risk management, and stakeholder management and organizational behavior.

Self-Designed Concentration Courses: In the self-designed concentration, students choose three approved electives to create their own concentration.

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, academic advisors, 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

Walden University charges $1,015 per credit for the online MBA and concentrations for a total tuition of $30,450 plus fees. 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 community or other organizations. Finally, students should speak with their employer to see if they are eligible for a tuition reimbursement program.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.