Walden University

There seems to be mixed reviews on the value of degrees earned through online universities. News agencies have run stories about different programs, which sometimes miss the full story. The truth about the value of the degree lies with each person and each program.

I recently graduated with an MBA from Walden University, and at times during the program I questioned the value. It seemed that I was putting forward effort that was not being recognized by the faculty, or that may not be accepted by the community in which I lived and worked. But I came to some very clear understandings as I progressed through the program.

The faculty was there to help guide me if I needed help and to answer questions that the students presented. Ownership over the learning was up to me, and the value of the knowledge was what I carried away with me. It was up to me to recognize that I was learning and growing into a more educated individual, and that praise from the faculty was far secondary to my own wealth of knowledge.

And as for the community in which I live and work? The majority of the community is not concerned with what letters follow my name. Only that I am a productive part of that community.

As it turned out, Walden fit my needs perfectly. The learn-at-your-own-pace was structured in weekly increments to keep you on track. The students that were involved had as much energy as I did, and I made some great connections from the program. And I learned a great deal about business, enough to land myself a new job with a 33% increase in pay!