Walden University

Date: Dec 10 2008
Major: Public Policy (This Major's Salary over time)
I just completed my M.P.A in Public Administration with a specialization in Public Policy from Walden University. On December 1 of this year, I started the Doctorate Program. As with every online university, you only get back what you put into it. Unfortunately, there are countless people who cannot fathom any higher education program where the instructor fails holds your hand 100% of the time.

People, online learning is FAR more challenging than a brick and mortar college/university. I got my undergraduate degree from Indiana University. At those places, the discussion portion of your class grade basically amounts to sitting in a class listening to a professor tell you his/her own opinions on the subject matter. Those 'discussions' at Walden are ALL in writing - which means a student must provide more than 'in my opinion' or 'I think' answers that make the cut at campuses. You have to make valid points backed up with scholarly sources. At Walden University, you have to actually READ and COMPREHEND the course material - which is extensive. But the reward for completing such a difficult program is a level of education and writing skills that is unmatched by any other program available.

As far as the quality of the degree and its weight for future employment, I was offered a regulatory position with a major telecom as a tariff compliance specialist WEEKS before I even completed my final course based on the fact that I was set to receive the degree. I now make $76,000/year, have paid health/life insurance, three weeks of paid vacation, paid holidays, seven paid personal days, 100% matching 401K, and my Ph.D. tuition and books at Walden paid for by my employer.