Walden University

Date: Dec 31 1969
Major: Education (This Major's Salary over time)
I am in one huge financial nightmare with Walden, and wanted to give candid advice to others about their EdD programs. My husband and I are on only my income, one car, so I thought that Walden would provide an easier way to deal with my transportation issues, as well as my schedule. My classes (2 years of them) were great, and challenging, although expensive for someone who has maxed out student loans. The course work for the Ed.D. included professors who were knowledgeable and provided honest feedback. I had to work very, very hard, but I have maintained a 4.0.

Now, the awful study process…my committee chair waits 6-8+ weeks to get back to me, and each member of my committee has steered me in a different direction, meaning that I am now a full year (and $14,000) BEHIND! Attend graduation? HOW? I have no more money, nor do I have a clue as to when I'll be done. It seems like they stall on purpose—the longer it takes, the longer they are paid. I asked the methods specialist for help, and he said that I was going behind my committee chair's back—I just want direct help and answers so that I can finish! I wish I could transfer. The classes were great, but the study process is ridiculous, unclear, and there is a huge lack of communication among the various members. I attended a regular University for my Bachelor's and Master's programs, an now I am regretting investing so much time/money into WU.

The disseertation experience has been horrendous! My committee is uninformed and uncaring, and I am the lowest priority. I am basically working on it alone, since my committee chair has no Special Ed. experience, and my entire study is based on Special Ed. My methodologist completely steered me in the wrong direction, and my chair provides no support, and the IRR professor won't just email me directly—and they won't all just have a conference call or discuss everything together, which would actually get me further through the process. Also there is no one for me to speak to about my concerns, and talking to the IRR professor directly—gasp—got me into "trouble" with the committee chair.

I'm an honest person, so I'm sorry if I ruffled your feathers, but I am paying for help and guidance, not this. And, academic advising is a joke! I am going to finish because I have spent so much money, but please think before investing in this school. If there was any way I could transfer these credits to another school, I would do so in a second! I am PRAYING to just get through the IRR process, and then to receive IRB approval. I am SO frustrated—really, think twice before enrolling.