Walden University: Education Degrees and Programs for Shaping Future Leaders

Walden University offers a variety of education degrees designed to empower individuals to become catalysts for positive change in the field of education. With a focus on quality, flexibility, and student support, Walden provides a supportive learning environment for aspiring and current educators.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Walden University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990. This accreditation validates that the institution lives its mission, operates with integrity, offers programs that focus on student learning, hires academically qualified faculty, and provides the resources and support necessary for student success. The Tempo Learning® platform is also approved by HLC for each program where it is offered.

The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences at Walden University is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through June 2026. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs and promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Leadership in Education at Walden University

Walden University boasts experienced and dedicated leadership within its education programs:

Dr. Joseline Castaños: As the dean of The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences and Dean of Academic Success for the Division of Social Supports for Healthy Communities, Dr. Castaños brings over 20 years of experience as a K-12 educator and a visionary leader. She is committed to providing access to quality higher education for all, especially underrepresented communities. Her background includes degrees in secondary education, romance languages, TESOL, Human Resource Management, Human Services specializing in mental health, and a Ph.D. in Educational Technology.
Dr. Kelley Costner: Serving as the interim vice provost of the Division of Social Supports for Healthy Communities, Dr. Costner has held numerous academic and faculty positions at Walden University since 2004. These include dean for The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences, dean of the School of Higher Education, Leadership, and Policy in the Riley College of Education, associate dean for the college’s Administration and Postsecondary Education Division, and director of research studies for the EdD programs. Her research interests include culturally responsive pedagogy, African American learners, faculty development, and teacher attitudes and beliefs.

Degree Programs Offered

Walden University offers a range of education degrees to fit various career goals and interests:

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Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

The Walden BS in Elementary Education program prepares students to seek initial teacher licensure in elementary education through a curriculum aligned with licensure requirements. The program is designed for individuals who want to make a positive impact in elementary education, engage with children and families to promote healthy development and learning, and acquire the skills, knowledge, and dispositions of professional educators.

The program aligns with national professional standards and licensure requirements. Learning outcomes include:

Deep knowledge of children’s development, motivation, and learning.
Commitment to professional practice.
Skill in the areas of instruction, assessment, cultural responsiveness, technology, relationship-building, and collaboration.

Education Specialist (EdS) Degree

The Education Specialist (EdS) degree is designed for educators who are ready to contribute more to their learning environment and grow into higher-level roles. This online program helps educators advance as education leaders and problem-solvers. Walden offers eight education specialist degrees in a variety of disciplines, from learning innovation to special education. These programs are designed to help educators focus their expertise, build their confidence, and gain data-driven skills that promote professional growth.

Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies (Non-Licensure)

Walden’s MS in Early Childhood Studies (Non-Licensure) program is designed for individuals who want to impact children’s learning and development in a bigger way. This program helps students grow as leaders, mentors, and advocates. The master’s in early childhood education program is grounded in the most contemporary developments in the field, including play and creativity and trauma-informed teaching.

Graduates of the program will explore how children’s brains develop and how early experiences affect learning and social emotional development. They will gain strategies to advocate for the infusion of play and creativity into early childhood teaching and learning and apply their skills to case studies and virtual experiences in varied areas of expertise, from infants and toddlers to children in grades P-3.

Master of Science in Special Education

The master’s in special education at Walden provides instruction on how to support individuals with a large range of mild to severe disabilities that affect physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning. The curriculum provides a thorough exploration of special education reform and advocacy at the policy level and the legal implications of leading change in special education, along with courses in instructional design and the implementation of intervention models. Graduates of the program will come away with stronger leadership skills and be better prepared to support a diverse population of students with special needs.

EdS in Special Education

The EdS in Special Education at Walden University is intended for individuals interested in developing the unique blend of skills it takes to help children and young adults with special needs achieve important milestones in growth and learning. The aim of the program is to turn experienced educators into effective leaders, change agents, and advocates for the special education community.

This non-licensure master’s program is designed for career-minded special education teachers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and who are interested in lending their talents in leadership and advocacy roles in schools, community organizations, government, and even at the university level. With a curriculum aligned with CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) Professional Preparation Standards, the coursework introduces students to the latest knowledge and data-driven insights on developing effective IEPs and other interventions.

Learning Formats

Walden University offers flexible learning formats to accommodate students' unique needs and schedules:

Course-Based Learning: This traditional format involves structured courses with set deadlines and instructor-led learning.
Tempo Learning®: This alternative, competency-based format allows students to work at their own pace and progress once they have demonstrated understanding of a subject. Students are billed a flat rate for each 3-month subscription term.

Admissions and Transfer Credits

Admissions requirements for online education programs typically include the submission of a completed online application and transcripts from other institutions.

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Walden University may accept transfer credits from other institutions. For transfer of credit into undergraduate programs, you must have earned credit:

At any time in the past, with the exception of selected technology courses.
With a posted grade of a C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
That aligns with applicable program or degree requirements.

For transfer of credit into graduate programs, you must have earned credit:

Within 10 years of enrolling in your Walden program.
With a posted grade of a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
That aligns with applicable program or degree requirements.

Student Support and Resources

Walden University is committed to providing a supportive environment and a wide range of resources to help students succeed. These resources include faculty and student support teams dedicated to student success.

Research and Residencies guides and promotes quality in all aspects of doctoral research and residencies in The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences. In collaboration with Walden University’s Office of Research and Doctoral Services, Research and Residencies supports student success through the administration of The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences University Research Reviewers and the supervision of the Riley College Research Courses and Doctoral Forums. Research and Residencies also coordinates the EdD and PhD residencies for the Riley College working closely with Walden University’s Academic Residencies team. Face-to-face and virtual residencies are offered to students throughout the year in various parts of the country.

Career Opportunities

An education degree from Walden University can open doors to a variety of career opportunities. Graduates may pursue roles as teachers, administrators, curriculum developers, instructional designers, and leaders in various educational settings.

For those with an MS in Early Childhood Education, career options range from postsecondary teaching and advocacy roles to administrative and leadership positions within early childhood learning environments. Career options include childcare administrator or the assistant director, director, or owner of a childcare center, preschool director or a program administrator for early childhood programs, child development instructor or an early childhood studies lecturer.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Walden University participates in many federal financial aid programs, such as Federal Pell Grants and TEACH Grants. It also offers scholarships and fellowships for education students, such as the Don E. Ackerman Research Fellowship in Educational Leadership. The Believe & Achieve Scholarship is also available to reduce tuition costs.

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