Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Middle School Teachers
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at University of Minnesota.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Minnesota State Moorhead, Saint Cloud State, Bemidji State, and Augsburg.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Hamline and MCTC.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Concordia, The College of Saint Scholastica, and University of St Thomas.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Martin Luther, Minnesota State Moorhead, University of Minnesota, and Winona State University.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Martin Luther, Gustavus Adolphus College, Concordia, and Bemidji State.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Gustavus Adolphus College, University of Minnesota, Concordia, and University of St Thomas.
- % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at University of Minnesota, Augsburg, and Concordia.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Gustavus Adolphus College, Concordia, Augsburg, and University of St Thomas.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
Walden University • Minneapolis, MN
Studying Master's Of Education, Middle School Focus (completion in 2006)
• 8/2/2011
"Walden University provided a thorough education that was instantly applicable to my career. Coursework was often able to be implemented directly into my classroom and could be discussed with my collegiate and professional peers and instructors. This ongoing and immediate impact on my effectiveness as a teacher was far beyond what I expected out of the program."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Walden University provides an educational program that will directly impact how well you perform in your classroom. That impact, combined with the flexibility of online coursework, responsive instructors, and excellent curriculum, make this a one-of-a-kind program. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | Like many distance education providers, Walden's reputation suffers from the general misconceptions held by the public. While Walden is fully accredited and offers rigorous coursework, it still needs to work hard to overcome the stigma of distance-learning. Continued positive alumni reviews and additional accreditations and accolades will continue to improve the reputation of the university. |
| Program Quality | 7 | Walden University provides a challenging and thorough education in regards to teaching. Courses and texts were always current and were led by knowledgeable instructors. Unlike many other university programs, Walden's coursework is tailored to provide information that is immediately useful to existing classroom teachers. |
| Instruction | 8 | Walden's program was focused on issues and models at the forefront of the discipline. Coursework utilized a broad group of well-known and respected researchers and practitioners discussing current educational developments. Additionally, all coursework and texts were continually supplemented with current relevant journal articles. |
| How Difficult | 8 | The volume of scholarly writing required by Walden University far exceeded the demands of other universities I've attended. On average, one five to seven page paper was due weekly. Each weekly writing assignment generally required reading and synthesizing three to five current research articles from trade journals, the week's class discussions. and any additional readings and viewings from the course texts and/or videos. The criteria by which the papers were assessed was as rigorous as any I've seen used. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Coursework and weekly discussions often also included a component to use in your own classroom with your own students. The work of your own students and your reflections on that work was often utilized in follow-up discussions or in the development of your program portfolio. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | As a distance-learning institution, Walden University has the standard advantage that classwork can be done at a time convenient to the student. Generally, each week's classwork has several deadlines for discussion, reflection, and assessment, but there are no set times during which each of these tasks need to be completed. Additionally, instructors were generally understanding about issues that would require shifting one or more deadlines. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | Walden University maintains an extensive research library which is available to students at any time through an online portal. Video media that is necessary to the coursework is always shipped directly to the student and is often conveniently available online as well. Course instructors are available by email and some offer additional tutoring through it as well. Academic advisors are available through both email and direct phone communication. Tutors and an excellent writing lab are also available to help students. |
| Social Life | 5 | Walden University is a distance-learning institution. As such, there are few opportunities for social experiences. That said, due to the design of the degree programs, most of the courses are with the same cohort of students. Class discussions over the course of the program provide multiple opportunities to work with other members of your cohort. |
| Placement Services | 5 | As Walden University is generally focused on advanced degrees and continuing education that serves the needs of an already employed student, the job placement services are based entirely on professional networking. Additionally, the alumni program also provides networking connections that may help with professionals seeking new placement or location changes. |
| Alumni Network | 6 | Walden University's alumni program is similar to the programs of every other university I've attended. Members are able to connect with each other, maintain professional contacts, and stay abreast of college events through the alumni website. The only particularly remarkable feature is that the alumni program provides continued access to the university's extensive research library through an online portal. |
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