Walden University Receives Approval to Offer Online Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2002

Business & Technology Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2002

Business Administration and Information Systems Courses

to be Launched in January 2003

Walden University today announced it has received approval from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to introduce online Bachelor of Science degree completion programs in business administration and information systems beginning in January, 2003.

Offered through Walden's School of Management, these programs are designed for students who have earned some college credit hours or who have an associate's degree from a community college, and wish to complete their bachelor's degree.

The new bachelor degree completion programs represent the final phase in Walden University's development as a comprehensive distance learning university. For more than 30 years, Walden has offered Ph.D. and Master's degrees, at a distance, in education, business management, psychology and health and human services. Many of Walden's existing faculty members and support staff will apply that experience and background to the new bachelor degree completion program to ensure a smooth and successful program start.

"We are thrilled to be able to extend to undergraduate students the same focus on quality, integrity and student-centeredness that has always been a part of our Ph.D. and Master's degree programs," said Paula Peinovich, executive vice president and provost of Walden University. "Like graduate students, today's undergraduate students must balance personal and professional commitments with their desire to complete their degrees. Walden's experience and commitment to providing the best in distance learning programs will serve them well."

The Walden Bachelor of Science degree program with majors in Business Administration and Information Systems will provide students with a solid grounding in the core knowledge and competencies required in today's sophisticated business environment. The programs are results-oriented and extend beyond theories and conceptual understanding to practical application. Students will become current on the latest business ideas and practices through seven continually updated concentrations ranging from finance, to global business, to marketing. The degrees will be offered totally online, making them accessible to working adults.

To gain admission to the Bachelor of Science degree program, students must hold an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from an accredited community college, or have a minimum of 90-quarter credits of general education and elective course work earned at the undergraduate level.

Peinovich added that with the degree completion program in place, Walden is interested in partnering with community colleges to help students move seamlessly from a two-year to a four-year program. "Community colleges throughout the country recognize the need to provide their students with educational opportunities beyond a two-year degree, but many state universities and colleges at the local level cannot accommodate the increased number of applicants and enrollees," she said. "Walden University's new Bachelor of Science degree completion program will allow us to work together with community colleges to offer students a one-stop learning experience. Students will be admitted into the bachelor's degree program at the outset, take up to 90 semester credit hours at their community college, and complete their degree, online, with Walden University - without being required to leave their local community."

For more information on Walden University's new bachelor degree completion program, visit www.waldenu.edu or call 1-866-4WALDEN (1-866-492-5336).

About Walden University

Walden University (www.waldenu.edu ), America's premier online university, offers graduate degrees at a distance in education, business, public health and the social and behavioral sciences, as well as bachelor degree completion programs in business administration and information systems. Walden's student-centered e-learning model allows students to pursue career-enhancing, advanced degrees without sacrificing their personal and professional commitments. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Walden University has graduated thousands of students from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Walden University is 51% owned by Sylvan Ventures, a research and investment arm of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLVN).

About North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org) was founded in 1895 as a membership organization for educational institutions. It is committed to developing and maintaining high standards of excellence.

The Association is one of six regional institutional accrediting associations in the United States. Through its Commissions it accredits, and thereby grants membership to educational institutions in the nineteen-state North Central region.