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Flexibility Designed for Working Adults

When it comes to online education, one size does not fit all. At Walden, you can choose the learning option that works best for you.
woman at home in front of laptop
woman at home in front of laptop

Flexibility Designed for Working Adults

At Walden, you can choose the learning option that works best for you.

ONLINE PROGRAMS

Our flexible online learning environment lets you log in when it’s convenient for you.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO LEARN

Walden offers you more than one way to learn; choose the one that fits you best.

MULTIPLE START DATES

Choose a date that fits your schedule.

A University for Working Professionals

As an adult learner, you have your own learning style. You also have a full schedule. That’s why we offer online education options designed to fit your needs.

Course-Based Learning

If you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule, the standard course-based format, may be a good choice for you.

Tempo Learning®

If you prefer to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program, Tempo Learning® may be a good choice for you.

Course Based

Instructor-led

Engage in a course-by-course experience, where you progress on a predetermined schedule. This format allows you to learn alongside your peers, participating in weekly discussions and meeting established deadlines for assignments. Your cost is based on how many credits you need to complete your program.

Ideal for students who are newer to online education and prefer structure, working with others, and having set deadlines.

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Register and pay by course.

Course lengths are predetermined, based on program.

Faculty guide you through each course.

Scheduled due dates allow you make steady progress.

Tempo Learning®

Self-paced

Learn independently―with no set deadlines―while being supported by faculty and a personal academic coach. Complete assessments when you’re ready, move through familiar subjects quickly, and take extra time on new subjects. Your cost is based on the pace at which you complete your program.

Ideal for highly motivated, independent students with strong organizational and time management skills.

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Enroll in unlimited classes in three-month subscription periods.

Create a self-paced schedule that fits your lifestyle.

Personal Academic Coach guides you through your program.

Available for 25+ selected programs and specializations.

Decide How to Complete Your Degree

You have a unique learning style—and a unique schedule. That’s why Walden offers you more than one way to learn.

LEARNING STYLE QUIZ

Which path is right for me?

Programs Offering Tempo Learning®

Tempo Learning is available in 25+ programs and specializations

Discover which Walden degree programs offer the Tempo Learning® option.

410 programs
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
/online-doctoral-programs/doctor-of-business-administration
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
/online-doctoral-programs/doctor-of-nursing-practice
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
/online-doctoral-programs/phd-in-counselor-education-and-supervision

Why Choose Tempo Learning®? How Does Tempo Learning® Work?

Our Tempo Learning® competency-based format focuses on the individual skills adult learners need in their career. Combine your experience with Walden resources to learn specific topics, or competencies, and demonstrate competence through assessments. Rely on dedicated faculty and Academic Coach support.

You set your schedule with Tempo Learning®. No deadlines or set class times. When you’re ready, take an assessment to certify your knowledge and skill in a topic. Then, move on to the next topic and assessment.

Tempo video

Tempo Learning® in Action

Assessment When you are ready, demonstrate your knowledge and skill. Subscribe to Tempo Learning®Enroll in your 3-month all-you-can-learn subscription period.Advance at your own pace. Set your schedule. There are no deadlines or class times. Feedback Receive feedback on your assessment from faculty.Assessment Achieved Move on to the next topic. Coursework Combine your experience with Walden learning resources to learn individual topics. Tap into your Academic Coach or Walden faculty.

Hear it From Our Students

Current MSN student Adrienne is a busy mom, wife, entrepreneur, and full-time employee who needed a degree program that fits her schedule and budget. Walden’s three-month, fixed-fee, all-you-can-learn subscription model delivered.

Still wondering if Tempo Learning® is a good fit for you? Our Enrollment Specialists are here to give you answers.

Adrienne Messer
Sonya Anthony

ALUMNI VOICES

“Walden's Tempo Learning® was perfect for me … I loved the flexibility of not having due dates for assignments.”
Sonya Anthony, DSW ’22
Learn more

FAQ

What is Tempo Learning®?

Tempo Learning® by Walden University is a way for students to earn their degree by demonstrating what they know, when they know it. Tempo Learning® allows students to have more control over their schedule and even impact the length of time their degree takes and total cost of their program.

The Tempo Learning® experience is competency-based, meaning you progress by demonstrating knowledge of a subject, when you are ready. It is a different way to complete your Walden degree vs. the traditional course-based experience.

What are competencies?

Competencies are the skills, knowledge, and abilities a student needs to be successful in their chosen career field. When choosing to do a degree in the Tempo Learning® format, students demonstrate competencies instead of completing courses. This ensures that every graduate can show their current or future employer the specific skills and abilities they’ve learned in their Walden degree program.

How much will my degree cost?

Tempo Learning® is a custom-paced learning experience – that means that you can learn at the pace that is right for you. With no set weekly deadlines, you can speed up or slow down as your time or knowledge allows. Time to completion therefore varies for each student, based on their available time, experience, and personal goals - your Enrollment Specialist can give you an idea of how long a specific program may take you.

How long will it take me to complete my program?

Tempo Learning® is a custom-paced learning experience – that means that you can learn at the pace that is right for you. With no set weekly deadlines, you can speed up or slow down as your time or knowledge allows. Time to completion therefore varies for each student, based on their available time, experience, and personal goals - your Enrollment Specialist can give you an idea of how long a specific program may take you.

How do I interact with faculty?

Walden faculty members engage proactively in your learning, sharing their expertise to clarify concepts or provide additional information to ensure you gain the knowledge you need to impact your career. With each competency, you’ll work with experienced Walden faculty members who offer extended support and guidance on content and learning support tools, such as embedded resources, short quizzes, and knowledge checks. Though you have the ability to work independently and at your own pace, faculty are always easily accessible.

Tempo Learning® FAQs

What is Tempo Learning®?

Tempo Learning® from Walden University is a way to earn your degree by demonstrating what you know, when you know it. By having more control over your schedule, you can impact the length of time your degree takes and even the total cost of your program.

The Tempo Learning® experience is competency-based, meaning you progress by demonstrating knowledge of a subject, when you are ready. It’s a different approach to online flexible learning compared to our course-based experience.

What are competencies?

Competencies are the skills, knowledge, and abilities you need to be successful in your chosen field. With Tempo Learning®, you demonstrate competencies instead of completing courses. This ensures you can show your current or future employer the specific skills and abilities you’ve learned in your Walden degree program.

How much will my degree cost?

Tempo Learning® is a subscription-based model offering three-month, fixed-price subscription periods. The cost for each subscription period is the same, no matter how many competencies you complete during that time. Your total costs will depend on how much progress you make during each subscription period. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist for a personalized estimate of your program costs and completion timeframe.

How long will it take me to complete my program?

Tempo Learning® involves learning at your own pace. With no set weekly deadlines, you can speed up or slow down as your time or knowledge allows. Time to completion therefore varies for each student, based on their available time, experience, and personal goals. Your Enrollment Specialist can give you an idea of how long a specific program may take you.

How do I interact with faculty?

Walden faculty members take an active role in your learning, sharing their expertise to clarify concepts or provide additional information. Their goal is to ensure you gain the knowledge you need to advance your goals. Throughout your studies, you'll work with experienced faculty who will guide you through learning resources and provide valuable feedback on assessments.

Is Tempo Learning® really “at your own pace?”

The self-paced nature of Tempo Learning® means you can complete courses at a speed that fits your knowledge level, schedule, and learning style. You can progress through your coursework as quickly as you’d like; however, there are minimum progression requirements you must meet. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist to learn more.

The progress you make now pays you back.

For Tempo Learning programs, you’ll receive one tuition-free subscription period for every four subscription periods you successfully complete.*

We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.

*See Scholarship Details for more information.

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