Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through June 2026. This accreditation covers specific Walden initial teacher and advanced educator preparation programs, including the BS in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education (K–Age 21) specialization, MS in Education - Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) specialization, and Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) Program . The MAT-SPED, MSED-ELA, and EdS-ELA programs were reviewed by Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs), which define content-area standards for programs, and achieved national recognition.
CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Walden’s College of Education and Human Sciences has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
Licensure: Acceptance of education degrees from Walden University by individual states for the satisfaction of certification or licensure requirements rests with each state. Walden’s advisors can provide individuals with basic guidelines and other information about state requirements. It remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with the regulations and other requirements for the state in which he or she resides.
Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden’s programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.
Learn more about the Undergraduate Minors and Accelerate Into Master’s (AIM) Programs.
Mission
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences employs innovative programs and inclusive learner-centered pedagogies to empower diverse scholars and practitioners to actualize innovation and positive social change for the communities they serve. The College prepares transformative leaders and equips them to inspire, influence, and impact their diverse communities while advancing research and discovery for the global good.
Vision
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences endeavors to be a premier leader in online education offering transformative and interdisciplinary programs aligned to the social determinants of health. The College endeavors to empower diverse scholars and practitioners to become globally conscious citizens who advance healthy communities and positive social change.
Research and Residencies
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. These residencies provide socialization opportunities using innovative technologies and principles of adult learning to develop scholar-practitioners who think critically and contribute to the greater social good.