Course Description
Introductory Course
EDUC 8100 Foundations: Higher Education and Adult Learning (6 sem. cr.)
The purpose of this course is to engage learners with the environment, expectations, and content of doctoral work in the Higher Education and Adult Learning program. Through participating in the course, learners develop 1) facility with Walden University’s online learning environment and understanding of the university’s and the program’s support systems and expectations and outcomes, 2) knowledge about the field, synthesized with reflection on one’s own experience and goals, and 3) doctoral-level critical-thinking and writing skills.
General Courses
EDUC 8101 How Adults Learn: Theory and Research (6 sem. cr.)
Adult learning is both similar to and different from learning at any age. In this course, learners examine similarities and differences, focusing on developmental theory and the wide range of research that supports it. Learners explore adult learning theories from andragogy to transformation, including phase and stage developmental theories, and also examine effects of gender and culture on adult learning. Reflection about the relationship of this material to learners’ own experiences is expected.
EDUC 8102 Applied Research in Education (6 sem. cr.)
In Applied Research in Education, learners develop a broad understanding of theoretical frameworks and of the appropriate use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The course also focuses on methods designed specifically for studying adult development and how adults learn. Methods are explored through studying the philosophy of research and particular research strategies, reviewing literature in the field, and searching for and critically analyzing literature relating to students’ individual interests.
EDUC 8103 Designing and Assessing Learning Experiences (6 sem. cr.)
Research has considerably expanded our knowledge of adult learning and development in recent years. These gains have resulted in a new paradigm for the design and assessment of learning experiences. In this course, students 1) advance their understanding of research methods as they examine literature about design and assessment and 2) apply research-based principles to design a project that develops learning experiences for a specific population of adults, whether on-site, online, or through a blended hybrid model.
EDUC 8104 Facilitating Adult Learning (6 sem. cr.)
Grounded in research and theory about learning differences, this course explores the repertoire of practices that facilitate adult learning from both the teaching and learning perspectives. These practices range from mentoring and coaching to collaborative engagement and reflective practices. Learners deepen their understanding of research methods both through critiquing articles and by designing research studies to investigate specific learning practices.
EDUC 8105 Adult Learning: Trends, Issues, Global Perspectives (6 sem. cr.)
Since our current state of knowledge is guaranteed to change as research and technological innovations continue, it is necessary that we all function as lifelong learners. In this course, we examine some intriguing and potentially critical directions in adult learning; these include brain research, new technologies, and the impact of globalization. Learners have opportunities to examine and reflect on effects of these trends on their own areas of interest, including the possibility of participation (online or physically) at one of the campuses in the Laureate International Universities network.
EDUC 8106 Project Study: Research in Practice (6 sem. cr.)
This course provides an opportunity to design the project study in collaboration with program colleagues. In addition to reading about developing proposals in general, learners analyze examples of Walden University Ed.D. doctoral proposals about a range of projects. Learners also further explore the research methods or project types that they may incorporate in their own doctoral studies. Finally, learners engage in the iterative process of writing their own proposals in which feedback from peers and course instructors is included.
Doctoral Study Intensive
EDUC 8090 Doctoral Study Intensive (12 sem. cr.)
The doctoral study demonstrates a student’s scholarly talents to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; or theoretical or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, the doctoral study is to be a rigorous, original inquiry that results in new knowledge, demonstrating its efficacy in the world of practice. The goal of the doctoral study is for the educational leader to conduct an investigation that focuses on learning, teaching, and leading within a designated community. Note: The final two semesters of the Ed.D. program are dedicated to the doctoral study. If the doctoral study is not approved by the end of the second semester, students stay enrolled in 8090 until formal approval is granted. Additional semesters needed for completion of the doctoral study do not earn credit.
Residency Requirement
Students must fulfill one residency requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to fulfill this requirement in either the first or second semesters of their program, and they are required to complete this requirement by the end of their third semester.
Academic residencies give doctoral students the opportunity to work face-to-face with faculty, staff, and other doctoral students. Through seminars, classes, and individual advising sessions, you network with the Walden community and enhance your research, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Academic residencies allow students to share experiences and insights and build a strong support group.
Residencies are held throughout the year at convenient locations across the country. A few residencies for advanced students are held in conjunction with conferences of some professional associations. Most residencies convene for three days. For more information on residencies, including residency locations, please call your enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.
