The General Program and the specializations in Adult Education Leadership, Community College Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, and Special Education include specialized KAMs (V and VI) and are designed to allow students to focus on theoretical issues within their chosen disciplines. Through research, students compare contemporary professional practices, strategies, and ethics.
The Community College Leadership and K–12 Educational Leadership specializations allow a practicum to be taken in place of the Advanced Research Sequence. The specialization in K–12 Educational Leadership uses a specialized curriculum that includes 28 credits of online coursework instead of specialized KAMs.
The specialization in Educational Technology, which is designed to reflect the International Society for Technology in Education standards in Technology Facilitation and Technological Leadership, uses a specialized curriculum that includes 37 credits of online coursework in place of specialized KAMs and the Advanced Research Sequence.
The General Program is intended for students whose professional practice and career goals cover a range of educational topics or are interdisciplinary, combining specific education subjects with complementary subjects from the social and behavioral sciences or the humanities.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAMs I–III as described under the Core Curriculum (42 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation (14 cr.)
This KAM examines theoretical foundations of the learning process with its associated phenomena, such as intelligence, cognition, motivation, and their implications for educators. Students demonstrate mastery of classical and contemporary theory and research knowledge as background for use in teaching, and learning facilitation of, students in a range of educational settings.
Breadth: EDUC 8510 Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation as a Basic Praxis (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8520 Educators as Facilitators of Learning for Diverse Populations (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8530 Professional Practice Using Learning Theories (4 cr.)
Specialized KAM VI: Learning Institutions: Organization, Purpose, Goals, and Missions (14 cr.)
This KAM examines critical issues in the organization and planning of learning institutions. Students research and identify principles of effective practice, identify and sharpen skills in planning and implementing instructional programs, and develop educational leadership abilities.
Breadth: EDUC 8610 The Organization of Learning Institutions (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8620 Social Change in Learning Institutions and Curricula (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8630 Creating and Implementing Educational Change (4 cr.)
Advanced Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (9 cr.)
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
The historical roots of social change are grounded in adult education. This specialization is designed for educators who want to think broadly about the field of adult education, whether in community-based settings, schools, government, or the private sector. The specialization guides students in understanding the interdisciplinary nature of adult education as a field of study, principles of adult learning and development, and the impact of adult educators on organizations and communities in which they work.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8110 Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8124 Current Research in Social Change and Adult Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8134 Professional Practice, Social Change, and Adult Education (4 cr.)
Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8224 Current Research in Human Development and Adult Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8234 Professional Practice, Human Development, and Adult Education (4 cr.)
Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8324 Current Research in Social Systems and Adult Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8334 Professional Practice, Social Systems, and Adult Education (4 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: Principles of Adult Education (14 cr.)
This KAM examines the adult learner through historical, philosophical, and psychosocial principles, with a focus on the interdisciplinary nature of adult education. Students demonstrate mastery of theory and research knowledge for application in a range of community educational settings, including those outside the United States.
Breadth: EDUC 8514 Interdisciplinary Foundations and Theory in Adult Education and Learning (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8524 Current Research in Adult Education and Learning (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8534 Professional Practice in Adult Learning (4 cr.)
Specialized KAM VI: Critical Issues for Adult Education Leaders (14 cr.)
This KAM examines the role of the adult education leader within the economic, social, political, and organizational environments. Students research the integration of adult learning theory with program planning and management in a variety of contexts, including community development, educational institutions, business, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Breadth: EDUC 8614 Principles for Adult Education Leaders (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8624 Current Research in Program Planning and Delivery (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8634 Professional Practice for Adult Education Leaders (4 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Advanced Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (9 cr.)
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
“Community colleges are facing an impending crisis in leadership.” This statement echoes throughout the community college literature of the last decade and is the opening sentence of an executive summary of a recent report from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The magnitude of the crisis was highlighted in the results of a national Leadership Survey conducted by AACC in 2001 that found over 50 percent of community college presidents and an even higher percentage of senior administrators would be retiring by 2007.
Concurrently, America’s community colleges are undergoing profound changes as the student population shifts predominantly to mature, working adults and as the methods of teaching and learning change to electronic modes and other distance approaches. Students in the Community College Leadership specialization (whether from the perspective of president, academic leader, student services, technology specialist, specific area program officer, or other leadership position within the community college) will develop proficiency in knowing how individuals, particularly adults, learn most effectively, what tools and strategies best promote learning, and how educational systems and policies can be changed to promote the academic mission of the community college in today’s society.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8110 Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8122 Current Research on Social Change and Community Colleges (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8132 Professional Practice, Social Change, and Community Colleges (4 cr.)
Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8222 Current Research in Human Development and Community Colleges (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8232 Professional Practice, Human Development, and Community Colleges (4 cr.)
Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8322 Current Research in Social Systems and Community Colleges (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8332 Professional Practice, Social Systems, and Community Colleges (4 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: The Contemporary Community College (14 cr.)
Breadth: EDUC 8512 Perspectives on the Role of the Community College (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8522 Current Research in Trends in the Community College (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8532 Professional Practice and Current Trends in Community Colleges (4 cr.)
Specialized KAM VI: Leadership and Strategic Planning in the Community College (14 cr.)
Breadth: EDUC 8612 Perspectives on Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8622 Current Research in Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8632 Professional Practice in Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges (4 cr.)
Advanced Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (9 cr.)
or
Practicum (9 cr.)
EDUC 8883 Practicum in Community College Leadership (9 cr.)
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
As the demographics of the family and workforce change, the nation is increasingly turning its attention to the critical need for early child development and education. The Early Childhood Education specialization guides students in developing the expertise to lead in the creation and implementation of new program practices, to apply emerging research on development in the early years, and to conceptualize new paradigms for early learning.
The core KAM curriculum in the foundational social and behavioral sciences is aimed at a range of unique early childhood topics and research perspectives.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8110 Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8123 Theoretical Foundations of Early Childhood Program Practices (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8133 Theory to Practice: Curriculum Contrasts and Implementation (4 cr.)
Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8223 Current Research: Psychological Foundations of Early Childhood Growth and Development (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8233 Psychological Considerations in Application to Early Childhood Programs (4 cr.)
Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8323 Early Childhood Education: Implications for Social and Organizational Systems (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8333 Professional Practice in Organizational and Social Contexts (4 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation in Early Childhood Education (14 cr.)
This KAM is an analysis of intelligence and motivation theories applicable to the child under 8 years of age. Implications for educators, political leaders, policy-makers, and early childhood advocates are examined. Fiscal policy and imperatives are explored in relation to programming for varied learning and motivational styles.
Breadth: EDUC 8513 Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation: Birth to Age 8 (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8523 Early Childhood Program Delivery in a Multicultural/Multifaceted Society (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8533 Professional Practice Using Learning and Motivational Theory in Context (4 cr.)
Specialized KAM VI: Critical Issues in the Organization and Planning of Early Childhood Education Programs (14 cr.)
Critical issues are explored in the organization and planning of early childhood programs, including theoretical perspectives on early childhood education organization, developmentally appropriate practices, and environmental and advocacy issues in early childhood organizational contexts. Depth and application sections examine licensure and accreditation standards, role of federal and state governments, policy and resource allocation, cultural diversity, ramifications of current brain research for program development, and application of early childhood education programs with focus on theory, design, execution, and evaluation.
Breadth: EDUC 8613 Organization of Early Childhood Education Programs (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8623 Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education Programs (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8633 Early Childhood Programs: A Comprehensive Approach (4 cr.)
Advanced Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (9 cr.)
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
Today, more than 90 percent of American schools and more than 60 percent of American classrooms are wired for Internet use. The Educational Technology specialization develops leaders from all fields who can effectively apply technology to learning and teaching in schools, school districts, higher education, teacher education, business, and other learning environments and technological fields. The curriculum guides students in becoming highly skilled in course development and delivery using technology, online and distance education, multimedia, emerging technologies, integration of technology in the curriculum, learning theory, and the management of technology for improved learning.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8110 Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: SBSF 8125 Current Research in Social Change and Educational Technology (5 cr.)
Application: SBSF 8135 Professional Practice, Social Change, and Education Technology (4 cr.)
Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: SBSF 8225 Current Research in Human Development and Educational Technology (5 cr.)
Application: SBSF 8235 Professional Practice, Human Development, and Educational Technology (4 cr.)
Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: SBSF 8325 Current Research in Social Systems and Educational Technology (5 cr.)
Application: SBSF 8335 Professional Practice, Social Systems, and Educational Technology (4 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Specialization Courses (37 cr.)
EDUC 8806 Educational Measurement and Evaluation (4 cr.)
EDUC 8807 Curriculum Theory and Design (4 cr.)
EDUC 8812 Critical Survey of Technology (4 cr.)
EDUC 8813 Management of Technology for Education (4 cr.)
EDUC 8814 Learning Theories and Instructional Technology (4 cr.)
EDUC 8823 Computer Technology and Multimedia in Education (4 cr.)
EDUC 8824 Integration of Technology in the Curriculum (4 cr.)
EDUC 8825 Course Development and Delivery Utilizing Technology (4 cr.)
EDUC 8826 Planning and Implementing Instructional Technological Environments (5 cr.)
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
During the 21st century, colleges and universities will undergo profound transformations as the student population becomes older and more diverse, and as educational methods incorporate more technological solutions and distance approaches. Building on the foundational core KAMs in the social and behavioral sciences, the Higher Education curriculum emphasizes proficiency in understanding the needs of a changing clientele and academic community; analyzing and implementing strategies to promote learning and to support development in higher education; and learning how systems and policies can be used to assure organizational effectiveness and social change in postsecondary settings. Contexts for the study and practice of higher education include community colleges; private and public liberal arts colleges; distance-learning institutions; regional and state universities; proprietary, technical, and trade schools; state and federal agencies; and national professional associations.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8110 Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8127 Current Research in Higher Education, Social Change, and Development (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8137 Professional Practice and Emerging Trends in Higher Education (4 cr.)
Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8227 Current Research in Ways of Knowing and Individual Differences in Human Development (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8237 Professional Practice and Human Development in Higher Education (4 cr.)
Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organization and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8327 Current Research in Social Systems and Change in Higher Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8337 Professional Practice in Social Systems and Change: Higher Education (4 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: Learning and Development in Higher Education (14 cr.)
This KAM addresses the theoretical foundations of higher education through a multidisciplinary approach. It focuses on the processes of learning and development, and the role of the educational environments in which they occur. This analysis includes identification and evaluation of techniques/methods that support student success. This knowledge is then applied to a selected area of practice in the academic community.
Breadth: EDUC 8516 Multiple Perspectives on Learning and Development in Higher Education (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8526 Current Research on Learning and Development in Higher Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8536 Application to Improve Professional Practice in Higher Education (4 cr.)
Specialized KAM VI: Effectiveness of Higher Education Organizations (14 cr.)
This KAM concerns effectiveness in higher education from the perspectives of constituents, providers, and regulators/evaluators. It focuses on the major approaches to demonstrating and assuring quality, as called for by external constituents and initiated by internal participants. Strategies for organizational effectiveness and accountability are reviewed and evaluated within the current climate of change. Evidence for the efficacy of various approaches to improvement is emphasized in an application to professional practice in higher education.
Breadth: EDUC 8617 Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Higher Education Organizations (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8627 Contemporary Strategies for Assuring Effectiveness in Higher Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8637 Application of Improvement Strategies in Higher Education (4 cr.)
Advanced Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (9 cr.)
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
Second only to the impending teacher shortage in America is the developing shortage of educational leadership at school, district, and state levels. The K–12 Educational Leadership specialization provides a much-needed new model for advanced study in this field. A highly flexible, student-centered curriculum is designed to develop local, regional, and state educational leaders who can relate to diverse, multicultural K–12 and community-based school populations.
The core KAM curriculum in the foundational social and behavioral sciences is designed to advance scholar-practitioners in the area of educational leadership, organizational development, policy studies, and administration and management.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Societal Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8110 Theories of Societal Development (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8128 Strategic Leadership in Education and Societal Development (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8138 Professional Practice in Strategic Leadership and Societal Development (4 cr.)
Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: SBSF 8220 Current Research in Human Development (5 cr.)
Application: SBSF 8230 Professional Practice in Human Development (4 cr.)
Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8328 Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems: K–12 Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8338 Professional Practice in K–12 Educational Organization (4 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Specialization Courses (28 cr.)
EDUC 8801 Educational Law, Public Policy, and Political Systems (4 cr.)
EDUC 8802 Supervision, Evaluation, and Human Resources in Education (4 cr.)
EDUC 8803 Student Personnel Services (4 cr.)
EDUC 8804 School Financial Management (4 cr.)
EDUC 8805 Reflective Instructional Practice (4 cr.)
EDUC 8806 Educational Measurement and Evaluation (4 cr.)
EDUC 8807 Curriculum Theory and Design (4 cr.)
Advanced Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (9 cr.)
or
Practicum (9 cr.)*
EDUC 8811 Practicum in K–12 Leadership (9 cr.)
* For advanced students seeking an administrative certificate or license.
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
Note on certification and licensure: Students undertaking the K–12 Educational Leadership specialization should possess a valid administrative credential. Walden University does not offer a state-approved program in educational leadership that is recognized for K–12 school administrator licensure/certification in Minnesota (Walden’s home state) or any other state. The specialization has been designed following both National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) published standards for programs in educational leadership. Acceptance of the Walden University Ph.D. by individual states for the satisfaction of certification or licensure requirements rests with each state. Students are advised to consult directly with their state certification/licensure authority for further information. Walden University makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of the Walden Ph.D. specialization in K–12 Educational Leadership, or coursework for graduate credit within this program, will permit a graduate to obtain state certification or licensure as a principal, assistant principal, or any other type of K–12 administrator.
Most K–12 educators are strong advocates for improved services for exceptional/disabled individuals. Unfortunately, resources for the delivery of these services are often far less than schools and school districts desire. This specialization guides advanced students in the acquisition of knowledge and resources necessary to provide leadership in the special education field and to better assist their own students in the self-actualization process. The curriculum emphasizes learning services for exceptional/disabled individuals and incorporates the related areas of special education administration, including law, finance, and ethics.
Foundation Course as described under the Core Curriculum (6 cr.)
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
Core KAM I: Principles of Social Change (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8110 Theories of Social Change (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8121 Current Research in Social Change: Special Education (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8131 Professional Practice and Social Change: Special Education (4 cr.)
Core KAM II: Principles of Human Development (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8210 Theories of Human Development (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8221 Current Research in Human Exceptionality (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8231 Professional Practice and Human Exceptionality (4 cr.)
Core KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems (14 cr.)
Breadth: SBSF 8310 Theories of Organizational and Social Systems (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8321 Individuals With Special Needs: Social, Legal, Political, and Economic Systems in Context (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8331 Professional Issues in Organizations and Systems: Special Education (4 cr.)
Core Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (19 cr.)
Specialized KAM V: Theories of Learning, Motivation, and Intelligence; and Implications for Persons With Special Needs (14 cr.)
KAM V covers traditional, current, and emerging theoretical underpinnings and principles of learning and exceptionality and related facets, as well as implications for educators within the context of inclusive or categorical settings.
Breadth: EDUC 8511 Theories and Principles of Human Learning and the Human Side of Exceptionalities (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8521 Educators as Facilitators of Inclusive Learning in Varied Educational Environments (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8531 Educational Practice Grounded in Principles/Theories of Learning, Diversity, and Inclusion (4 cr.)
Specialized KAM VI: Institutional Contexts for Special Education: Leadership, Learning, and Accommodation (14 cr.)
This KAM reviews delivery models for special education services and their administration. Attention is focused on the dynamics of IEP team operation, eligibility criteria, assessment procedures, and community support systems with particular reference to compliance with law. Alternative and innovative models of leadership for special education programming are explored.
Breadth: EDUC 8611 Diversity and Exceptionality in Special Education: Leading Within Learning Organizations (5 cr.)
Depth: EDUC 8621 Due Process in Special Education: Legal and Moral Implications (5 cr.)
Application: EDUC 8631 Practical Issues in Placement and Service Delivery (4 cr.)
Advanced Research Sequence as described under the Core Curriculum (9 cr.)
Dissertation (30 cr.)
EDUC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr.)
Some educators are interested in fields that are just emerging and are not yet recognized as areas of specialization. The Self-Designed specialization, working within the rubric provided by the General Program, allows such individuals to create a program of study that is clearly focused on new and emerging ideas and practices. Examples include, but are not limited to, K–12 curriculum and instruction, second language learning, community college teaching, mathematics education, science education, adult literacy, international education, middle level education, music and arts education, and vocational education.
Declaring a Self-Designed Specialization
Students exercising this option design and declare the specialization in conjunction with the development of the Professional Development Plan. The Professional Development Plan must clearly reflect how the student intends to integrate the self-designed specialization into the depth and application sections of all the KAMs, as well as the dissertation. The breadth component of the specialized KAMs must also support the specialization; however, the breadth component of the core KAMs is not used to support specializations. Students should complete the Program of Study form using the education General Program specialization course numbers for the breadth, depth, and application components of each KAM. The depth and application components should include a subtitle that reflects the focus of the student’s own unique self-designed specialization. In the specialized KAMs, the titles of the breadth component must also reflect the unique, self-designed specialization.
Completing a Self-Designed Specialization
To complete a self-designed specialization, students follow the course of study outlined in the Professional Development Plan, demonstrating doctoral-level competency in all academic work in the specialization area. Academic work that does not adequately support the declared specialization will be returned to the student for revision.
