Ph.D. in Education

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

The role of assessment and evaluation as a vehicle for positive change is recast in this course. The notion of accountability is supported by the concepts of social and ethical responsibility, and informs continual improvement efforts for individuals and organizations. Theory, trends, and systemic perspectives of the field are connected to changes required for enhancing performance and increasing effectiveness. Topics include evaluator credibility, national and international assessments and comparisons, and facilitation with individual and cultural values underpinning evaluation purposes, processes, and judgments. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

At the thought-leadership level, the context of sociological, political, and economic demands are primary to understanding the purpose of assessment and evaluation. This course will focus on the decision-making models that influence assessment, evaluation, and accountability systems. Topics include political astuteness, knowledge of sociological structures including roles, status, power, rewards, and sanctions, as well as cost-benefit analyses, responsiveness to federal/state mandates, and organizational goals and objectives. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, RSCH 8300D, and RSCH 8250D.)

The value of performance assessment coupled with accountability systems can vary widely, depending on how resulting data are used to enhance learning. Students in this course examine the nature of personnel evaluation in multiple contexts including education, reward and acknowledgment systems, hiring, and dismissal case studies. Supporting technical skills are integrated into the course, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods of data-gathering and analysis. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8350 and RSCH 8250D.

Determining comprehensive value and worth of a curriculum, project, instructional method, institution, or policy is a complex endeavor. This course examines the process of determining the value, purpose, efficacy, and social implications for programs, organizations, and systems within a framework for continuous improvement. Supporting technical skills are integrated into the course, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods of data-gathering and analysis. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8351.)

Finesse and skill are needed to communicate complex information and findings from data analysis to particular stakeholders in ways that convey understanding, impart meaning, and stimulate a call to action. Students in this course focus on how to report results, consequences, options, and recommendations in compelling ways for multiple audiences. A wide variety of communication methods are explored that include presentation technology, Internet communications, technical writing, writing for publication, press releases, grant writing, and collaborative communication. Data compression is practiced as part of the communication and recommendation process. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8351.)

Continuous improvement  is a phrase that is applied in both business and educational settings. Operationalized, the term crosses fields that include leadership, organizational development, change theory, and evaluation and assessment. This course connects continuous improvement as referenced in these fields and moves beyond to include organizational culture, professionalism, social justice, and codes of ethics that support the formation and sustainability of this type of culture. The culminating project provides a platform for individualizing a plan with a self-chosen organization that incorporates evaluation, assessment, and a vision for social responsibility as part of creating a culture of continuous improvement. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8353.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

This research course builds upon knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8200Z Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis and provides experience applying them. It provides students with more specialized knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests; the importance of quality assurance; and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. This course approaches statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200D or SBSF 7100.)

This research course builds upon knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8300Z Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis and provides experience applying them. It provides students with more specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write-up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200D or SBSF 7100.)

This research course builds upon knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8200 Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis and RSCH 8300 Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis. It provides students with more specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. The course emphasizes integrating quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies; practice in data analysis; and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write-up. Reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches will be highlighted. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a truly mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200D or SBSF 7100.)

The purpose of this dissertation companion course is to assist education professionals in making steady progress toward completing their degree. The companion provides a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback between education professionals and the dissertation chair as education professionals complete coursework for their Ph.D. in Education and prepare to begin their dissertation. The instructor of record for a section of the companion is the chair of the dissertation committee. Section participants are education professionals working with the faculty mentor at the early stages of their dissertation. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110, EDUC 8111, EDUC 8112, EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115 , EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, EDUC 8118, RSCH 8100D, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

During the first quarter in which they have active dissertation committees, doctoral students are automatically enrolled in this dissertation status course. It affords students the opportunity to integrate their program of study by conducting an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest and by completing an original research study, called a dissertation, on that topic. With the guidance of a chair and committee members, students develop an approved prospectus, an approved proposal (the first three dissertation chapters), and an application for Institutional Review Board approval. They then collect and analyze data and, afterward, finalize their approved dissertation. During the final quarter, students prepare their dissertations for final review by the university and conclude with an oral defense of their dissertation. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110, EDUC 8111, EDUC 8112, EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115, EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, EDUC 8118, EDUC 8210, EDUC 8211, EDUC 8212, EDUC 8213, EDUC 8214, RSCH 8100D, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

A wide variety of factors, including limitations, innovations, and major breakthroughs, influence the evolution of learning. Through this course, education professionals gain framework for understanding educational technology, helping them keep up-to-date with modern technological trends that affect teaching and learning. Education professionals examine this evolution and the history of educational technology as a field of study before and following the emergence of computers and cyberspace technology. Through a variety of applied assignments, they focus on how educational technology has evolved through the ages of agriculture, industry, and information. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200, and RSCH 8300.)

Social and systemic change resulting from the integration and adoption of technological innovations will be the focus of this course. Learners will explore Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory, and the research that shows best practices for integrating technology in the workplace/education, to find ways to be a catalyst for change. Strategies for overcoming resistance and barriers to change will be analyzed.

Different theories, paradigms, and the history of distance education will be explored. Learners critique current research and assess online learning programs including hybrid and fully online delivery. Accessibility issues, open source, best practices to facilitate learning, global trends, and the move from elite to mass higher education will be analyzed. Synchronous versus asynchronous platforms will be contrasted. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200, and RSCH 8300.)

Education professionals in this course explore issues related to leadership regarding the integration of technology in business and in education at any level, including  K–12 schools, community colleges, teacher education, or higher education. They explore such areas as leadership, strategic planning, systems acquisition, coordination, implementation, technology management and its implications for teaching and learning, and administrative functions. Moreover, they share perspectives through discussions on policies that affect human resource development, staff development, information access, security, management control, and evaluation.

Instructional design for distance education involves understanding educational experiences, what makes these experiences effective, and the ways in which students learn in the online environment. This course provides education professionals with the opportunity to gain a practical understanding of these topics through the examination of learning styles, learning theory, social networking and collaborative group influences, assessment, global perspectives, and diversity. They also analyze effective online educational experiences from education and the workplace. Focusing on the design and delivery of distance education, education professionals engage in applied assignments that emphasize developing, field testing, and revising a web-based unit. They also explore ways to employ engaging instructional electronic strategies to enhance design and development. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8842 or 7102.)

In this course, education professionals extend their knowledge of learning theory, including behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism, to the application of educational technology as they explore ways to translate theory to practice. Education professionals explore instructional interventions and their potential improvement through the application of technology. They also use a variety of theories, such as multiple intelligences, constructivism, computers as mind tools, brain-based learning, and connectivism to learn how technology facilitates learning. Through a collaborative constructivist activity, education professionals critically analyze constructivist learning theorists to determine how their principles apply to educational technology. Using knowledge gained from these analyses, education professionals identify and explain related challenges regarding the use of constructivist and collaborative activities for learning as well as solutions for overcoming these barriers.

In this course, education professionals critique current research on critical issues and emerging areas of educational technology for which they identify areas of need and gaps in research. Assessing these gaps, they determine research questions and problem statements that might serve to effect positive social change for diverse learners, which they may use as the basis of their prospectus for their dissertation. They also gain practical experience developing proposals for presentation at professional conferences. Additionally, they explore means to publish their research in professional journals. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Through this course, education professionals explore strategies for facilitating learning through the use of technology, including electronic and multimedia presentation of materials and curriculum design. Delving deeper into content and sharing perspectives, education professionals engage in weekly discussions on a range of topics, including functions and tools of and research on multimedia-based instructional design,  Mayer’s triarchic model of cognitive load; cognitive learning styles of digital natives versus digital immigrants, dual coding, and assessments for multimedia assignments. They gain practical experience designing learning materials based on principles of universal design using electronic materials.

The emergence of new technologies in the information age and beyond is dramatically changing the way people teach and learn in K–12 education, higher education, and corporations. Education professionals in this course explore new scholarship, collaborative tools, social networking, wireless and mobile technologies, creative commons, fair use, user-created content, and virtual worlds to become leaders in helping to diffuse these innovations. They also engage in a multi-media presentation to analyze obsolete technology, assess new technology, and explore projections regarding future technological movements. Through this project, education professionals are better able to conceive a world where technology is a seamless aspect of learning and work. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200, and RSCH 8300.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

The purpose of this dissertation companion course is to assist education professionals in making steady progress toward completing their degree. The companion provides a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback between education professionals and the dissertation chair as education professionals complete coursework for their Ph.D. in Education and prepare to begin their dissertation. The instructor of record for a section of the companion is the chair of the dissertation committee. Section participants are education professionals working with the faculty mentor at the early stages of their dissertation. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110, EDUC 8111, EDUC 8112, EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115 , EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, EDUC 8118, RSCH 8100D, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

During the first quarter in which they have active dissertation committees, doctoral students are automatically enrolled in this dissertation status course. It affords students the opportunity to integrate their program of study by conducting an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest and by completing an original research study, called a dissertation, on that topic. With the guidance of a chair and committee members, students develop an approved prospectus, an approved proposal (the first three dissertation chapters), and an application for Institutional Review Board approval. They then collect and analyze data and, afterward, finalize their approved dissertation. During the final quarter, students prepare their dissertations for final review by the university and conclude with an oral defense of their dissertation. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110, EDUC 8111, EDUC 8112, EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115, EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, EDUC 8118, EDUC 8210, EDUC 8211, EDUC 8212, EDUC 8213, EDUC 8214, RSCH 8100D, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application . Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application . Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application . Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application . Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application . Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application . Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

In this course, education professionals develop an understanding of the political forces that shape the educational process. They engage in coursework that emphasizes governance structures and the influences of federal, state, and local policies and decisions. They also discuss contemporary research on political power in decision making and the role of educational leaders. (Prerequisites: Core courses EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115, EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, and EDUC 8118.)

Education is a critical component of individual economic success and the education sector is a key contributor to the stability of local, state, national, and global economies. Addressing challenges related to these key ideas, education professionals in this course explore the financing and provision of education. They apply economic principles and econometrics to their understanding of educational practices and policies. They also identify research to create opportunities for improved efficiency and quality of education. (Prerequisites: Core courses EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115, EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, and EDUC 8118.)

In this course, education professionals examine legal and ethical issues within the context of an educational setting. Supporting development of their legal reasoning skills, education professionals discuss the laws and statutes that inform the operation of educational organizations. They also engage in assignments that emphasize the ways ethics affect decision making, professional conduct, and educational policies when analyzing critical issues in educational leadership. (Prerequisites: Core courses EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115, EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, and EDUC 8118.)

Education policy is crucial to educational improvement and renewal throughout the P–20-plus system of education. In this course, education professionals develop the skills for critical analysis of education policy at the local, state, national, and international levels. They discuss the definition and formulation of policies and they explore a wide range of topics, including the identification of and work with policy advocates, the processes of policy implementation and evaluation, and the use of logic models in the policy process. (Prerequisites: Core courses EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115, EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, and EDUC 8118.)

Building on the core knowledge from earlier courses, students will engage the emerging theories of leadership that reflect the current challenges in culturally responsive education, and the research on motivation and performance. The focus is on entrepreneurial and creative solutions, which reach across learning organizations and other consistencies, to effect positive social change in education. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200, and RSCH 8300.)

Students explore strategies to build capacity and commitment in the education process, within the context of their role as scholar-practitioners. The focus is on leadership for sustainable practices and policies that renew and re-energize the educational process. Included are topics that focus on group processes, grant-writing, planning models, readiness factors, implementation concerns and policies, and institutionalization issues. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200, and RSCH 8300.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

A complicated relationship exists between cognition, culture, and learning that is inextricably linked to language and sense-making. This course explores these relationships and examines research on educational neuroscience and the role of social-cultural influences in human development, teaching, and learning. Theories of learning are applied to the construction of knowledge within the context of emerging technologies that facilitate the learning process. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Learning rarely happens in a vacuum. As learning evolves over the lifespan, it will likely happen in environments that no longer are restricted by space and time. This course explores a range of learning environments and structures, including the role of the teacher or instructor, supportive of individual, group, and organizational learning. Strategies are explored for implementing innovative learning and organizational transformation that facilitate the design of communities of practice for collaboration from both a local as well as global perspective. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Learning takes place when people are motivated and engaged in the process. The role of teacher or instructor is as an educational guide, helping ignite the intellectual curiosity necessary for the learner to reach both personal and curricular goals. This course delves into research, theory, and strategies that facilitate both motivation and engagement. The nature of bounded and boundless learning is examined as it relates to motivation, mindset, achievement, and intelligence. Students will apply current research and theory to inform instruction as well as the development and transformation of learning across settings and from the individual, group, and organizational levels. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Reflective inquiry, critical thinking, and questioning are key components for cognitive learning. Combining these components with creative, innovative, conceptual, and entrepreneurial thinking provides a strong foundation for learning that generates and synthesizes knowledge for effective problem-solving. Research and theory related to building learner capacity for cognitive flexibility, self-regulated learning, as well as managing cognitive dissonance and ambiguity, will be explored in the overall context of facilitating thinkers for tomorrow’s challenges. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Innovative learning requires innovative assessment strategies. Learning and assessment will be viewed through the lens of individual, group, and organizational development at the macro and micro levels. A focus will be placed on how learning is assessed in a learning culture that emphasizes creativity and critical thinking as well as how to use assessment data for change. Methods of inquiry designed to inform instruction and improve development of cognitive, social, and emotional competencies will be explored. New trends, including the latest tools and technology designed to move learning assessment into the 21st century, are included. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Responsive curriculum evolves and changes to meet learner needs. This course will focus on a variety of models that educators can use to design responsive curriculum that supports learning across the lifespan and within diverse contexts. Research-based processes will be investigated for creating authentic curriculum and assessment. Strategies for aligning strong content with formalized standards and goals within the learning environment will be explored. The contributing roles of instruction, technology, and globalization will set the context for this course of study. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8118, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)

The purpose of this dissertation companion course is to assist education professionals in making steady progress toward completing their degree. The companion provides a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback between education professionals and the dissertation chair as education professionals complete coursework for their Ph.D. in Education and prepare to begin their dissertation. The instructor of record for a section of the companion is the chair of the dissertation committee. Section participants are education professionals working with the faculty mentor at the early stages of their dissertation. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110, EDUC 8111, EDUC 8112, EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115 , EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, EDUC 8118, RSCH 8100D, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

During the first quarter in which they have active dissertation committees, doctoral students are automatically enrolled in this dissertation status course. It affords students the opportunity to integrate their program of study by conducting an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest and by completing an original research study, called a dissertation, on that topic. With the guidance of a chair and committee members, students develop an approved prospectus, an approved proposal (the first three dissertation chapters), and an application for Institutional Review Board approval. They then collect and analyze data and, afterward, finalize their approved dissertation. During the final quarter, students prepare their dissertations for final review by the university and conclude with an oral defense of their dissertation. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110, EDUC 8111, EDUC 8112, EDUC 8113, EDUC 8114, EDUC 8115, EDUC 8116, EDUC 8117, EDUC 8118, EDUC 8210, EDUC 8211, EDUC 8212, EDUC 8213, EDUC 8214, RSCH 8100D, RSCH 8200D, and RSCH 8300D.)

Building on the Carnegie Foundation’s metaphor of “stewards of the discipline,” education professionals in this course explore the role of the scholar-practitioner and the expectations and responsibilities inherent in obtaining a Ph.D. in Education. Using this understanding, education professionals develop a professional development plan to guide their progress through the program. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop strategies for online success. They also explore resources used throughout the program and engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.

Consistent with the mission of Walden University, this course is a foundation for the remainder of the program by providing education professionals with a framework for their work as scholar-practitioners and as agents of positive social change in education. Education professionals examine foundational theories of education while considering their future role in the discipline. Through an integrative process of developing an essay comparing theories of social change, they also begin to hone their skills as scholarly writers.

The choice to effect positive social change in education demands that scholar-practitioners have the requisite skills and abilities to take responsibility for generating new knowledge, conserving the values of education, and communicating information to others. In this course, education professionals examine these key principles of disciplinary stewardship while building strategies to effect positive social change. Demonstrating their understanding of course concepts, they develop a social change proposal that fills an area of need in their organization, workplace, or community. Through this proposal, they analyze prospective requirements, challenges, and effects of their proposed plan of action. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8110 and EDUC 8111.)

Educational scholars recognize the important role of human development in the educational process. In this course, education professionals gain an understanding of the theories and frameworks relevant to the development and experiences of individuals from birth through old age. They engage in coursework that emphasizes application of this knowledge to educational settings, and they discuss a range of topics, such as personal teaching experiences, theory-based approaches to a contemporary problem, influences of moral development, and intergenerational relationships, among others.  Education professionals also explore different strands of development across the lifespan as well as how they relate to the individual as a learner. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

The processes of teaching and learning are central to the educational enterprise. In this course,  education professionals examine learning from a variety of perspectives, focusing on supporting academic and co-curricular success in education. They explore curriculum theory and design, with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political aspects of curricula. Through a variety of written and applied assignments, they investigate learned societies; make connections to research; develop a course proposal, including a course outline that identifies learning objectives; analyze the influence of technology on education; review and reflect on the importance of the curriculum development process and the role of curriculum to guide instruction and assessment; and develop their own approach to instruction and learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112.)

Increasingly, schools and educational committees ask educators at all levels to account for the influence of the educational process on learners and to make research-based decisions. In this course, education professionals build on their knowledge of theories of development and learning as they gain foundational skills in assessing and evaluating student learning, developmental outcomes, and educational programs. Acquiring key evaluation concepts, they also examine the purposes for collecting student data as well as the distinctions among various approaches to assessing learning. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8113 and EDUC 8114.)

Leadership roles in education take a wide range of forms, from the teacher in the kindergarten classroom to the president of a university. Academic leaders recognize the interplay between local challenges and national and global influences as well as the unique societal pressures on the educational process. Education professionals in this course explore these challenges and influences to gain an understanding of the skills and sensibilities needed to lead in a global society. They examine leadership theories and research as well as the principles of leadership within educational communities. They also have the opportunity to analyze their own leadership skills in the context of these theories and principles. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8112).

Research efforts to support the educational process and effective leadership demand an understanding of schools and academic institutions as complex systems and units of change. In this course, education professionals examine theories of organizational functioning and apply these insights to the behaviors of individuals and groups within educational systems. They also explore systems thinking and organizational effectiveness that supports teaching and learning. Education professionals engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of course content through which they analyze ethical behavior in organizational development; summarize, test, and evaluate theories; construct an organizational development scenario; evaluate a case study related to organizational development; and assess their own educational organization. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8115.)

Understanding the impact of new innovations and change has emerged as a field of theory and research in education. Education professionals in this course build on the principles of social change as well as research and theories of leadership and organizational functioning as they focus on the challenges inherent in initiating and managing change in educational organizations. They explore the role of change agents as well as the influences of technological innovations on the academic process. Applying course concepts, education professionals design plans to implement and evaluate new programs to support change. (Prerequisites: EDUC 8116 and EDUC 8117 OR EDUC 8841.)

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

This course for doctoral students has no specific course description due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. (Prerequisites: A Foundations course or first course in a program.)

This research course provides students with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis and applying statistical concepts. Students explore classical quantitative research designs and common statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to calculate statistics data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding data analysis. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry; fieldwork strategies and the nature of observation; theoretical approaches to qualitative research; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical, legal, and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They use software to code data and interpret and present results. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8100D.)

Students in this research course build upon their established quantitative research proficiencies and are provided with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills to design quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts. Students explore comprehensive quantitative research designs and suitable statistical tests, the importance of quality assurance, and ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. They approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate research design and statistical tests for more complex research questions or problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They also apply their knowledge and skills by developing a quantitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P.)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative research proficiencies and provides them with practical experience in application. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills within each of the common qualitative traditions for designing qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore more complex qualitative research designs and analyses; multiple approaches to coding and organizing data; core components of a qualitative write up; the importance of quality assurance; and the ethical considerations and social change implications of conducting qualitative research and producing knowledge. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8300P)

Students in this research course build upon their established qualitative and quantitative research proficiencies. Students are also provided with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question. Students engage in assignments that emphasize the integration of quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, focusing on reliability and validity in mixed-methods approaches.  They also practice data analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write up leading to proposal development. Students apply their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that appropriately incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements. (Prerequisites: RSCH 8200P and RSCH 8300P.)