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Doctor of Human Services Online

Take an active role in empowering underserved populations; building inclusive, compassionate communities; and driving meaningful social progress.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

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Doctor of Human Services Online

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
""
KICK-START YOUR CAPSTONE

Through our Communities of Practice experience, you’ll get an early start on your capstone project. Begin your doctorate in human services journey through a supportive, cohort-style series of companion courses led by a faculty advisor.

3 MINUTE QUIZ

Build an Education Plan, Suited for You

Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!

3 MINUTE QUIZ

Build an Education Plan, Suited for You

Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!

Program Details

Make a Social Impact

Gain actionable skills and tools relevant to human services leadership, policymaking, and advocacy. Graduate from your Doctor of Human Services program feeling energized, confident, and ready to lead change for individuals, families, and communities.

 

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework48 quarter credits $670 per quarter hour for coursework credits$32,160^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20-120 quarter credits$670 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$13,400–$80,400*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$1,440–$5,760*
Estimated Range:  2-Year Minimum8-Year Maximum
   $47,000*$118,320*+
   (assuming completion in a 2-year time frame)(assuming completion in an 8-year time frame)

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

Find Your Specialization

Program Outcomes

Advance Your Expertise

Walden’s Doctor of Human Services online program is designed to help you become a next-level practitioner and hands-on problem-solver. Gain key skills applicable to human services leadership, research, consulting, and education.

 

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)

No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the Doctor of Human Services program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Walden’s Doctor of Human Services program will be prepared to:

Assess the needs of clients accessing human services programs using a variety of evidence-supported approaches.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the human service programs using a variety of evidence-supported approaches.

Develop strategies for working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams of professionals to deliver support services to diverse populations.

Design research that contributes to positive social change related to human services.

Advocate for the needs of diverse populations in order to promote positive social change.

Develop an advanced human services practitioner professional identity.

Meet Your Academic Team

Learn about the accomplished Doctor of Human Services faculty at Walden who are committed to supporting your growth and success.

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Doctor of Human Services Online FAQ

What is the difference between a Doctor of Human Services and a PhD in Human Services?

The Doctor of Human Services program and the PhD in Human Services program both provide an in-depth understanding of the complex social issues impacting individuals, families, communities, and society. However, there are key differences. Walden’s Doctor of Human Services program provides practical knowledge you can apply directly to your work in the human services field, whereas our PhD in Human Services program is designed for those who prefer a more academic focus. If you like the idea of impacting change through human services practice, advocacy, or policy, our more professionally oriented Doctor of Human Services online program may be the best fit for you. If you want to conduct original research, analyze data, and evaluate theories, you will likely prefer Walden’s more academically oriented PhD in Human Services program.

How long does it take to earn a Doctor of Human Services degree?

Time to completion depends on a number of factors, including whether you choose to take a full-time or part-time course load. The Doctor of Human Services program can be completed in as few as 24 months.

What leadership positions can I pursue with a Doctor of Human Services?

The Doctor of Human Services can prepare you with the advocacy, program evaluation, and leadership skills to plan or direct the activities of social services programs or community outreach organizations. Some reported job titles include community services director, vocational rehabilitation administrator, and child welfare services director.

How does a Doctor of Human Services differ from a Doctor of Social Work?

A Doctor of Human Services is designed for individuals working in a wide range of community service settings working with populations such as children, older adults, or veterans. They tend to be or plan to be in leadership positions managing and evaluating programs. They work with data to understand the effectiveness of their programs. They come from many professional and educational backgrounds.

A Doctor of Social Work is designed specifically for licensed social workers who want to expand their social work practice into leadership or teaching positions.

What types of research or capstone projects are required in the Doctor of Human Services program?

The type of capstone project you will complete in the Doctor of Human Services is related to your professional interests in demographic populations and types of services. Your capstone project is also closely tied to your specialization. In the Leadership and Program Evaluation specialization, your capstone will relate to the skills to provide evidence for human services programs in the field, assessing local needs, and evaluating program outcomes. The capstone project for this specialization is the research for development of program evaluation in the field. In the Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy specialization, the capstone project is the research for development of a white paper advocating for recognition of a new human services need in a community and in society. You will have support throughout the doctoral journey, including a five-part course series where you will meet with your doctoral mentor and other students as discuss applied research, writing, and project planning for your capstone project.

Can I specialize in a specific area of human services within this doctoral program?

The online Doctor of Human Services offers two specializations: Leadership and Program Evaluation or Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy. In the leadership and program evaluation specialization, you can develop skills related to senior management positions in human services organizations, working with governance boards, and demonstrating evidence of program effectiveness. In the prevention, intervention, and advocacy specialization, you will explore how to support individual, family, and community needs, advocate with community leaders and decision-makers, and crisis management.