CREATE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Focus your doctoral coursework on finding new ways to support people and advocating for solutions to solve critical social problems.
MAKE PROGRESS ON YOUR CAPSTONE
Through our Communities of Practice experience, you’ll start on your capstone project at the beginning of your program.
PREPARE FOR THE FIELD
Through immersive, hands-on content, you’ll increase your confidence by practicing the skills and tools you’ll use out in the field.
BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO
Learn networking best practices and create a professional portfolio with the Human Services Hub of Walden’s Career Center.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?

YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your online doctoral program won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.

FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION
Get help choosing a doctoral research topic that reflects your interests. Learn how you can use the findings to create meaningful change.

ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuition-Coursework | 48 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 Minimum | 8-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.
Program Outcomes
Career Outlook
Whether you want to teach in academia or start your own nonprofit agency, a Doctor of Human Services degree can empower you to reach your potential as a human services leader, researcher, or educator. You’ll be ready to pursue opportunities in a range of settings, from hospitals and universities to government agencies and social assistance organizations.
Through the Human Services Hub of our Career Center, Walden is here to support your success. We’ll show you how to build a professional portfolio that demonstrates your expertise to future employers. You’ll also find resources on effective networking, job search best practices, and other approaches that can help you take the next step in your human services career.