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PhD in Human Services Online

Choose a PhD in Human Services program designed to help you be a voice for underserved communities and an agent for social change.

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PhD in 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
PhD Human Services
DEMYSTIFY YOUR DISSERTATION

Starting early in your PhD in Human Services online program, you’ll have the opportunity to build key research and scholarly writing skills. Begin your dissertation with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared for the task ahead.

With a degree from Walden University, you can make a greater difference

Growing up in poverty, Jack knew that education was key.
See how this Walden grad used his Walden degree to help a wrongfully convicted man gain his freedom.

With a degree from Walden University, you can make a greater difference

PROGRAM DETAILS

A Path for You

With a choice of two learning tracks, Walden’s PhD in Human Services online program meets you where you are in your education journey.

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework63 quarter credits $670 per quarter hour for coursework credits$42,210^
Tuition-Dissertation 20–130 quarter credits$670 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$13,400–$87,100*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$1,800–$5,760*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 (virtual)
$1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  2.5-Year8-Year
   $63,090*$141,150*+
   (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

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 2.5-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.

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework88 quarter credits $670 per quarter hour for coursework credits$58,960^
Tuition-Dissertation 20–115 quarter credits$670 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$13,400–$77,050*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$2,160–$5,760*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 (Virtual)
$1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)  
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3.25-Year8-Year
   $80,200*$147,850*+
   (assuming completion in a 3.25-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

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 3.25-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

Make a Societal Impact

In Walden’s PhD in Human Services online program, you’ll be prepared to test current assumptions, develop new theories, and create a platform for new knowledge that drives the evolution of human services delivery and practice.

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023) 
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023) 
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023) 

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

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this online PhD in Human Services program, you will be able to:

Develop strategies for assessing the needs of diverse populations based on human services theory and research.

Make ethical decisions based on the needs of diverse populations.

Conduct original research in human services to promote positive social change.

 

 

Advocate for individuals who are seeking human services supports.

Communicate effectively with others to promote the effective delivery of human services.

Develop a professional identity as a human services researcher.

Meet Your Academic Team

Below are some of the distinguished faculty members who bring diverse industry expertise and a passion for teaching to the Walden community.

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PhD in Human Services FAQ

What can you do with a human services degree?

With a PhD in Human Services—like the one earned online at Walden University—you can gain the knowledge to work at the program level of social and human services agencies and be a change agent for improved services. Human services professionals function as program managers, administrators, and directors. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Managing staff and the daily activities of the human services agency or department.
  • Coordinating with other human services and social services agencies.
  • Researching to determine whether services are effectively reaching target populations.
  • Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing services.
  • Recommending and implementing improvements in the delivery of existing services.
  • Adjusting human services programs to meet the community’s changing needs.

You’ll also learn to conduct action-oriented, original research to improve services and create strategies for assessing the needs of diverse audiences.

What is the difference between social work and human services?

Careers in social work and human services are both motivated by a desire to improve the lives of people in need. They can take place in similar settings, including home health agencies, hospitals, and health clinics. Nevertheless, there are differences. One of the biggest differences between social work and human services jobs is licensure. To be in social work practice, you need a license; to work in human services, you do not. Career paths may also differ: Social workers generally work more directly with clients, while human services professionals tend to work with organizations to direct needed resources to vulnerable, underserved populations.

What are some human services focus areas?

PhD in Human Services programs may offer a wide variety of focus areas, to help you center your career on the social issue you most want to address. At Walden, these specializations include:

  • Community and Social Services – Prepare for community social work in non-licensure roles.
  • Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention – Prepare for emergency management leadership and to help communities that have experienced a crisis.
  • Military Families and Culture – Prepare for the unique needs of military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones as they deal with the challenges inherent in military life.