Online Phd in Human Services
Request InformationChoose a PhD in Human Services program designed to help you become an influencer in the field.
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule August 29, 2022
- Up to 54 credits
Drive Global Social Change With a PhD in Human Services
Do you want to further develop your scholarly expertise in human services delivery and practice? Let your passion drive your success. Whether you’re interested in teaching, leadership, or research, Walden’s online PhD in Human Services program can empower you to drive societal change on both a local and a global scale.
From your very first course, our program equips you with key research skills to help guide you through your dissertation. You’ll continue to be supported throughout your studies with our ongoing Community of Practice and Research (CPR) forums. Excel in your learning as you create new knowledge that can influence a better quality of life for individuals, families, communities, and society.
A PhD in Human Services program prepares human services scholar practitioners to address systemic societal issues and make a meaningful difference through effective policy, practice, teaching, and research.
Why Choose Walden?
Starting early in your program, you’ll build key research and writing skills to help you begin your dissertation with confidence.
By developing a solid research skill set, you’ll prepare to inform effective solutions to real and pressing social problems.
Our academic centers and online Doctoral Degree Coach tool are just some of the ways we help you realize your dream of earning your PhD.
Refine your networking skills and create your professional portfolio with the Human Services hub of Walden’s Career Center.
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on August 29, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowWith 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.
Program Details
Learning Tracks
TRACK II: Choose this track if you hold a bachelor’s degree (in any field of study) from an accredited university or a master’s degree from an accredited university in a non-related field of study (any discipline other than human services, counseling, social work, or psychology). This track provides you with the option of earning your MS in Human Services as you progress toward your PhD.
Curriculum – General Program Specialization
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Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation course (3 cr.)
- Core courses (20 cr.)
- Elective courses (15 cr.)
- Research courses (20 cr.)
- Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
- Dissertation support course (5 cr.)
- Communities of Practice and Research (CPR) courses (5 cr.; continuously enrolled in 1 cr. per term for a minimum of 5 terms until CPR completion)
- Dissertation writing courses (continuous enrollment in 5 cr. per term for a minimum of 3 terms until completion)
- Four PhD residencies (4 four-day sessions)
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
Please refer to Walden’s catalog for more information about degree requirements.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits Doctoral Writing Assessment
DRWA 8880G Doctoral Writing AssessmentThis course is part of Walden's commitment to help prepare students to meet the university's expectations for writing in courses at the doctoral level. In this course, students write a short academic essay that will be scored by a team of writing assessors. Based on the essay score, students will complete or be exempted from additional required writing support needed to meet writing proficiency standards. This required assessment course is free. Students will be enrolled automatically in it at the beginning of their doctoral program.
(0 cr.) Foundation Course
HUMN 8001 Keys to Doctoral Studies SuccessResearch is possible with the right skills, attitude, and knowledge. How do you successfully complete an online research-intensive program? In this course, students are introduced to Walden University resources and they prepare to become independent learners in an online environment. Students can gain mastery of the online classroom and technological tools needed at Walden University, and they can learn skills for success in the human services program, including scholarly voice in discussions and writing, library search skills, and skills for reading and writing a literature review.
(3 cr.) Core Courses
HUMN 8785 Social Change in Action: Prevention, Consultation, and AdvocacyIn this course, students prepare for their roles as change agents in the human services profession. Throughout the course, students focus on a specific social problem they are passionate about and plan for a community needs assessment to address the problem. As they do so, they examine how prevention, advocacy, and consultation are used to effect positive social change. Students also discuss a variety of social change topics with their peers, such as the language of social change, the use of systems thinking to better understand and address social problems, the emergence and progress of social justice issues, and the strategies for effecting global social change.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8208 Teaching in Human ServicesHuman services professional practitioners who hold a PhD often work in post-secondary education. Students in this course prepare to become competent teachers in human services education through the examination of various adult learning theories and methods for working effectively with different learning styles, cultural dynamics, and diversity. Human services educators-in-training will have the opportunity to learn how to help human services students acquire and apply knowledge and skills, and they will examine methods to evaluate learning outcomes. Students also have the opportunity to evaluate effectiveness within their personal teaching practice. Incorporating knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions learned throughout the course, students have opportunities to design curriculum, practice teaching in online situations, evaluate work, and receive feedback as human services educators-in-training.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8207 Grant WritingGrant writing is a highly marketable skill that requires many nonprofit, educational, and community organizations to secure external funding to provide needed services to the community. In this course, students will explore the basic skills needed for non-research grant writing including identifying potential funding sources, creating objectives and a needs statement, preparing and justifying a budget, identifying appropriate assessment plans, and writing an executive summary. Course assignments will allow students to directly apply what they are reading and discussing by writing a full grant proposal based on an actual Request for Proposal (RFP).
Prerequisites
- HUMN 8304 or RSCH 8210
(5 cr.) HUMN 8209 Human Services TheorySeeing social issues from other viewpoints is the pinnacle of the human services practitioner profession, and it is critical in human services research. In this course, students examine the step-by-step skills of Kurt Lewin's force field analysis research to analyze the problems encountered by families, communities, and organizations. Force field analysis is a tool for understanding how human behavior (e.g., beliefs, attitudes, and cultural norms) influence actions and decisions. Course content outlines how to identify a problem, how to collect data and measure the driving forces and restraining forces that help and hinder the situation, and how to use the data strategically for informing decision makers on possible interventions and strategies toward solving the problem. Students can use their own experiences and areas of focus in this course as a basis for choosing a topic and developing a study plan that they will use in their capstone study.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 8110
(5 cr.) Elective Courses
HUMN 8338 Crisis, Trauma, and Disaster ResponseThis course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the personal and systemic impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on individuals, couples, families, and communities. Students examine theories and response models as they relate to sexual trauma, crisis in individuals and families, crisis in the community, and crisis in the nation and in the world. They explore and discuss topics related to counselor competencies, vicarious trauma and counter transference, specific diagnoses, and advocacy. Students also engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of crisis assessment. Through contemporary articles and case studies, they consider and discuss cultural, legal, and ethical issues related to crisis, trauma, and disaster events and response.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8237 Advanced Program EvaluationDoctoral level practitioners are often called upon to conduct rigorous evaluations of programs, and the results of their evaluations often determine the fate of the programs they evaluate and the clients served by those programs. Therefore, it is important that students learn how to conduct both formative and summative evaluations and how to evaluate the fidelity of program implementation prior to evaluating program outcomes. In this way, program evaluation also tests the theory or logic model on which the program is based. Students will use hands-on activities to develop their ability to develop evaluation plans, provide constructive critical critiques of other students' projects, and accept constructive, critical feedback from others. They will also connect with other professionals engaged in evaluation research through various professional forums (e.g., listservs, blogs, and professional associations). In addition, they will explore how the process, pressures, and outcomes of evaluation research could differ in a different culture and across different professions.
(5 cr.) HUMN XXXX Elective(5 cr.) Research Courses
RSCH 8110 Research Theory, Design, and MethodsIn this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
Prerequisites
(5 cr.) RSCH 8210 Quantitative Reasoning and AnalysisIn this research course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing and carrying out quantitative research at the doctoral level, including the application of statistical concepts and techniques. Students explore classical common statistical tests, the importance of the logic of inference, and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. Students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to derive statistics from quantitative data and interpret and present results.
Prerequisites
Doctor of Social Work
- RSCH 8110K or RSCH 8110W
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
- RSCH 8110
- RESI 8801C
PhD in Social Work
- RSCH 8110K or RSCH 8110W
All Other Programs
- RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110
- RESI 8401
(5 cr.) RSCH 8310 Qualitative Reasoning and AnalysisStudents in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop basic knowledge and skills for conducting qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry, how theory and theoretical and conceptual frameworks uniquely apply to qualitative research, data collection procedures and analysis strategy, and how the role of the researcher is expressed in the ethical and rigorous conduct of qualitative research. Students practice collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data, and they develop a detailed research topic for conducting a qualitative study.
Prerequisites
(5 cr.) Choose one course from the following courses:
Completion of Doctoral Capstone - Dissertation Preparation Courses
HUMN 8550 Preparing for DissertationStudents in this course focus specifically on the process of writing the dissertation prospectus. Students use their preliminary research plan, developed previously, and develop a problem statement, to be used in the dissertation. They further refine the problem statement and carry out the planning and the library research that will bring them to the formulation of a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus is a brief paper, typically 15–20 pages in length, that lays out the background for the problem statement, the problem statement itself, a survey of the relevant literature, typically 25–75 references, and a research, implementation, and evaluation plan for the solution of the problem.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 8110
- RSCH 8210
- RSCH 8310
(5 cr.) Dissertation Writing Courses
HUMN 9001A Communities of Practice and Research 1This course is the first part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9002A Communities of Practice and Research 2This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9001A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9003A Communities of Practice and Research 3This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9002A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9004A Communities of Practice and Research 4This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9003A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9005A Communities of Practice and Research 5This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9004A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9001 DissertationThrough this course, doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their Program of Study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and dissertation. Once students register for HUMN 9001, they are registered each term until successful completion of the dissertation.Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
Prerequisites
- All prior coursework
(5 cr. per term for a minimum of three terms until completion) VIEW ALL COURSES -
Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation course (3 cr.)
- Core courses (45 cr.)
- Elective courses (15 cr.)
- Research courses (20 cr.)
- Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
- Dissertation support course (5 cr.)
- Communities of Practice and Research (CPR) courses (5 cr.; continuously enrolled in 1 cr. per term for a minimum of 4 terms until CPR completion)
- Dissertation writing courses (continuous enrollment in 5 cr. per term for a minimum of 3 terms until completion)
- Four PhD residencies to equal a minimum of 16 days
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits Doctoral Writing Assessment
DRWA 8880G Doctoral Writing AssessmentThis course is part of Walden's commitment to help prepare students to meet the university's expectations for writing in courses at the doctoral level. In this course, students write a short academic essay that will be scored by a team of writing assessors. Based on the essay score, students will complete or be exempted from additional required writing support needed to meet writing proficiency standards. This required assessment course is free. Students will be enrolled automatically in it at the beginning of their doctoral program.
(0 cr.) Foundation Course
HUMN 8001 Keys to Doctoral Studies SuccessResearch is possible with the right skills, attitude, and knowledge. How do you successfully complete an online research-intensive program? In this course, students are introduced to Walden University resources and they prepare to become independent learners in an online environment. Students can gain mastery of the online classroom and technological tools needed at Walden University, and they can learn skills for success in the human services program, including scholarly voice in discussions and writing, library search skills, and skills for reading and writing a literature review.
(3 cr.) Core Courses
HUMN 8785 Social Change in Action: Prevention, Consultation, and AdvocacyIn this course, students prepare for their roles as change agents in the human services profession. Throughout the course, students focus on a specific social problem they are passionate about and plan for a community needs assessment to address the problem. As they do so, they examine how prevention, advocacy, and consultation are used to effect positive social change. Students also discuss a variety of social change topics with their peers, such as the language of social change, the use of systems thinking to better understand and address social problems, the emergence and progress of social justice issues, and the strategies for effecting global social change.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8208 Teaching in Human ServicesHuman services professional practitioners who hold a PhD often work in post-secondary education. Students in this course prepare to become competent teachers in human services education through the examination of various adult learning theories and methods for working effectively with different learning styles, cultural dynamics, and diversity. Human services educators-in-training will have the opportunity to learn how to help human services students acquire and apply knowledge and skills, and they will examine methods to evaluate learning outcomes. Students also have the opportunity to evaluate effectiveness within their personal teaching practice. Incorporating knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions learned throughout the course, students have opportunities to design curriculum, practice teaching in online situations, evaluate work, and receive feedback as human services educators-in-training.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8209 Human Services TheorySeeing social issues from other viewpoints is the pinnacle of the human services practitioner profession, and it is critical in human services research. In this course, students examine the step-by-step skills of Kurt Lewin's force field analysis research to analyze the problems encountered by families, communities, and organizations. Force field analysis is a tool for understanding how human behavior (e.g., beliefs, attitudes, and cultural norms) influence actions and decisions. Course content outlines how to identify a problem, how to collect data and measure the driving forces and restraining forces that help and hinder the situation, and how to use the data strategically for informing decision makers on possible interventions and strategies toward solving the problem. Students can use their own experiences and areas of focus in this course as a basis for choosing a topic and developing a study plan that they will use in their capstone study.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 8110
(5 cr.) HUMN 8304 Data as EvidenceHuman services professional practitioners use statistics in a variety of professional undertakings, such as creating studies to assess human behavior or deciding which programs are most effective for meeting clients' needs. Students in this course study basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods commonly used in the social sciences, and they work toward developing the skills to write, analyze, and critique social science research. Students explore various methods, including computation and analysis of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, and statistical hypothesis testing. Students also examine statistical tests (and underlying assumptions), including z-score; single-sample, independent-sample, and related-sample t tests; analysis of variance; correlation; regression; and chi-square tests. This course also provides an introduction to the SPSS statistical software package.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8160 The Advanced Human Services Practitioner in a Changing WorldAs leaders, advanced human services professional practitioners can inhabit many roles: generalist, planner, advanced case manager, advocate, humanitarian, and outreach worker. Throughout this course, students try on these roles in response to authentic human services scenarios in settings within a fictional community. In each scenario, they observe advanced human services professional practitioners applying role-specific strategies, approaches, and theories to help service users. Students also assess their current knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to each role, as well as the values and experiences they bring to the profession. By the end of the course, students develop and refine a professional identity statement as a leader in the human services profession and examine self-care strategies relevant to the work of an advanced human services professional practitioner.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 8001
- HUMN 8785
(5 cr.) HUMN 8207 Grant WritingGrant writing is a highly marketable skill that requires many nonprofit, educational, and community organizations to secure external funding to provide needed services to the community. In this course, students will explore the basic skills needed for non-research grant writing including identifying potential funding sources, creating objectives and a needs statement, preparing and justifying a budget, identifying appropriate assessment plans, and writing an executive summary. Course assignments will allow students to directly apply what they are reading and discussing by writing a full grant proposal based on an actual Request for Proposal (RFP).
Prerequisites
- HUMN 8304 or RSCH 8210
(5 cr.) HUMN 8161 Assessment and Motivational InterviewingAdvanced human services professional practitioners frequently work with service users who are experiencing crisis and are in need of assessment to determine their level of care and to assist them with establishing and achieving goals. In this course, students develop motivational interviewing skills to help service users identify and self-motivate to achieve the goals they desire. Students apply motivational interviewing skills, such as open-ended questioning, affirming, reflective listening, and summarizing, to authentic human services case studies in the context of assessment. Students also have an opportunity to develop supervisory skills by providing constructive feedback on their peers' motivational interviewing and assessment skills.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8162 Cultural Humility and DiversityStudents in this course examine the theory, philosophy, and practice of working with diverse populations, with a focus on the interplay between individual and unique cultures within societies and organizations attempting to move toward equality and cultural humility. They explore cultural issues and ethics related to economic disparity, power, privilege, and social justice. Students also explore the complex social, political, and related ethical challenges advanced human services professional practitioners face as they seek to meet the needs of diverse populations. Applying concepts presented in the course, students engage in in-depth assessments of emerging or persistent ethical or social justice issues, through which they demonstrate their ability to empower, support, and connect service users with community resources. Throughout the course, students engage in readings, case studies, and practical assignments to build skills to work in multicultural environments and participate in an immersive experience with a specific culture to further develop their cultural humility.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 8785
- HUMN 8160
(5 cr.) HUMN 8660 Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy for Human Services Professional PractitionersThis capstone course is the culmination of the MS in Human Services program. In this course, students have the opportunity to demonstrate senior case management skills and their understanding of the responsibility and leadership of the advanced human services professional practitioner to advocate for social change with service users, organizations, communities, and the human services profession. Students also demonstrate methods of advanced human services practice within local, national, and international organizations. Students continue to enhance their professional development plans by preparing for professional opportunities.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 8785
- HUMN 8160
- HUMN 8162
(5 cr.) Elective Courses
HUMN 8338 Crisis, Trauma, and Disaster ResponseThis course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the personal and systemic impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on individuals, couples, families, and communities. Students examine theories and response models as they relate to sexual trauma, crisis in individuals and families, crisis in the community, and crisis in the nation and in the world. They explore and discuss topics related to counselor competencies, vicarious trauma and counter transference, specific diagnoses, and advocacy. Students also engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of crisis assessment. Through contemporary articles and case studies, they consider and discuss cultural, legal, and ethical issues related to crisis, trauma, and disaster events and response.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8237 Advanced Program EvaluationDoctoral level practitioners are often called upon to conduct rigorous evaluations of programs, and the results of their evaluations often determine the fate of the programs they evaluate and the clients served by those programs. Therefore, it is important that students learn how to conduct both formative and summative evaluations and how to evaluate the fidelity of program implementation prior to evaluating program outcomes. In this way, program evaluation also tests the theory or logic model on which the program is based. Students will use hands-on activities to develop their ability to develop evaluation plans, provide constructive critical critiques of other students' projects, and accept constructive, critical feedback from others. They will also connect with other professionals engaged in evaluation research through various professional forums (e.g., listservs, blogs, and professional associations). In addition, they will explore how the process, pressures, and outcomes of evaluation research could differ in a different culture and across different professions.
(5 cr.) HUMN XXXX Elective(5 cr.) Research Courses
RSCH 8110 Research Theory, Design, and MethodsIn this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
Prerequisites
(5 cr.) RSCH 8210 Quantitative Reasoning and AnalysisIn this research course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing and carrying out quantitative research at the doctoral level, including the application of statistical concepts and techniques. Students explore classical common statistical tests, the importance of the logic of inference, and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. Students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to derive statistics from quantitative data and interpret and present results.
Prerequisites
Doctor of Social Work
- RSCH 8110K or RSCH 8110W
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
- RSCH 8110
- RESI 8801C
PhD in Social Work
- RSCH 8110K or RSCH 8110W
All Other Programs
- RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110
- RESI 8401
(5 cr.) RSCH 8310 Qualitative Reasoning and AnalysisStudents in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop basic knowledge and skills for conducting qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry, how theory and theoretical and conceptual frameworks uniquely apply to qualitative research, data collection procedures and analysis strategy, and how the role of the researcher is expressed in the ethical and rigorous conduct of qualitative research. Students practice collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data, and they develop a detailed research topic for conducting a qualitative study.
Prerequisites
(5 cr.) Choose one course from the following courses:
Completion of Doctoral Capstone - Dissertation Preparation Courses
HUMN 8550 Preparing for DissertationStudents in this course focus specifically on the process of writing the dissertation prospectus. Students use their preliminary research plan, developed previously, and develop a problem statement, to be used in the dissertation. They further refine the problem statement and carry out the planning and the library research that will bring them to the formulation of a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus is a brief paper, typically 15–20 pages in length, that lays out the background for the problem statement, the problem statement itself, a survey of the relevant literature, typically 25–75 references, and a research, implementation, and evaluation plan for the solution of the problem.
Prerequisites
- RSCH 8110
- RSCH 8210
- RSCH 8310
(5 cr.) Dissertation Writing Courses
HUMN 9001A Communities of Practice and Research 1This course is the first part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9002A Communities of Practice and Research 2This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9001A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9003A Communities of Practice and Research 3This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9002A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9004A Communities of Practice and Research 4This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9003A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9005A Communities of Practice and Research 5This course is the next part of the capstone journey. The community created here becomes part of the student's program for five quarters, and the goal is to prepare for the dissertation study—the culminating work in the program. In this community classroom, students meet their doctoral mentor and other students. They discuss ideas related to applied research, writing, and project planning. As a human services professional practitioner at the doctoral level, students are preparing to be leaders in applying research to practice in the field. This community of practice and research can prepare students to develop an applied study in a human services area important to them. Students become familiar with Walden's resources that support human services field research development, strategies to organize research, research methods and resources, and finding a research question for their study. In the fifth quarter, students draft their prospectus in preparation to conduct their study.
Prerequisites
- HUMN 9004A
Note: Students are continuously registered in the Communities of Practice and Research course (1–5) for five terms.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9001 DissertationThrough this course, doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their Program of Study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and dissertation. Once students register for HUMN 9001, they are registered each term until successful completion of the dissertation.Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
Prerequisites
- All prior coursework
(5 cr. per term for a minimum of three terms until completion) VIEW ALL COURSES
Admission Requirements
General Admission Program Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Earn a Master’s Degree Along the Way
Walden understands the rigors involved with preparing for your doctorate. To signify how far you’ve come on your journey, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or an MS in Human Services degree upon completion of all the master’s degree program requirements, prior to completion of your dissertation or doctoral study.
Highlight your academic achievement and show employers and others that you possess comprehensive knowledge in your field of study.
A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate
Earning your Phd in Human Services requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.
- Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
- Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
Residencies
Four academic residencies support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.
Tuition and Fees
-
Curriculum Requirements Cost Total * Tuition-Coursework 63 quarter credits $630 per quarter hour for coursework credits $39,690^ Tuition-Dissertation 20–130† quarter credits $630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits $12,600–$81,900* Technology Fee $165 per quarter $1,485–$5,280* Residency Fee Four Residencies $1,375 (virtual)
$1,475 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)$5,500–$5,900 Estimated Range: 2.5-Year 8-Year
$59,275*
$132,770*+
(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.
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Curriculum Requirements Cost Total * Tuition-Coursework 88 quarter credits $630 per quarter hour for coursework credits $55,440^ Tuition-Dissertation 20–115† quarter credits $630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits $12,600–$72,450* Technology Fee $165 per quarter $1,980–$5,280* Residency Fee Four Residencies $1,375 (Virtual)
$1,475 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)$5,500–$5,900 Estimated Range: 3.25-Year 8-Year
$75,520*
$139,070*+
(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.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Learn moreProgram Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on August 29, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowGeneral Program
Create your own learning experience and explore topics of interest that align with your personal and professional goals.
Advanced Research
Explore advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method methodologies used in research projects.
Community and Social Services
Study strategies to promote well-being in a variety of settings, including schools, communities, and organizations.
Criminal Justice
Explore traditional and contemporary intervention and rehabilitation approaches for both offenders and victims.
Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
Study concepts specific to crisis counseling, including crisis intervention theories and models for working with diverse populations.
Family Studies and Intervention
Study theoretical and clinical approaches to intervention, which emphasize the special needs of minorities and marginalized groups.
Studies in Aging
Explore the impact of societal expectations on older adults and demographic trends, including global, cross-cultural issues in aging.
Higher Education
Gain a broad understanding of the current educational environment and explore theories and best practices in adult learning.
Human Services Nonprofit Administration
Study the nature of leadership in human service organizations, including the management of nonprofits.
Mental Health
Develop the skills to help individuals navigate community mental health services.
Military Families and Culture
Explore the impact of parent-child separation, frequent family relocations, and other issues experienced by military families.
Program Outcomes
Earn a Doctoral Degree With Broad Impact
Aligned with Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) guidelines, Walden’s online PhD in Human Services program equips you with a versatile skill set designed to help you succeed. This non-licensure program can unlock your leadership potential while building your teaching, research, and consulting skills. Explore how to test current assumptions, develop new theories, and create a platform for new knowledge that drives the evolution of human services delivery and practice.
Employment in community and social service occupations is projected to grow 12% through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
With a PhD in Human Services, you can pursue opportunities throughout the globe as a transnational human services generalist and work in various settings and positions within human service organizations. Rise to the top of your field as a leader, researcher, or educator.
#1
granter of doctoral research degrees.2A PhD in Human Services can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools
- Social assistance organizations
- Hospitals
- Executive, legislative, and other general government support areas
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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.
Resources
When I encounter any student, I always encourage folks to look for a program that will get them to the goal and give them the opportunity to interact at a different level—that’s what Walden was about for me.
Philip Terry-Smith PhD in Human Services Graduate
I received the lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Black Social Workers at the 50th anniversary celebration and national conference.
Renata Hedrington Jones PhD in Human Services Graduate
My PhD at Walden was my fourth degree. I wanted to continue my research on self-determination and creative administration and decision-making.
Olga Zbarskaya PhD in Human Services Graduate
Questions about our PhD in Human Services?
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
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