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Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule March 01, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 53 Credits
Explore our PhD in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology General Practice specialization
Designed for students interested in careers in such areas as organizational consulting, organizational development, academia, training and development, talent management, research, or business and consulting, this doctoral specialization provides the advanced research skills, theoretical knowledge, and advanced expertise required to conduct research, teach in higher education settings, or help diverse organizations improve workplace and workforce productivity. Focusing on organizational behavior in the workplace, you will explore employee assessment and recruitment practices, job attitudes, workplace motivation, team building, job performance measurement systems, and advanced topics in personnel psychology such as competency modeling and talent management.
Through the doctoral dissertation, you will have the opportunity to research an area of specific interest and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
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Curriculum
Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation course (3 cr.)
- Core courses (25 cr.)
- Research courses (10 cr.)
- Specialization courses (15 cr.)
- Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
- Dissertation Support courses (7 cr.)
- Dissertation Writing courses (5 cr. per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously 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 844-768-0003.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits DOCTORAL WRITING ASSESSMENT
DRWA 8880G Doctoral Writing Assessment
This 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
IPSY 8004 Foundations of Graduate Study in Psychology
Students in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals, and they develop a program of study, a professional development plan, and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as the online Walden University Library. They engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.
(3 cr.) CORE COURSES
IPSY 8552 Psychological Motivation at Work
Participants in this course study in depth major topics in micro-level organizational behavior. Accountability, organization citizenship behaviors, forms of organizational attachment, motivation, goal theory, and issues of equity and justice will be covered.
(5 cr.) IPSY 8412 Research Foundations
Students in this course examine and receive support for student readiness regarding the use of quantitative and qualitative research approaches. They study research fundamentals, including the distinction between social problems and research problems, the functions of research problems versus research purpose statements, and the role of theory and conceptual framework in informing research. Students examine quantitative and qualitative concepts central to research methods, design, and analysis. They also study how research design, methods, and analyses properly align for both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Students demonstrate their knowledge by creating two research outlines, using quantitative and qualitative approaches, which they develop throughout the course. They determine appropriate conditions for the use of mixed-methods approaches and differentiate between types of mixed-methods research designs. Students engage in pre- and post-assessments of skills and knowledge.
(5 cr.) IPSY 8576 Advanced Personnel Psychology
Participants in this course study in depth advanced topics in personnel psychology, including competency modeling, succession planning, talent management, alternative approaches to validation of selection tests, adverse impact, return on investment, and application of multiple linear regression analysis.
(5 cr.) IPSY 8551 I/O Tests and Measurement
Students in this course study in-depth measurement theory and the tests used in organizational settings. Included are a comprehensive examination of psychometric properties used to develop and evaluate these instruments, including classical test theory, item response theory (IRT), and item forensics approaches to testing. Topics include normative sampling and standardization, reliability and validity, test score interpretation, and test development. Students also address ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues, including cultural bias and fairness. Professional standards for testing provide a foundation for the course.
(5 cr.) IPSY 8579 Job Attitudes, Measurement, and Change
Participants in this course study in depth major theories of job attitudes, as well as their antecedents, correlates, and consequences. Topics include job satisfaction, organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, withdrawal behavior, and counterproductive organizational behavior. Application of learning is demonstrated through an applied-attitude survey research project.
(5 cr.) SPECIALIZATION COURSES
IPSY 8755 Leadership and Leader Development
Effective leadership requires the ability to facilitate positive change, lead others in efforts to effect similar change, and work through challenges when met with resistance to change. Students in this course are provided with an extensive overview of leadership theories. Students explore definitions of leadership, major theoretical leadership models, and contextual and situational factors related to leadership and change. Students also examine various perspectives on leadership and the role of leadership in the achievement of organizational, group, and team goals. Students engage in practical assignments and discussions, focusing on effective leadership issues and practices during the process of organizational change.
(5 cr.) IPSY 8706 Ethics and Standards of I/O Psychology
Students in this course examine the origins of professional codes of ethics and standards of scientific psychology. Topics include ethical issues in academics (research, teaching, supervision), various work settings (assessment, consulting), and ethics involved in working with diverse populations. Additionally, students are introduced to forensic psychology and ethical issues related to the legal system. Students also explore how cultural factors are addressed in various ethical codes and the implications for scholar-practitioners.
(5 cr.) IPSY 8754 Personnel Psychology in the Workplace
In this course, students explore the application of psychological theory and practice to human resources activities in organizations. They examine related topics, including job analysis and design, employee selection and placement, training and development, performance management and appraisal, and legal and ethical considerations in human resources management. Through a group project case study, students research, assess, and share critical issues in personnel psychology. They also demonstrate their ability to conduct effective research and review literature through a final research paper on a topic of interest related to course content and theory. (Prerequisite(s): PSYC 8750 or PSYC 8752.)
(5 cr.) RESEARCH COURSES
RSCH 8260 Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
Students in this research course build upon knowledge and skills acquired in the prerequisite quantitative reasoning course and are presented with opportunities to apply them. They are provided with more specialized knowledge and skills for conducting quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts, such as factorial ANOVA, mediation, moderation, logistic regression, ANCOVA, and MANOVA. Students explore existing datasets and apply suitable statistical tests to answer research questions with social change implications. In this course, they approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate statistical tests for more complex research questions and social problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by carrying out a quantitative research project. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 and RESI 8402.)
(5 cr.) RSCH 8360 Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
Students build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis. and have experience applying them. Students develop a more sophisticated understanding of the theoretical antecedents and practical applications of eight contemporary qualitative approaches. Students gain experience developing qualitative interview guides, collecting data, and managing the process from transcription through analysis. The unique challenges of confidentiality and ethical issues are explored as well as implications for social change. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan using a topic relevant to their capstone. (Prerequisite(s): RESI 8402.)
(5 cr.) COMPLETION OF DOCTORAL CAPSTONE - DISSERTATION PREPARATION COURSES
IPSY 8185 Writing a Quality Prospectus in Psychology
This five-credit course is focused specifically on the process of writing the doctoral study prospectus. Students will use their preliminary research plan, developed previously, and develop a problem statement, to be used in the doctoral study. They further refine the problem statement and carry out the planning and the library research that will bring them to the formulation of a doctoral study 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.
(5 cr.) IPSY 8702 Dissertation Literature Review Lab
The purpose of this course is to help students prepare to write a well-structured, soundly presented critical literature review. In this course, students cover topic selection, research analysis, writing, and editing. Upon completing the course, students produce an annotated bibliography and outline of a literature review using a minimum of 10 self-selected research articles. This course is appropriate for doctoral students who are preparing for their dissertation research.
(2 cr.) DISSERTATION WRITING COURSES
IPSY 9000 Dissertation
Doctoral students in this course are provided with the opportunity to integrate their Program of Study into a research study through which they explore a specific area of interest. Students complete the dissertation with the guidance of a chair and committee members through a learning platform classroom in which weekly participation is required. Students work with their dissertation chair to write the prospectus, complete an approved proposal (the first three chapters of the dissertation), complete an application for Institutional Review Board approval, collect and analyze data, and complete the dissertation. During the final quarter, students prepare the dissertation for final review by the university and conclude with an oral defense of their dissertation. Once students register for IPSY 9000, they are registered each term until successful completion of the dissertation for a minimum of four terms.Students take this course for a minimum of four 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. (Prerequisite(s): Foundation and core courses and designation of an approved dissertation committee chairperson.)
(5 cr. per term for a minimum of 4 quarters until completion) VIEW ALL COURSES Tuition and Fees
Curriculum Requirements Cost Total * Tuition-Coursework 60 quarter credits $585 per quarter hour for coursework credits $35,100^ Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–125† quarter credits $585 per quarter hour for dissertation credits $11,700–$73,125* Technology Fee $160 per quarter $1,760–$5,120* Residency Fee Four Residencies $1,375 each (virtual)
$1,475 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)$5,500–$5,900 Estimated Range: 3-Year 8-Year
$54,060
$119,245*+
(assuming completion in a 3-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-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
Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation course (3 cr.)
- Core courses (40 cr.)
- Research courses (25 cr.)
- Specialization courses (15 cr.)
- Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
- Dissertation Support courses (7 cr.)
- Dissertation Writing courses (5 cr. per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously 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 844-768-0003.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits DOCTORAL WRITING ASSESSMENT
DRWA 8880G Doctoral Writing Assessment
This 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 Success
Research 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 Advocacy
In this course, students prepare for their roles as counselors in areas of prevention, intervention, and consultation with specific populations in different settings. Students assess these three areas of mental health counseling, including the relationships among them, methodological applications, and related ethical and legal considerations. They also discuss a variety of topics with their peers, such as applications for social change, needs of specific populations, iatrogenic harm, professional approaches and challenges, program evaluation, and future trends. Using an action-research model, students develop a blueprint for a project to address a contemporary mental health issue through the context of prevention, intervention, or consultation.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8208 Teaching in Human Services
Human 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 Theory
Seeing 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.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8304 Statistics 1
Human 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 8206 The World of Human Services: Reimagined
As human and social problems increase across the globe, human services professional practitioners must be prepared to work in a variety of fields with many different populations. In this course, students examine their own calling to be a human services professional practitioner and connect their passion to leading positive social change. Students explore the value of human services and the challenges that professional practitioners face in the field today. The course covers human services ethics of professional practice, along with key skills every human services professional practitioner must master to be prepared to work anywhere in the world. Course content exposes new concepts and trends in human services, and students analyze and propose reimagined practices in some areas, including interviewing, assessment, and referral; understanding and applying research in the field; the role of program evaluations; interprofessional networking; and transnational practice.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8207 Grant Writing
Grant 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).
(5 cr.) HUMN 8005 The Changing Context of Postsecondary and Adult Teaching and Learning
Learning in adulthood is imperative for individuals to realize the opportunities of 21st-century workplaces, technology, and society. Providing these learning experiences requires committed and responsive adult and postsecondary education leaders. In this course, education professionals investigate contemporary trends and issues in teaching and learning in postsecondary and adult education settings. The course also provides education professionals with an introduction to the expectations of graduate work in Adult Education and College Teaching and Learning programs. Education professionals learn to work effectively within Walden University's online learning environment and develop an understanding of university and program support systems, expectations, and outcomes.
(5 cr.) HUMN 8237 Advanced Program Evaluation
Doctoral 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 8660 Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy for Human Services Professionals
This course is designed to enhance students' understanding of the responsibility of human service professionals to foster social change, provide leadership and service to the human services professions, and advocate for their communities, clients, students, and professions. Students use research to examine the current trends and issues of the professions and identify how community, national, and international issues affect human services professions. Students also gain an understanding of the processes of advocacy and social change. Students continue to enhance their professional development plans by identifying specific goals for professional involvement and service.
(5 cr.) ELECTIVE COURSES
HUMN 8338 Crisis, Trauma, and Disaster Response
This 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.) Elective Course
Elective Course
RESEARCH COURSES
RSCH 8110 Research Theory, Design, and Methods
In 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. (Prerequisite(s): RESI 8401.)
(5 cr.) RSCH 8210 Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
In 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. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110, and RESI 8401.)
(5 cr.) RSCH 8310 Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
Students 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. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110, and RESI 8401.)
(5 cr.) Choose one course from the following courses:
RSCH 8260 Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
Students in this research course build upon knowledge and skills acquired in the prerequisite quantitative reasoning course and are presented with opportunities to apply them. They are provided with more specialized knowledge and skills for conducting quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts, such as factorial ANOVA, mediation, moderation, logistic regression, ANCOVA, and MANOVA. Students explore existing datasets and apply suitable statistical tests to answer research questions with social change implications. In this course, they approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate statistical tests for more complex research questions and social problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by carrying out a quantitative research project. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 and RESI 8402.)
(5 cr.) RSCH 8360 Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
Students build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis. and have experience applying them. Students develop a more sophisticated understanding of the theoretical antecedents and practical applications of eight contemporary qualitative approaches. Students gain experience developing qualitative interview guides, collecting data, and managing the process from transcription through analysis. The unique challenges of confidentiality and ethical issues are explored as well as implications for social change. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan using a topic relevant to their capstone. (Prerequisite(s): RESI 8402.)
(5 cr.) RSCH 8460 Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
Students build upon knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8210 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis and RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis for more specialized knowledge and skills to design mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students are provided with more specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. They gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question(s). The emphases of this course are on 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. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements appropriately. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110, and RSCH 8210 or RSCH 7210 or RSCH 6210, and RSCH 8310 or RSCH 7310 or RSCH 6310, and RESI 8402.)
(5 cr.) COMPLETION OF DOCTORAL CAPSTONE - DISSERTATION PREPARATION COURSES
HUMN 8550 Preparing for Dissertation
Students 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.
(5 cr.) DISSERTATION WRITING COURSES
HUMN 9001A Communities of Practice and Research 1
This 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.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9002A Communities of Practice and Research 2
This 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.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9003A Communities of Practice and Research 3
This 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.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9004A Communities of Practice and Research 4
This 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.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9005A Communities of Practice and Research 5
This 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.
(1 cr.) HUMN 9001 Dissertation
Through 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. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8100U, RSCH 8200U, and RSCH 8300U.)
(5 cr. per term for a minimum of three terms until completion) VIEW ALL COURSES Tuition and Fees
Curriculum Requirements Cost Total * Tuition-Coursework 90 quarter credits $585 per quarter hour for coursework credits $52,650^ Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–115† quarter credits $585 per quarter hour for dissertation credits $11,700–$67,275* Technology Fee $160 per quarter $2,080–$5,120* Residency Fee Four Residencies $1,375 each (virtual)
$1,475 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)$5,500–$5,900 Estimated Range: 3-Year 8-Year
$71,930
$130,945*+
(assuming completion in a 3-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-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.
FINANCIAL AID
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SavePROGRAM SAVINGS
Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowAdmission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A master’s degree or higher.
General Admission 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.
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