Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Education General Program is designed to develop management and organizational skills necessary for advanced roles in the educational field. The program is offered in two formats: Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) based or a mixed-model format. The KAM-based format allows for more independent study and mentored research opportunities; the mixed-model format also allows for independent study but incorporates more structured online instruction. Topics addressed in both formats include learning theories, the organization of learning institutions, factors in human development, research methods, and teaching processes. Both formats require the completion and presentation of a dissertation.

What Are the Prerequisites?

The Ph.D. in Education General Program is designed for those already involved in an education-related profession. You must have at least three years of experience in the education field, including at the elementary or secondary level. You also must have a master's degree or higher.

What Are the Program Requirements?

The Ph.D. in Education General Program at Walden University requires the completion of 96 total quarter credit hours. This total represents 12 credits in foundation courses, 24 credits in core courses or core KAMs, 24 credits in specialized KAMs, and the remaining credits in research and in dissertation proposal and presentation. Though course titles and sequence vary by format, this credit requirement applies to both the KAM-based and mixed-model formats. Both formats also include four academic residencies for a total of 16 days.

KAM-Based Format Requirements

• Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
• Principles of Social Change
• Social Change in Education
• KAM II: Principles of Human Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Human Development and Adult Education
  • Application: Professional Practice and Human Development
• KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems
  • Application: Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• KAM V: Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation
  • Breadth: Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation as a Basic Praxis
  • Depth: Educators as Facilitators of Learning for Diverse Populations
  • Application: Professional Practice Using Learning Theories
• KAM VI: Learning Institutions: Organization, Purpose, Goals, and Missions
  • Breadth: The Organization of Learning Institutions
  • Depth: Social Change in Learning Institutions and Curricula
  • Application: Creating and Implementing Educational Change
• Advanced Research Sequence (choose one of the following):
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
• Dissertation

Mixed-Model Format Requirements

• Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
• Principles of Social Change
• Social Change in Education
• The Learner Across the Lifespan
• Learning and Instruction
• Assessment and Accountability in Education
• Leadership in a Global Society
• Educational Organizations and Contexts
• Innovation and Change in Education
• KAM V: Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation
  • Breadth: Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation as a Basic Praxis
  • Depth: Educators as Facilitators of Learning for Diverse Populations
  • Application: Professional Practice Using Learning Theories
• KAM VI: Learning Institutions: Organization, Purpose, Goals, and Missions
  • Breadth: The Organization of Learning Institutions
  • Depth: Social Change in Learning Institutions and Curricula
  • Application: Creating and Implementing Educational Change
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research Sequence (choose one of the following):
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

After earning a Ph.D. in Education from Walden University, you may be prepared to fill a high-level role in the education field. You might seek a supervisory role in learning program development, curriculum assessment and design, innovational developments, or educational research. Positions you could pursue with a Ph.D. in Education include:

• Dean
• Principal
• School superintendent
• School administrator

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.