Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

When you enroll in Walden University's online Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Health Policy, you have the opportunity to choose between a mixed-model format and a course-based format. The course-based format requires you to follow a specific program of study, while the mixed-model format is more loosely structured and involves the completion of Walden University's Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). The specialization courses cover topics such as U.S. healthcare delivery system, health policy and management, and leadership, professionalism, and ethics in public health practice. The degree program is research-based and requires the completion of a dissertation. The time it takes to complete the degree program varies according to how quickly you can complete the research component.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's online Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Health Policy, you should have a strong interest in the healthcare sector and the policy issues that affect hospitals, clinics, community care centers, and other organizations in the field. It is also beneficial to have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Applicants to Walden University's programs should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Health Policy consists of 82 credits. The degree program is divided into core courses, specialization courses, a foundation research sequence, and a dissertation. Four Ph.D. residencies are required and one of three courses must be chosen to fulfill the core course requirement

Core Courses

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Governance and Public Policy
• Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis (Optional)
• Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis (Optional)
• Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis (Optional)

Specialization Courses

• Health Policy and Management
• U.S. Healthcare Delivery System
• Leadership, Professionalism, and Ethics in Public Health Practice

Foundation Research Sequence

• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have finished Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Health Policy, you could pursue jobs with nonprofits, healthcare organizations, universities and colleges, government agencies, and think tanks that are focused on health policy issues. As a prospective health policy analyst, you should be able to demonstrate an ability to think critically and analyze health policy issues. Ph.D. holders who are interested in entering academia have the opportunity to teach and advise students. Additionally, professors conduct research and publish papers in scholarly journals. Professors who have taught for many years and have a strong publishing record may be eligible for tenure. Some possible job titles could include:

• Health policy analyst
• Healthcare administrator
• Professor
• Community health educator

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.