Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Education degree program with a specialization in Adult Education Leadership is designed to provide students with an understanding of organizational concepts and principles of adult learning, as well as related social factors and research methods. The program is offered in two formats: using Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs), which place an emphasis on independent study and mentored research, and using a mixed-model format, which combines research with more traditional online instruction. In both the KAM-based and mixed-model formats, you have the opportunity to develop analytical and reasoning skills through a series of research courses.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should have at least three years of professional experience in an educational setting and have a master's degree or higher. You should also have completed undergraduate courses in education.

What Are the Course Requirements?

In both the KAM-based and mixed-model formats, you must complete 96 total quarter credit hours to earn the Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Adult Education Leadership from Walden. This total represents 36 credits in foundation and core courses or core KAMs, 24 credits in specialized KAMs, 16 credits in research courses, and a 20-credit dissertation proposal and presentation. You also must complete 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, Human Development, and Adult Education
• KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Current Research on Social Systems and Adult Education
  • Application: Professional Practice, Social Systems, and Adult Education
• KAM V: Principles of Adult Education
  • Breadth: Interdisciplinary Foundations and Theory in Adult Education and Learning
  • Depth: Current Research in Adult Education and Learning
  • Application: Professional Practice in Adult Learning
• KAM VI: Critical Issues for Adult Education Leaders
  • Breadth: Principles for Adult Education Leaders
  • Depth: Current Research in Program Planning and Delivery
  • Application: Professional Practice for Adult Education Leaders
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Qualitative Reasoning
• 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: Principles of Adult Education
  • Breadth: Interdisciplinary Foundations and Theory in Adult Education and Learning
  • Depth: Current Research in Adult Education and Learning
  • Application: Professional Practice in Adult Learning
• KAM VI: Critical Issues for Adult Education Leaders
  • Breadth: Principles for Adult Education Leaders
  • Depth: Current Research in Program Planning and Delivery
  • Application: Professional Practice for Adult Education Leaders
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Qualitative Reasoning
• 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

Upon completion of Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Adult Education Leadership, you could be prepared to apply your knowledge of leadership and educational theories and concepts in jobs such as adult educator or trainer. You could work in many types of professional environments, including:

• Educational outreach programs
• Community organizations
• Corporate training programs
• Continuing education programs

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.