Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

As a student of Walden University's Ph.D. in Education degree program with a specialization in Community College Leadership, you have the opportunity to develop an understanding of community college systems and practices, while developing organizational, management, and communication skills. The program is offered in two formats: using Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) or using a mixed-model format. The KAM-based format emphasizes independent study and mentored research, while the mixed-model format offers more traditional online instruction combined with independent research. Both formats offer theoretical and practical study of community college structures, strategies, and current trends.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should have an academic background in education, at least three years of experience as a teacher or school administrator, and have a master's degree or higher.

What Are the Course Requirements?

You must complete 96 total quarter credit hours to earn the Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Community College Leadership at Walden. This total represents 12 credits in foundation courses, 24 credits in core courses or core KAMS, 24 credits in specialized KAMs, 16 credits in research, and a 20-credit dissertation process. Both the KAM-based and mixed-model formats have the 96-credit requirement, and both require 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: The Contemporary Community College
  • Breadth: Perspectives on the Role of the Community College
  • Depth: Current Research on Trends in the Community College
  • Application: Professional Practice and Current Trends in Community Colleges
• KAM VI: Leadership and Strategic Planning in the Community College
  • Breadth: Perspectives on Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges
  • Depth: Current Research on Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges
  • Application: Professional Practice in Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Qualitative Reasoning
• Advanced Research Sequence
  • 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: The Contemporary Community College
  • Breadth: Perspectives on the Role of the Community College
  • Depth: Current Research on Trends in the Community College
  • Application: Professional Practice and Current Trends in Community Colleges
• KAM VI: Leadership and Strategic Planning in the Community College
  • Breadth: Perspectives on Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges
  • Depth: Current Research on Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges
  • Application: Professional Practice in Leadership and Strategic Planning in Community Colleges
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Qualitative Reasoning
• Advanced Research Sequence
  • 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 completing all requirements of Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Community College Leadership, you could seek management or administrative jobs in public or private two-year colleges. Responsibilities might include overseeing curriculum development, academic programs, community relations or marketing programs, institutional research, or facilities management. Positions you could pursue include:

• Community college president
• Dean of academic affairs
• Dean of student services
• College program leader

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.