Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The online Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Global and Comparative Education at Walden University examines the role of the scholar-practitioner, educational organizations, foundational theories of education, and key principles of social change in education. You can study curriculum theory and design, leadership theory for educators in a global society, research theory and design, and quantitative and qualitative reasoning and analysis as you learn to assess and evaluate learning outcomes and education programs. Additional program topics include how cultural diversity impacts learning opportunities, intelligence, and motivation; the planning and development of learning institutions in cross-cultural, multinational, and international contexts; and the movement toward global standards for curriculum, testing, and assessment.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you're considering applying to the Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Global and Comparative Education, you should be a professional educator with a master's degree and have at least three years of professional or academic experience. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What are the Course Requirements?

Walden University's PhD in Education with a specialization in Global and Comparative Education program consists of 96 total credits. This includes three foundation courses, six core courses, four research courses, five dissertation courses, and two specialization Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs), which are groupings of related courses. The program also includes four in-person residencies; some students may qualify for virtual residencies.

Required Education Foundation Courses

• Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
• Principles of Social Change
• Social Change in Education

Education Core Course Requirements

• 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

Required Global and Comparative Education Courses

• KAM V: Global and Comparative Perspectives on Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation
  • Breadth: Culturally Situated Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation as a Basic Praxis
  • Depth: Implications of Global and Comparative International Research for Intelligence, Motivation, and Learning
  • Application: Professional Practice to Promote Success in Global Education
• KAM VI: Global and Transcultural Learning Institutions: Organization, Purpose, Goals, and Missions
  • Breadth: Organizational Theories on the Role of Learning Institutions Within and Across Societies
  • Depth: Comparative Research on Global Change and Its Impact on International, National, and Local Learning Institutions and Curricula
  • Transformational Change Through Education in International, National, and Local Sites

Required Research Courses

• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Choose one from 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

The Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Global and Comparative Education is intended to prepare you for professional positions in education. As a graduate of the program, you could seek employment opportunities in schools, colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, research organizations, and other education-related organizations. You may be able to compete for positions such as:

• Instructional coordinator
• Education administrator
• Postsecondary professor
• Research associate

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

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

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.