Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Health Services General Program is an online program designed to prepare health education professionals to become leaders and advocates in the field of healthcare administration and policy. The Ph.D. in Health Services General Program is offered in a mixed-model format and addresses planning and organization of health education systems, healthcare ethics and law, and integrative professional practices. The curriculum focuses on social change, human development theory and research, and the delivery of both traditional and integrative health services. Walden University's mixed-model format combines coursework online with research papers known as Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Students who pursue this format can take health services courses online and write papers in conjunction with support from faculty advisors. Students also have the option of choosing a more self-directed program in Health Services for their doctoral studies. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for healthcare advocates, educators, and professionals with at least three years of related experience. You may have experience with healthcare leadership, education, policy, or teaching. Most of Walden's doctoral programs require that you have a master's degree or higher. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Walden University's Ph.D. in Health Services General Program requires completion of 102 total quarter credit hours, incorporates study online as well as four brief academic residency periods (for a total of 16 days/units), and culminates in a dissertation. Some of the required courses are listed below.

• Foundations for Graduate Study

Core KAMS

• KAM I: Principles of Social Change
  • Breadth: Theories of Social Change
  • Depth: Current Research in Social Change
  • Application: Professional Practice and Social Change
• KAM II: Principles of Human Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Human Development
  • 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

Foundation Research Sequence

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

Specialized KAMs

• KAM V: Advanced Theory, Methods, and Practice in Health Services
  • Breadth: Health Services in the Contemporary Context
  • Depth: Current Concepts and Methods in Health Services
  • Application: Integrative Professional Practice in Health Services
• KAM VI: Contemporary Issues and the Ethical Delivery of Health Services
  • Breadth: Health Services Delivery and Ethical Implications
  • Depth: Health Services Delivery and Ethical Decision-Making
  • Application: Ethical Theories Applied in Health Services
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of Walden University's Ph.D. in Health Services General Program have the opportunity to prepare for careers in health services management, allied health fields, and public or private health initiatives. Healthcare leaders often work with higher education institutions and assess the efficacy of healthcare organizations. Graduates may wish to pursue careers in education, research, or healthcare policy. Positions that graduates may seek include:

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Professor
• Hospital management specialist
• Health services researcher
• Health services management intervention specialist
• Health services policy analyst