Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Health Services program with a specialization in Public Health Policy is an online degree program designed to prepare healthcare administration professionals to be leaders and policy-makers in the field of public health policy. The program is offered in both a course-based and a mixed-model format, and addresses the structure of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare resource management, and policy implementation. The curriculum encompasses management of healthcare delivery systems, ethical and legal issues, and finance functions in healthcare management. This specialization focuses on policy formulation and evaluation, social program analysis, and economic models used in policy formation. Walden University's course-based format is a structured, predetermined syllabus that allows for ample collaboration. The mixed-model format combines online coursework with research papers known as Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Students who pursue this format take online health services and policy courses and write papers in conjunction with support from faculty advisors.

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for current healthcare professionals. You may have experience with healthcare leadership, policy implementation, administration, corporate training, or teaching. Applicants to Walden University must have a bachelor's degree or higher.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Walden University Ph.D. in Health Services program incorporates online study as well as four brief residency periods, and culminates in a dissertation. The required courses are listed below.

Course-Based Format

• Foundations of Graduate Study in Health Services
• Research, Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• U.S. Healthcare Delivery System
• Organizational Development and Leadership
• Health Economics
• Health Policy
• Healthcare Financial Management
• Health Law and Ethics
• Health Policy and Management
• Public Health Policy Design and Implementation
• Public Policy and Evaluation
• Public Policy and Finance
• Dissertation

Mixed-Model Format

• Foundations for Graduate Study
• Knowledge Area Module I: Principles of Social Change
  • Theories of Social Change
  • Current Research in Social Change: Health Management and Policy
  • Professional Practice and Social Change: Health Management and Policy
• Knowledge Area Module III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems: Health Management and Policy
  • Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems: Health Management and Policy
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Health Policy and Management
• Public Health Policy Design and Implementation
• Public Policy and Evaluation
• Public Policy and Finance
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Walden University's Ph.D. in Health Services program with a specialization in Public Health Policy have the opportunity to prepare for careers in healthcare policy management, allied health, or public health initiatives. Healthcare leadership specialists often work with federal, non-profit, and government institutions and assess the efficacy of healthcare initiatives. Graduates may wish to pursue careers in teaching, research, or healthcare policy.

Positions you may seek include:

• Professor
• Healthcare executive
• Healthcare policy advisor or analyst
• Health administration management

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