Do you aspire to assume a leadership role in the counseling and guidance of families of culturally diverse backgrounds during times of marital stress, child behavioral problems, and other familial issues? You can prepare for this career when you become a student of Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies. Read more about this online doctoral degree program here.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Kind of Program Is It?

    Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies is designed to provide a broad education in the functions and history of human services systems combined with intensive studies in family counseling theories and practices. The program is available in a self-directed format that emphasizes independent study or a more traditional course-based format. Family studies and intervention strategies topics discussed in this program include human and family development, societal factors in family issues, social change, counseling processes for children and adolescents, intervention theories, and consultation methods. The core curriculum addresses human services history and development, administrative processes in human services, change management, and the roles and responsibilities of human services professionals. Both formats include required doctoral residencies and completion of a dissertation.

    What Are the Prerequisites?

    A master's degree and an academic background in counseling or psychology are important for aspiring students of Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies. Most of Walden University's doctoral programs require a master's degree or higher and three years of related academic or professional experience. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

    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. As a student of Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies, you will be required to complete between 101 and 102 credits depending on the program format in which you are enrolled. In the course-based format, this credit total consists of 60 credits in core and specialization courses, a one-credit foundation course, and a four- or five-credit elective. The self-directed format includes a six-credit foundation course and 60 credits in core and specialized Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Both formats require 16 credits in foundation and advanced research, a 20-credit dissertation process, and four Ph.D. residencies totaling a minimum of 16 credits.

    Required Courses

    Course-Based Format

    • Foundations of Human Services
    • Organizational Management and Leadership
    • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
    • Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy for Counseling and Human Services Professionals
    • History and Development of Human Services
    • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
    • Human Services Theory, Research, and Practice
    • Ethics and Social Justice
    • Culture and Psychology
    • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
    • Human Services Administration
    • Writing a Quality Prospectus
    • Choose one of the following:
      • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
      • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
      • Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis
    • Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
    • Introduction to Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
    • Choose two of the following:
      • Child and Adolescent Counseling
      • Theories and Techniques in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
      • Human Sexuality
      • Community Psychology
      • Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation
    • Elective course
    • Dissertation

    Self-Directed Format

    Foundation Course

    • Foundations for Doctoral Study

    Core KAMs

    • KAM I: Principles of Societal Development
    • KAM II: Principles of Human Development
    • KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems

    Research Courses

    • Foundation Research Sequence
      • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
      • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
      • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
    • Advanced Research Course: Students choose one.
      • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
      • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
      • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis

    Specialized KAMs

    • KAMV: Advanced Theory and Practice in Human Services
    • KAM VI: Intervention Strategies in Human Services

    Dissertation

    • Dissertation

    What Could I Do After I Graduate?

    Career Opportunities

    You might assume a management or supervisory position in one of a variety of professional environments after completing Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies. You could work in community centers, youth correctional facilities, nonprofit organizations, or state agencies. Positions you could pursue include:

    • Case manager
    • Marriage counselor
    • Substance abuse counselor
    • Family resource center director