Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Once enrolled in Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Public Health, you will have the opportunity to develop basic analytical, management, and administrative skills in human services while focusing on promotional, educational, and organizational strategies in community health. Topics covered in specialization coursework include biostatistics, disease control and prevention, health policy development and analysis, environmental health threats and risks, community education programs, and public health advocacy. The core curriculum provides an overview of human services systems and practices, supervisory processes, counseling techniques in social change, cultural psychology, and theories relating to human services. You must also participate in four residencies and complete a dissertation.

What Are the Prerequisites?

A master's degree and possibly some experience in the public sector are important for those seeking to enter Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Public Health. Most of Walden University's doctoral programs require three years of related academic or professional experience in addition to a master's degree. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

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. You must complete between 99 and 102 credits to earn Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services with a specialization in Public Health. Total credit requirements include 46 credits in foundational and core courses, 13 to 15 credits in public health, 16 credits in foundation and advanced research, a four- to five-credit elective, and a 20-credit dissertation process. You must also complete four academic residencies (for a minimum of 16 units).

Public Health Course Requirements

• 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
• Organizing Community Action for Health Promotion and Education
• Choose two of the following:
  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Public Health
  • Promoting Population Health
  • Environmental Health
• Elective
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services program with a specialization in Public Health, you could qualify for management or executive positions in a variety of healthcare or related settings. You could work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, government health organizations, nonprofit agencies, or consulting firms. You might also choose to seek a career in academics. Positions you could pursue include:

• Health policy analyst
• Community health program director
• Environmental health consultant
• College or university instructor