Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Change is an online program designed for administrative professionals who are interested in developing their knowledge of organizational structures through research and analysis. The program is offered in both a self-directed and course-based format. The Leadership and Organizational Change specialization covers management of organizational structures, including decision making and human development. The curriculum focuses on leadership issues such as socially conscious leadership, diversity and change in management, and leadership in the context of influence and power. The Leadership and Organizational Change specialization in a self-directed format focuses on research papers known as Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Students who pursue this format can immediately focus on their area of interest. The course-based format is more structured, and students work with faculty members while pursuing a specific course of study. 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 leadership professionals with at least three years of related experience. You may have experience in leadership roles, organization administration, corporate training, 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. Walden's Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Change requires completion of 100-136 total quarter credit hours, incorporates online study 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.

Course-Based Format

• Foundations for Ph.D. Study
• Management in Human and Societal Development
• Managing Organizational Systems and Complexity
• Management of Decision-Making
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Leadership, Influence, and Power
• Challenging Conventional Leadership
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• The Changing Face of Leadership-Diverse Perspectives
• Developing a Prospectus
• The Socially Conscious Leader
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Select one of the following:
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
• Crafting and Responding to Change
• Writing a Proposal
• Applications of Current Topics in Management
• Dissertation Mentoring
• Dissertation

Self-Directed Format

• Foundations for Doctoral Study

Core KAMs

• KAM I: Principles of Societal Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Societal Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Societal Development
  • Application: Professional Practice and Societal Development
• 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 Course: Select one of the following:
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis

Specialized KAMs

• KAM V: Leadership Development
  • Breadth: Classical and Emerging Paradigms of Leadership
  • Depth: Current Research on Leadership Development
  • Application: Professional Practice Application of a Theory of Leadership Development
• KAM VI: Organizational Change Models
  • Breadth: Model of Organizational Change and Development
  • Depth: Current Research on a Model of Organizational Change
  • Application: Professional Practice Application of an Organizational Change Model
• KAM VII: Research
  • Breadth: Research Methods
  • Depth: Selected Research Methods
  • Application: Research Design
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of Walden University's Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Change have the opportunity to prepare for careers in leadership and organizational management, leadership training, or strategic corporate initiatives. Leadership and organizational change specialists often work with corporate leaders to develop new information and training systems. Graduates may wish to pursue careers in teaching, research, or corporate development. Positions that graduates may seek include:

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Professor
• Change management consultant
• Strategic interventions specialist
• Human resource management intervention specialist