Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) is designed to develop or enhance your leadership and management skills while building your understanding of cultural diversity, global awareness, and the structure and operations of NGOs. Specialization topics such as international nonprofit challenges, social and cultural implications of NGOs, and studies of successful NGO efforts are combined with a core curriculum in organizational change management, public sector financing, strategic planning, and governance theories. Doctoral residencies and a dissertation are also required. The program's mixed-model format encourages independent study through research Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) combined with online classes, while the traditional course-based format focuses on online coursework.

What Are the Prerequisites?

An academic and professional background in management is helpful to have before entering Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in International Nongovernmental Organizations. 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. Total credit requirements to successfully complete Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in International Nongovernmental Organizations vary depending on the program format you choose. Course-based format requirements total 82 credits and include 35 credits in the core curriculum and 15 credits in specialization courses. Students of the 101-credit mixed-model format must take 30 credits in core courses, 15 credits in specialization courses, and 24 credits in KAMs. Both formats require a 12-credit research sequence, four Ph.D. residencies for a minimum of 16 units, and a 20-credit dissertation.

Course-Based Requirements

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Governance and Public Policy
• Choose one of the following courses:
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Holding Up the Mirror: Understanding Different Cultures and Increasing Global Consciousness
• Crossing Borders: U.S. and International NGO Cultures and Environments
• Placing NGOs in the Global Context
• Foundation Research Sequence (three courses)
• Dissertation

Mixed-Model Requirements_

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Writing a Quality Prospectus
• Choose one of the following courses:
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Holding Up the Mirror: Understanding Different Cultures and Increasing Global Consciousness
• Crossing Borders: U.S. and International NGO Cultures and Environments
• Placing NGOs in the Global Context
• Foundation Research Sequence (three courses)
• KAM V: Democratic Governance
• KAM VI: Organizational Leadership and Change
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

You could pursue executive or administrative positions in an NGO following completion of Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in International Nongovernmental Organizations. You might be responsible for public relations, marketing, fundraising, resource management, program development, or project management for a nonprofit organization involved in world environmental protection, global health, human rights, or other international issues.