Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Once enrolled in Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities, you will have the opportunity to study foundational public sector governance and leadership strategies and theories while developing an understanding of the tools and methods used in managing communities and sustaining economic viability. Core and specialization courses address organizational change management, public policy development, strategic planning, community resource management, budgeting and forecasting, and factors affecting community sustainability including housing, wages, citizen participation, public health and safety, technology, and transportation. Face-to-face residencies offer networking and mentoring to further develop skills. You can choose from a mixed-model format combining online courses and independent study through research Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) or a structured online course-based format.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Prior to pursuing enrollment in Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities, you should have obtained a master's degree and have some level of management experience in the public or nonprofit sector. 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 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 a total of 82 or 101 creditsto earn the Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities at Walden University. The curriculum of the 82-credit course-based format includes 35 credits in core courses and 15 credits in specialization courses, while the 101-credit mixed-model format requires 30 credits in core courses, 15 credits in specialization courses, and 24 credits in KAMs. Four Ph.D. residencies (for a minimum of 16 credits), a 20-credit dissertation process, and 12 credits in research courses are required in both formats.

Course-Based Format Curriculum

• 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
• Elements of Sustainable and Livable Communities
• Tools for Sustainable Community Development
• Current Issues in Regional and Local Public Policy
• Foundation Research Sequence (three courses)
• Dissertation

Mixed-Model Format Curriculum

• 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
• Elements of Sustainable and Livable Communities
• Tools for Sustainable Community Development
• Current Issues in Regional and Local Public Policy
• Foundation Research Sequence (three courses)
• KAM V: Democratic Governance (three courses)
• KAM VI: Organizational Leadership and Change (three courses)
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

You could seek management or supervisory positions in local government offices or community organizations after graduating from Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities. You might also use this doctoral degree to begin a career in academia. Positions you could pursue include:

• Town manager
• Comptroller
• Public policy analyst
• Community services director
• College or university instructor