Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership focuses on teaching leadership theories, organizational change strategies, and management techniques that are applicable to the public and nonprofit sectors. Topics addressed in online core and specialized coursework include governance theories, effective leadership characteristics, planning strategies, financial management, action habits, communication techniques, and professional ethics. Face-to-face residencies provide the opportunity for further enhancement of skills through networking and mentoring. The program is offered in a course-based format of traditional online instruction or a mixed-model format, which combines online coursework with independent study and research-based Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs).

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should possess a master's degree and have some experience in a business, nonprofit or government office setting before entering Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership. An academic background in management or business administration could be beneficial.

What Are the Course Requirements?

To earn the Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership, you must earn either 82 or 101 quarter credits depending on the format you are enrolled in. The 82-credit course-based format consists of 35 core credits and 15 credits in specialization courses, while the mixed-model format totals 101 credits and requires the completion of 30 credits in core courses, 15 credits in the area of specialization, and 24 credits in KAMs. A 20-credit dissertation and 12-credit foundation research sequence are included in both formats.

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
• Strategic Context of Public Management and Leadership
• Transformative Change in a Shared Power World
• The Language of Leadership
• Foundation Research Sequence
• 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
• Strategic Context of Public Management and Leadership
• Transformative Change in a Shared Power World
• The Language of Leadership
• KAM V: Democratic Governance
  • Breadth: Theories of Democratic Governance
  • Depth: Contemporary Research and Issues in Democratic Governance
  • Application: Professional Practice Application of Democratic Governance
• KAM VI: Organizational Leadership and Change
  • Breadth: Classical and Emerging Paradigms of Leadership and Organizational Change
  • Depth: Current Research on Leadership and Organizational Change
  • Application: Professional Practice Application of a Theory of Leadership and Organizational Change
• Foundation Research Sequence
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

After completing Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership, you may be prepared to apply for upper management or executive level positions. You could work for federal or state government agencies, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, or political parties. Positions you could pursue include:

• City manager
• Public policy analyst
• Consumer advocate
• Community services director
• Public interest group director

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.