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College of Psychology and Community Services:
PhD in Human Services

Social service practitioners face an increasingly diverse clientele, as delivery systems and client populations become more multicultural and include a broader range of complex issues. The PhD in Human and Social Services program prepares students to excel within a diverse service-delivery system by equipping them with action-oriented research skills and context-sensitive knowledge for application within unique practice environments.

Note on Licensure

The PhD in Human and Social Services program, including its specializations, is not designed to lead to professional licensure including licensure as a professional therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Develop strategies for assessing the needs of diverse populations based on human services theory and research.
  2. Make ethical decisions based on the needs of diverse populations.
  3. Conduct original research in human services to promote positive social change.
  4. Advocate for individuals who are seeking human services supports.
  5. Communicate effectively with others to promote the effective delivery of human services.
  6. Develop a professional identity as a human services researcher.

Specialization Courses

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page. For the elective courses, students choose from any PhD in Human Services specialization courses.

Not Currently Accepting New Students

Course-Based Program

For Students Entering With an MS Degree (Track 1)

Minimum Degree Requirements

  • Doctoral Writing Assessment
  • Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
  • Foundation course (3 credits)
  • Core courses (20 credits)
  • Specialization or Elective courses (15 credits)
  • Research courses (20 credits)
  • Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
    • Dissertation support course (5 credits)
    • Communities of Practice and Research (CPR) courses (5 credits; continuously enrolled in 1 credits per term for a minimum of 5 terms until CPR completion)
    • Dissertation writing courses (continuous enrollment in 5 credits per term for a minimum of 3 terms until completion)
    • Quarter Plans
  • Four residencies

Core Curriculum

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core Courses (20 credits)

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Foundation Research Courses (15 credits)

Courses composing the Foundation Research Sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 8110 must be completed prior to Residency 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 8210 and RSCH 8310 must be completed prior to beginning the dissertation or attending Residency 3.

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Advanced Research Course (5 credits)

PhD students are required to complete one advanced-level research course that mirrors the methodology of their intended dissertations. The university offers three advanced courses. Students should refer to their specific programs of study to determine program-specific requirements.

One of the following three courses is required:

  • Students may take this a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this a non-degree course.

Residency Requirements

  • Complete residency 1 in term 1; required in order to advance into RSCH 8110.Complete residency 2 between terms 2 and 5; required in order to advance into HUMN 8550.Complete residency 3 between terms 6 and 7; required in order to advance into HUMN 9000/9001.Complete residency 4 after your prospectus is approved as:
    • Residency 4 General (RESI 8404) OR
    • Residency 4 Proposal Writing (RESI 8404Q) OR
    • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative (RESI 8404R) OR
    • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative (RESI 8404S) OR
    • Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting (RESI 8404T) OR
    • an approved professional conference (RESI 8900 for select programs only. Contact Advising for information.) OR
    • a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000/9001 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements. NOTE: Intensive Retreats are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
  • Optional: Complete a PhD dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.

Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

Course Sequence for Students Entering With an MS Degree (Track 1)

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

Quarter Course Credits
Quarter 1
HUMN 8001 - Keys to Doctoral Studies Success
3 credits
HUMN 8785 - Social Change in Action: Prevention, Consultation, and Advocacy
5 credits
Complete residency 1 in term 1; required in order to advance into RSCH 8110. 0 credits
Quarter 2
RSCH 8110 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods
5 credits
HUMN 8208 - Teaching in Human Services
5 credits
HUMN 9001A - Communities of Practice and Research 1
1 credits
Complete residency 2 between terms 2 and 5; required in order to advance into HUMN 8550. 0 credits 
Quarter 3
RSCH 8210 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
5 credits
Elective/Specialization Course 5 credits
HUMN 9002A - Communities of Practice and Research 2
1 credits
Quarter 4
HUMN 8207 - Grant Writing
5 credits
RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
5 credits
HUMN 9003A - Communities of Practice and Research 3
1 credits
Quarter 5 Elective/Specialization Course 5 credits
HUMN 8209 - Human Services Theory
5 credits
HUMN 9004A - Communities of Practice and Research 4
1 credits
Quarter 6
HUMN 9005A - Communities of Practice and Research 5
1 credits
Elective/Specialization Course 5 credits
HUMN 8550 - Preparing for Dissertation
5 credits
Complete residency 3 between terms 6 and 7; required in order to advance into HUMN 9000/9001. 0 credits 
Quarter 7
RSCH 8260 - Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
 OR
RSCH 8360 - Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
 OR
RSCH 8460 - Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
5 credits

Complete residency 4 after your prospectus is approved as:

  • Residency 4 General (RESI 8404) OR
  • Residency 4 Proposal Writing (RESI 8404Q) OR
  • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative (RESI 8404R) OR
  • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative (RESI 8404S) OR
  • Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting (RESI 8404T) OR
  • a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000/9001 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements. NOTE: Intensives are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
0 credits 
Quarter 8–10+
HUMN 9001 - Dissertation
5 credits per term for a minimum of 3 terms; taken continuously until completion
Optional: Complete a PhD dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.  

* Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

For Students Entering With a BS Degree (Track 2)

Minimum Degree Requirements

  • Doctoral Writing Assessment
  • Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
  • Foundation course (3 credits)
  • Core courses (45 credits)
  • Specialization or Elective courses (15 credits)
  • Research courses (20 credits)
  • Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
    • Dissertation support course (5 credits)
    • Communities of Practice and Research (CPR) courses (5 credits; continuously enrolled in 1 credits per term for a minimum of 5 terms until CPR completion)
    • Dissertation writing courses (continuous enrollment in 5 credits per term for a minimum of 3 terms until completion
    • Quarter Plans
  • Four residencies

Core Curriculum

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core Courses (45 credits)

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Foundation Research Courses (15 credits)

Courses comprising the Foundation Research Sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 8110 is a prerequisite for Residency 2 of the academic residencies.

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Advanced Research Course (5 credits)

Those enrolled in this specialization are required to complete an advanced research course. The university offers three advanced research courses: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods. When the prospectus is approved, students will take the advanced research course selected as the methodology approved for the dissertation.
 
Students are required to complete one of the following courses:

  • Students may take this a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this a non-degree course.

Residency Requirements

  • Complete residency 1 in term 1; required in order to advance into RSCH 8110.
  • Complete residency 2 between terms 2 and 5; required in order to advance into HUMN 8550.
  • Complete residency 3 between terms 6 and 7; required in order to advance into HUMN 9000/9001.
  • Complete residency 4 after your prospectus is approved as:
    • Residency 4 General (RESI 8404) OR
    • Residency 4 Proposal Writing (RESI 8404Q) OR
    • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative (RESI 8404R) OR
    • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative (RESI 8404S) OR
    • Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting (RESI 8404T) OR
    • an approved professional conference (RESI 8900 for select programs only. Contact Advising for information.) OR
    • a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000/9001 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements. NOTE: Intensive Retreats are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
  • Optional: Complete a PhD dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.

Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

Course Sequence for Students Entering With a BS Degree (Track 2)

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

Quarter Course Credits
Quarter 1
HUMN 8001 - Keys to Doctoral Studies Success
3 credits
HUMN 8785 - Social Change in Action: Prevention, Consultation, and Advocacy
5 credits
Complete residency 1 in term 1; required in order to advance into RSCH 8110. 0 credits 
Quarter 2 HUMN 8160 - The Advanced Human Services Practitioner in a Changing World 5 credits
HUMN 8162 - Cultural Humility and Diversity 5 credits
HUMN 9001A - Communities of Practice and Research 1
1 credits
Quarter 3
RSCH 8110 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods
5 credits
HUMN 8660 - Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy for Human Services Professional Practitioners  5 credits
Complete residency 2 between terms 2 and 5; required in order to advance into HUMN 8550. 0 credits 
HUMN 9002A - Communities of Practice and Research 2
1 credits
Quarter 4 HUMN 8209 - Human Services Theory 5 credits
HUMN 8304 - Data as Evidence 5 credits
HUMN 9003A - Communities of Practice and Research 3
1 credits
Quarter 5 HUMN 8161 - Assessment and Motivational Interviewing 5 credits
HUMN 8208 - Teaching in Human Services 5 credits
Quarter 6
RSCH 8210 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
5 credits
HUMN 8207 - Grant Writing 5 credits
Quarter 7
RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
5 credits
Complete residency 3 between terms 6 and 7; required in order to advance into HUMN 9000/9001. 0 credits
Elective/Specialization Course 5 credits
HUMN 9004A - Communities of Practice and Research 4
1 credits
Quarter 8 Elective/Specialization Course 5 credits
RSCH 8260 - Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis  OR RSCH 8360 - Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8460 - Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis   5 credits
HUMN 9005A - Communities of Practice and Research 5  1 credits 
Quarter 9
HUMN 8550 - Preparing for Dissertation
5 credits
Elective/Specialization Course 5 credits
Quarter 10+

Complete residency 4 after your prospectus is approved as:

  • Residency 4 General (RESI 8404) OR
  • Residency 4 Proposal Writing (RESI 8404Q) OR
  • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative (RESI 8404R) OR
  • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative (RESI 8404S) OR
  • Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting (RESI 8404T) OR
  • a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000/9001 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements. NOTE: Intensive Retreats are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
0 credits
HUMN 9001 - Dissertation
5 credits per term for a minimum of 3 terms; taken continuously until completion
Optional: Complete a PhD dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.

* Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

Master of Philosophy (Embedded Degree)

Walden awards the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree to recognize PhD students for academic achievement leading up to their dissertation. With an MPhil, students will be able to demonstrate to employers and others that they have an advanced knowledge base in their field of study as well as proficiency in research design and evaluation.

  • Students are eligible to apply for this credential while continuing their PhD program once they have completed:
    • All required PhD core courses (or KAMs)
    • All required PhD specialization courses (or KAMs)
    • All required doctoral research and advanced research courses
    • Program prospectus development course
    • Residencies 1, 2, and 3
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
  • The MPhil requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits. Maximum transfer of credit varies by program but is not to exceed 50% of the overall, or embedded, program requirements. Students who previously completed a master's degree with Walden in the same discipline area are not eligible for an MPhil.

Doctoral Writing Assessment

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required doctoral writing assessment. Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Doctoral Writing Assessment

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required doctoral writing assessment. Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see Enrollment Requirements in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.