With an online PhD in Human Services from Walden, you can be a leader in effecting change and addressing the needs of those struggling with illness, addiction, violence, and poverty.

There is a strong global need for human services professionals in government and nongovernmental organizations. Underserved populations across the world require a range of human services such as healthcare, social work, financial aid, criminal justice, food aid, education, and housing.

As a professional in human services, you are committed to empowering your community. Through our online PhD in Human Services degree program, you can deepen and broaden your ability to help others around the world live more productive, fulfilling, and independent lives.

The PhD in Human Services program empowers you to promote positive change through effective policy and practice in a global context. Coursework emphasizes a holistic, interprofessional approach to human services, preparing you to help individuals, families, organizations, and communities navigate the social support systems and identify other professionals available to assist them.

Acquire the Professional Skills You Need

When you earn your PhD in Human Services from Walden, you can:

Choose from two tracks, which are designed to align with your academic background.

Choose from the General Program or 14 career-focused specializations that reflect trends in the profession and support your interests.

Gain skills you can apply immediately, including cross-agency collaboration, professional networking, policy implementation, and global leadership competencies.

Broaden your international understanding of the field with global content and case studies. The program also offers a Global Social Services specialization. Engage with Interactive Learning Community, a learning tool that brings concepts to life through simulations and animated case studies.

Focus on professional skills such as grant writing and the development of an ePortfolio that reflects your student experience and helps you plan for future career growth.

Benefit from mentor guidance. Available exclusively in our PhD in Human Services program, the Advanced Customized option gives you the flexibility to tailor your coursework to your career objectives and personal interests.

Residencies: Four academic residencies that support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.

Learning Outcomes

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

Analyze theories, models, historical foundations, and conceptual frameworks related to the profession of human services through a process of scholarly inquiry. Appropriately apply ethical, social, multicultural, diversity, and political considerations to scholarly inquiry and professional practice. Evaluate qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research published in professional journals, textbooks, and other scholarly resources. Appropriately apply principles of quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods to research design. Appropriately apply social change theories to human services practice and research. Evaluate social systems and organizational theories related to human services research and practice.

Career Impact

With our PhD in Human Services, you can prepare to help clients navigate social services in various settings around the world, including government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and religious organizations.

In addition, U.S.-based and international charities are key employers of PhD in Human Services graduates. Since they tend to focus on vulnerable populations, charities need professionals with specialized administrative and case- management expertise.

With a PhD in Human Services degree, you can pursue a number of leadership roles within an organization, including:

Analyst

Consultant

Coordinator Director

Professor

Supervisor/manager/administrator

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

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of community and social service professionals and managers is projected to grow 21% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the national average for all occupations.1

Earn Your Master of Philosophy Degree Along the Way

Walden understands the rigors involved with preparing for your doctorate. To signify how far you’ve come on your journey, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of program requirements, prior to completion of your dissertation.

Walden is one of a few universities that offer this advanced research master’s degree. Highlight your academic achievement and show employers and others that you possess comprehensive knowledge in your field of study.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree

Take advantage of this growth opportunity. Now is the time to take the next step in your career and lead change in your community. Request more information about our PhD in Human Services by filling out the form.