Doctor of Human Services

Gain the next-level skills you need to deepen your impact as a social problem-solver.

Walden’s Doctor of Human Services program is designed to help you effect meaningful change in the field through direct practice, advocacy, or policy. You can:

  • Focus your studies through one of two doctoral specializations.
  • Engage in a capstone project on a topic you’re passionate about, starting early in your program.
  • Use cutting-edge simulation technologies to practice critical skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Fast Facts

Next Start Date: July 10, 2023

Transfer Credits: Contact one of our enrollment specialists to learn more.

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Specializations

Explore how to effectively lead human services organizations and strategically evaluate programs to optimize outcomes.
Focus on direct service and finding ways to support people, including advocating for new approaches to solve social problems.

Curriculum

Start on Your Capstone Early

Walden’s Doctor of Human Services program includes our exclusive Communities of Practice experience. In these five companion courses, you’ll be introduced to the doctoral journey through a supportive, cohort-style approach led by a faculty advisor. Choose a research topic that aligns with your passion and learn how to use course assignments to build your knowledge and literature base. Develop key doctoral competencies that give you greater confidence and comfort in your capstone preparation.

Use Immersive Learning Technologies

Our program includes simulation technologies and other approaches to bring course content to life. Master essential skills in a safe environment. Build confidence as a practitioner-scholar while learning how to apply your new knowledge and competencies to your current job and future roles.

Learn How to Make Change Happen

One of the central themes of our Doctor of Human Services program is force field analysis, which involves exploring the forces working for and against achieving the ideal resolution to a problem. Our courses empower you to identify the factors that stand in the way of positive social change—and those that support it. Learn how to minimize opposing forces while increasing the favorable forces that make change more likely and more sustainable.

Doctoral Degree Coach

A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your Doctor of Human Services degree requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

  • Man at Crossroads

    Map and Track Milestones

    Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.

  •  

    Meet Weekly Targets

    No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.

  • Shaking Hands

    Connect With Faculty

    Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.

  • Three Books Lined Up

    Access Helpful Resources

    Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.

More about our Doctor of Human Services program

With a Doctor of Human Services degree, you can potentially pursue opportunities as a human services leader, researcher, or educator. Open the door to new professional possibilities in settings such as universities, hospitals, government agencies, and social assistance organizations.

Whether you’re looking to teach in academia or start your own nonprofit agency, Walden supports your goals through the Human Services Hub of our Career Center. You can:

  • Build a professional portfolio to show potential employers as evidence of your capabilities.
  • Learn the art of high-impact networking.
  • Master job search best practices that can help you propel your career and ambitions forward.

Program Admission Considerations: A master’s degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply.
 
Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping you identify and leverage opportunities to save money on your education. Get in touch with an Enrollment Specialist today at 888-968-5331 to learn more.
Our Enrollment Specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted or call 855-203-5779.

Why earn your Doctor of Human Services degree at Walden?

exceptional-student-services

Gain Actionable Skills

Learn competencies relevant to running organizations, leading programs, consulting in applied research, and advocating for social justice issues.

learn-with-leaders-small

Build Your Confidence

Through immersive, hands-on content, you’ll gain greater self-assurance by practicing the skills and tools you’ll use out in the field.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

exceptional-student-services

Gain Actionable Skills

Learn competencies relevant to running organizations, leading programs, consulting in applied research, and advocating for social justice issues.

learn-with-leaders-small

Build Your Confidence

Through immersive, hands-on content, you’ll gain greater self-assurance by practicing the skills and tools you’ll use out in the field.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into the DHS program: Arkansas, District of Columbia, Kansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Washington State.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, https://www.hlcommission.org/.

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into the DHS program: Arkansas, District of Columbia, Kansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Washington State.