PhD - Public Policy & Administration: Nonprofit Management & Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and Leadership focuses on the development of management, organizational, and administrative skills. Core and specialization courses address organizational change management, governance theories, nonprofit structures and ethics, nonprofit entrepreneurship, funding and fundraising techniques, and comparisons and contrasts of nonprofit and business management. The program is offered in two formats: a traditional course-based format that is completed solely through online coursework, and a mixed-model format that combines online classes with faculty-guided independent research projects called Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Both formats require four Ph.D. residencies, which provide valuable networking and mentoring opportunities for doctoral students.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Applicants to this program must have at least three years of experience in management or business administration and a master's degree or higher.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Students enrolled in the course-based format must complete a total of 82 quarter credits, which includes 50 credits in core courses and specialization courses. The mixed-model format requires 101 credits that include online coursework and KAMs. Both formats require a dissertation and four Ph.D. residencies.

Course Requirements: Course-Based Format

• 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
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• One advanced research course (choose one):
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Leadership for the Nonprofit Sector
• Fundraising and Marketing in Nonprofit Organizations
• Nonprofit Management

Course Requirements: Mixed-Model Format

• 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
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• One advanced research course (choose one):
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Leadership for the Nonprofit Sector
• Fundraising and Marketing in Nonprofit Organizations
• Nonprofit Management
• KAM V: Democratic Governance
• KAM VI: Organizational Leadership and Change

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Completion of Walden University's Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and Leadership could lead to executive or directorial positions in nonprofit or government organizations. A doctoral degree could also help you begin or enhance an academic career. Positions you could pursue may include:

• Marketing director
• Fundraising manager
• Nonprofit program supervisor
• Public interest group director

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