Full Course Description List:

AHUM, AMDS, ANTH, APLB, ARTS, BIOL, BUSI, BWLB Courses

Through this course, doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and final study. Students are registered each term until the successful completion of the dissertation.

Students take this course for a minimum of 20 credits and are continuously enrolled until the completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, 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 dissertations on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

Through this course, doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and final study. Students are registered each term until the successful completion of the dissertation.

Students take this course for a minimum of 20 credits and are continuously enrolled until the completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, 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 dissertations on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

(4 credits)

This advanced individual study course is designed for students who wish to integrate learning from the core curriculum in preparation for advanced KAM and dissertation research. In this course, students gain hands-on practice using research tools, writing a literature review, evaluating peer research, and providing feedback as a reviewer. They also explore the process involved in preparing a proposal for publication and academic publication in general. Students review The International Journal of Applied Management and Technology (IJAMT), an online refereed journal, to examine current issues and collaborate with peers in the area of business and technology management.

(4 credits)

There are no specific course descriptions for this course for doctoral students due to the flexibility inherent in the Knowledge Area Module (KAM) learning model, which allows students to develop expertise in their area of interest through an individualized program. The number of KAMs required varies by program, but each KAM culminates in a scholarly paper comprising three segments: Breadth, Depth, and Application. Through the KAM process, students will apply what they have learned to meet a need in their profession.

(6 credits)

Students in this course integrate all of their previous work on knowledge and learning management, resulting in a comprehensive dissertation proposal. Students assess various research methods and data-gathering techniques; determine best practices; explore the various Walden resources, and review APA style and Walden evaluation format. They consider their professional goals in the context of their education and develop plans for continued learning and career development in the context of their personal objectives and priorities. Students also identify future areas for research and development in their specialization. Throughout this seminar course, students engage in discussions to share progress, new perspectives, and peer feedback.

Prerequisites

• Foundation, core, and specialization courses, and at least one KAM; or permission of the program director

(20 credits)

Through this course, doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and dissertation. Once students register for AMDS 9000, they will be registered each term until successful completion of the dissertation.

Prerequisites

• Foundation course, core KAMs, RSCH 8100Z, and RSCH 8200Z

(5 credits)

In this course, students work toward understanding Indigenous peoples around the world. The course explores Indigenous identity; historical continuity with precolonial and/or pre-settler societies; Indigenous identity in relation to natural resources; and Indigenous languages, cultures, and beliefs. Through this course, students gain the familiarity appropriate to explain processes of indigenization, adaptation, and communication as phenomena of globalization. 

Prerequisites

• HMNT 1001 or HMNT 1001A

(5 credits)

In this course, students work toward developing a modern and inclusive understanding of indigenous peoples of the world. They explore indigenous identity; historical continuity with pre-colonial and/or pre-settler societies; indigenous identity in relation to natural resources; and indigenous languages, cultures, and beliefs. Students complete a series of weekly field note assignments in which they address topics or themes related to the exploration of their own indigenous identity. Through this course, students gain the knowledge needed to explain processes of indigenization, adaptation, and communication as phenomena of globalization.

(0 credits)

By participating in a Walden Pre-Practicum, students gain skills in their development as scholar-practitioners. Through their Pre-Practicum experiences, students expand their network of peers and faculty members while developing their professional skills and identity. In Pre-Practicum 1, students begin to apply the core skills and techniques introduced in their Techniques course. Students begin to develop the multicultural competencies needed for counseling. Per program requirements, there is a synchronous experience in this course. Students continue to expand their knowledge of counselor credentialing.

(0 credits)

In Pre-Practicum 2, students continue to develop core skills from Pre-Practicum 1 and integrate advanced skills in their development as scholar-practitioners. Through their Pre-Practicum experiences, students expand their network of peers and faculty members while continuing to develop their professional skills and identity. In Pre-Practicum 2, students begin to develop group leadership skills, integrate counseling theory, and continue to demonstrate cultural competency skills. Students engage in developing their upcoming field experience plan and continue credentialing skills activities.

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Addiction Counseling; Marriage, Family, and Couple Counseling; and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

Prerequisites

• GRPL 6100
• COUN 6250

School Counseling Programs

Prerequisites

• GRPL 6100
• COUN 6350

(5 credits)

Students in this course are introduced to the fundamentals of photography and visual fine arts using photography as the medium of expression. Students will be required to have simple film or digital cameras to produce their photographs. Topics include history and principles of design such as emotion, line, plane, space, color, light, value, texture, proportion, and scale. Upon completion, the students will be able to communicate ideas and experiences through photography, edit a portfolio of photographs in color and monochrome, and participate in an online exhibition of images.

Prerequisites

• ENGL 1001 or ENGL 1010

(5 credits)

Students in this course are introduced to the fundamentals of photography and visual fine arts using photography as the medium of expression. Students will be required to have simple film or digital cameras to produce their photographs. Topics include history and principles of design such as emotion, line, plane, space, color, light, value, texture, proportion, and scale. Upon completion, the students will be able to communicate ideas and experiences through photography, edit a portfolio of photographs in color and monochrome, and participate in an online exhibition of images.

Prerequisites

• ENGL 1010

(5 credits)

Students will survey fundamental biological principles and be introduced to the scientific method of investigative questioning in order to understand the world in which we live. Discussions and assignments emphasize cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and diversity. Students completing this course should have an increased appreciation for how focused questioning and testing theories leads to a better understanding of our individual responsibilities navigating the world.

Prerequisite

• HMNT 1001

(5 credits)

Students will survey fundamental biological principles and be introduced to the scientific method of investigative questioning in order to understand the world in which we live. Discussions and assignments emphasize cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and diversity. Students completing this course should have an increased appreciation for how focused questioning and testing theories leads to a better understanding of our individual responsibilities navigating the world.

Prerequisites

• PSYC 1001A

(1 credits)

All of life on Earth needs energy to survive and thrive. Although plant life is able to derive energy directly from the sun and produces oxygen in the process, most animal life, including human life, must gather energy in other ways. Ultimately, the nutritional needs of almost every creature on the planet are satisfied by consuming plants and their fruits. However, in the modern world, humans want energy for more than survival. We want energy to drive our automobiles, power our factories, our homes, and our society. In our quest for energy, we have consumed enormous amounts of energy embodied in the fossil remains of previous life-forms. Unfortunately, in this process we have altered the natural carbon cycle, changed the chemical composition of our atmosphere, and affected our global climate. In this course, students examine the natural carbon cycle with its basis in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. They also explore human impact on the carbon cycle and how our use of fossilized energy relates to global warming and climate change.

Note: Students who have previously taken BIOL 1001 - Introduction to Biology will not receive credit for this course.

(5 credits)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the nutritional sciences with an emphasis on the biochemistry of human systems. Through discussions, lab work, and other practical assignments, students explore the body’s digestive and metabolic processes, the components of a healthy diet, the role of nutrition in growth and health throughout the life cycle, and the relationship between nutrition and overall health. Through this course, students gain knowledge needed to apply scientific principles when interpreting nutritional information.

Prerequisites

• HMNT 1001
• ENGL 1001 or ENGL 1010 or equivalent

(5 credits)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the nutritional sciences with an emphasis on the biochemistry of human systems. Through discussions, lab work, and other practical assignments, students explore the body’s digestive and metabolic processes, the components of a healthy diet, the role of nutrition in growth and health throughout the life cycle, and the relationship between nutrition and overall health. Through this course, students gain knowledge needed to apply scientific principles when interpreting nutritional information.

Prerequisites

• HMNT 1001
• ENGL 1001 or ENGL 1010 or equivalent

(5 credits)

This course is a study of human anatomy and physiology, which is the structure and function of bodily systems. Students in the course extend from an analysis of cellular processes and tissue structures to the 11 major systems of the human body. Students focus specifically on the regulatory functions of the body that maintain homeostasis and how disruptions in homeostasis may result in injury and/or disease. This course is designed for a general education undergraduate audience.

Prerequisites

• ENGL 1001 or ENGL 1010

(5 credits)

The roles, functions, and styles of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. Emphasized is the practical application of theory to reality. Students focus on the techniques, tools, and methods of managerial decision making and employee motivation, as well as consider the effects of ethical leadership and management practices on an organization. This course is structured so that students have the opportunity to see the interrelationships among the functions, components, and disciplines that comprise the field of management and thereby gain a comprehensive perspective as a foundation for the further study of management.

(5 credits)

Responsible business leaders and decision makers must conduct transactions and operations according to clearly defined rules, laws, and processes to ensure stability and protection for their company. Students in this course examine the legal issues faced by managers, fundamental legal principles, and common issues in the field, such as workplace law, contract disputes, and intellectual property guidelines. Students engage in discussions and application assignments focused on the responsibilities of business professionals, such as understanding the fundamental legal principles in business and commerce; analyzing business contracts; adhering to legal issues in interviewing, hiring, and firing; developing, using, and defending intellectual property; and understanding the regulatory context. 

BS in Accounting

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002

BS in Business Administration

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1002

(5 credits)

An overview of the concepts, methodologies, and applications of business operations management is provided to students in this course. Students can learn about operations as related to the process of transforming resources into products and services. They explore the responsibility of operations managers to make sound, cost-effective decisions that increase the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing and service organizations. Students also have the opportunity to learn the process of planning, implementing, and monitoring operations to ensure the continuous improvement of goods and services.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1002

(5 credits)

In this course, students prepare for a leadership role in the modern organization. They examine the basic principles of leadership, motivational theory, the importance of communication, and current and future trends. Students assess, discuss, and learn how to apply their own styles of leadership in the workplace and the community. They engage in a range of assignments that emphasize ethical leadership through personal and interpersonal effectiveness and organizational development. Students also learn the importance of followership and the similarities between the roles of follower and leader at all levels of the organization.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002

(5 credits)

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1002

(5 credits)

Students examine the processes required to undertake the creation and maintenance of a successful business enterprise, with an emphasis on small business, in this course. Students focus initially on startup basics for a new small business, followed by the details involved in the development of a business plan. Finally, the nuts and bolts of day-to-day business management are examined, with issues ranging from legal matters to employment decisions.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002 or SOCI 4080

(5 credits)

Problem solving and decision making based on recognizing problems, gathering data, developing alternatives, and choosing solutions are critical skills for the professional manager. In this course, students apply these skills to a variety of business examples. Students become familiar with critical-thinking and decision-making methodologies. They gain practical experience identifying logical fallacies, analyzing research methodologies, and choosing appropriate problem-solving techniques. Students also reflect on content presented in the course to consider ways to become more effective critical and logical thinkers.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001, BUSI 1002, or COMM 1004

(5 credits)

In this course, students build on concepts and skills learned in BUSI 2001 to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the laws, regulations, and principles that affect business operations. Students devote special attention to business law topics included on the Uniform CPA Exam. They analyze law of agency, debtor-creditor relationships, bankruptcy, government regulation of business, real and personal property, commercial paper, and secured transactions. Through this course, students work toward gaining the ability to identify legal issues, determine if legal action is required, and to competently discuss the issues with other professionals.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 2001

(5 credits)

Students in this course examine how corporations succeed and grow by embracing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the organization. Students learn current models for corporate entrepreneurship and innovation that align with the strategic objectives of the enterprise. Students also examine the design of repeatable and sustainable processes that leverage existing business practices and support entrepreneurial initiatives.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1002

(5 credits)

An overview of the concepts, methodologies, and applications of business operations management is provided to students in this course. Students focus on operations, the supply chain, and the process of transforming resources into products and services. They explore the responsibility of operations managers to make cost-effective and cross-functional decisions that increase the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing and service organizations. Students examine product flow processes and product-process strategies to increase efficiency and effectiveness within organizations. Students also have the opportunity to learn the process of planning, implementing, and monitoring operations to ensure the continuous improvement and quality standards of goods and services.

BS in Business Administration

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002

BS in Computer Information Systems

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1001 or BUSI 1002

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1002

(5 credits)

The focus of this course is on evaluating business concepts and business plans for small businesses so that students can develop strategies for successfully launching and operating a small business. Students examine the small business life cycle and explore resources available to small business owners. Real-world case studies expose students to the challenges of running a small business venture. Topics covered include startup business ideas, financing the small business, legal and liability issues, employment decisions, ethical and moral considerations, and expansion opportunities for small businesses.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 1002

(5 credits)

In this course, students address the unique aspects of marketing a small business. Students examine market definition, product development, and diversification strategies designed to help small business owners expand their business reach. Students learn effective ways small businesses can leverage technology such as e-commerce, social media, and other online marketing methods.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 4002

(5 credits)

In this course, students learn about the impact of operating decisions on customer relationships as they relate to building, maintaining, and growing a loyal customer base. Students assess approaches to customer relationship marketing and management for competitive advantage. They also evaluate strategies for excellence in customer service within a culture driven to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Prerequisites

• BUSI 4002

(5 credits)

In this capstone experience,* students apply knowledge gained throughout the entire program to demonstrate mastery of various core business competencies. Students apply and integrate a variety of skills, technologies, tools, and knowledge to assess strategic issues in a real-world context to develop recommendations for organizational change and/or improvement. Through this capstone, students also demonstrate their understanding and competency in identifying complex problems and solutions.

* Students in the course-based modality will engage in a third-party, online, simulation-based strategic management activity, and students in the competency-based modality will complete a comprehensive business proposal focused on employing strategies to build sustainable competitive advantage.

Prerequisites

• All required core and concentration courses/competencies

(1 credits)

The Social Work Skills Lab is a 1-credit, 6-week hybrid class that includes 3 weeks of online content, followed by a 4-day synchronous residential component, and then closes with 2 weeks of online content. Students in the Social Work Skills Lab I reinforce the content covered in the Social Work courses with an emphasis on skills development and advanced topics in diversity and inclusion, evidence-based practice, ethics, and development of the professional self. Material covered includes practice labs focused on individual engagement and assessment, group development and leadership, and an understanding of how to advocate within organizations and communities. A key component of the skills lab is to prepare and assess students for their readiness to enter the field.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 3001
• SOCW 3002
• SOCW 3003
• SOCW 3004
• SOCW 4001
• SOCW 4002
• SOCW 4003
• SOCW 4004
• SOCW 4005

Note: This course contains a required 4-day face-to-face experience and will bill with an additional lab fee.