Walden University Requiring PH.D./Doctoral Enrollment

If you want to teach online at Walden, you’d best have a Ph.D. or be enrolled in a doctoral program. Unlike many online universities that only require a master’s degree, the overwhelming majority of part-time faculty positions posted on the university’s website require either a doctorate, or current enrollment in a doctoral program.

A recent review of the Careers section of Walden’s website revealed only one position at the graduate level (in the university’s School of Management) open to applicants with master’s degrees. All other positions posted required either a Ph.D. or current enrollment in a Ph.D. program.

That Walden requires doctorates or enrollment in doctoral programs for its online graduate-level faculty was confirmed by Ana Sanchez, Director of Public Relations at Laureate Education, Walden’s corporate parent. When asked whether Walden would discharge part-time faculty who hold only master’s degrees but teach in positions requiring doctorates, Sanchez replied that she did not think Walden employed any faculty who fit that description.

In its sole undergraduate degree program, business, Walden does employ part-time faculty who hold only M.A.s, said Sanchez. However, graduate online faculty are expected to hold Ph.D.s, or be working their way toward them.