View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
Courses
In the EdD Early Childhood Education specialization, you’ll build skills and progress toward your final capstone project in every course.
Disclaimers: Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, 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 dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-937-8785.
Courses
PhD completion program courses help you return to doctoral work, match with an advisor, and stay on track to finishing your dissertation.
Disclaimers: Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, 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 dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-937-8785.
Courses
Develop the skills and confidence you need to tackle complex managerial challenges, contribute new knowledge, or teach at the graduate level.
Courses
Develop the skills and confidence needed for complex managerial challenges and research with Walden’s ACBSP-accredited PhD program.
Discover career opportunities in your area that match your interests.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.
NEXT START DATE
February 23, 2026
Are you ready to create more engaging and effective P–12 learning environments for your students? Develop your leadership expertise with an EdS in Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure) degree from Walden. Gain the skills and confidence to present innovative solutions to your organization’s most pressing challenges, from improving instruction to advancing student achievement.
An EdS in Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure) program equips educators to effectively manage resources and improve learning environments for diverse student populations. It is not a path to principal or superintendent licensure.
Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!
Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!
ADVANCE YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Sharpen your insights and expertise in strategic planning, staffing, and how to maximize results from your time and budget.
BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
In the capstone, work with a K–12 school or organization to identify a challenge, make recommendations, and create an action plan.
BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
Prepare for new career opportunities—or pivot seamlessly into a doctoral program to continue your advanced studies.
Completion Requirements
Education Specialist candidates must have access to a PreK–12 administrator, students, and community members associated with a PreK–12 school setting.
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0539.
Work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right program to paying for your education.
Pursuing your MS in Early Childhood Studies degree online is a major step forward in your education journey. To help you get started, we’ve streamlined the admissions process with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay
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.
More information for international applicants.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Walden offers tuition savings options that can make your goals more attainable. Discover savings opportunities through:
Tuition savings
Transfer credits
Grants and scholarships
Receive up to five credits at the end of the program tuition-free.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 45 quarter credit hours | $695 per quarter hour | $31,275 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $1,665 |
$32,940* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE® SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,475 | ||
*This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included.
Earning an EdS in Educational Administration and Leadership can help you gain the expertise that brings new respect from peers, employers, and students. Elevate your career profile in less time, and at a lower cost, than it takes to earn an EdD or PhD in Education—and transfer seamlessly into a doctorate program later if you choose to.
An EdS in Educational Administration and Leadership can position you to pursue career options such as:2
An EdS in Educational Administration and Leadership can position you to work in settings such as:
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
All EdS graduates will be prepared to:
In addition to the shared EdS learning outcomes above, Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure) graduates will be prepared to:
An Educational Leadership Program Focused on Actionable Skills
Walden’s non-licensure EdS in Educational Administration and Leadership program focuses on developing entrepreneurial and creative solutions relevant to a variety of K–12 learning organizations. Explore leadership skills such as budgeting and recruiting, developing, and retaining talented educational professionals. Learn to collaborate with teachers, students, and families in order to lead meaningful improvements in instruction, learning, and achievement.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.
DISCLOSURES
1Source: Walden University Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA), as of December 31, 2019.
2Source: Burning Glass Technologies Labor Insight™. Industry Analysis, Active selections "nationwide" and “last 12 months” and “Industry: educational services” and “keywords: educational specialist” Retrieved March 2020.
Note on Educator Licensure or Certification
This program does not lead to educator licensure or certification. Educators are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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