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
In student learning, literacy is a powerful driving force. Become the change leader your school, district, and community needs with an Education Specialist (EdS) in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment (Non-Licensure) degree from Walden.
This program is designed to help educators gain the expertise and leadership skills they need to positively impact reading outcomes across age groups and settings. This non-licensure program is ideal for K–12 teachers, reading and curriculum specialists, literacy coaches, and department chairs who are passionate about enhancing student success.
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 EXPERTISE
Develop valuable skills in implementing best practices in reading, literacy, curriculum design, instruction, and assessment.
BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
Work with a school or organization to identify a literacy challenge, make recommendations, and create an action plan.
EXPAND YOUR OPTIONS
Build key research and leadership skills that will serve you both professionally and academically as you progress in your career.
Completion Requirements
Education Specialist candidates should have current and consistent direct access to a group of students in a formal learning environment.
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.
Drive achievement across all age groups and settings with a non-licensure EdS in reading and literacy from Walden. During this program, you’ll gain key skills and strategies that can improve reading and curriculum outcomes, including classroom instruction, program design, policy implementation, and critical thinking. You’ll also explore innovative assessment techniques—a critical aspect of creating reading and literacy programs capable of making a lasting impact.
Now more than ever, literacy is essential to students’ lifelong learning and success. Lead the way—learn effective leadership practices, data analysis, and assessment strategies with an EdS in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment from Walden.
An EdS in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment can position you as an innovator within your school, district, or organization, and potentially open the door to new career opportunities. Earn a respected academic credential 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 Reading, Literacy, and Assessment can position you to pursue career options such as:1
An EdS in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment 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, Reading, Literacy, and Assessment Technology graduates will be prepared to:
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: Burning Glass Technologies Labor Insight™. Industry Analysis, active selections "nationwide" and “last 12 months” and “Industry: educational services” and “keywords: literacy” and “education: master’s.” Retrieved February 2020.
2Source: Walden University Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA), as of July 30, 2019.
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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