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.
Welcome to the Office of Nondiscrimination and Access (ONA) and the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS)! We’re committed to creating a welcoming, and accessible environment for all. Meet the dedicated professionals who work on our team!
Danica Myers, Director of ONA
With over 20 years of experience in higher education across the country, Danica (she/them) joined Covista in January 2024. As Director of ONA, she is passionate about leading a team dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring every student has equitable access to educational opportunities.
When Danica is not championing access, you can find her trail riding her horses through the scenic landscapes of middle Tennessee—embracing adventure both at work and on the trails.
Kendall Horneman, Investigator, Title VI and Title IX
With 10 years of Title IX experience, Kendall (she/her/hers) is committed to supporting students and colleagues in resolving complex issues with fairness and integrity, particularly those involving Title IX and discrimination concerns. She is passionate about this work and maintaining integrity in all we do. She encourages conversations and is available if any questions or concerns arise.
As a fun fact, Kendall has a minor in Geography and has visited over 20 countries!
Amber Callahan-Nellis, Case Management Coordinator
Prior to starting her role within the ONA, Amber (she/her/hers) previously served as an Operations Administrative Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at the Chamberlain University North Brunswick campus. Amber has experience working with a wide variety of student populations and has served in roles, both in the clinical and academic setting, that have helped to support individuals in crisis as well as those suffering from physical and psychological disabilities.
When out of the office, Amber spends her free time enjoying nature, traveling, and immersing herself in the cultures and traditions of the places she visits. Most recently, Amber travelled to Nepal where she trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp and later headed over to Saint Lucia where she drove ATVs through the rainforest!
Chrissy Blunden, Administrative Specialist
Chrissy (she/her/hers) has been with Covista since November 2022. Throughout her career she has had fifteen years of customer support experience and seven years of administrative experience. Chrissy has worked in the mental health field and educational fields, with the ultimate goal of helping those around her. Chrissy supports both the ONA and OSDS!
In her free time, Chrissy enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring Chicago!
Director of Nondiscrimination and Access
Danica Myers
[email protected]
Case Management Coordinator
Amber Callahan
[email protected]
Web Accessibility Specialist
Cleiby Cristerna
[email protected]
Lead, Nondiscrimination and Access
Danyel Tutskey
[email protected]
Title IX Investigator
Kendall Horneman
[email protected]
Senior Accommodation Coordinator
Nicole Neubauer
[email protected]
Accommodation Coordinator
Mason Collett
[email protected]
Administrative Coordinator II
Christine Blunden
[email protected]
Accommodation Coordinator
Karen Turbeville
[email protected]
Accommodation Coordinator
Adrienne Stanley
[email protected]
Danyel Tutskey, Lead of OSDS
Danyel (she/her/hers) has been with Covista for over 15 years! She began in Student Services, transitioned to the OSDS in 2013, became a Senior Accommodation Coordinator in 2019, and has served as the OSDS Lead since 2023.
Danyel loves to read! Feel free to share your book recommendations with her!
A.D. Stanley, Accommodation Coordinator
As a Disability Accommodation Coordinator, A.D. (she/her/hers) supports student success by removing barriers and promoting inclusive access. Her work blends personalized guidance with best practices to create equitable learning environments.
Fun fact: A.D. is currently relearning how to play the alto saxophone—so when she’s not supporting students, she’s brushing up on her scales and rediscovering her rhythm.
Janine Chiszar, Accommodation Coordinator
Janine (she/her/hers) has a background in customer service, with specialized experience managing FMLA leave of absence cases and navigating state-specific leave policies. Her work has also included coordinating ADA accommodations for employees, and she has enjoyed transitioning her focus to support student accommodations in her work at Covista.
Outside of work, Janine love spending time with friends and family, traveling, staying active through running and workouts, and discovering new restaurants and things to do around Chicago!
Cleiby Cristerna, Web Accessibility Specialist
Cleiby is a Web Accessibility Specialist with a background in programming and web technologies. He has a bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems and a Masters in Information Systems Management with a concentration in Information Security.
As a fun fact, Cleiby loves soccer!
To request accommodations for military status and/or religious-based needs, or to report discrimination based on a protected characteristic: Please email [email protected] or call 630-829-0233.
For disability-related accommodation requests: Please contact the OSDS at [email protected] or call (855) 229-0848
For pregnancy and parenting related accommodation requests: Please email [email protected] or call (855) 229-0848.
For accessibility concerns, please email [email protected]
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Walden University is a member of Covista https://www.covista.com/ | Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV
© 2026 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.
Legal & Consumer Info | Website Terms and Conditions | Cookie Policy | Cookie settings