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
Student success is a major concern for higher education leaders today.
College and university educators who can do more with less and help their students achieve important educational goals will be in great demand. If you’re a current or aspiring higher education leader, the online Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership for Student Success (Non-Licensure) can help you develop the practical skills you need to create institutional changes that improve student retention and outcomes.
Explore strategies for developing programs and support services to help more students from increasingly diverse backgrounds reach their educational goals. Gain a deeper understanding of current higher education systems and future trends as you examine the social, political, and economic contexts influencing four-year colleges, universities, and community colleges. Discover how to apply business principles and best practices to help institutions more effectively manage resources and meet student needs.
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!
Completion Requirements
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 855-646-5286.
Credits earned from this certificate program may be applied toward Walden’s MS in Higher Education with a specialization in Leadership for Student Success.
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.
Earning your Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership for Student Success online is a big decision, which is why we’ve streamlined and simplified the admissions process. Start your journey with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to a graduate certificate program. Exceptions and other requirements may apply, depending on individual programs. Consult your Walden Enrollment Specialist about admission requirements for specific certificate programs. Call 844-665-5838 in the United States or see a list of international toll-free phone numbers.
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 a 10% tuition reduction for the life of the program when you start an eligible certificate program.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 20 quarter credit hours | $550 per quarter hour | $11,000 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $370 |
$11,370* |
*The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies 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 and may cost between $400 to $600.
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership for Student Success, students will be able to:
Make effective decisions based on critical evaluation of research and data.
Articulate the perspectives and interests of multiple stakeholders.
Choose leadership approaches appropriate to the culture of the organization.
Evaluate the potential impact of policies and processes on student outcomes.
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.
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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