View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
A Proven Leader
We’re focused on strivers like you. Walden University is a leader in online doctoral education , empowering doctoral graduates to make an impact for over 50 years
Real-World Ready
Prepare to confront the biggest challenges and make an impact in your field with career-driven coursework and projects.
Flexibility and Support
Balance your doctoral journey with your life through online learning. Expert faculty and support teams are with you every step of the way.
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Choosing a Doctoral Program
There are two main types of doctoral degrees.
Research doctorates—like PhDs—are focused primarily on academic research. PhD students develop original ideas that can push their fields forward, plumbing new depths of knowledge to make an impact.
Professional doctorates—like Walden’s Pro Doc™ programs—are focused on practice, application, and solving real-world problems. Pro Doc students create actionable projects designed to drive improvements in their professional areas.
Research Doctorate (PhD)
Professional Doctorate
Research Doctorate (PhD)
Develop the skills and knowledge you need for teaching and research careers with a PhD. Focus on big-picture thinking to shape your field and solve problems in an academic setting or in a private, nonprofit, or government role.
My doctoral community supported me, making my PhD journey as a full-time mom and worker smoother.”
Kimberly Johnson,
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision ’25
Is a PhD right for you?
If deep dives into theory and research and putting your mind toward developing new knowledge and moving your field forward sounds ideal, the PhD journey is the right one for you.
What should you expect?
PhD students learn to be idea powerhouses, with the depth of knowledge to impact their field and the research and analytical skills needed to put insights into action. In your PhD program, you will:
DEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Connect with faculty, academic support services, and fellow doctoral students during residencies to refine your research problem, learn additional research techniques, and engage in meaningful learning experiences.
IDENTIFY A PROBLEM YOU CAN SOLVE
Find the focus of your research through specialized courses that build a strong foundation and advanced knowledge in your field—knowledge you’ll use to tackle your chosen challenge.
MASTER KEY RESEARCH SKILLS
Gain advanced research skills that prepare you to investigate real-world challenges and design a research study to make a contribution to your field.
DEVELOP ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Develop original research for your dissertation. Students work closely with faculty advisors to design and execute studies that address critical gaps in existing knowledge. The aim is to add new knowledge to your field, including publishing in academic journals and applying your research to the real world.
I’ve grown into a better human, a stronger helping professional, and a much more astute and attuned clinician.”
Ashley Shulski,
PhD in Human Services ’24
Your Crowning Achievement: The Doctoral Dissertation
Completing your dissertation marks the endpoint of your PhD journey—and the starting point of your impact. You’ll apply the advanced research methodology, subject-matter expertise, and academic writing skills you’ve learned to help solve a problem or fill a knowledge gap. The dissertation is more than a demonstration of everything you’ve learned; it’s a crucial contribution to your field.
The Dissertation Process
- Build Your Team: Match with the advisor and chair who are right for you.
- Create a Prospectus: Outline your research topic, questions, and methods.
- Write a Proposal: Write your literature review and methodology overview.
- Conduct Original Research: Collect data, draft your findings, and develop final study outcomes.
- Write and Defend Your Dissertation: Develop your research findings and present your dissertation to a faculty committee.
Professional Doctorate
Learn to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world problems with a professional doctorate . Walden’s Pro Doc™ programs are streamlined and career-focused, with a fully guided capstone project.
Walden’s mission aligned with what I had in mind for my career and my desire to help my community.”
Ofelia O'Donnell,
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) ’25
Is a professional doctorate right for you?
If developing actionable and highly applicable skills and tackling the challenges your field faces head-on appeals to you, a professional doctorate is the way to go.
What will you do?
In a professional doctorate program, you will:
BUILD PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Develop robust problem-solving skills you’ll utilize throughout your program and beyond. A comprehensive orientation of Walden’s mission, values, and resources will lay the groundwork for learning applicable, career-focused abilities.
IDENTIFY A CHALLENGE YOU CAN SOLVE
Identify a specific challenge facing your field, then build the strong foundation of advanced knowledge you’ll need to solve it.
USE EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES
Learn how to use evidence-based practices to inform your problem-solving strategies and solutions, and get ready to confidently develop and support your solution to the challenge you’ve identified.
CREATE A CAPSTONE PROJECT
Start working on your capstone from day one with guided coursework designed to help you stay on track throughout your doctoral journey. Finish your professional doctorate program with a resume-ready project that doesn’t just show off all you’ve learned—it provides a real solution to a tangible problem.
Walden helped me make the most important career choice of my life, and I’ve never looked back.”
Mimi Byrd,
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) ’24
Your Crowning Achievement: The Doctoral Capstone
Your doctoral capstone is the culmination of everything you’ve learned—and a true contribution to your field. You’ll apply all the real-world skills and subject matter expertise you’ve developed to come up with a solution to a professional challenge. Your capstone project puts your knowledge into practice.
The Capstone Process
- Problem Identification: Identify a practical problem in your field.
- Explore Potential Solutions: Build toward your capstone throughout your doctoral journey.
- Provide Recommendations: Use evidence-based best practices to support your capstone’s recommendations.
- Finalize Your Project: Most capstones offer options for the final format of your capstone, such as a scholarly article, a conference presentation, or a process improvement report.
Full Support From Start to Finish
Doctoral education has been at the heart of Walden since our founding. Our mission is to empower you to make an impact, and we match your ambition and drive with the support you need to see it through. This includes:
Doctoral Degree Coach®
Your guide along the doctoral path, offering interactive checklists, a progress tracker, and reminders.
Office of Research and Doctoral Services
Your one-stop shop for help with research and the research ethics review process.
Mentor Program
Connect with an experienced doctoral student who will provide advice, tips, and guidance during your program.
Writing Support
Hone your writing skills with paper reviews, live learning sessions, capstone templates, access to Grammarly, and more.
Walden Library
Our comprehensive online hub features research materials, research databases, videos, and dissertations.
Technical Support
Troubleshoot problems any time of day with our dedicated call center, so your courses are ready when you are.
Find Your Doctoral Program
25 doctoral degree programs and 100+ specializations are available to support your goals.
"It wasn’t just about finishing a doctorate, it was about stepping fully into my purpose as a leader in social work.”
Vivian Arroyo, DSW ’25
What Skills Will I Need to Succeed?
Make no mistake: Earning a doctoral degree is challenging. But you can get it done with Walden. A leader in online doctoral education , Walden ranks No. 1 in granting research doctoral degrees in health sciences, psychology, and business. We offer a legacy of learning ready to embrace you.
TIME MANAGEMENT
You can balance earning your degree with your personal and professional obligations. By strategically prioritizing your workload, you can focus your hours and energy to achieve your goals without putting your life on hold.
WRITING ABILITY
Earning a doctorate requires extensive writing—the primary way you’ll communicate with faculty and peers. Academic writing demands critical thinking, clear articulation, and support from scholarly sources.
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Whether you’re pursuing a PhD or a professional doctorate, you’ll need to be able to absorb a lot of new knowledge and make sense of it in the context of your field.
SELF-DISCIPLINE
Succeeding in a doctoral program demands a great deal of self-control as well as some personal sacrifices. You must be able to outline a clear and manageable path to achieving your goals, create and stick to a routine, and avoid distractions along the way.
Funding Your Doctoral Education
Earning a doctorate is a significant investment, but you’re not alone. With scholarships, grants, and other options, Walden helps you manage costs and make informed financial decisions.
FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS
Applicants who apply and qualify may be eligible for federal student loans. Check with Walden’s Office of Financial Aid to learn more.
PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
Private lenders can help fund your graduate study and find the best fit for your needs.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Walden offers a number of scholarships, so be sure to explore your options with your Enrollment Specialist.
TUITION GRANTS
Walden offers numerous opportunities for tuition savings, including grants.
PARTNER SAVINGS
Walden also partners with many organizations and employers to provide savings opportunities.
What Happens After You Graduate?
Earning your doctorate is a remarkable achievement—but your Walden journey doesn’t end at graduation. You’ll gain lifelong access to resources, connections, and opportunities designed to help you grow personally and professionally.
Walden Alumni Network
Join a community of 200,000+ alumni across 165 countries. Connect through global and local alumni chapters, events, and networking opportunities that promote fellowship and lifelong learning.
Career Services
Get continued support from Walden’s Career Planning and Development team. Access tools, guidance, and resources to enhance your skills, explore opportunities, and stay ahead in your field.
School of Lifelong Learning
Walden’s flexible continuing education is offered in multiple formats, lengths, and cost options. Build new skills to help you grow professionally.
Alumni Library
Keep learning with exclusive access to Walden’s Alumni Library, offering scholarly resources to fuel your professional growth long after graduation.
Doctoral FAQs:
How do I get a doctorate?
Earning a doctoral degree is a significant academic undertaking that typically involves several key stages:
- Prior Education: While many doctoral programs require a master’s degree, some accept those with a bachelor’s degree. If you hold a master’s degree in the same field of study, you may be able to complete your doctoral program with fewer credits than if your master’s is in an unrelated field.
- Meeting Admission Criteria: Admission requirements usually include a strong academic record, often demonstrated by a minimum GPA (frequently around 3.0), , compelling letters of recommendation, and sometimes a master’s degree or relevant research experience.
- Engaging in Advanced Coursework: Once admitted, you will immerse yourself in graduate-level courses. These programs typically require 60 to 110 quarter credit hours and cover essential research methodologies, specialized seminars, and elective subjects.
- Completing a Dissertation or Capstone: A central component of most doctoral programs is a final culminating project—usually a dissertation for PhDs or a capstone project for professional doctorates. While they vary, the purpose of both is not just to demonstrate all that you’ve learned, but to make a tangible contribution to your field of study.
How long does it take to get your doctorate?
The duration of a doctoral program can vary considerably, influenced by your field of study, the program’s structure, and whether you pursue it full time or part time.
- General Time Frame: Most doctoral programs typically span two to seven years of dedicated study.
- Credit Requirements: Programs usually require between 60 and 110 quarter credit hours.
- Streamlined Options: Walden’s career-driven Pro Doc™ programs can be completed in as little as two to three years .
Are PhD and professional doctorate programs the same?
While the terms “doctoral” and “PhD” are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, there is a distinction:
- Doctoral Degree (Doctorate): This is a broad, overarching term that refers to the highest academic degrees awarded by universities. It encompasses a wide array of fields and degree types.
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): This is a specific type of doctoral degree. A PhD is primarily characterized by its focus on original research and the generation of new knowledge within a particular academic discipline. It is typically pursued by individuals aiming for careers in academia, research, or advanced scholarly pursuits.
There is another common form of doctoral degree: - Professional Doctorate (Pro Doc™): This form of doctoral degree is primarily focused on developing the knowledge and abilities needed to tackle real-world challenges. It is typically chosen by students looking for both advanced and practical skills they can apply to their field.