View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
ADVANCE YOUR EXPERTISE
Featuring a curriculum focused on educational leadership, the EdD Early Childhood Education specialization equips you with AI-driven tools and skills for real-world impact. Explore the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in early learning—from prenatal development through age 8.
CREATE A CAPSTONE WITH IMPACT
Tackle a real problem of practice in your capstone and generate actionable solutions you can put to use right away.
BUILD MULTIDISCIPLINARY EXPERTISE
Level up your knowledge in key areas like leadership, curriculum, assessment, special education, literacy, and educational technology.
TURN CHALLENGES INTO CHANGE
Strengthen your problem-solving skills and apply evidence-based insights to improve learning outcomes for your institution.
Program Details
Explore Child Development
Examine the complex familial, cultural, societal, and developmental influences that affect child development and learning.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
In the EdD Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment specialization, you’ll explore the latest research and best practices in learner-centered curriculum and instructional design, instructional strategies, program evaluation, student assessment, and teacher professional development.
Featured EdD Early Childhood Education Specialization CoursesCourses
Professional Practices Leading to Positive Social Change Outcomes in Education
This course examines the crucial link between current social change issues and their impact on educational practices. Participants will evaluate relevant research, critically assess existing teaching and learning practices for their potential to promote positive social change, and apply research-based strategies to develop inclusive, equitable, and socially just educational practices. The course also explores how current teaching, assessment, and curriculum practices affect learners from diverse backgrounds, equipping educators to create more supportive and equitable learning environments.
Leveraging Technology for Student Success
This course equips K–12 educators and leaders with the skills to examine technology’s use in education. Doctoral students will learn how to best design and implement technology-enhanced learning experiences. Emphasizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, students will explore adaptive, assistive, and collaborative technologies to personalize learning and improve student outcomes. Aligned with ISTE Educator Standards, the course focuses on data-driven decision-making, using technology for formative and summative assessment, and fostering digital literacy to address diverse learner needs.
Foundational Models and Theories for Professional Practice in Early Childhood Education
This course empowers early childhood leaders to become effective agents of change by exploring the theoretical and conceptual foundations of early childhood education. Students will develop critical thinking and evaluation skills to analyze current practices and address key issues facing the field. Through framework development, analysis, and reflection, students will learn to propose and implement meaningful changes to educational challenges in early childhood settings.
Inspired Leadership, Informed Advocacy, and Improved Policy
Inspired Leadership, Informed Advocacy, and Improved Policy
This course prepares early childhood professionals to become effective advocates and leaders. Participants will develop advocacy strategies to support children and families and influence early childhood policy. The course examines early childhood policy systems and their impact on educational practices and outcomes, explores diverse leadership roles within the field, and encourages reflection on essential leadership qualities. Participants will also critically evaluate existing policies impacting the well-being of young children and families.
Completing the Doctoral Capstone Project I
This course focuses on the completion and refinement of the Evidence-Based Practice Capstone Project, encompassing Sections 1–4 with the necessary appendices. The Evidence-Based Practice Capstone Project represents the culminating activity in the degree program demonstrating students’ development as cutting-edge, evidence-based practice scholar-practitioners. Students will ensure the quality of their capstone project document by confirming originality through a Turnitin report, meticulously documenting sources in a reference section, assessing scholarly writing quality using Grammarly, and acknowledging any appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI). Students will present their capstone project to a peer group for feedback. Finally, students will select and prepare to complete one of the following Project Application Deliverables: A Practice Improvement Plan, a Grant Application Proposal, an Article Manuscript, or a Practitioner Presentation to Stakeholders.
Admissions
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.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Earning your EdD in Early Childhood Education is a bold step forward on your professional path. Walden makes it easier with our streamlined admissions process that includes:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay
View Admission Criteria
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and meet the general admissions requirements. All applicants must submit a completed completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning an EdD is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
ConnectEdD
From day one, you’ll collaborate, share resources, problem-solve, and celebrate milestones with peers and faculty in this virtual community.
Capstone Project
Create a real-world capstone project that demonstrates your ability to turn data into actionable plans that drive sustainable change.
Tuition Breakdown
Walden offers tuition savings options that can make your goals more attainable. Discover savings opportunities through:
Tuition savings
Transfer credits
Grants and scholarships
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition - Coursework | 50 quarter credits | $695 per credit coursework and dissertation/doctoral study credits | $34,750 |
| Tuition - Capstone | 10 quarter credits | $695 per quarter hour for dissertation/doctoral study credits | $6,950 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,480 | |
$43,180 | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,475 | ||
* Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included.
*This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe and Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. For additional Believe & Achieve scholarship information, see Grants and Scholarships.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Create Strong Foundations
By earning an EdD with an Early Childhood Education specialization, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and credentials to effect change at a higher level. Shape more equitable, effective learning environments that support brighter futures and stronger communities.
Career Opportunities
An online EdD program can help prepare you to lead lasting improvement in diverse educational settings.
STEADY GROWTH
Postsecondary Education Administrators
Oversee student services, academics, and faculty research in colleges and universities.
Expected growth: 2%1
Estimated annual wage: $63,820–$103,9601
LEAD CHANGE
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
Oversee student services and academics in K–12 institutions.
Expected growth: -2%2
Estimated annual wage: $72,400–$132,5502
Program
Learning Outcomes
- Apply theoretical knowledge to solve educational problems.
- Critically analyze education-related issues
- Align research methodologies to questions and hypotheses addressing issues in educational practice.
- Communicate with diverse stakeholders to advocate for students in educational settings.
- Practice ethically as a professional in the field of education.
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to promote continuous improvement in educational settings.
- Promote equity in education programs and policies.
- Advocate for social change to make a positive impact in educational settings.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Early Childhood FAQ
What can I do with an EdD in early childhood education?
The EdD in Early Childhood Education prepares you to improve the policies, programs, and practices that shape children's earliest educational experiences. Through a systems-thinking lens, you’ll learn to evaluate and redesign structures that support early learning—whether in schools, community organizations, or government agencies. This non-licensure program is ideal for professionals who want to lead with purpose and create measurable impact across the early childhood landscape.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
How long does it take to complete Walden’s EdD in early childhood education program?
The online EdD Early Childhood Education specialization is designed to be completed in as few as 24 months. The EdD program offers a flexible learning environment designed to help you balance personal, professional, and academic commitments.
What will I learn as part of Walden’s early childhood education doctoral program?
In Walden’s online EdD Early Childhood Education specialization, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest research in child development, assessment, and instructional practices. This program equips you to critically analyze early childhood policies and programs, collaborate with families, and apply evidence-based strategies to improve learning environments. You’ll also explore leadership models and professional ethics that prepare you to guide teams and influence change across a variety of educational settings.