Explore our EdD Early Childhood Education specialization
Throughout the program, you will explore the complex familial, cultural, societal, and developmental influences that affect child development and learning. You will critically review current research in the field on topics such as child development, family partnerships, content knowledge, assessment, effective practices, leadership, and advocacy. Using real-world case studies and innovative technology, you will examine the quality of early childhood programs and policies, implement strategies to promote positive outcomes for young children, and evaluate the leadership characteristics necessary to implement effective change across a variety of early childhood sectors and settings. The individual dissertation or doctoral study process allows you to pursue original research in an effort to effect positive social change for children, families, and the early childhood field.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Curriculum
Minimum Degree Requirements
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
- Foundation course (5 cr.)
- Research courses (15 cr.)
- Specialization courses (30 cr.)
- Completing the Doctoral Capstone
- Doctoral support courses (6 cr.)
- Completing the prospectus (3 cr.)
- Completing the Doctoral Capstone (5 cr. per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
- One academic residency
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
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/doctoral study, 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/doctoral study 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 855-646-5286.
To satisfy these completion requirements, you must have access to a school or learning environment that has early childhood education programming.
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 DBA in [specialization] 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
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 online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
Walden offers tuition savings options that can make your goals more attainable. Discover savings opportunities by exploring our scholarships and grants, for those who apply and qualify.
Walden grants
Federal and state grants
Other potential tuition savings based on your affiliation with Walden or other organizations.
Looking to reach your potential with a doctoral degree? We want to support you by making your goals more achievable. Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start this program. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework - Flat Rate Courses: | 3 courses | $1,310 each | $3,930^ | |
| Tuition-Course Work - Per Credit Courses: | 50 quarter credits | $660 per credit coursework and dissertation/doctoral study credits | $33,000^ | |
| Tuition - Dissertation/Doctoral Study: | 20–125† quarter credits | $660 per quarter hour for dissertation/doctoral study credits | $13,200–$82,500* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $1,980–$5,760* | ||
| Residency Fee | One Residency | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $1,420–$1,520 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.75-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $53,530 | $126,710*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 2.75-year time frame) | (assuming completion in an 8-year time frame) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
† Based on a 2.75-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-979-6580.
Program Outcomes
Specialization Learning Outcomes
In addition to the core program learning outcomes, graduates of this specialization will be prepared to:
- Evaluate practices, programs, and policies in the areas of child development and learning.
- Engage in effective leadership practices, including collaboration and advocacy, to promote positive outcomes for young children and families.
- Evaluate responsible assessment practices to support healthy development and positive learning outcomes for young children.
- Demonstrate cultural responsiveness in interactions with children, families, community members, and early childhood professionals.
- Create effective solutions to authentic problems in the early childhood field by integrating professional resources including technology.
- Synthesize a variety of perspectives that are knowledgeable, reflective, and critical to promote professional growth and positive social change in the early childhood field.
- Design research to address educational problems and contribute to the profession.
