View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
What Are My Career Options With an EdD Degree?
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What Are My Career Options With an EdD Degree?
Online EdD degree programs with multiple specializations provide the best options for focused doctoral training in the career path you desire.
An EdD (Doctor of Education) degree prepares education professionals from a variety of settings to be effective and influential leaders by providing knowledge, insights, and strategies that can be applied immediately in their current jobs. A Doctor of Education degree helps prepare students to improve their performance in their current positions as well as pursue their career goals with high-level education credentials.
Online EdD programs like Walden University’s Doctor of Education degree program provide a comprehensive approach covering critical decision-making and leadership skills, as well as the doctoral study experience of designing, implementing, and assessing original research in their chosen area of interest. Walden’s EdD degree program, for example, emphasizes the application of research and theory to solve complex, real-world problems of practice.
Career Options for EdD Graduates
With a Doctor of Education, education professionals are prepared to pursue professional, academic, administrative, research, or clinical positions in the K–12 setting, higher education, private organizations, public institutions, and civil service. A sampling of career options includes:
- School Principal – School principals manage daily school activities, coordinate curricula, and oversee teachers and other school staff to provide a safe and productive learning environment for students.
- Superintendent – The top executive of a school district, a superintendent oversees educational programs, spending, facilities as well as hiring, managing, and supervising the staff of all educational facilities within the school district.
- Education Administrator – Administrators direct and coordinate activities of teachers, administrators, and support staff at schools, public agencies, and institutions.
- University Professor – In addition to teaching, professors conduct research and publish scholarly articles or books, design their own curriculum for the classroom, and consult and advise students individually.
- Curriculum Instructional Specialist – Through a blend of learning and organizational theory, educators can develop expertise in the latest research and best practices in curriculum design, teacher professional development, and program assessment. Curriculum specialists help improve learning outcomes for students from the district level up to the federal level as well as for employees in corporate training programs.
Focus Your Doctorate and Tailor Your Degree to Your Passions By Choosing a Specialization
Walden University’s Doctor of Education program offers 9 specializations, each providing a highly focused learning experience for teachers, principals, superintendents, higher education administrators, curriculum specialists, and other professionals required to practice strong, evidence-based decision-making:
- Educational Administration and Leadership: This non-licensure specialization prepares education administrators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to improve and transform their educational institution. EdD degree coursework is focused on building a collaborative organization—a new and innovative model in administrator leadership.
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: This non-licensure specialization is designed for educators who want to drive innovation and change at systemic levels, from the district to the federal level. Students can develop expertise in the latest research and best practices in curriculum design, teacher professional development, and program assessment.
- Higher Education Leadership and Management: This specialization is designed for professionals striving to enter or advance their careers in the higher education administration field.
- Reading, Literacy, and Assessment: This specialization prepares EdD students to lead literacy initiatives that engage educators within professional development programs and learning communities with the goal of improving literacy outcomes across the educational system.
- Special Education: This specialization prepares educators to deepen their understanding of the critical trends and issues impacting special education.
- Educational Technology: This specialization is designed for K–12 educators who want to initiate and implement change at the district, regional, state, and federal levels by integrating the latest technologies and instructional design principles.
- Prekindergarten-Postsecondary Education (Self-Designed): Walden's Self-Designed Prekindergarten–Postsecondary Education (PK–20+) specialization lets you customize your EdD to match your unique career goals and the educational settings you're passionate about. Select courses spanning early childhood through higher education and lifelong learning that align with your specific interests and professional aspirations. You'll apply your learning directly to real-world challenges in your classroom, institution, or organization to drive meaningful improvements.
- Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning: This specialization equips you to drive innovation and measurable results in your organization. You'll master adult learning best practices and AI applications while learning to implement evidence-based strategies that close performance gaps and lead effective development initiatives. The program prepares you to create transformative, future-ready learning environments that deliver real organizational impact.
- Early Childhood Education: This non-licensure specialization prepares you to make a lasting impact on young children and families by exploring how family, culture, and policy shape development. You'll gain the expertise to lead programs that foster positive outcomes through a streamlined curriculum designed to connect directly to your daily work. The program features transparent pricing and a structured capstone process that begins on day one, making your path to completion clear and manageable.
A Graduate’s Experience
“What motivated me to go with the EdD program was that it offered the courses that I needed to become a stronger leader in education and to be a scholar, which is ultimately what I wanted to do.”
—Suzette Henry
Doctor of Education (EdD) Graduate
Begin Your Doctoral Journey with Walden University
Walden University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) program can give you the flexibility needed to continue work and enjoying your personal life as you earn your degree. And Walden will be with you every step of the way, offering comprehensive student support throughout your doctoral journey. These valuable resources include academic writing support and the Doctoral Degree Coach®, an interactive planning and progress-tracking tool.
Walden University has been serving the higher education needs of working professionals since 1970. Walden offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs as well as certificate programs online to students across the United States and around the world.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering an online Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
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