View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
UNLOCK YOUR INNER LEADER
Develop your leadership skill set, build your confidence, and prepare to lead practical solutions to critical social issues.
BE THE CHANGE
Use your action research project findings to solve an existing social problem and make a difference for those in your community.
START YOUR CAPSTONE EARLY
Beginning in your first course, you’ll build key doctoral skills to help you start and finish your capstone project successfully.
PRACTICE NEW SKILLS
Immersive learning technologies and online simulations allow you to sharpen your leadership skills in a safe environment.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Curriculum
- 59 quarter credits
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation course (3 cr.)
- Core courses (18 cr.)
- Research courses (10 cr.)
- Specialization courses (10 cr.)
- Completion of Doctoral Captsone
- Capstone writing courses (15 cr.)
- One intensive (3 cr.)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN
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 Doctor of Social Work is a bold step forward on your professional path. Walden makes it easier with our streamlined admissions process that includes:
No application fee
No test scores or essay required
View Admission Criteria
To be considered for this program, you must:
- Currently hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program with 3.0 GPA.
- At least 2 years full time and equivalent practice experience beyond the master’s degree. Resume will be required to document experience.
To apply, please submit your completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your online doctoral program won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION
Get help choosing a doctoral research topic that reflects your interests. Learn how you can use the findings to create meaningful change.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Tuition and Scholarships
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.
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.
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 44 quarter credits | $730 per quarter credit | $32,120* |
| Tuition-Doctoral Capstone | 15 quarter credits | $730 per quarter credit | $10,950 |
| Program Fee† | $185 per quarter | $1,295 | |
| $44,365‡ | |||
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
| -$3,650 | ||
| Your Tuition | $40,715§ |
*Includes virtual residency
†Assumes 7 quarters
‡Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
§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 & Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. For additional Believe & Achieve scholarship information, see Grants and Scholarships.
Program Outcomes
Immersive Learning Technologies
With a focus on experiential learning, Walden’s online Doctor of Social Work courses include the use of innovative technologies. You’ll have the opportunity to practice and master important skills in a safe and supportive environment through immersive simulations, online communities, and skills-based exercises. Build confidence as a social work practitioner-scholar while focusing on how to apply your new knowledge and competencies to your current job and future roles.
Doctor of Social Work Capstone
Walden’s online Doctor of Social Work program includes an independent action research project. This project enables you to focus on an everyday problem or unmet need within your community (e.g., long wait times in your local hospital’s ER or access to medical care for people with heart disease) and develop a plan for remediating the issue. Capstone competencies are integrated throughout your courses—starting from day one—to prepare you for your capstone and your career.
Below are select titles of capstones completed by Walden Doctor of Social Work graduates:
- System Challenges for Bilingual Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings
- Correctional Social Work Practice with Female Offenders in a Midwestern State
- Trauma-Informed Care for Persons With Opioid Use Disorder in Ohio
- Military Sexual Trauma Survivors' Experiences and Perceptions of Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Examining Cultural Humility and Intersectionality in Mental Health Treatment
- Gay-Affirmative Social Work Practice with Homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth
