View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
Courses
In the EdD Early Childhood Education specialization, you’ll build skills and progress toward your final capstone project in every course.
Disclaimers: 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, 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 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 844-937-8785.
Courses
PhD completion program courses help you return to doctoral work, match with an advisor, and stay on track to finishing your dissertation.
Disclaimers: 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, 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 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 844-937-8785.
Courses
Develop the skills and confidence you need to tackle complex managerial challenges, contribute new knowledge, or teach at the graduate level.
Courses
Develop the skills and confidence needed for complex managerial challenges and research with Walden’s ACBSP-accredited PhD program.
Discover career opportunities in your area that match your interests.
Dr. April Steen, Ph.D., LCSW, is an accomplished social worker with a vast academic and practical background. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida, an MSW in Social Work from the University of South Florida, and a BSW from Saint Leo University.
Dr. Steen has a passion for teaching and research. She began her journey as an educator in 2005. In 2023, she joined Walden, where she teaches undergraduate social work courses. Her research interests are widespread and include topics such as compassion fatigue, supervisor-employee relationships, critical disabilities studies, and the intersection of social work with sports.
In addition to academia, Dr. Steen is a licensed clinical social worker in Florida. She has extensive experience providing individual, family, and group therapy across various settings, from private practice to supporting families of fallen military service members, providing onsite employee assistance counseling, and serving as a K-12 school social worker.
Dr. Steen is admired for her infectious passion, energy, and sense of humor. She is known for her authenticity and enthusiasm in all endeavors. She is dedicated to professional growth and is actively involved in organizations such as the Alliance of Sports Social Work (ASWIS) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Dr. Steen continues to impact lives through clinical counseling, public speaking engagements, leadership training, and educational instruction. Her commitment to creating supportive, encouraging, and safe environments for those she works with underscores her dedication to empowerment and holistic well-being. Dr. Steen seeks to equip individuals with the tools to find meaning and purpose in every dimension of life.
PhD, University of South Florida
MSW, University of South Florida
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