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. Crystal Smith, Ph.D, LPC, CPCS graduated with her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. She also received her Master's degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Atlanta, GA. Prior to that she graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Dr, Smith is currently a contributing faculty member at Walden University teaching in the Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Dr. Smith is also an adjunct professor teaching theories of counseling, professional ethics.
PhD, Walden University
MA, Argosy Unoversity
BS, Ferris State University
Smith, C., Woods, L. (2024). "I Don't See Color": An Adlerian Approach to Handling Racial Matters in the Therapeutic Space. .
Smith, C. (2022). Depression the silent killer: The stigma of mental health and the Black spiritual community. .
Smith, C., Woods, L. (2023). Let's Get Social: An Adlerian Lens of Social Media and its Impact on Socialization. .
Smith, C. (2024). Racism from the couch: Understanding how to address when feeling offended by clients while maintaining the therapeutic relationship. .
Smith, C., Woods, L., Spargo, A. (2021). Real-world experiences: Teaching counselors in training how to put theory to practice in a culturally diverse society. .
Smith, C. (2021). She looks like me: The importance of Black women's representation in Educational Leadershi.
Smith, C. (2022). Relationship Trauma and Attachment Styles. Presented at the Live Happi Girl Happi hour group discussion .
Smith, C., Woods, L., Spargo, A. (2022). Reconnecting in a disconnected world: An Adlerian lens of social connections post Covid.
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