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. Daphne K. Sharpe received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Chatham University; two Masters of Science in Nursing from Duke University and her Cum Laude Bachelor of Science from Winston Salem State University. She has 30 years of healthcare experience. Dr. Sharpe is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has taught Community and Public Health Nursing, Health Assessment, Success Strategies, Scholarly Projects, Healthcare Leadership, Primary Care for the Adult and Older Adult Practicum, Primary Care in Pediatrics Practicum, Primary Care for Women, and Family Nurse Practitioner Residency as well. Dr. Sharpe practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner at a community-based health center, a home visiting wellness program, and a community hospital. She has more than 15 publications and presentations on community-based and health-related research projects. Dr. Sharpe has presented at multiple conferences. She has taught in higher education for more than 15 years. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and a recipient of the Mariam Sealy Scholarship. Dr. Sharpe also received the North Carolina Master’s Nurse Scholarship award during her years of study.
NRNP 6565 - Synthesis
PRAC 6565 - Synthesis
BSN, Winston-Salem State University
MSN, Duke University
DNP, Chatham University
, Board Member -
Sharpe, D. (2013). Practical tips for nurse-physician collaboration. Nursing Management
Starkes, T., Martin.M, Collins-McNeil, J., Sharpe, D., Onsomuo, E., Philadelphia, A., Harwell, G., Valentine, P. (2013). African American Males Health Status: A Call to Action.
Sharpe, D. (2012). Public Policy and Advocacy for the Health of Women and Girls.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Walden University is a member of Covista https://www.covista.com/ | Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV
© 2026 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.
Legal & Consumer Info | Website Terms and Conditions | Cookie Policy | Cookie settings