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. Joy A. Kieffer is a dedicated nursing educator, researcher, and clinician with over 20 years of experience in leadership, academia, and clinical practice. A proud alumna of Walden University, she earned her PhD in Adult Education Leadership. She was honored with the Walden University Presidential Alumni Research Dissemination Award for her contributions to nursing scholarship.
As a Contributing Faculty member in Walden University’s PhD in Nursing programs, Dr. Kieffer teaches graduate-level courses, mentors doctoral students, and ensures academic excellence. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, accreditation compliance, and faculty leadership, having spearheaded the design and implementation of nursing programs at various institutions.
In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Kieffer remains active in clinical practice as a cardiovascular intensive care nurse, bringing real-world expertise to her teaching. A published researcher and peer reviewer for prestigious nursing journals, she has mentored over 30 doctoral dissertations, contributing to advancements in nursing education, healthcare leadership, and policy.
Her numerous professional accolades and leadership roles reflect Dr. Kieffer’s commitment to excellence in nursing education. She is an active member of the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International, continuously working to advance nursing practice and education.
At Walden University, Dr. Kieffer is dedicated to fostering scholarly inquiry, mentoring future nurse leaders, and upholding the institution’s mission of effecting positive social change through education.
PhD, Walden University
MSN, University of Phoenix
BSN, University of South Florida
AA, St. Petersburg Junior College
AS, St. Petersburg Junior College
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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