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. Ka’ma Manuel is an Educational Psychologist and Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychology with more than 20 years of experience supporting diverse learners through evidence-based assessment, intervention, and instruction. She specializes in cognitive learning theory, psychometrics, and the development of person-centered programs that promote meaningful growth for children, adolescents, and adults with varying learning needs.
Dr. Manuel currently serves as a Psychometrician and Postdoctoral Fellow with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, where she conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations, leads interdisciplinary teams, and develops individualized treatment plans rooted in ethical, culturally responsive practice. She also provides clinical assessment and therapy for children and adolescents at Center Point Therapy Group and offers expert evaluation of academic psychology materials as a long-time rater for Sage Publishing.
Previously, Dr. Manuel taught undergraduate psychology courses for nearly a decade as an adjunct instructor with Upper Iowa University, where she also contributed to instructional design and developed accessible, engaging learning experiences for online students. Her teaching is grounded in clarity, compassion, and a strong commitment to helping learners connect theory to real-world practice.
Her professional interests include developmental and educational assessment, trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practice, and mentorship of emerging clinicians. Dr. Manuel integrates insights from research, clinical practice, and human-centered design to create learning environments that are inclusive, supportive, and intellectually engaging.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys gardening, reflective journaling, and academic writing.
PSYC 8760 - Educational Psychology
PhD, Capella University
MS, Mississippi State University
BS, Xavier University of Louisiana
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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