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. Lee Riley is an accomplished business executive and epidemiologist who specializes in data analytics, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. He earned a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a specialization in leadership from Walden University, where he focused his research on digital transformation strategies to improve organizational performance and financial sustainability. He also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alcorn State University.
Dr. Riley brings over a decade of professional experience, specializing in translating complex data into strategic insights that improve decision-making, operational efficiency, and performance. He has led initiatives spanning data analytics, digital transformation, program evaluation, and financial analysis. He continues to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in various settings to promote innovation, equity, and sustainability.
Dr. Riley’s accomplishments include authoring peer-reviewed research articles on digital transformation and healthcare disparities, as well as being recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for his contributions to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution throughout the Southeast United States.
Dr. Riley demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the fields of business administration and public health through his teaching, research, and professional endeavors. He supports the next generation of leaders in achieving impactful and sustainable results.
DBA, Walden University
MPH, University of Southern Mississippi
Riley, L., Critchlow, K. A. (2026). Visionary Leadership and Digital Transformation: Lessons for Small-Scale Organizational Success. International Business Research
Riley, L., Critchlow, K. (2025). Digital Transformation Strategies Used by Church Leaders to Increase Revenues and Meet Budgetary Goals. Open Journal of Business and Management
Riley, L., Johnson, K., Stewart, J., Byers, P. (2019). Syphilis and HIV Co‑infection in Mississippi: Implications for Control and Prevention. AIDS & Behavior
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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