PhD - Education: Early Childhood & Primary Education

Do you want to learn the skills needed to conduct research and develop and implement program practices in the field of early childhood education? If so, Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Early Childhood and Primary Education. Read on to learn more about the Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood and Primary Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Early Childhood and Primary Education is offered in a Knowledge Area Module (KAM) format and a mixed-model format. Both formats require the completion of Knowledge Area Modules and a dissertation. The KAM-based model is designed for students who wish to pursue individual research interests to complete required papers while working closely with a program advisor. Regardless of the format chosen, however, you will have an opportunity to learn about social change in education, theories of human development, professional practice in organizational and social contexts, and psychological considerations in application to early childhood programs.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Early Childhood and Primary Education, you should have a background in education and a desire to conduct research in a specific area of early childhood education. Strong writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are also beneficial. Applicants to Walden University's programs should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Early Childhood and Primary Education consists of 96 credits. The degree program is divided into foundation courses, core KAMs, specialized KAMs, a research sequence, a research proposal, a dissertation, and oral presentations. Four Ph.D. residencies are also required and one of the advanced research courses listed below must be chosen.

Foundation Courses

  • Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
  • Principles of Social Change
  • Social Change in Education
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Development
  • Depth: Current Research: Psychological Foundations of Early Childhood Growth and Development
  • Application: Psychological Considerations in Application to Early Childhood Programs
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Early Childhood Education: Implications for Social and Organizational Systems
  • Application: Professional Practice in Organizational and Social Contexts

Core Research Sequence

  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis

Specialized KAMs

  • Breadth: Theories of Intelligence, Learning, and Motivation: Birth to Age 8
  • Depth: Early Childhood Program Delivery in a Multicultural / Multifaceted Society
  • Application: Professional Practice Using Learning and Motivational Theory in Context
  • Breadth: Organization of Early Childhood and Primary Education Programs
  • Depth: Critical Issues in Early Childhood and Primary Education Programs
  • Application: Early Childhood and Primary Programs: A Comprehensive Approach

Advanced Research Courses

  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis

Dissertation

  • Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Early Childhood and Primary Education, you have the opportunity to pursue jobs in the field. Potential employers may include the public school system, private schools, nonprofits, head start programs, and colleges and universities. The different types of positions may focus on areas such as teaching, advocacy, educational leadership, and research. As a job candidate, you must be able to demonstrate strong communication skills and a desire to contribute to the field of early childhood education. Some possible job titles may include:

  • Head start program director
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Professor
  • Early childhood educator

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.