<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>The curriculum of National University's Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education program combines foundational courses in educational research methods and processes with courses focusing on early childhood development, programs, curriculum and assessment. Topics likely to be addressed in specialization courses include early childhood education theories, child social and emotional development, program budgeting, curriculum design and administration, reading and writing development, child advocacy, and community responsibility. Statistical concepts, research techniques, and human behavior theories are addressed in foundational courses. Throughout the program, you will build the research skills necessary to complete an extensive dissertation process which includes a proposal, analysis of research, completion of a written paper, and an oral presentation. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Before enrolling in National University's Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education program, you must have already earned a master's degree and possibly have some administrative experience in an educational setting. Strong organizational and analytical skills are important. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You will be required to complete 60 credits to earn the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. Requirements include 27 foundation credits, 18 specialization credits, three doctoral comprehensive exam credits, and 12 dissertation credits. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>EDU 8000</td><td>Foundations for Graduate Study in Education</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 8001</td><td>Advanced Scholarly Writing</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8200</td><td>Scholarly Literature Review</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8203</td><td>Research Methods</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8201</td><td>Statistics I</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8202</td><td>Statistics II</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8204</td><td>Advanced Qualitative Design and Measurement</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8205</td><td>Advanced Quantitative Design and Measurement</td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td>One additional Specialization or Elective Course</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Specialization Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>Select six courses from the following:</td><td /></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7001</td><td> Topics in Early Childhood Education</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7002</td><td>Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7003</td><td>Topics in Early Childhood Program Administration</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7005</td><td>Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7007</td><td>Early Childhood Literacy and Literature</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7009</td><td>Families, Communities, and Schools as Partners in Early Childhood Education</td></tr> <tr><td>CT 7004</td><td> Language and Literacy Education</td></tr> <tr><td>CT 7005</td><td> Literacy: Focus on Curriculum</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Examination Course</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>CMP 9700E</td><td> Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment: Pre-Candidacy Prospectus</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Dissertation Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9901A</td><td> Components of the Dissertation</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9902A</td><td>The Dissertation Proposal</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9903A</td><td>Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9904A</td><td>The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>After graduating from National University's Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education program, you could explore administrative opportunities in public or private pre-K or elementary schools, day care centers, or nonprofit educational organizations. You might also seek a career in academics or educational research. Positions you could pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Pre-K School Administrator </li><li>Literacy Program Director </li><li>Professor - Early Childhood Education </li><li>Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist</li></ul>