Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Education Policy
Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education
The Ed.D. specialization in Early Childhood Education prepares candidates for college teaching, research, policy, and other leadership positions in early childhood education and in early childhood special education. The program is highly selective, aiming to identify and prepare individuals whose prior education and experience (minimum 3 years of teaching experience required) offer promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to address the field’s complexities. Core courses emphasize theory and foundations in the study of childhood(s), early childhood education, and early childhood special education as well as research methods and training. Combining rigorous methodological, conceptual, and practical experiences, the program is designed for those interested in research pertaining to contemporary childhood culture, early childhood education, and the social/cultural/political issues around childhood. Seminars focus on special topics in the field. Opportunities for involvement in faculty-sponsored research and professional development activities are an integral part of the program concentration.
Ed.D. in Early Childhood Policy
The Ed.D. in Early Childhood Policy prepares candidates for leadership positions, college teaching, and research in early childhood policy. The concentration is highly selective, aiming to identify and prepare individuals whose prior education and experience offer promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to the field’s complexities. Combining rigorous methodological, conceptual, and practical interdisciplinary experiences, the program is designed for those interested in shaping local, state, and national policy agendas for young children and their families. It is predicated on the principle that individuals making policy decisions that affect the lives of children, families, and communities must have thorough knowledge of both substantive content (early childhood practices, pedagogy, and theory) and research. While the focus of this program is on U.S. early childhood policy, there is opportunity for international and comparative work.
Early Childhood Education Special Education
This concentration prepares students for careers related to leadership and advocacy in the field, research and scholarship, and higher education and teacher preparation programs. Core courses emphasize theory and foundations in general and special early childhood education and research methods and training. Seminars and advanced practica focus on special topics in the field. Opportunities for involvement in faculty-sponsored research and professional development activities are an integral part of the program concentration.
Questions about the Ed.D. program? Contact Mark Owen, Program Manager.
Admissions Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.
Doctor of Education
- Points/Credits: 75
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
- Summer/Fall (Final): December 1
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation, two (2) of which must be academic
- Academic Writing Sample
- Evidence of a minimum of 3 years teaching experience
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.
Early Childhood Education
At the doctoral level, the specialization in Early Childhood Education prepares candidates for college teaching, research, policy, and other leadership positions in early childhood education. The degree program is highly selective, aiming to identify and train individuals whose prior education and experience, whether or not it has specifically been in the field of early childhood, gives promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to the field’s complexities.
Early Childhood Policy
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree concentration in Early Childhood Policy prepares candidates for leadership positions, college teaching, and research in early childhood policy. The degree concentration is highly selective, aiming to identify and train individuals whose prior education and experience, whether or not it has specifically been in the field of early childhood, gives promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to the field’s complexities. Combining rigorous methodological, conceptual, and practical interdis-ciplinary experiences, the degree program is designed for those interested in shaping the policy agenda for young children and their families. It is predicated on the principle that undergirding all policy work, candidates must have thorough understandings of both substantive content (early childhood practices, pedagogy, and theory) and research skills. While the focus of this program is on U.S. early childhood policy, there will be opportunity for international and comparative work.