Early Childhood Education, Ed.D. (Ed.S. or ABD to Ed.D. Pathway)

Individuals who have completed an Ed.S. degree or have completed all doctoral coursework but not completed the dissertation (ABD) are eligible for this pathway. The courses listed are to be completed at ACE to earn an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. A total of 37 semester credits are required in the course list. Please note: students who have not completed at least 6 credits in research prior to enrolling at ACE will need to take additional research credits per the Prior Credit Considerations Grid found here.

Program Description

The Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education provides an in-depth approach to research-based methods and theories in the field of early childhood development and learning. The degree emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices and research-based strategies to promote the learning needs of young children.  Students completing the Ed.D. will gain experience as a scholar practitioner with the necessary skills to support other professionals in the early childhood field as well as support educational settings centered on early childhood. This program is not designed for licensure and is best suited for individuals currently in the early childhood profession. The focuses of study allow students to select an additional concentration which will support their professional goals. Students will engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation.  

Program Outcomes

1. Design developmentally appropriate curriculum methods to support diverse learning needs and developmental growth of young children across all developmental domains. 
2. Analyze, synthesize, and apply seminal and current research to support scholarly work and classroom practices. 
3. Examine and implement appropriate assessments to support developmental growth for individual student needs.   
4. Construct models to support positive collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders in the early childhood field.  
5. Develop strategies to support advocacy efforts in early childhood.
6. Evaluate the role of professional development and lifelong learning for early childhood professionals.
7. Conduct research to support leadership, scholarship, best practices and address real world needs in the early childhood field. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education is to provide individuals with an in-depth knowledge of research and best practices in the field to better serve children, families, and other professionals across early childhood settings.