Psychology (Preschool Child Development)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology with a specialization in Preschool Child Development at Walden University is a comprehensive program designed for professionals committed to advancing their expertise in the early stages of childhood development. This program offers an in-depth exploration of developmental theories, assessment methods, and intervention strategies tailored specifically for preschool-aged children. Students will engage with advanced research methodologies and evidence-based practices to enhance their ability to contribute to academic, clinical, and community settings focused on early childhood. The curriculum emphasizes the biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence preschool children's growth and learning, preparing graduates to lead initiatives that promote healthy development and improve educational outcomes. Coursework includes topics such as child cognitive and emotional development, family dynamics, educational policies, and trauma-informed care. Through rigorous research projects and applied learning experiences, students will develop the skills necessary to conduct meaningful research, influence policy, and implement effective programs for young children. Walden University's online format allows flexibility for working professionals to balance their education with personal and professional commitments. The program fosters critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and culturally responsive practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to serve diverse populations. Graduates of the PhD in Psychology with a focus on Preschool Child Development are positioned to assume roles as researchers, educators, policy advisors, and practitioners dedicated to improving the lives of children during their formative years. This program underscores Walden University’s commitment to developing leaders in the field of early childhood development who are capable of making a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

The Preschool Child Development concentration explores the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of the preschool child. Observe and assess the learning needs of preschool children. Study best practices to foster and enhance child development in the areas of learning and social skills.

Completion Requirements

• 181 total credit hours
  • Foundation course (1 cr.)
  • General education courses (45 cr.)
  • Core courses (35 cr.)
  • Concentration courses (35 cr.)
  • Psychology elective courses (20 cr.)
  • Elective courses (45 cr.)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

Students may be eligible to transfer up to 135 credits with at least 45 credits (including specific courses) completed at Walden.

Foundation Course

• Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab

Core Courses

These courses may be taken while you are taking general education courses as long as prerequisites are complete.

• Psychology as a Natural Science

• Psychology as a Social Science

• Cross-Cultural Psychology

• Theories of Personality

• Data Analysis and Presentation

• Methods in Psychological Inquiry

• Capstone: Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology

Concentration Courses

• Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence

• Social Influences on Behavior

• Learning

• Observation and Assessment of the Young Child

• Guiding Young Children's Behavior

• Children with Special Needs

• Play and Learning for the Preschool Child

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Admission is considered for adults who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, or for candidates who may have completed college coursework.
Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• You are at least 24 years of age.
• You are between the ages of 21 and 23 and have at least 12 transferable college credit hours.
• You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
• You have already completed at least 90 college college credit hours.

International Students

General Admission Requirements for International Students

Admission requirements vary by program and degree level. For more information, please call an enrollment advisor.

Walden requires the following information to be considered for admission into any of its programs and the information may vary by program:

• Official transcript(s) of highest degree or coursework completed to date
• English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• Goal Statement (Select Master's and Doctoral Programs Only)
• Completed application
• Current resume, when applicable
• Access to a computer and the Internet
• $50 non-refundable application fee

English Proficiency Requirement

For most Walden programs, the language of instruction is English. Therefore, academic success depends upon a students ability to converse in, write, and understand English.

International applicants must submit official scores from one of the tests listed below:*

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Paper-based: 550; computer-based: 213; Internet-based: 79
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 82
• Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 overall band score
• Pearson Test of English: 53

Scores may not be more than two years old.

*Students are exempt from the English proficiency test if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The student is a permanent resident (as indicated on the application) of the following countries: Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Scotland, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Wales.
• The admitting degree is from an institution where the primary language of instruction and evaluation was in English, and for which verification is available through the International Handbook of Universities, published and edited by IAU/UNESCO. Additional information may be requested from the applicants university registrars office to verify that the instruction was conducted in English.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Walden University.

Funding

Federal Financial Aid

Funding Your Education

As a Walden student, there are a number of resources available to you to help fund your education. Our enrollment advisors, along with our knowledgeable financial aid advisors, are committed to helping you identify your options and answer any questions you may have about the financial aid process. Currently two-thirds of Walden students receive some form of financial aid. Many defray up to 100% of their tuition and fees through Federal Direct Loans.*

Types of Financial Aid

The following are the loans and grant programs administered by Walden Universitys Office of Financial Aid. New and current students must meet eligibility requirements to receive and maintain federal student aid.

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• TEACH Grants
• State Grants
• Federal Direct Loans
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
• Private Loans

Application Deadlines

The Office of Financial Aid processes awards on a rolling basis. You are strongly encouraged to begin the application process at least four weeks prior to the start date of your program or renewal date of your existing loan. Your completed financial aid application, which includes all documents required for awarding and disbursing funds, is required 30 days prior to the end of the term in order for funds to be processed for that term. You must also maintain all federal aid eligibility requirements for the entire term.

Applications will be accepted in the last 30 days of the term, but the Office of Financial Aid cannot be held responsible if funds are not available for disbursement for the term. Delays can occur that are outside of the control of the Office of Financial Aid.

Walden expects its financial aid advisors to always maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct in all aspects of carrying out their responsibilities. Read the Walden University Financial Aid Code of Conduct.

Scholarships

Walden University is committed to providing broad access to higher education. Our scholarships are an investment in the future of our students and the future of the communities they serve as advocates for positive social change.

Walden offers merit-based scholarships for academic and professional accomplishments. Certain scholarships may be available to international students.

• Commitment to Social Change Scholarship, For incoming students
• Dave Palmer Military Scholarship, For active-duty U.S. military
• National Public Service Scholarship, For new and continuing students
• NEA Full-Tuition Scholarship, For NEA members who are enrolled or are enrolling for the Sept. 4, 2012, start date in M.S. in Education, M.S in Early Childhood Studies, or M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology
• Nurses of the Year Scholarships, For new students enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
• Positive Social Change Doctoral Scholarship, For new students enrolling in an applicable Ph. D, Ed. D or Ed. S. program
• Presidential Scholarship, For Walden masters alumni pursuing doctorate
• Masters in Math Education Scholarship and Grant
• Ann Tunky Riley Scholarship, For new students enrolling in the College of Education and Leadership
• Terry OBanion Leadership Scholarship, For new students enrolling in an applicable higher education program
• Teacher of the Year Recipient Scholarship , For new Education students who were named a 20082011 State Teacher of the Year
• Walden Leadership Fellow Program, For new students enrolling in Executive M.B.A. program

Fellowships

To recognize and encourage the research and social change efforts of current students and faculty, Walden offers competitive fellowships. These fellowships are administered by the Office of the President, not the Office of Financial Aid.

• Don E. Ackerman Research Fellowship in Educational Leadership
• Fellowship in Research and Applications for Social Change
• Research Fellowship in Distance Education

Other Funding Options

Other potential sources for funding include:

• Tuition-Reduction Opportunities
• Private Education Loans
• Monthly Payment Plans
• Higher Education Professional Development Program
• Veteran Benefits
• Financial Assistance for International Students
• Nursing Scholarship Resources
• State Grant Aid

Grants, Scholarships, and Tuition Savings

We know that pursuing your degree is a significant investment of both time and money. Thats why our online programs are designed with life balance in mind and why we are committed to making your education more affordable.

$5,000 grant*

• Doctoral programs (start on Dec. 3, 2012)
• Masters programs (start on Dec. 3, 2012)
• Bachelor's programs (start on Dec. 3, 2012)

$3,000 Grant

• Ph.D. in Education (start on Dec. 3, 2012)

Tuition reduction for students residing outside of the United States

• 30% for new students enrolling in Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Ph.D. in Public Health, Ph.D. in Psychology, and Ph.D. in Management programs
• 20% for new students enrolling in all other bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs

$1,500 Scholarship§

• Bachelors programs (starts through December 2013)

The Psychology (Preschool Child Development) program at Walden University is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the developmental stages and psychological processes affecting children in their preschool years. This program emphasizes the scientific principles underlying early childhood development, including cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. Students explore various theories of development, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies suitable for preschool children. The curriculum integrates research on childhood learning and behavior, preparing graduates to work effectively with young children in educational, clinical, or developmental settings. Coursework typically covers topics such as childhood psychology, assessment and diagnosis of developmental disorders, family dynamics, and current best practices in early childhood education. The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to support healthy development in preschool-aged children, whether in clinical practice, educational environments, or policy advocacy. Ethical considerations in working with young children and their families are also emphasized throughout the program. Walden University’s flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, making it accessible for working professionals. Graduates of the program may pursue careers in early childhood education, developmental psychology, child advocacy, or special education, among other fields. The program also offers opportunities for research and practical experiential learning to enhance theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Overall, this program prepares students to make a significant impact on the well-being and development of young children during their critical early years. No information.