2027 Is National University's Online EdD in Early Childhood Education Worth It? What Students Should Know

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What makes National University's online EdD in Early Childhood Education program stand out?

National University's online EdD in Early Childhood Education addresses a common challenge faced by working educators who need flexible, career-compatible doctoral studies. Its fully online format and flexible scheduling allow professionals to maintain employment while advancing their expertise. However, this flexibility can extend time to completion, as reflected in its 50% graduation rate, which signals the need for self-discipline and persistence when balancing competing responsibilities.

Unlike programs with limited faculty engagement, National University draws on a robust network of 344 full-time and 2,668 part-time faculty members, offering diverse mentorship opportunities. The emphasis on translating research into practical leadership strategies in early childhood settings makes it suitable for students seeking applied, career-relevant education rather than purely theoretical knowledge. This combination of scale, flexibility, and practical focus aligns well with distinct student priorities, particularly those aiming to enact evidence-based improvements within educational environments without interrupting their professional roles.

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Is it difficult to get admitted to National University's online EdD in Early Childhood Education program?

Admission to most EdD programs in Early Childhood Education tends to be competitive due to limited cohort sizes and high applicant volume, often requiring strong academic credentials and standardized test scores. This gatekeeping can delay entry for capable educators balancing professional and personal responsibilities, potentially slowing their career progression. For many, competing in such a selective environment means investing considerable time preparing credentials rather than focusing on practical educational advancement.

National University's online EdD in Early Childhood Education deviates from this norm with an open admission policy and minimal barriers. It neither demands SAT or ACT scores nor employs a competitive filtering system, offering a rare pathway with virtually noncompetitive admission difficulty. This widened access can be particularly advantageous for working professionals seeking doctoral credentials without the stress and uncertainty typical in more selective programs. However, this approach may also influence employer perceptions about program rigor, a factor candidates should weigh in relation to their career goals.

One graduate recalled applying late in the admission cycle with incomplete materials due to work obligations and family commitments. "I wasn't prepared at the usual application deadlines and honestly worried about missing my chance," they shared. "Yet, National University's flexible admissions timeline meant I barely faced any risk of delay. It felt like a relief compared to the pressure cooker experience I'd heard about at other universities." This flexibility shaped their decision to enroll, underlining how the program's accessibility can be a crucial consideration for those balancing competing priorities during doctoral pursuit.

  • Leadership Focus:The program embeds leadership skills critical for directing early childhood initiatives, emphasizing decision-making under complex regulatory and social conditions, which aligns with employer requirements for program heads capable of systemic influence.
  • Research Integration:Advanced research methodologies are taught not as abstract tools but in direct service to evidence-based practice, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to educational policy analysis and program evaluation, a growing priority among administrators.
  • Cultural Responsiveness:Culturally inclusive pedagogy prepares students to operate effectively within diverse learning communities, a response to workforce data showing increased demand for educators who can address equity and inclusion in early childhood settings.

These curricular elements help bridge academic preparation and workforce applicability, particularly where program completion influences the ability to impact policy and practice. For candidates evaluating the utility of this EdD pathway, understanding how the curriculum matches the operational realities and expectations of early childhood leadership-and how it compares to alternatives in terms of practical skill emphasis-can inform strategic decisions about educational investments. This nuanced focus contrasts with many degree offerings that insufficiently address the complex leadership and policy drivers shaping early childhood education today. For more context on broader educational trends affecting degree valuation, consult best majors for the future.

What Graduates Say About National University's Online EdD in Early Childhood Education Program

  • Sophia: "Studying the EdD in Early Childhood Education at National University gave me the flexibility to balance work and coursework, which was crucial as a full-time teacher. While I noticed that many employers valued hands-on experience and portfolios more than just the degree, having the EdD really opened doors for me in leadership positions within early childhood programs. It's been a strategic step for my career, even though I've had to supplement it with additional certifications to compete for administrative roles."
  • Raj: "Completing my EdD in Early Childhood Education at National University was a finite but challenging journey, especially given the emphasis on research and theory alongside practical applications. In the hiring landscape, I quickly realized that licensure still weighed heavily, limiting some opportunities despite the doctoral degree. However, the program allowed me to pivot into curriculum design and advocacy, areas where I find meaningful work and steady growth without the need for traditional administrative credentials."
  • Brianna: "After earning my EdD in Early Childhood Education from National University, I was able to shift toward remote consulting and policy advising roles, something I hadn't seriously considered before. The program's structure helped me build a portfolio of case studies that employers appreciated more than just academic qualifications. While salary growth has been gradual, the flexibility and variety of projects I engage with have made the degree worthwhile in practical terms."

Other Things You Should Know About Degrees

What dissertation format does National University require in its online EdD in Early Childhood Education?

National University requires an applied dissertation for the online EdD in Early Childhood Education. Students complete a dissertation proposal, use a faculty committee for approval and review, and defend the final study after completing doctoral coursework. The dissertation is the final capstone requirement for the degree.

Does the program offer sufficient hands-on or practical learning opportunities online?

While the program emphasizes research and leadership in early childhood education, its fully online format limits direct, in-person practical experiences such as classroom teaching practice. Students typically engage in applied projects or leadership case studies relevant to their employment settings. If you prioritize extensive hands-on teaching hours or fieldwork, supplementing with local opportunities outside the program is recommended to ensure adequate practical preparation.

What should students know about faculty accessibility and mentorship in this online program?

Faculty support at National University is available through virtual office hours, email, and discussion boards, but interactions are generally less immediate than in-person programs. Students needing frequent face-to-face mentoring or real-time feedback might find this remote setting challenging. For those who require close guidance or hands-on mentorship to advance their research projects, proactively engaging with faculty early and regularly is essential to avoid feeling isolated during dissertation development.

How demanding is the dissertation process relative to coursework, and what does that imply for time commitment?

The dissertation phase demands a significant independent effort and critical thinking beyond the structured coursework. Unlike some programs where research guidance is intensive, this program expects students to be self-driven and organized, often managing research and writing alongside professional duties. It's advisable for students to plan realistic timelines and possibly negotiate reduced work commitments, as underestimating the workload can lead to prolonged time to degree completion.