Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian Early Childhood Education

Lead and Transform Early Learning Through Faith-Integrated Scholarship

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian Early Childhood Education at Eldermont University is designed for scholars, educators, early learning leaders, and faith-based practitioners who seek to make a profound impact in the lives of young children and families through research, leadership, and Christian worldview integration. This dissertation-based doctoral program challenges students to conduct advanced scholarly inquiry, develop innovative approaches to early childhood education, and strengthen early learning environments through biblical wisdom and rigorous academic research.

Through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Dissertation-Based model, students earn 30 credits through PLA (recognizing prior experience in early childhood education, program leadership, training, and ministry-based education) and complete a 30-credit Doctoral Dissertation, contributing original research to the field of Christian early childhood education.

Program Features

100% Online, Self-Paced Format – Study at your convenience.

Earn 30 Credits Through PLA – Credit for prior early learning experience, leadership, and professional expertise.

30-Credit Doctoral Dissertation – Conduct original doctoral research in early childhood education and faith integration.

Faith-Based & Research-Driven Curriculum – Biblical integration with advanced early childhood theory and practice.

Accelerated Completion in as Little as 90 Days – Most students finish in 6–12 months.

No Semester Deadlines – Progress at your own pace.

What Will You Study?

This doctoral program equips students with scholarly expertise, research proficiency, and advanced leadership skills for shaping early childhood systems and learning environments.

Advanced Early Childhood Theory & Development – Study early formation, attachment, learning readiness, and developmental pathways.

Christian Worldview Integration in Early Learning – Explore faith-informed pedagogy and character formation for young children.

Social-Emotional Learning, Behavior, & Relational Formation – Examine approaches to guidance, emotional regulation, and classroom culture.

Inclusion, Equity, & Diverse Learners – Develop doctoral-level frameworks for inclusive early childhood environments and family support.

Trauma, Risk, & Resilience (Faith-Informed) – Study trauma-informed practice, child well-being, and resilience-building strategies.

Program Evaluation & Quality Improvement – Conduct systems-level analysis of program quality, outcomes, and continuous improvement models.

Leadership & Organizational Culture in Early Learning – Explore workforce development, coaching models, and mission-driven culture building.

Doctoral Research Methods in Early Childhood Education – Build methodological skill for original dissertation research.

Degree Structure

The 60-credit program consists of:

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – 30 Credits

Students earn credit through a comprehensive PLA portfolio, including:

Professional leadership in childcare, preschool, early learning networks, or church-based early education programs.

Experience in curriculum leadership, training, coaching, mentoring, or program improvement initiatives.

Relevant certifications, advanced professional development, or graduate-level coursework aligned with early childhood education.

Published works, training materials, policies, quality frameworks, or leadership artifacts in early learning settings.

PLA allows students to accelerate degree completion based on prior academic and professional achievement.

Doctoral Dissertation – 30 Credits

Students complete an original doctoral dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to Christian early childhood education, early learning leadership, family partnership, child development, and faith-integrated pedagogy.

Career Paths with a Ph.D. in Christian Early Childhood Education

Graduates are prepared for senior leadership roles in early childhood academia, research, training, and faith-based or community early learning organizations.

University Faculty Member or Early Childhood Researcher

Director of Early Learning Programs or Training Initiatives (Non-Licensure)

Dean, Academic Administrator, or Education Leader (Faith-Based Institutions)

Curriculum & Program Evaluation Specialist

Early Childhood Workforce Development or Coaching Leader

Consultant in Faith-Based Early Learning and Family Support Programs

This program is designed for academic, leadership, and research roles. It does not lead to state teacher licensure or clinical licensure.

Doctoral Dissertation – Your Research Focus

Students conduct independent research on a specialized topic in Christian early childhood education, contributing new insights that improve early learning systems and strengthen child and family outcomes.

Examples of Ph.D. Dissertation Topics:

Faith Integration in Early Childhood Education: Models for Formation in Ages 0–8

Trauma-Informed Early Learning: Faith-Informed Strategies for Resilient Classrooms

Family Engagement and Home–School Partnership: A Christian Framework for Program Improvement

Inclusive Early Childhood Education: Supporting Diverse Learners in Faith-Based Settings

Program Quality Systems and Continuous Improvement in Early Learning Organizations

Attachment, Relational Formation, and Social-Emotional Learning in Christian Early Education

Your dissertation positions you as a scholar, thought leader, and expert in Christian early childhood education and early learning leadership.

Admission Requirements

Master’s Degree in a Related Field (Education, Child Development, Ministry, Psychology, Human Services, Theology, etc.)

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Submission (Resume/CV + Supporting Documentation)

Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Submission

Eldermont University offers a streamlined admissions process and does not require standardized test scores.

Why Choose Eldermont University?

100% Online & Self-Paced – Study at your pace, from anywhere.

Faith-Centered & Research-Driven – Rooted in biblical truth and scholarly excellence.

Dissertation-Based Program – No traditional coursework, just meaningful doctoral research.

Earn Credit for Professional Experience – Maximize PLA credits for your leadership and expertise.

Flexible Completion Timeline – Graduate in 6–12 months, or accelerate to finish in as little as 90 days.

At Eldermont University, we prepare Christian scholars and early learning leaders to shape children’s futures, strengthen families, and transform communities through academic excellence and biblical wisdom.

Take the Next Step in Your Christian Early Childhood Education Journey

Apply Now – Begin your Ph.D. in Christian Early Childhood Education today.

Request More Information – Speak with an advisor about PLA + Dissertation.

Explore Our Programs – See how Eldermont University equips leaders in faith-based early learning scholarship and practice.