The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Early Childhood Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham allows the doctoral student to have a tailored curriculum with enough flexibility to meet the needs of individual candidates while developing a strong developmental foundation in early childhood. The program is one of only a handful in the country providing a Ph.D. in ECE and not a more generic degree with an emphasis or specialty in early childhood. In contrast to a generic approach to training, candidates immerse themselves in doctoral-level experiences specially designed to focus on early childhood research, teaching, and service. The program offers doctoral-level early childhood seminars, internships, courses, and experiences. Candidates can specialize in one of five areas (Piagetian Theory, early childhood literacy, early childhood curriculum, diversity, EBD, or early intervention/young children at risk). Preparation focuses on the ability to research and teach at the university level successfully.