A doctor of education degree is a big step towards many rewarding careers. It leads to jobs in schools, colleges, and the private sector. There are two types of education doctorates: the Ph.D. and the Ed.D. These are the highest degrees you can achieve in this field.
Professionals with this degree can pick from many areas to specialize. What you make and your job options change based on where you focus, the industry you work in, and how experienced you are.
Getting an Ed.D. helps in taking on leadership roles. This could be in schools, education policy, or even consulting. The program is designed for working professionals. It lets them grow their leadership skills while juggling work, family, and other duties.
The Ed.D. program dives into topics that are relevant right now. It also sets you up for success in the future. For example, you’ll learn about leading teams, making big changes, handling change, and helping others grow as leaders.
Even before COVID-19, the education field was hungry for new leaders. We need people who can guide our learning systems into the future. Having an Ed.D. opens doors in school systems and beyond. That includes jobs in higher education, business training, and consulting.
Key Takeaways
- A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree can open doors to a wide range of careers in education, administration, leadership, and beyond.
- Ed.D. programs focus on practical application and leadership, equipping graduates with advanced skills for roles in academia, education policy, and educational consulting.
- Employers across various industries, including higher education and corporate training, are seeking qualified applicants with an Ed.D. degree.
- Salaries and job outlooks for Ed.D. careers vary, but can be lucrative, with opportunities in school administration, college leadership, educational research, and more.
- Earning an Ed.D. demonstrates a commitment to innovation and the ability to identify and solve real-world problems in education.
Introduction to Doctor of Education Degrees
Education doctorates come in two forms: the Ph.D. and the Ed.D. These degrees are the highest you can earn in education. A Ph.D. in education focuses more on research. It helps those wanting to become teachers, scholars, or researchers. On the other hand, the Ed.D. is more practical. It’s for those who want to lead schools or districts.
Defining Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Different jobs come from an Ed.D. versus a Ph.D.. The Ed.D. teaches you leadership in many areas, like schools or nonprofits. The Ph.D. in education focuses on research and making new knowledge. It’s for those who want to teach or do in-depth studies.
Key Differences Between Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs
Getting an Ed.D. shows you can lead and change things. It prepares you to fix problems in schools or other places.
Getting an Ed.D. shows you can lead and change things. It prepares you to fix problems in schools or other places.
| Characteristic | Ph.D. in Education | Ed.D. |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Research-based, preparing future faculty, researchers, and scholars | Practitioner-oriented, preparing college and school administrators, including superintendents |
| Curriculum | Emphasizes research, both during the program and in subsequent career pursuits | Focuses on practical application and solving real-world problems in education, nonprofit, government, and business settings |
| Career Outcomes | Produces academic researchers in focused areas of study | Prepares thought leaders dedicated to pursuing innovations in higher education and developing the capacity to identify problems and offer practical solutions |
Careers in K-12 Education
The field of K-12 education is full of rewarding jobs for those who have their Doctor of Education (EdD) degree. Here, the roles of the K-12 Principal and the School Superintendent stand out.
K-12 principals lead the daily running of their schools. They make and monitor academic goals and ensure teachers have what they need to help students thrive. These leaders handle the school’s funds, manage the teachers and staff, and aim to involve everyone in making learning fun and effective.
Meanwhile, school superintendents oversee a whole district of schools. They set the strategy for the district, manage its budget, and hire and guide the principals. They are also in charge of important decisions like teacher layoffs.
Nearly 44% of school superintendents have an EdD or a PhD, showing how important these degrees are for leading in schools. To be a principal, you usually need a graduate degree, teaching time, and an administrator license in most places.
As of May 2019, K-12 principals make about $96,400 a year, and by 2031, the job outlook should grow by 5%. For school superintendents, the median annual salary was $162,652 in June 2020.
| Position | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| K-12 Principal | $96,400 | 5% growth |
| School Superintendent | $162,652 | N/A |
Careers in Higher Education
Getting a doctorate in education opens many doors in higher education. College professorsprofessor> teach various subjects to students. Administrators in higher educationeducation administrator> help with student needs, enrollment, and research. An Ed.D. degree helps in leading roles in the field.
College Professor
College professorsprofessor> are key in educating the future. They teach at all types of educational institutions, including community colleges. Many work full-time, but part-time jobs are more common now.
Higher Education Administrator
The term “Higher education administratoreducation administrator>” covers managing college and university operations. It includes pleadership>residents, deans, vice presidents, and staff for admissions and financial aidaid>. Other duties involve campus health serviceslife> and academic advisingadvising>.
While not every administrative job requires a doctorate, having an Ed.D. or Ph.D. is common. These degrees offer expertise in teaching designdesign> and college class planningdevelopment>. They help admins grow and improve higher education.
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
College professorsprofessor> made a median of $79,540 in 2019, with a 12% job growth expected by 2031. Postsecondary administratorseducation administrator> had a median salary of $96,910 in 2021, expecting a 7% growth by 2031.
Doctor Of Education Careers in Leadership
The Doctor of Education (EdD) degree lets you enter various leadership roles in education and beyond. Key roles include Chief Learning Officer, Dean of Students or Faculty.
College President
A chief learning officer (CLO) manages training and development for a school system’s staff. They figure out what teachers and managers need, develop training plans, and check if programs are working. The CLO role started in the 1990s, offering a new career path for EdD graduates. CLOs must deeply understand human development, teaching, and learning. They also need expertise in areas like stats and tech for effective training.
Deans of Students or Faculty lead programs at a college or university. They help to ensure a great experience for everyone on campus. These deans usually have a doctorate in educational leadership. They might also have a background in teaching or administrative roles in higher education.
College presidents lead their institutions, shaping their vision and goals. They manage the school’s academic, operational, and financial issues. As of June 2020, the median salary for this role was $277,234, making it a top-paying job for EdD holders.
On the other end, CLOs earn a median of $198,700 per year (as of June 2020). This shows how important these roles are in education and business development.
Careers in Educational Research and Consulting
If you have a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree, you can find lots of great jobs in research and consulting. You will use your knowledge to look into education policies, evaluate programs, assess designs, and develop curriculum.
Education Researcher
As an education researcher, you’ll check if lessons, ways of teaching, and what students learn are working. You will collect and analyze data from various sources to improve teaching methods and school programs. This could mean studying in schools, universities, nonprofit groups, or companies.
Academic Consultant
Academic consultants give expert advice to many different people. They can work for their own businesses, schools, companies that sell products for education, or the government. They help improve teaching and learning by advising teachers, parents, and those in charge of schools.
Right now, education researchers make about $67,380 a year, while education consultants earn around $72,230. With your Ed.D., you can make a big difference in the world of education.
Careers in Curriculum and Instructional Design
Those with a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree often choose careers in curriculum and instructional design. They help develop academic curricula and teaching methods. Their goal is to improve how students learn.
Curriculum Specialist
Curriculum specialists research and design the lessons at their school. They work with teachers and others to make sure lessons meet educational standards. They ensure lessons stay effective for today’s students.
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators pinpoint areas for student improvement by analyzing data. They help teachers with training and may suggest new teaching tools. Their work is to make sure lessons are just right for each student.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Specialist | $63,740 | 7% growth |
| Instructional Coordinator | $63,740 | 7% growth |
To become an instructional coordinator at a high level, a master’s might be enough. But for more advanced roles, like in a district or government, an Ed.D. is beneficial. It equips professionals with the skills to greatly impact teaching methods and student learning in all grades.
Corporate Training and Development Careers
In the world of professional growth, the training and development manager plays a key role. They lead in building learning programs for the organization’s team. These programs help employees gain the skills needed for the company’s triumph.
They start by finding out what training employees need. Then, they either create courses or select materials that fit. Next, they make sure the training goals match the company’s overall aims. And lastly, they check if the programs and trainers are working well. This job touches many fields, from businesses to non-profits, all focused on boosting their team’s skills and learning.
As of May 2022, the yearly pay for a training and development manager is about $120,000. Jobs in this area are set to grow by 6% through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To succeed in this role, you need to grasp instructional design, learning technologies, and more. Dealing with changes and managing people are big parts of this job.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (as of May 2022) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Training and Development Manager | $120,000 | 6% growth |
Educational Leadership Roles
In higher education, important leadership roles include the provost and the non-academic administrator. These roles are vital for guiding colleges and universities across the U.S.
Provost
The provost is a key leader at many U.S. schools. They are the top academic officer. They oversee deans and are second in command after the college president.
Their duties include hiring deans and advising on faculty. They also help with education and research planning. Typically, they need an Ed.D. degree for this job.
Non-Academic Administrator
Colleges also need non-academic leaders. They oversee student affairs, sports, and campus safety. Their exact tasks change by the school’s size and setup.
Many of these leaders focus on things like human resources and budgets. They help keep the school running smoothly.
A doctorate isn’t always necessary for these roles. But, some administrative jobs may need one. This depends on the area of responsibility.
In May 2020, the typical provost in the U.S. made about $149,021 each year.
Salaries for Doctor Of Education Careers
Salaries for those with a doctorate in education can vary widely. This depends on what field they work in and how much experience they have. The top-paying roles for these professionals are often college president, school superintendent, and university administrator. These jobs can offer salaries over $100,000 per year.
Looking at the data from 2019, workers with a doctorate earned the most each week. Their median weekly pay stood at $1,883. In contrast, those with a master’s degree made around $1,497 a week.
| Career | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| School Principal | $96,400 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $63,740 |
| School Superintendent | $162,652 |
| College Professor | $79,540 |
| Postsecondary Administrator | $96,910 |
| Chief Learning Officer | $198,700 |
| Training and Development Manager | $120,000 |
Education Doctorate Program Overview
Ed.D. Program Length and Requirements
An Ed.D. usually takes 2-3 years, shorter than a Ph.D. This is because Ed.D. programs are more focused on practical leadership. Ph.D. programs, on the other hand, dive deeper into research and scholarship.
The Ed.D. curriculum covers topics relevant to real-world jobs. It helps students develop skills like leading organizations and managing change. The aim is to prepare them for future roles in education leadership.
Skills Developed in Ed.D. Programs
Ed.D. graduates gain valuable knowledge and skills that set them apart in the job market. They are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in education, either in public or private settings.
These programs stress academic excellence. But they also look at the whole student, aiming to grow ethical and servant leaders. This approach is part of what makes the Ed.D. valuable for its graduates.
Is a Doctor of Education Degree Worth It?
Getting an EdD degree opens many new doors in careers like administration, higher education, and leadership in companies. These jobs let you make a real impact on schools and businesses. They also pay better than most other jobs. In 2019, people with a doctoral degree earned about $1,883 each week. This is more than what master’s degree holders, who made $1,497 per week, earned.
When you earn your EdD, you show employers you’re a leader in education and can find smart solutions to tough problems. This degree helps you gain skills in both educational and organizational leadership, readying you for top roles in many fields and settings.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Career Advancement with EdD | An EdD degree can open the door to advanced leadership roles in education, administration, and corporate training and development. |
| EdD Salary Boost | Workers with a doctoral degree, including the EdD, earn the highest median weekly salaries compared to other degree levels. |
| Return on Investment for EdD | The increased earning potential and career opportunities offered by an EdD can provide a strong return on investment for graduates. |
| Benefits of Doctor of Education Degree | An EdD program can equip professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and transformation in education. |
| EdD Program Value Proposition | Earning an EdD signals to employers that a candidate is a thought leader dedicated to educational excellence and problem-solving. |
To wrap up, a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree brings many fulfilling and impactful career chances, within education and elsewhere. It offers better pay, leadership skills, and the power to create significant change.
Also Read: The Secret Advantages Of University Scholarships
Conclusion
A Doctor of Education (EdD) degree offers many fulfilling career paths in education and more. Those with an EdD can lead in education, becoming superintendents or college presidents. They drive innovation and the future of learning.
EdD holders can also excel in academic roles in colleges. They might become provosts or deans, managing college operations. In corporate settings, they craft and lead training programs to meet company objectives.
This degree is also great for those into research and consulting.
EdD graduates can analyze education policies’ impacts and teaching practices. They might also lead in creating curricula and teaching guidelines. This ensures students get top-quality education.
In the end, an EdD is versatile, offering various career journeys. It’s a great choice for those wanting to change education and impact students, teachers, and communities.
FAQs
What career opportunities does a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree provide?
Getting an Ed.D. can lead to many great career paths. You can work in schools, colleges, or companies. This includes jobs like leading in education, academic administration, and creating learning programs. You might also train people in businesses.
What is the difference between a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. in education?
The big difference is what you’ll do on the job. An Ed.D. focuses on hands-on leadership. It’s for working closely in education. But a Ph.D. is more about doing and sharing new research. It prepares you to find new knowledge in education.
What are some common career paths for Ed.D. graduates in K-12 education?
With an Ed.D., you could lead as a principal. You’d manage day-to-day school life and set goals for learning. Or, you might be a superintendent. They run whole school districts. This includes managing money and people.
What higher education careers are available to Ed.D. graduates?
Ed.D. graduates might teach in college across various subjects. Or they could lead as college presidents or deans. They work on important things like how many students join, helping students, and raising funds.
What other leadership roles can an Ed.D. graduate pursue?
After an Ed.D., some choose to lead in training and development in companies. They might run training for employees. Others might lead in colleges, managing students or teaching staff. They could even be college presidents, steering the school’s direction.
What career opportunities are available in educational research and consulting for Ed.D. graduates?
Ed.D. holders might work as researchers, studying what helps students learn best. Or they could consult, advising schools or governments. They aim to improve education using what they learn from their research.
What careers in curriculum and instructional design are available to Ed.D. graduates?
Some Ed.D. graduates become experts in creating curriculum or overseeing instruction. They make sure that teaching and learning methods are up to date. This work helps meet the students’ educational needs.
What corporate training and development roles can an Ed.D. graduate pursue?
Those with an Ed.D. might manage training in companies. They design and lead programs to improve employees’ knowledge. They check what training is needed and how well it works.
What is the typical salary range for careers with a Doctor of Education degree?
Salaries for those with an Ed.D. can differ a lot. But, they often include well-paying jobs. These might be in big roles like school superintendent, college president, or chief learning officer.
How long does it typically take to complete an Ed.D. program?
Usually, it takes 2-3 years to finish an Ed.D. program. This is shorter than a Ph.D. because it focuses more on practical skills and leading.
