For those working in the field of education, there are many different routes you can take to progress in your career. These include teaching, education administration, school counseling, school social work, and educational publishing. If however, you are interested in a senior leadership or management position or perhaps a policy role within the sector, then taking a Doctor of Education degree (EdD) might be the ideal option for you. Read on to find out more about this qualification, the advantages of studying for it, and the careers it can prepare you for.
What will I study on a Doctor of Education degree?
An EdD is an advanced, professional qualification. Along with a Ph.D. in Education, you can achieve one of the highest degrees in this field. Aimed at working professionals and experienced educators, it emphasizes the practical, hands-on side of education. This makes it ideal for people who are hoping to work in a leadership or policy role, either in education or another area such as a government agency or a non-profit organization.
The type of modules you will study focus on applying the knowledge, research and skills you gain to real-world issues, and putting what you learn on the course into practice. The precise modules will vary depending on the institution you attend, but are likely to cover areas such as ethical leadership, change management, entrepreneurship within education systems, and integrating educational theory into organizational innovation. You may also focus on topics related to research, learning, social justice, policy, mentoring and finance.
To get a better idea of the sort of issues you will be examining, take a look at the websites of institutions you are interested in. They usually list the modules currently offered (though these are subject to change every year) and the research interests of their staff.
The course structure will likely consist of a series of taught modules, along with a period of independent research that will form the basis of a written dissertation. These days there are many opportunities to study an EdD on a part-time basis, as well as via online learning, and it generally takes 2-3 years to complete. Plenty of students choose to do the course while working full-time, enabling you to study without losing financial security, disrupting your family life, or taking a career break.
Doctoral degrees are generally not graded; rather, you simply pass or fail. After completing the course you earn the title of Dr’.
What will I gain from completing a Doctor of Education degree?
Getting your EdD will equip you with a wide range of useful, transferable skills that can be of great help to your future career. These include leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, data collection and analysis, strategy and policy development, and putting theory into practice. You will also develop so-called soft’ skills, for example, communication, teamwork, networking, technology, time management, and conflict resolution.
Studying for your doctorate will also enable you to take a deep dive into a subject that interests you, often with the opportunity to immediately test out what you’re learning in the real world. All of this means that after graduating, you will be in a much better position to implement change and make a genuine impact in the organization or community you work for.
More generally, having a graduate degree brings plenty of benefits. These include better job security and employability, higher salary prospects, more opportunities, meeting new people, and making valuable social and professional connections.
What jobs can I do with a Doctor of Education degree?
If you’re wondering, Should I get a doctorate in education?’, one method that might help you decide is thinking about the career you want in the future. The sort of positions that you can go into after achieving your qualification are extremely diverse, with options in many different industries and types of organization.
Some examples of the types of roles graduates who have an EdD go on to hold include:
- College or University President
- Provost
- Chief Learning Officer
- Principal (at an elementary, middle, or high school)
- School Superintendent
- Academic Dean (in various departments at a college or university)
- Professor
- Public Policy Leader
- Education Consultant
- Executive Director of Education
- Curriculum Director
- Researcher
- Educational Policy Maker
- Training and Development Manager
- Education Administrator
- Teaching Coach
- Educational Lobbyist
- Educational Advisor
If these sound like the sort of roles you’d like to pursue, an EdD could be perfect for you. What a doctorate in education signals to employers is that you can identify and analyze problems from multiple perspectives and offer relevant insights to arrive at practical solutions. This sort of skill set is applicable in almost any field.
What to do next
If reading this has convinced you that an EdD is the course for you, it’s time to take the next steps. Start researching accredited and reputable institutions that offer the course whether in person or online and take a look at the specifics. This should help you to narrow down your choices. Attending an open day (either in person or virtually) can be a fantastic way to get a feel for a college and its staff, as well as ask any burning questions you may have.
To enroll, you will most likely need a certain amount of prior, relevant work experience and possibly a Master’s degree. Gather together transcripts and start thinking about who you could approach for recommendation letters if required. Some institutions will also ask for a personal essay and maybe even want to conduct an interview. It’s never too early to start thinking about the topic you might want to research and write your dissertation on, either.
Studying for any form of a graduate degree is an intense experience, requiring significant time and financial investment. However, it can also be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling undertakings of your life. So if you want to boost your prospects, dedicate yourself to something you love, and impact real change, you should definitely consider signing up.
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