A doctorate in education, commonly referred to as an Ed.D., is a terminal degree that emphasizes leadership and administration within the field of education. This degree is specifically designed for those individuals who aspire to lead educational institutions, research education-related issues, and create policies that promote educational equity.
The doctorate is a highly specialized degree that opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the field of education. While many people assume that earning a doctorate in education only leads to careers in academia or school administration, the truth is that the degree can qualify you for a variety of roles both inside and outside the classroom. While many individuals with a doctorate in education pursue traditional academic roles as professors and researchers, numerous other career opportunities are available to those with this degree. In this article, we will explore some of the jobs that a doctorate in education qualifies you for.
Perhaps the most obvious career path for someone who has completed doctoral programs in education is to pursue a role in academia. This might involve teaching courses in education, conducting research in the field, or mentoring graduate students. Here are a few examples of academic roles that someone with a doctorate in education might pursue:
Academic Roles
Professor
Many colleges and universities require their faculty members to hold a doctorate degree in their field. In the case of education, professors may teach courses in subjects like educational psychology, curriculum design, or educational leadership. They may also conduct research in these areas, publish academic articles or books, and serve on committees or advisory boards within their institution.
Department Chair
In some cases, a professor with a doctorate in education may be promoted to serve as the chair of their department. This role typically involves overseeing the department’s curriculum, managing faculty members, and developing policies that support the department’s mission and goals.
Academic Dean
Another potential career path for someone with a doctorate in education is to serve as an academic dean. In this role, they would oversee one or more academic departments within a college or university, work with faculty members to develop new programs or initiatives and ensure that the institution is meeting its academic standards.
Education Policy Roles
Another area where a doctorate in education can be useful is in the field of education policy. This might involve working with government agencies, non-profits, or educational institutions to develop policies that promote student success and educational equity. Here are a few examples of education policy roles that someone with a doctorate in education might pursue:
Education Consultant
Many school districts or educational organizations hire consultants to help them develop and implement new policies or programs. A consultant with a doctorate in education might specialize in areas like curriculum design, assessment and evaluation, or teacher professional development.
Education Policy Analyst
Another potential career path for someone with a doctorate in education is to work as a policy analyst for a government agency or non-profit organization. In this role, they would analyze data, research current policies, and recommend new policies or initiatives supporting student success and educational equity.
Education Advocate
Someone with a doctorate in education might also choose to work as an advocate for educational issues. This might involve lobbying for policies that support students and teachers, working with community organizations to promote educational equity, or writing articles or blog posts that raise awareness about important issues in the field.
K-12 School Leadership Roles
Most of the job roles occupied by individuals who have a doctorate in education are roles held by leaders in K-12 school districts. Some of the job roles include:
School Administrator
One of the most common career paths for individuals with a doctorate in education is becoming a school administrator. School administrators are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of schools, from managing budgets and resources to hiring and supervising staff. They also play a critical role in setting policies that affect the educational outcomes of students. This would include job titles such as: assistant principals, principals, district directors, executive directors, chiefs, assistant superintendents, deputy superintendents and superintendents.
Curriculum Specialist
Curriculum specialists are responsible for designing and implementing educational programs that align with the goals and objectives of a school or district. They work closely with teachers and other educators to develop instructional materials and assessments that promote student learning and achievement.
Corporate Training Roles
While it may seem surprising, a doctorate in education can also be useful for those interested in corporate training roles. Many companies are recognizing the importance of ongoing employee development and are hiring professionals with advanced degrees to design and implement training programs. Here are a few examples of corporate training roles that someone with a doctorate in education might pursue:
Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers use their expertise in education to design and deliver training programs for employees in various industries. They develop training materials, conduct training sessions, and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. Corporate trainers work for corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Learning and Development Manager
In this role, someone with a doctorate in education might work with a company’s leadership team to develop training programs that align with the organization’s goals and values. They would also oversee the implementation of these programs and evaluate their effectiveness.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer with a doctorate in education might specialize in designing training materials and courses for adult learners. They would work closely with subject matter experts to create relevant materials for adults that complement adult learning styles.
In conclusion, a doctorate in education offers numerous career opportunities beyond traditional academic roles. Whether you aspire to become a school administrator, educational researcher, or corporate trainer, a doctorate in education can help you achieve your professional goals while making a positive impact on the field of education.
Are you interested in pursuing a doctorate program to advance your career? If so, check out our available in-person, hybrid, or online doctoral programs in education today!
