It seems like some teachers just can’t get enough of school. While the education field isn’t known for producing ladder-climbing tendencies, there are certainly professional hierarchies and degrees that make it easier to navigate them.
If you are passionate about education and want to gain a leadership role, you first need to acquire the right education. An Ed.D or “Doctorate of Education Degree,” is the very highest academic achievement in the field of education.
Not only does it help you improve as an educator but it can also be for opening professional doors. From superintendent to university department chair, many of education’s biggest leadership opportunities are only available to those with advanced credentials.
Here is what it takes to acquire an Ed.D, and how you can use it to attain executive success.
What is an Ed.D?
An Ed. D. refers to a doctorate degree in education. While the title does not roll naturally off the tongue, it does open doors to real-world professional scenarios focused on leadership and administration. While many graduate degrees are focused on abstract academic concepts, an Ed.D zeroes in more specifically on specific skills that schools, businesses, and non-profits require from an administrative leader.
An Ed. D. is what academics refer to as a “terminal degree.” This means that it is the highest possible degree you can acquire in your field of study.
Ed.D’s are always focused on education. However, they can vary tremendously in terms of concentration. Some are research-based, while others may prepare the student for leadership roles in specific settings. For example, a superintendent might hold an Ed. D in school administration or organisational leadership.
Because Ed.Ds. are prestigious and rare, they naturally open many doors. People holding these degrees are eligible to sit as department chairs at universities or work more generally as professors. Their degree, depending on its concentration, may make them eligible to hold the highest positions within their local school systems.
However, that isn’t to say that Ed.D holders are strictly limited to working in education.
How Do You Get an Ed.D?
Because an Ed.D is a terminal degree, you will usually first need to attain your Bachelor’s degree, and a Masters before you are eligible for the program. International students may also need to pass an equivalency test before they are granted admission into the program.
Most Ed.D programs are competitive which means you will need a strong prior transcript to gain admission. The standard Ed.D curriculum requires degree candidates to complete 48 credit hours worth of coursework.
If you wish to attain a specialisation, that number may increase to 54 credit hours. Completion will usually require the degree candidate to write a thesis and complete a variety of other requirements.
How Long Does it Take?
As mentioned earlier, earning an Ed. D. will require you to complete between 48-54 credit hours worth of classwork. While the amount of time it takes to accomplish that can vary from student to student, most manage it in around three years.
However, you can only begin taking doctorate-level classes after completing a related graduate degree program. That can take another 2-3 years. Including undergraduate studies, most Ed.D degree holders spend an average of ten years in college.
While that may sound daunting to younger readers who are early on in the process it’s good to remember that you can begin working in education as soon as you complete your undergraduate work. Most people will pursue their graduate degrees while they work. While this can delay the process (sometimes considerably) it also allows you to earn money and pursue a rewarding career that you are passionate about.
How Ed. Ds Can Open Many Different Types of Doors
While education is the primary focus of Ed. Ds, the degree remains desirable to many different organisations because it indicates a high proficiency in research, as well as an impressive aptitude for advanced comprehension and planning.
Consequently, many non-profit organisations will specifically seek Ed. Ds when looking to fill leadership roles.
Non-profit organisations looking to fill their C-Suite are always looking for candidates with a proven record for diligence and attention to detail. An Ed. D proves both at the highest level.
Becoming an Education Leader
The most common reason to get an Ed. D is because you want to attain a leadership position in the world of education. We reflected earlier on several common positions Ed.D holders might seek. High-level administrative positions such as school principal or superintendent are all possible positions for Ed.D holders.
There are also more specific departmental positions available to people with doctorate-level education degrees. For example, special education coordinators. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that students requiring special education services have access to the resources promised to them through IDEA.
Is it worth getting an Ed. D?
The value of a degree is ultimately subjective. If you are looking for an advanced degree that has a high return on investment, you will most likely be best served by pursuing an MBA. Ed.D holders earn an average of $78K annually. It’s a respectable salary, but also achievable without going through six to eight years of graduate school.
Getting a doctorate-level degree is expensive and that can compromise the value offering further. Getting any doctorate degree can cost upwards of $100K, which can be difficult to recuperate from—particularly with the average annual salary described above.
Most people pursue their Ed.D as a matter of passion. They want to be better educators, and they believe that getting an advanced degree will help them do that.
It’s worth pointing out that many educators can receive tuition assistance toward getting their graduate degree. This can go a long way toward improving the value proposition of an Ed.D. It’s also worth pointing out that some academic administrative positions carry large salaries. School principals and superintendents often earn six-figure salaries.
College professors can earn similar incomes depending on their status. Most people don’t become educators with the expectation of earning huge money. However, there is certainly the potential for receiving a comfortable salary— particularly as you expand your credentials with advanced degrees.
