If you’re considering pursuing a doctorate of Education (Ed.D.), you’re likely highly driven to make a positive difference in the lives of students and teachers. Still, you may wonder, “What can you do with a doctorate in Education?” Is a doctorate in Education only for people who want to teach? On the contrary, a doctor of Education degree can prepare students for a wide variety of career paths. For current teachers who want to pursue leadership positions, for example, a doctorate of Education can provide them access to job openings in administration. For students who are interested in studying the impacts of education on a global scale, a doctorate can provide opportunities to work in policy making and educational advising. The degree is versatile in its applications, making it well worth pursuing. Here are just a few careers you can pursue with a doctorate in Education.
1. Postsecondary Professor
Students who hold a master’s degree may find that their career path is limited to elementary and secondary education. This is because many universities and colleges prefer their professors to have a doctorate before they’re hired. With a doctorate in Education, educators are qualified to teach in postsecondary institutions as well as to conduct research in their field. A professor’s salary depends on their level of experience as well as whether or not they’re on the tenure track. In general, professorship levels can be broken down as follows: instructor, lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor. Average yearly salaries for professors increase as they progress along this track.
2. Education Consultant
Those who are interested in helping to improve the ways in which students are taught should consider pursuing a career as an education consultant. Education consultants advise teachers, families, school administrators, and school boards on the best educational techniques and technologies to implement in classrooms. They can also work with government officials in the development of educational policy. This position does not require a background in teaching, though it may be helpful to have some experience as an educator. Ultimately, the most important qualifications for this career are that individuals understand how to build curriculum, how to conduct research, and how to examine and identify problem areas in a school or school system. A doctorate of Education prepares students for this career by providing experience in all of these areas, and more. Educational consultants can work for private consultation firms, for school systems, or independently as a contractor. Therefore, salaries for this position are highly varied. The lowest 10% earn less than $40,000 while the highest 10% can earn a six figure income.
3. Academic Dean
Academic deans are senior administrators of colleges or universities. While the exact responsibilities of their job can vary, in general deans manage faculty and administrative staff, set academic goals, manage departmental budgets, direct fundraising efforts, and work with admissions offices to attract new students to the school. They can work in specific academic departments or in administrative departments such as admissions, student affairs, or alumni outreach. Academic deans can earn upwards of $90,000 per year, depending on their responsibilities and the school at which they work.
4. School Provost
A school’s provost reports to the college or university president. They implement academic plans for the entire school, oversee the implementation and updating of curriculum across the university’s academic departments, and direct the use of funds in order to achieve the academic goals of the school. A provost’s primary role is to act as the school’s academic steward. However, many are asked to take on responsibilities such as marketing, finance, fundraising, and recruitment. While many schools require that provosts have previous teaching experience, some do not. A provost’s previous field of study can vary from the arts to accounting to finance. However, it is common for provosts to hold a doctorate in educational administration or leadership. According to Glassdoor, provosts can expect to make an average salary of $137,204 per year.
5. School District Superintendent
Superintendents are responsible for the academic performance of their school district. They hire new teachers, make sure that teachers are certified and fulfill all continuing education requirements, and coordinate the educational goals set by both the state and the school board. Superintendents may work closely with an assistant superintendent, depending on the size of their school district. Superintendents are also responsible for designing curriculum, overseeing school facility management, and budgeting for the district. They may also be asked to serve as the spokesperson for the district as well as a liaison between faculty and the school board. Compensation for school superintendents can vary, depending on the size and location of the school district. On average, superintendents can earn a yearly salary of $70,000 to $110,000.
While there are many types of graduate degrees in education, those who graduate with their doctorate in Education have their pick when it comes to advanced careers in this field. Whether you want to continue teaching or begin working in a leadership position, a doctorate can help you reach your goals.
Are you considering pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership? Request more information and learn about University of Bridgeport’s pioneering program here.