Diving into the topic right off the bat without further adieu, let’s start with some key definitions. A professional Ed. D. degree is a doctorate that specializes in the field of education with a focus on advanced educational leadership and specialized training in administration, teaching, education-focused research, stewardship of the profession, and the dynamic of interdisciplinary systems. The suffix abbreviation stands for the Latin term “Educationis Doctor.”
Ed.D. degrees emphasize leadership skills with the specific capacity of not only working to execute changes within an existing system but to significantly transform the system with innovative solutions. This ability is highly desirable within educational systems all over the globe, especially in consideration of the increasingly diverse student bodies as well as educators and other education-related positions.
Universities and institutions all over the globe offer programs for Ed. D. degrees. Each program has its own specific criteria and curriculum, so if you are thinking about applying for a degree it can be a wise idea to compare different programs to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences to make sure it is a good fit. While some students may prefer a program in Europe, Asia, or another part of the world, others might find one in the United States to be just what they are looking for. Many programs are also offered online, such as this Ed.D program in Kentucky.
Professional Ed. D. degrees have broad applications
Educational programs that lead to a doctorate in education typically offer coursework and other activities that equip students with advanced knowledge in educational policies, pedagogy, conducting research, and applying research-based strategies as well as leadership expertise. The degree is not only aimed at educators – it has universal relevance and broad applications in public, private, nonprofit, and governmental sectors, within education as well as a variety of other fields such as nonprofit organizations, business, public health, and social work.
Of course, someone who holds a doctorate of education degree can work in the education industry, in addition to many other areas and disciplines that require leadership roles. For example, some industries that regularly employ Ed. D. professionals for leadership roles include learning technology and design, art and humanities, mental health and social work, healthcare, media and communications, fundraising and philanthropy, advocacy groups, human services and resources, and faith-based organizations.
Typical job positions within education and other industries
In light of the breadth of industries, disciplines, and organizations where Ed. D. holders can work, there is an equal abundance of typical job positions of various types. Within academia and the education industry, some common senior leadership roles include being a department leader, education consultant, chancellor, principal, dean, superintendent, dean, thought leader, or faculty member.
Other industries, such as within the public sector, nonprofit organizations, or businesses have specific job positions according to each field. For example, within the public sector, Ed. D. graduates can assume leadership roles in public health, policy leadership, veteran and military affairs, or government officials. Organizations for culture and the arts, development, fundraising, and association leadership think tanks are some of the areas where people with doctorates in education are welcome, as well as in various directorial and administrative positions. Within business, prestigious roles include being an executive officer, education officer, or chief learning officer, in addition to employee training and development positions, human resources or thought leadership, consultancy, or public affairs.
Who is eligible to apply for an Ed. D.?
Ed. D. degree programs require that applicants possess a master’s degree. Many institutions require that the master’s degree is in education or a related field and for the applicant to already have two or more years of teaching experience or education professionals who have been working in roles outside of academia. The program is designed for experienced education professionals who wish to specialize in not only academic education research but also leadership, as well.
Those who aspire to pursue the advanced degree of doctorate of education often are already employed as college administrators and administrators who serve in government education departments, executives in educational consultant organizations, school district officials, educators in primary or secondary schools, curriculum advisors, school counselors, as well as principles, deans, chancellors and other administrative roles within education.
