Pursuing a doctorate degree can be a significant investment of time, energy and money. For all that it requires, is an EdD worth it?

Education doctorate (EdD) programs are for those passionate about improving institutions through teaching and learning. If you’re interested in leadership roles in educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits or corporations, an EdD is worth considering.

Earn an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College

Pursue an Ed.D. online from top-ranked Vanderbilt University Peabody College. Master degree or 30 credit hours of graduate-level study required. Build advanced leadership skills in as few as 3 years. 

• Become an influential leader in your organization  
• Part-time or full-time schedules available  
• Complete your Ed.D. in as little as three years 

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Earn your Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations Online from the University of Dayton

Master holders, earn your Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations online from the University of Dayton in as few as 3 years. 3.0+ GPA required to apply.

• Live, online classes
• Complete in 36 months
• No GRE required
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An EdD degree prepares students for leadership roles at administrative levels. The curriculum generally focuses on providing students with the management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they will need to impact the fields of K-12 and higher education in meaningful ways. The research skills developed and knowledge obtained focus on enabling graduates to fill roles as higher-education faculty members, educational leaders in senior positions, policymakers and specialized researchers. Prerequisites for a doctorate in education typically include graduate work along with some years of teaching or professional experience. EdD programs generally also require candidates to have a master’s degree (or at least a bachelor’s degree) and some may require satisfactory GRE scores.

So what does a Doctor of Education teach you and who gets a doctorate in education? Doctor of Education candidates will study subjects such as strategy development, quantitative research and data collection. Students can also expect to study qualitative and quantitative research methods. Because concentrations, coursework and curriculum delivery vary from institution to institution, it is important to explore the various doctorate in education programs available before you apply to any school. You may find that an online Doctor of Education program is the best fit for you.

While the reasons for getting a Doctor of Education can vary greatly, there are a few common ones among EdD candidates. Some of them include:

Doctorate of Education programs are designed to prepare students for educational leadership jobs in academic institutions, school districts, government agencies, charitable organizations and in the private sector. While there are EdD recipients who become teaching professors, some may not have academic ambitions. An EdD is a professional degree geared toward teaching students problem-solving skills that will help them meet the challenges that educational leaders face today.

Professionals with doctorates in education often work for school systems as principals, vice principals, program directors, academic advisors, superintendents and deans. EdD specializations and concentrations offer students a chance to hone in on areas such as K-12 education, early childhood education, higher education, school leadership and classroom leadership. Because administrators and educators today face growing challenges to improve learning experiences and make their institutions the best they can be for students, earning an EdD may be a worthwhile endeavor for these professionals. That is because these doctoral programs focus on preparing school and district leaders to solve complex problems and initiate innovative solutions.

Today’s educators and students are facing ever-changing educational environments, including on the technological front. In the classroom and online, technologies are emerging to help facilitate learning and improve operations. School administrators and education leaders help manage and oversee education technology from the selection of what programs and hardware to invest in to the systems that keep students, faculty and data safe and secure online. Emerging educational technologies have helped modernize the U.S. education system, allowing for a more personalized learning environment for students.

Some graduate schools offer educational technology concentration options in their education doctoral programs. Such programs focus on software and hardware development, implementation and applications to facilitate and enrich the learning experience.

If pondering about abstract concepts is not your preferred learning experience, then a Doctor of Education may be a fit for you. While studies do typically include some critical examination of theoretical constructs, EdD students (unlike their PhD counterparts) are more focused on practical coursework geared toward finding solutions that can be applied in the moment within their organizations. Because practitioner-based EdD coursework and research are emphasized, program instructors have usually spent time working in the fields that they are teaching about.

Still wondering to yourself, “Why should I get my EdD?” There are some salient ways in which the degree may benefit you depending on your career goals. For example, an EdD may help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to:

There are many types of Doctorate of Education careers to consider. Some are found in educational institutions and others in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses. Some common career paths include:

But can you teach at a university with an EdD? Yes, you can. While PhD recipients commonly teach at the college and university level, there are professors who hold EdDs as well. Both the PhD and EdD programs require rigorous research, but since the PhD tends to have a greater focus in this area, it is generally a preferred choice for those looking to teach.

The ROI for an education doctorate depends on many variables, such as the type and size of institution, years of experience and geographic location. As mentioned, it is never a given that a doctorate will result in higher wages. However, a U.S. Census study featured in an Urban Institute report [PDF, 2.1 MB] examined the average earnings of individuals aged 35-44 years old holding various levels of degrees in 2015 and found that they were significantly higher for individuals with an advanced degree than for those whose highest degree is a bachelor’s. The average earnings for those with master’s degrees were 23% higher than those with bachelor’s degrees, and the average earnings premium for doctoral degree recipients was 63% higher than those with bachelor’s degrees.

Salary expectations with a Doctor of Education can be hard to determine for specific jobs, but the salary outlook for EdD careers in general appears to be steady. While the BLS does not record EdD holders’ salary data separate from non-EdD holders, one common occupation for those known to enroll in doctor of education programs is the postsecondary education administrator. For that job, the highest 10% earned more than $199,400, while the median annual salary was $97,500. Below is a sample of top 10% earners vs median annual salaries for other common EdD jobs for comparison.

The median annual salaries above are derived from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook as of December 2, 2020.

When trying to decide whether to get an EdD degree or not, candidates often have questions about the programs they are considering applying to. Some frequently asked questions are below.

So is it worth getting a doctorate in education? Ultimately, the answer is based on your personal and professional goals, situation and interests. An EdD may benefit those who want to become leaders in education and who are dedicated to improving and elevating educational outcomes and experiences.

Last Updated April 2021