Earning a doctorate in education is a monumental achievement, empowering individuals with the knowledge and expertise to revolutionize educational practices and foster societal progress.
Our article explores the wide spectrum of career opportunities for doctoral graduates, offering insights into pivotal roles, salary prospects, and the employment outlook within the field.
Career Paths Following a Doctoral Degree in Education
The educational field provides a wide array of opportunities for individuals with a doctorate in education. From administrative positions to academic roles, there are plenty of career paths to explore and advance in. Here are some of the key positions that doctors of education can pursue:
- Chief Learning Officer
- College or University President
- School District Superintendent
- University/College Professor
- School Principal
- Academic Dean
- Provost
- Educational Consultant
- Instructional Coordinator
- Director of Student Services
Each of these positions plays a unique role in the educational sector, from the operational and strategic management of institutions to the direct support and development of educational programs and services.
Chief Learning Officer
A Chief Learning Officer (CLO) is responsible for overseeing the learning and development initiatives within an organization. They ensure that training programs align with the company’s goals and are effective in enhancing employee skills and knowledge.
This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills, often necessitating a background in education, instructional design, human resources, or business administration.
According to Payscale, the average salary for a CLO is approximately $156,339 per year, with salaries ranging from $97,000 to $214,000 depending on experience and location. Salary.com reports a median salary of around $220,200, indicating potential for higher earnings especially in larger companies or metropolitan areas
With the evolving corporate landscape focusing more on continuous learning and employee development, the role of a CLO is becoming more prominent and vital in ensuring organizational success.
The demand for CLOs has grown as companies increasingly recognize the importance of learning and development in their strategic goals. According to the latest data, the positions in educational training and development, including chief learning officers, are expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031.
College or University President
University presidents act as the chief executive officer of the educational institution, overseeing all its operations, both academic and administrative. This role is similar to that of a CEO in a corporate environment, with responsibilities that include managing the institution’s overall health, including its financial stability, academic reputation, and student success rates.
College presidents typically hold advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, and have extensive experience in education and administration. They often rise to this position after a lengthy career within the educational sector, including roles such as academic dean or senior administrator.
Financially, the compensation for university and college presidents is quite substantial, reflecting the significant responsibilities of the role. According to Payscale, their average salary is around $155,616, while salary.com further elaborates that the average salary across the US for a college president is approximately $330,496.
The job outlook for postsecondary education administrators, which includes college or university presidents, is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth reflects the ongoing need for higher education leaders as student enrollments increase and institutions evolve. Annually, about 15,300 openings are expected in this field, mainly due to the need to replace retirees or those transitioning to other roles.
School District Superintendent
A school district superintendent is the chief executive officer of a school district, responsible for implementing educational policies, overseeing the district’s academic and operational functions, and ensuring that schools meet state and federal educational standards.
The role of a school district superintendent is pivotal in shaping the educational landscape. It requires a blend of leadership, administrative, and educational skills to navigate the complexities of the modern educational environment. Superintendents work closely with school boards, principals, teachers, and parents to develop and maintain high-quality educational programs.
The average salary for a school superintendent in the US is approximately $178,064, with a typical range between $145,454 and $214,864. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, and skills. Payscale places the average school superintendent’s yearly salary slightly lower, but still within this range, at $144,940 per year.
Employment for school superintendents is expected to grow in line with the average for all occupations, reflecting the ongoing need for leadership in educational institutions. According to some sources, job openings for school superintendent positions in the US are exected to grow by 4%, between 2018 and 2028, indicating a steady demand for these administrative roles.
University or College Professor
College and university professors are educators who instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond high school level and are often involved in research. They may work in public and private colleges, universities, and professional schools, including community colleges.
The role requires a Ph.D. for most full-time positions, especially in four-year institutions, while a master’s degree may suffice for community college teaching roles.
The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers, which includes college and university professors, can vary widely based on the institution, location, and the professor’s field of expertise. According to salary.com, the nationwide average salary for these educators is $169,189, though it can range anywhere from $80,459 to $257,919.
On the other hand, their average salary is $92,000, according to Payscale, underscoring the economic realities of academia. Due to factors like the funding level of the institution, the demand for the field of study, and regional economic conditions, it is clear that not all professorial positions are equally remunerated.
The BLS projects an 8% growth rate in employment for postsecondary teachers from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. With an expected annual opening of approximately 118,800 positions, the academic field appears to offer robust job prospects for aspiring professors, demonstrating a dynamic yet competitive environment for professionals in the educational sector.
School Principal
School Principals are vital to the educational system, managing all operations and ensuring the delivery of quality education. They lead school activities, staff, and foster a productive learning environment, often acting as a bridge between educational policy and day-to-day operations, ensuring that policies are implemented effectively to support student learning.
Principals often hold a master’s degree in education administration or leadership and are pivotal in shaping educational strategies and student success. Their role is not just administrative but also deeply involved in educational leadership, often guiding curriculum development and teacher training to improve school outcomes.
Salary-wise, school principals have a significant earning potential. According to Salary.com, they command an average salary of $118,180 per year, with a range typically between $104,386 and $132,943. Payscale provides a detailed look, showing that elementary school principals earn about $90,945 on average, while high school principals average around $95,362 annually, highlighting the financial rewards of their crucial role in education.
The job market for school principals, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is relatively stable, with little change expected from 2022 to 2032, projecting around 3,300 new job openings over the decade. This modest growth rate points to a competitive field, with opportunities mainly arising to fill positions vacated by retirees or those changing careers within the profession.
Academic Dean
Academic Deans are integral to the educational leadership within universities and colleges, managing academic and administrative operations within their departments or colleges. They play a significant role in faculty recruitment, budget management, curriculum development, and maintaining academic standards.
Becoming an academic dean typically requires extensive experience in educational leadership, supported by advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctoral degree. These individuals often have a background in both academic teaching and administrative roles, which equips them with the knowledge and skills to oversee departmental or collegiate affairs effectively.
The average salary for an Academic Dean in the US shows a notable range across different sources. Salary.com reports that the typical earnings are about $169,321 annually, with salaries generally between $130,090 and $212,482. On the other hand, Payscale offers a lower average estimate of $101,862 per year, spanning from $67,000 to $179,000.
The job outlook for roles related to postsecondary education administration, including Academic Deans, is expected to grow. While specific data for Academic Deans alone is limited, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth rate from 2022 to 2032 for postsecondary education administrators, indicating a steady demand for these high-level administrative roles in educational institutions.
Provost
The provost, often regarded as the senior academic officer at a university or college, plays a crucial role in shaping the academic priorities and direction of the institution. This position involves overseeing the development and implementation of academic programs and policies, managing faculty affairs, and ensuring the quality of education and research.
Provosts usually hold a doctoral degree and have a strong academic and administrative background, reflecting their readiness to handle the complex responsibilities of university governance and academic leadership.
In terms of compensation, the salary for a Provost can vary significantly. Salary.com reports that the average salary for a Provost in the US is approximately $161,574 per year, with a range typically between $130,243 and $199,787. Payscale offers a comparable perspective, indicating an average salary of $164,397 per year, with potential earnings ranging from $98,000 to $286,000, depending on various factors including institution size, location, and individual qualifications and experience.
Regarding job outlook, while specific data for Provost positions alone is not readily available, it’s informative to reference the broader category of postsecondary education administrators, which is expected to grow by about 4% from 2022 to 2032, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations.
Education Consultant
Education consultants are professionals who advise on various aspects of the education system, including curriculum development, teacher training, and student support services. They work with schools, educational organizations, and sometimes individual students and families to improve educational outcomes.
With their pivotal role in shaping educational strategies, educational consultants require a solid background in education, often holding master’s or doctoral degrees. Their expertise spans various sectors of the educational system, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning through innovative practical solutions.
Payscale’s data show that the average salary for an educational consultant in the US is around $66,641, with a range from $46,000 to $104,000. This is notably lower than some of the other leadership roles we discussed. That said, Salary.com reports a considerably higher average of approximately $109,401 annually, which indicates a reasonable earning potential with opportunities for increased earnings as one gains experience and specialization.
The employment outlook for educational consultants is notably promising, with projections suggesting a 10% growth rate in this sector. While the pay for educational consultants is on the lower side compared to other higher-education roles, the amazing growth rate in the sector indicates a positive outlook, suggesting a steady demand for their expertise in improving educational systems and practices.
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists, are vital in the education sector, overseeing school curriculums and teaching standards. They are responsible for developing instructional materials, implementing these with educators, and evaluating their effectiveness.
These professionals typically need a master’s degree and relevant work experience, often in teaching or school administration. Given their expertise and educational background, individuals with a doctorate in education often pursue roles as instructional coordinators. This choice aligns with their skills in curriculum development and educational leadership, allowing them to significantly impact teaching standards and educational quality.
Data reveals that instructional coordinators often have salaries reflecting the nuanced nature of their role. While Salary.com reports an average salary of $75,298, Payscale’s estimate is lower at $64,589, highlighting the variance within the field. Compared to other doctorate-level education careers, these figures are somewhat modest, underscoring the unique balance of job satisfaction and financial reward in instructional coordination.
In the job market, Instructional Coordinators face a steady, average growth forecast of 2% from 2022 to 2032. This growth mirrors the ongoing evolution in educational methodologies and the consistent need for curriculum development and instructional improvement, underpinning the role’s stability and significance in educational advancement.
Director of Student Services
Director of student services professionals play a crucial role in the educational system, overseeing student affairs and services departments within colleges and universities. They manage functions like financial assistance programs, student work opportunities, and the implementation of strategies for increasing student enrollment and participation.
Typically, these directors need a solid educational background, often holding a master’s degree in education or a related field, coupled with substantial experience in school administration. Their responsibilities are vast, requiring strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
The salary for a director of student services can vary significantly. Salary.com lists an average annual salary of approximately $69,701, with a range typically between $56,901 and $82,501. Similarly, Payscale provides a median salary of about $69,795, showing a broader range from $48,000 to $102,000, which reflects the diversity in the role’s requirements and responsibilities across different institutions and locations.
The job outlook for Directors of student services and similar positions is optimistic, with a projected increase in demand for these roles in the educational sector. While there are no specific outlook statistics for this exact position on the BLS, related roles in postsecondary education administration are expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032.
Obtaining a Doctoral Degree in Education
Working towards a doctoral degree in education is a challenging academic path that offers a thorough understanding and enhanced research skills in the field of education. This intensive process begins with foundational studies and progresses through specialized and demanding research tasks.
Here are the five crucial steps to earning a doctorate in education:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education or a related field.
- Accumulate relevant professional experience in educational settings.
- Select and apply to a doctoral program that aligns with your research interests.
- Complete coursework, pass comprehensive exams, and engage in original research.
- Write and defend a dissertation that contributes significantly to the field of education.
Achieving a doctoral degree in education demands commitment and determination, yet the benefits are substantial. Doctors of education are the most esteemed experts in the field, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to educational practices and policies.
For those seeking flexibility and convenience, pursuing an online doctorate in education offers a practical alternative, providing the opportunity to engage in demanding academic study while managing other obligations.
Ph.D. in Education FAQs
What is the highest-paying job you can do with a doctorate in education?
There are many career opportunities available with a doctorate in education, but some of the highest-paying jobs include college or university president, CLO, and provost. These positions not only offer substantial financial rewards but also provide significant opportunities for leadership and influence within the educational sector.
What can you do with a doctorate in education online?
A doctorate in education obtained online opens up a wide range of career opportunities within and beyond education. It allows you to pursue leadership roles, engage in research, and contribute to policy development within educational settings. Additionally, you can also explore opportunities in organizational training, government agencies, non-profits, and consulting firms.
Are EDD jobs in demand?
EDD jobs are indeed in demand, reflecting the growing importance of education leadership and expertise across various sectors. The latest forecasts suggest a steady growth in demand for school administrators and other educational leadership roles, highlighting the need for individuals with EDD qualifications.
What are the differences between an Ed.D. and a PH.D. in education?
While both degrees involve advanced study in education, the main differences between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in education lie in their focus, approach, and potential career paths. Ed.D. is more practitioner-oriented, focusing on practical applications, whereas the Ph.D. is more research-oriented, focusing on theoretical contributions to the field.
How long does it take to obtain a doctoral degree in education?
The time it takes to obtain a doctoral degree in education can vary depending on several factors, including the specific program, the student’s enrollment status, and whether they pursue the degree full-time or part-time. Generally, completing a doctoral program in education can take anywhere from 3 to 7 years.