doctor of education careers

8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education

Industry Advice Education

By earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, you’re preparing yourself for a career with lasting impact—on students, on the future of a college or university, on your community, or on the trajectory of a nonprofit trying to improve other communities locally and abroad.

You’re also positioning yourself for advancement. Professionals who earn an EdD are qualified for roles leading and operating schools at the elementary, high school, or college level. They learn to lead in a way that can be transferred to the front of a classroom or at the ground level of an organization.

An EdD signals to employers that you’re a thought leader; that you’re someone who’s demonstrated the capacity to identify a problem, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and offer relevant insights for practical solutions. With your doctorate in hand, you’re prepared to take on a leadership role across a variety of industries.

Here’s a look at the types of positions EdD graduates pursue and eight of the top careers available in the field. 

Download Our Free Guide to Earning Your EdD

Learn how an EdD can give you the skills to enact organizational change in any industry.

DOWNLOAD NOW

What Type of Positions Do EdD Students Pursue?

Northeastern’s EdD students cultivate their leadership skills in the program by integrating practice and insights from experienced faculty and high-achieving peers . They come from diverse fields, including business, criminal justice, healthcare, military, human services, and the nonprofit sector. Their job titles and careers are just as diverse, with students working as policymakers, systems analysts, and administrative leaders within higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.

Top Careers for Doctor of Education Graduates

1. college president.

Average Annual Salary: $272,203

Presidents are the top leaders of a college or university. They establish and execute on their school’s strategic vision, spearhead fundraising, attend student events, and deliver speeches to a variety of constituents, such as donors, lawmakers, government, and faculty, to raise the profile of the institution both locally and abroad. They also collaborate with senior administrators, faculty, and staff to devise new ways to support students and improve their learning environment while maintaining high academic standards. Depending on the type of public or private institution they lead, college presidents can earn impressive seven-figure salaries . 

2. Chief Learning Officer

Average Annual Salary: $152,225

In education, top executive roles include positions like “chief learning officer”—a senior-level professional who develops and drives strategies that help his or her college or university meet critical business goals. Chief learning officers (CLOs) focus on creating strategies for training, learning, and development, and typically oversee an institute’s latest technologies, such as its online learning platform.

Average Annual Salary: $148,783

A provost—or vice president, depending on the college or university—is a senior-level academic administrator who tends to be second in command after the president. Provosts work closely with deans and department heads, and help determine their institution’s academic goals and priorities, as well as how to allocate the resources necessary to support those initiatives. They often oversee daily operations and work to hire and retain a diverse faculty. 

4. School Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: $116,931

Superintendents are the top executives of a school district. They’re responsible for establishing and overseeing their district’s budget, staffing, infrastructure, and spending. Superintendents collaborate closely with a school board to develop and implement new policies and programs in line with the district’s short- and long-term goals, as well as allocate the financial and human resources necessary to achieve the district’s overarching vision.

5. Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal

Average Annual Salary: $95,310

Principals oversee the daily operations of an elementary, middle, or high school. They hire teachers and staff, manage the budget, and enforce disciplinary rules when necessary. Principals also develop and assess educational programming aimed at achieving student learning outcomes, all while striving to create and maintain a positive learning environment. More than 11,000 principal positions are expected to emerge by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

A principal’s salary might differ depending on whether he or she works at an elementary, middle, or high school. The mean wages for principals at each level, according to PayScale are:

• Elementary School : $81,095
• Middle School : $87,989
• High School : $92,197

6. Academic Dean

Average Annual Salary: $90,339  

Deans work at the senior administrative level of a college or university. The role varies depending on the institution, but deans often manage faculty and staff, set academic goals, implement strategic planning, oversee their department’s budget, help fundraise, support research initiatives, and foster student development. Some departments you might find them in are:

• Admissions : Those working in admissions develop and lead recruitment initiatives for a college or university. They evaluate applications, decide the number of students who should be admitted to the school, who those students should be, and communicate with prospects and their families.
• Research : A dean of research often oversees faculty and collaborates with them to create a strategy for developing short- and long-term research initiatives. They also work to secure research funding, oversee the research budget, and establish key industry partnerships.
• Student Affairs : The student affairs office typically oversees a variety of different departments, such as residence life, athletics, student support services, and diversity and inclusion. A dean of student affairs typically establishes and evaluates nonacademic programs that foster and enrich the student experience, as well as handle disciplinary issues and communicate with students’ parents or legal guardians.
• Advancement : The advancement office—also known as “development” or “alumni relations” depending on the school—is responsible for securing funding for the college or university from potential donors, including alumni, government policymakers, corporations, and foundations. They nurture and maintain those relationships, ensuring all gifts received are being used as intended.

7. Professor

Average Annual Salary: $78,470

Postsecondary teachers, or professors, work at the college or university level, developing course curricula, instructing students in a specific area of study, and assessing their progress. When they’re not teaching, professors are often conducting research, writing scholarly papers, or attending conferences.

Professors’ salaries vary based on where they are on the tenure track and their area of expertise. The median salary for a professor based on rank, according to PayScale, is:

• Instructor : $49,510
• Lecturer: $51,101
• Assistant Professor : $67,021
• Associate Professor : $76,250
• Professor : $87,018

Salaries range further depending on the professor’s focus. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top 10 highest-paying subjects—and what those subjects offer in terms of average annual wage—are:

• Law : $111,140
• Engineering : $101,720
• Economics : $101,720
• Health Specialties : $97,370
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science : $90,860
• Physics : $90,800
• Architecture : $86,980
• Forestry and Conservation Science : $86,900
• Agricultural Sciences : $84,640
• Business : $83,960

8. Executive Director of Education

Average Annual Salary: $73,640

Executive directors are often the senior leaders of a nonprofit organization or business. They work closely with a board of directors but are the ones who make the daily operational decisions. Executive directors hire and manage staff, handle external relations, engage volunteers, oversee the budget—including all fundraising initiatives—and develop policies, programs, and strategies that guide the organization’s mission and purpose. 

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern?

When you earn your EdD from Northeastern , you’re not only advancing your own work, you’re joining a top-tier university and pursuing a rigorous education with an entrepreneurial orientation toward making our world a better place. You’re joining a vast network of students and alumni in the EdD, which spans more than 2,000 professionals across many domains of education. You’re gaining access to engaging faculty who understand the importance of professional experiences in a growing leadership capacity, and who are prepared to offer you personal attention to support your professional development.

With your EdD, you can make a difference in the lives of children, communities, and organizations, as you transform your problem of practice into a plan for change and action.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in September of 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance. 

Subscribe below to receive future content from the Graduate Programs Blog.

About shayna joubert, related articles.

What is Learning Analytics & How Can it Be Used?

Reasons To Enroll in a Doctor of Education Program

Why I Chose to Pursue Learning Analytics

Did you know.

The median annual salary for professional degree holders is $97,000. (BLS, 2020)

Doctor of Education

The degree that connects advanced research to real-world problem solving.

Most Popular:

Tips for taking online classes: 8 strategies for success, public health careers: what can you do with an mph, 7 international business careers that are in high demand, edd vs. phd in education: what’s the difference, 7 must-have skills for data analysts, in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future, the benefits of online learning: 8 advantages of online degrees, how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, the best of our graduate blog—right to your inbox.

Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice.

By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Keep Reading:

Should I Go To Grad School: 4 Questions to Consider

Grad School or Work? How to Balance Both

7 Networking Tips for Graduate Students 

11 Ed.D. Careers to Consider

Originially published on October 23, 2020 and refreshed on April 26, 2023.

Across a broad spectrum of industries, motivated professionals prioritize their ongoing development and career advancement opportunities. Individuals with their eyes on new roles and a desire to create positive change in the world know that these goals require ongoing investment in new knowledge and skills. Earning a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is one of the primary paths to developing new forms of leadership better suited to respond to the needs of rapidly evolving societies.

Graduate education can present challenges for working professionals. Many may not have geographical access to the kinds of programs that would be most suited to pursuing desirable Ed.D. careers. However, an online doctorate of education offers prospective candidates the opportunity to balance their careers and academic pursuits as they apply best practices and new skills in their day-to-day professional settings.

Graduates with an advanced degree enjoy a wide range of Ed.D. career opportunities and the confidence to promote change across diverse instructional and organizational settings.

Request My Free Ed.D. Online Program Guide

What Are the Unique Characteristics and Benefits of a Doctorate in Education?

The ideal doctorate in education program will prioritize academic excellence while taking a holistic approach to student learning and development. It will offer a unique opportunity to cultivate deep roots of servant and ethical leadership as part of your personal and professional growth plan.

By completing an Ed.D. program, you can acquire the knowledge and skill set to stand out among other candidates and excel in public or private sector doctor of education jobs. And that, of course, is the goal — to maximize your career potential while making a meaningful and lasting impact in your community and in the world.

Skills Needed for Ed.D. Careers

An online doctorate in education program enables professionals to enhance their leadership capacities to effect change while continuing to balance work, family and community responsibilities. An Ed.D. program will model collaborative processes, emphasize problem-solving and explain how to adapt schools and organizations to changing external environments.

The curriculum in a doctorate in education program will explore subjects relevant to your current professional position and provide skills that lend to future Ed.D. career pursuits. Areas of focus include:

• Effective organizational leadership
• Leadership that embraces and brings about social justice
• Transformative leadership : producing meaningful change
• Applying educational theory to organizational health and innovation
• Crisis leadership
• Systems thinking
• Change management
• Cultivating future leaders within an organization
• Importance of human and social capital

What Are the Differences Between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in Education? 

Both an Ed.D. and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) are terminal, post-graduate programs that offer deeper knowledge in the field of educational leadership. But there are a number of critical differences between the two that you should consider carefully.

The primary consideration when considering the differences between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. is professional outcome. If you’ve decided that a doctorate in education job might be a wise path for you, it is important to envision what kind of work you ultimately hope to do and in what setting.

An Ed.D. is designed to equip those interested in hands-on leadership in education, nonprofit, government and even business settings. Some of the advantages of an Ed.D. include:

• Practical application is emphasized over theory
• Research is applied to real-world settings
• Students can continue full-time work throughout the program
• Collaboration with fellow classmates is encouraged to solve problems of practice

A Ph.D. in education is designed to emphasize research, both during the program and in subsequent career pursuits. It tends to emphasize theory over practice and is aimed at producing academic researchers in more focused areas of study. Some of the characteristics of a Ph.D. include:

• Research intensive
• More common career path to a research scholar or policy researcher
• Potential funding options to focus on full-time research

Another notable difference between the two is that a Ph.D. often requires significantly more credit hours and time — sometimes twice as much time — than an Ed.D. On average, Ed.D. programs require 60 credits and can be completed in three years or more, while Ph.D. programs require 90 credits and usually take five years or more.

11 Ed.D. Careers

By earning a Doctor of Education, graduates can prepare themselves for Ed.D. careers with lasting impact — on students and on the future of a college, university, organization or community. 

An Ed.D. signals to employers that a candidate is a thought leader; someone who is dedicated to pursuing innovations in higher education and who has demonstrated the capacity to identify a problem and offer relevant insights for practical solutions. An Ed.D. can prepare graduates with educational and organizational leadership skills for leadership roles across various institutions and industries.

1. K-12 School Leaders

Education professionals who aspire to serve as school leaders or superintendents of schools usually need to earn a doctorate in education. The emphasis on leadership and problem-solving in most Ed.D. programs makes them ideal preparation for superintendents, directors of education and other school leadership positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school principals earn a median annual salary of $98,420 as of May 2021. The BLS projects a 5% increase in job growth for these roles between 2021 and 2031.

2. Postsecondary Administrator

Earning a doctorate in education is often necessary to ascend to administrative positions in college and university settings. Postsecondary administrators oversee a variety of educational services at colleges or universities. These may include faculty research, student affairs, admissions and more. 

The BLS reports that postsecondary administrators earn a median annual salary of $96,910 as of May 2021. Employment for these roles is expected to increase by 7% between 2021 and 2031.

3. Curriculum Specialists and Instructional Designers

Curriculum specialists and instructional designers oversee the development and implementation of curricula and teaching standards. The challenges of effectively creating and revising academic curriculum, guiding educators in implementing curriculum and teaching methodology and analyzing student data to assess and improve learning outcomes will be better met with an Ed.D. 

The BLS reports that instructional coordinators, including curriculum designers, earn a median annual salary of $63,740 as of May 2021. The BLS predicts this field will grow in the years to come, with an expected 7% increase between 2021 and 2031.

4. College Professor

When considering Ed.D careers, one of the first that comes to mind is the role of a college professor. College professors teach at community colleges, colleges or universities within a specific subject area at the undergraduate or graduate level. As employees of a college or university, their responsibilities may also include:

• Developing curriculum and course material 
• Mentoring students
• Conducting research and publishing journal articles
• Serving on academic or campus life committees
• Writing grant proposals

Most four-year colleges and universities require their professors to hold a doctoral degree in the field they want to teach. Aspiring college professors will also want to conduct regular research in their field and participate in committees and conferences.

According to the BLS, college professionals have a median annual salary of $79,460 as of May 2021. Roles for college professors are expected to grow 12% between 2021 and 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

5. Dean of Students or Faculty

Deans of Students or Faculty is a doctor of education job within a college or university that oversees campus programs. As education administrators, these professionals support either students or faculty in order to facilitate a positive experience for all on campus. 

Their job responsibilities may include:

• Meeting with students to discuss their needs
• Directing the admissions process
• Collaborating with departments to enhance the student or faculty experience
• Planning campus life activities that boost student or employee morale
• Administering and enforcing conduct policies
• Intervening with students at risk of attrition or struggling faculty members

Deans of Students or Faculty often hold a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Their professional background may include years of working as college professors or in education administrator roles.

According to the BLS, jobs for postsecondary education administrators earn a median annual salary of $96,910 as of May 2021. The career is expected to grow by a rate of 8% between 2021 and 2031.

6. Academic Consultant

Academic, education or learning consultants may work for independent firms, school districts, product-driven firms or government agencies. Their job responsibilities may include:

• Advising teachers, parents, school administrators, school boards and government officials on educational best practices
• Assessing education standards and policies to make recommendations for improvement
• Implementing data-driven changes in schools or districts
• Recommending materials, technology or programs

To compete for Ed.D. careers as an education consultant, graduates often earn master’s degrees or higher. They may have a background in teaching. Independent academic consultants often register with national organizations for education consultants. 

Payscale reports a median annual salary of approximately $63,000 for education consultants. While there is not a specific listing for academic consultants, the BLS estimates a growth rate of 7% for employment in education, training and library occupations from 2021 to 2031.

7. Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers, who may also be called training or development specialists, work in nearly every industry. Their job responsibilities may include:

• Planning and administering programs to improve employee skills and knowledge
• Assessing training needs
• Designing and developing training materials 
• Collaborating with employees to best address their training needs

Corporate trainers often pursue Ed.D. careers after having worked as teachers or in areas such as staff development or instructional design. While post-graduate degrees and certifications are not required, they may lead to faster career advancement or more job opportunities.

These professionals enjoy the opportunity to facilitate greater employee satisfaction, educate large numbers of people and participate in company success through their work. 

The median annual salary for corporate trainers was $61,570 in May 2021, according to the BLS. Roles for corporate trainers are expected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031.

8. Chief Learning Officer

Some organizations have set out to increase their competitive edge. Chief Learning Officers “steer the learning journey, in line with business.” CLOs coordinate and deliver training programs and opportunities and demonstrate to their fellow top-level colleagues how such training impacts the bottom line, customer satisfaction and employee experience.

According to Continu, “The role of a Chief Learning Officer is growing as more organizations recognize the need for learning and development to be central to their success.”\

According to the BLS, training and development managers, including chief learning officers, make a median annual salary of $120,130 as of May 2021. There is a projected 7% career growth between 2021 and 2031. 

9. Director of a Civic, Nonprofit or Grantmaking Organization

Hiring boards for such organizations often prefer candidates with advanced degrees. A doctorate of education can equip graduates with the theoretical framework and practical problem-solving skills necessary to lead an organization effectively . The program’s emphasis on strategy, systems, change and bringing about social justice will prepare students who want to pursue organizational leadership roles of this nature.

The charitable sector in the United States trails only behind business in terms of percentage of the workforce — 6.5% of the workforce works in the charitable sector. That represents a contribution of 1.4 trillion dollars to the economy as of the fourth quarter of 2022.

According to the BLS, top executives, including organizational directors, earn a median annual salary of $98,980 as of May 2021. There is a projected job growth of 6% for these roles between 2021 and 2031.

10. Human Resources Manager/Director

Graduates of a doctorate program who desire an Ed.D. career that allows them to craft policies, shape corporate culture and coordinate training programs and activities may find a human resources manager or director role to be an ideal fit. Human resources (HR) directors also ensure company compliance with legal policies, so Ed.D. degree holders interested in legislation may consider such a role.

The BLS reports that HR managers earn a median annual salary of $126,230 as of May 2021. Human resources manager roles are expected to grow 7% between now and 2031.

11. Education Policy Analyst

Education policy analysts work within school systems, at think tanks, in lobbying organizations, for nonprofits organizations and in the private sector. Such analysts research educational topics, evaluate the effects of education policies and conduct research to produce reports and articles. These analysts may focus on a specific area of education, or they may conduct a more general analysis of the state of education and possibilities for the future.

According to the BLS, political scientists in the education sector earn a median annual salary of $73,120 as of May 2021. The projected career growth is 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Pursue Doctor of Education Jobs

Pursuing an Ed.D. career is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in education. Working within doctor of education jobs that influence the future policies, programs and standards of education, graduates can set the course for an investment in quality education, allowing both teachers and students to reach their personal and professional goals. 

Marymount University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation offers an ideal opportunity to earn an Ed.D. in a convenient format. You can earn a doctorate in education entirely online in less than three years.

The online Ed.D. program at Marymount is a strategically designed educational experience that integrates research, theory and practice to empower leaders to solve real-world problems. Start building your school or organization’s capacity for high performance and continuous improvement. Become a leader who can respond to uncertain futures and new challenges with an Ed.D. online from Marymount University.

Requirements Not Met

To proceed with either the BSN to MSN FNP or the BSN to DNP FNP or the BSN to DNP PMHNP or the MSN PMHNP, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with either the PMC-FNP or the PMC-DNP or the PMC-PMHNP, you are required to have a master's degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with the ABSN, you are required to have a bachelor's degree.

If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the Doctor of Business Administration - Business Intelligence degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

X Close Box

© 2024 Marymount University • All Rights Reserved • Privacy Policy • California Privacy Notice

• Schedule an Appointment
• Request Info

Question: What can I do with a Doctor of Education (EdD)?

Answer: Earning a Doctor of Education degree can prepare students for a wide range of careers both in and outside of academia. Many EdD graduates go on to top-level positions in PreK-12 or higher education, working in school or district administration, curriculum development, educational policy, research, teaching, or more. However, there are also options for those interested in leadership or training roles in business or corporate settings, the government, military, nonprofits, or nearly any sector, depending on one’s particular qualifications and degree specialization.

For the most part, EdD programs prepare students for careers in educational leadership, focusing on advanced theories and practical skills related to effective management, problem solving, and producing positive change in learning environments. Those who pursue this degree typically work in academia already, either as an educator or administrator, and are looking to advance in their current positions or move into higher level roles. However, an EdD can also be put to use in other industries, including those outside of academia. There are programs that focus on broader fields such as human resource development or organizational leadership, preparing students for careers not explicitly tied to education. To learn more about some potential career paths for EdD graduates, continue reading below.

Potential Career Paths in Education for EdD Graduates

There are a variety of career paths available in academia for those with a Doctor of Education degree. As discussed above, many EdD graduates take on administrative roles, overseeing institutions, programs, departments, or entire districts at the grade school or college level. Others work behind the scenes, using their expertise to develop and assess curricula or instructional methods, train other teachers, advocate for education reform, or further research in the field.

Below is a list of some common career paths one might pursue with an EdD. While many of these positions do not explicitly require an EdD, earning a doctorate can better prepare professionals for top-level positions, as well as help them stand out in the competitive job market.

• Primary or Secondary School Principal
• School District Superintendent
• College President
• Academic Dean
• Admissions Director
• Program Administrator
• Chief Academic Officer
• Chief Learning Officer
• Professor/Instructor
• Instructional Coordinator
• Teaching Coach
• Curriculum Specialist
• Director of Assessment
• Educational Advisor
• Education Lobbyist
• Public Policy Leader
• Education Researcher
• Director of an Educational Organization or Company
• Charter School Executive Director
• Education Consultant

Note: Some of the administrative roles listed above, such as principal or superintendent, may require additional training and/or state-specific licensure that is separate from earning an EdD.

Students can also choose to specialize in a certain aspect of education, pursuing their EdD in a specific area of interest or instructional setting. Programs are available in a wide range of specializations, including early childhood education, education policy, curriculum and instruction, education technology, special education, community college leadership, adult education, student affairs administration, and more. Below are a few examples of careers related to these degree concentrations.

• Education Technology Specialist
• Director of Special Education
• Adult Education Director
• Vocational School Director
• Community College Administrator
• Director of Education Accessibility
• Preschool or Childcare Director
• Dean of Online Programs
• Director of Student Affairs
• Education Policy Specialist
• Literacy Program Director
• Health Education Coordinator
• Director of Career Advising

There are many EdD specializations available for students interested in pursuing leadership opportunities in education. To learn more about the different concentrations, check out our Online EdD Program Specializations page.

Potential Non-Academic Career Paths for EdD Graduates

Along with the education focused specializations discussed above, there are EdD programs that prepare students for leadership roles outside academia. Students can choose to concentrate more broadly on organizational leadership, human resources, or entrepreneurship, and even take coursework in niche areas such as nursing or healthcare administration. Graduates of these programs can be found working in the public or private sector for businesses, corporations, nonprofits, the government, military, or other organizations, either in management positions or as educational experts, leading or developing employee training programs.

The following are examples of careers outside academia students might pursue with an EdD, depending on their particular degree focus. Keep in mind, some positions may require additional licensure, training, or certification.

• Training and Development Manager
• Human Resources Manager/Director
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Executive of Non-Profit or For-Profit Company
• Government Administrator
• Non-Profit Director
• Program Improvement Specialist
• Corporate Trainer
• Social or Community Service Manager
• Survey Researcher
• Leader in Armed Forces
• Healthcare Administrator
• Professional Development Specialist

EdD Career FAQs

• Can you become a college professor with an EdD?
• How much can you make with an EdD degree?

EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Career & Salary Guide: What Can You Do With a Doctor of Education Degree?

Wondering whether an Ed.D. is worth the investment? Use this doctoral guide to explore real-world career advice & salary resources. Learn about top Ed.D. job titles . Consider possible Doctor of Education salary benefits . Compare Ed.D. vs. M.Ed. salaries and Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. vs. Ed.S. salaries . And decide whether a doctorate in education justifies the expense .

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Consider earning a doctorate in education in order to qualify for educational leadership positions in PreK-12 schools & districts, university administration, and non-academic fields.

• Purpose: The Ed.D. is a practice-based degree, which means it’s focused on real-world applications of learning & research. You’ll be expected to tackle current educational challenges, explore ways to create change, and implement innovative solutions.
• Benefits: Some leaders earn the Ed.D. in order to apply for certain job titles ; others are interested in potential salary benefits . But you can also use a doctorate to deepen your knowledge of the field, network with educational peers, and become a more thoughtful leader.

Note: If you want to become a tenured faculty member in academia, a Ph.D. in Education may be a better bet.

State-Specific Ed.D. Career & Salary Advice

Looking for localized advice? In each one of our Ed.D. state guides , you’ll find a comprehensive career section. This contains a discussion of:

• Employment hotspots for PreK-20 educational leaders in your state
• State salary reports & resources (e.g. public school salary databases)
• Local educational leadership job boards (e.g. openings for district-level and school-level administrators)

Top Ed.D. Job Titles

Prek-12 ed.d. careers.

• Superintendent
• District-Level Educational Leader
• Director of Education
• Teacher-Leader
• Instructional Coordinator
• Curriculum Specialist

Higher Education Ed.D. Careers

• University/College President
• University Administrator
• Adjunct Professor

Non-Academic Ed.D. Careers

• Public Policy Analyst
• Education Lobbyist
• Education Consultant
• Education Researcher
• Teaching Coach
• Director of a Research Center
• C.E.O. of an Educational Organization or Company

Note: This is just a sample of Ed.D. job opportunities! For more ideas, check out the careers section in your chosen Ed.D. specialty/subject (e.g. Educational Technology, Early Childhood Education, Counseling & Psychology, Higher Education, etc.). And if you’re interested in college-level teaching, check out our guide to becoming a professor .

Salary Benefits of Earning a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree

Ed.d. salaries: what to know.

Salaries for Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduates are heavily reliant on circumstances:

• Top-level educational leadership positions like Superintendent, Director of Education, or University President will usually require a doctorate. These kinds of jobs tend to pay graduates well.
• But the Ed.D. is often an “optional” degree in the field of education—many employers are happy to consider candidates with an M.Ed. or Ed.S. and appropriate certification/licensure.

So you’ll need to do some digging to find out whether the doctorate in education will actually lead to a salary bump in your field. Wage numbers will also depend on your location (e.g. city vs. rural), job title, and day-to-day leadership responsibilities.

Ed.D. Salary Data

For Ed.D. salary data, have a look at these resources from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We particularly love the employment & wage maps—regions with the highest annual mean wages are shaded in dark blue.

• Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
• Education Administrators, Postsecondary
• Education Administrators, All Other
• Instructional Coordinators
• Training & Development Managers

You may wish to compare these educational leadership salary numbers with:

• Payscale’s cumulative data for Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree Salaries . Payscale also allows you to view salary data by job title (e.g. Elementary School Principal vs. School Superintendent vs. Higher Education Administration ).
• The AASA’s Superintendents Salary and Benefits Survey, which is published with a summary of major findings in the AASA’s Research Papers section.

State-Specific Ed.D. Salary Data

Interested in state-specific data? Use the BLS’s section on State Occupational Employment & Wage Estimates .

• Choose your state.
• Select your job category. Educational administrator & specialist jobs (e.g. School Psychologist) can be found under “Management Occupations.”
• Find your job title. Beside each entry, BLS provides data on mean hourly wages and annual mean wages.

If you’re in PreK-12 realms, you can also explore salary schedules for your district (e.g. Salary Schedules for LACOE Employees ) and possibly your state (e.g. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Compensation for Public School Employees ). In addition, our Ed.D. state guides have lots of local salary advice.

Ed.D. vs. Master of Education (M.Ed.) Salary

M.ed. salary data.

An M.Ed. or a relevant master’s degree is usually the baseline qualification for educational leadership positions at the school level (e.g. Principal, Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Developer, etc.). Employers will also be interested in your work experience and any necessary licenses or certifications.

• Principal Salaries: For ballpark salary figures, take a look at Payscale’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) Salaries . It includes numbers for leadership positions such as Assistant Principal and Elementary School Principal.
• Teacher Leadership Salaries: If you’re a teacher, check out the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) Teacher Contract Database . It contains salary data on 145+ of the largest school districts in all 50 states. 88% of these districts offer additional pay to teachers who have a master’s degree.

Potential Ed.D. Salary Increases

A doctorate in education may lead to an increase in salary for educational leaders—it depends on the job, choice of degree subject, and your location. For example:

• A graduate with an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and limited work experience may have to compete with seasoned M.Ed. candidates for the same jobs & salaries.
• But a doctoral graduate with an Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education will be able to demand a hefty salary from hiring committees.

In the PreK-12 realm, salary policies can vary from district to district. However, a number of places will reward you for the Ed.D. For instance, in North Carolina, a doctorate and advanced certification are often required for the highest pay levels for public school employees. Check with your local district.

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. vs. Ed.S. Salary

Ed.s. salary data.

We explore the ins & outs of the Education Specialist degree in our guide to Ed.S. vs. Ed.D. Programs .

• The Ed.S. is often set up to help students achieve specific leadership certifications & licenses (e.g. Principal, Superintendent, School Psychologist, etc.).
• With these qualifications in hand, you’ll often be able to earn similar salary numbers to an Ed.D. graduate.
• However, name recognition can vary from region to region. In some areas, the Ed.D. may have more “clout” than an Ed.S.

Payscale has a section on Education Specialist Salaries , but it’s pretty broad. You’ll have more luck if you look at district & state salary schedules. For example, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Compensation for Public School Employees contains a category for Advanced (Sixth Year) candidates.

Ph.D. in Education Salary Data

If you’re in any doubt about which degree to pick, check out our guide to Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. in Education Programs . You’ll notice that most Ph.D. graduates end up in academia or high-level research positions. So you can’t really compare Ed.D. and Ph.D. salaries—it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

The BLS provides detailed wage data on Education Teachers, Postsecondary . Mean wages tend to be best in New England, California and nearby states, the DC area, and a few states in the south. Keep in mind that the cost of living in many of those areas can also be high.

Other useful sources of higher education salaries include:

• Higher Ed: CUPA-HR Salary Data
• AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey
• Chronicle of Higher Education Salary Data

Is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Worth the Investment?

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: The cost of a doctorate in education should be weighed with potential salary increases and opportunities for promotion. If an Ed.D. can help you qualify for your dream position, then it’s an obvious pick. But you may find that a master’s degree will work just fine.
• Perception in Your Field: For example, a Ph.D. in Education is the standard requirement for academic positions—if you’re applying to be an Assistant Professor of Education, you’ll have to fight pretty hard to prove to a hiring committee that your Ed.D. and work experiences are equal in weight. In contrast, an educational company may prefer Ed.D. candidates.
• PreK-12 Considerations: If school districts have to compensate doctoral employees at the highest pay scale, an Ed.D. can sometimes be a discouragement to hiring committees. They don’t want to pay you more. This is a tricky topic, so chat to district peers about the possible downsides of a doctorate.
• Licensure & Certifications: For some jobs, the degree will take a back seat to other qualifications. For instance, if you wish to become a School Psychologist, employers may be more interested in your state license and NCSP credential than whether you chose an Ed.S. or Ed.D.
• Quality of the Doctorate: The Ed.D. is a bit of an upstart in the doctoral world, so it doesn’t always command the same respect as a Ph.D. When employers look at the Ed.D. listing on your résumé, they’ll also be considering name recognition and the quality of the College of Education. Check out our Rankings section for ideas on the best Ed.D. programs in the country.
• Job Outlook: Are top-level educational leadership jobs available in your area? What degrees do successful job applicants have? Are big-scale changes taking place (e.g. higher education institutions closing)? Can you pivot from one field into another? Ask yourself the hard questions before applying.
• Real-World Input: The best advice we can give you is to talk to mentors, peers, and recent Ed.S., Ed.D. & Ph.D. in Education graduates before you make a decision. They will give you honest perspectives about their experiences. They may even be able to help you avoid financial pitfalls.

• BSW Scholarships
• How to Transition to a Social Work Career
• Social Worker Salary and Jobs in Social Work
• Is a Master of Social Work MSW Really Worth It?
• Social Worker Resource Guide
• Doctor of Social Work Salary and Careers
• How to Become a School Superintendent
• Faculty Interview: Dr. Lee Nabb, Morehead State University
• Scholarships for Doctor of Education (EdD) Students
• What is a Terminal Degree?
• Is It Worth Getting a Doctorate in Education (EdD)?
• Faculty Interview: Tracy Caddell, Ball State University
• Doctor of Education EdD Salary and Career Outlook
• EdD vs. PhD
• What is Organizational Change?
• Faculty Interview: Michael Poe, Northwest Nazarene University
• How to Transition to a Teaching Career
• Applying for Your Master’s
• Preparing for Your Interview
• Crafting Your Resume
• How to Write a Personal Statement
• How to Get the Right References
• Is a Master of Teaching Worth It?
• The Ultimate Guide to the Praxis® Tests
• Finance your Teaching Education
• Online Master of Arts in Teaching – TESOL Programs
• HBCU Undergraduate Scholarships Guide
• Librarian Resource Guide
• Explore Librarian Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Library Science
• Online Master of Science in Teaching
• Online Master of Education Programs
• Our Guide to Entry-Level Nursing
• What Type of Nurse Should You Be?
• Guide to Transitioning RN to MSN Programs
• What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Public Health?
• Bachelor of Public Health Scholarships and Grants
• Kinesiology and Exercise Science Salaries
• How to Make a Career Change from Teaching to Speech Pathology
• Speech Pathology School Scholarships
• How to Get into Speech Pathology School
• ASHA Certification for Speech-Language Pathologists
• Is a Master’s in Speech Pathology Really Worth It?
• Professional Development Guide for Speech Pathologists
• What Speech Pathology Students Should Do Before Graduating
• Speech-Language Pathologist Resume Guide
• Speech-Language Pathology Job Interview Guide
• Speech Pathologist Resource Guide
• Speech Pathologist Salary and Career Outlook
• What Is an AGACNP?
• What Is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Guide to Making a Career Change to Nursing
• How To Get Into Nursing School
• Is Nursing School Really Worth It?
• Nursing Salary by State
• Nursing Resources
• Which Nursing Degree Is Right for Me?
• Types of Nursing Degrees
• Nursing School Scholarships
• Explore Midwife Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Midwifery
• What is a Midwife
• The 2022 Guide to Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
• Nursing Careers Infographic
• Nurse Practitioner Career & Salary
• Our Guide to APRN License and Certification
• NP vs DNP: Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Registered Nurse vs. Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner ACNP Salary and Careers
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner WHNP Salary and Careers
• Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (PMHNP)
• Occupational Therapy Salary and Career Outlook
• Scholarships for Occupational Therapy Students
• How to Get into Occupational Therapy School
• Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Worth It?
• What is Occupational Therapy?
• What Is the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?
• What Is Physical Therapy?
• How to Get Into Physical Therapy School
• Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy DPT Really Worth It?
• Physical Therapy Careers and Salaries
• How to Make a Career Transition to Physical Therapy
• Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Scholarships
• What’s the Difference Between a Physician Assistant and a Doctor?
• Scholarships for Physician Assistant PA Students
• Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner: What Are the Differences?
• Physician Assistant Salary, Jobs and Career Path
• How to Become a Physician Assistant
• How to Get Into PA School
• Is a Physician Assistant PA Degree Really Worth It?
• Physician Assistant Certification Guide
• Pharmacy Doctorate Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Get into Pharmacy (PharmD) School
• Master of Health Informatics Career and Salary
• Master of Public Health Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Master’s in Health Administration Programs (MHA)
• Top Paying Healthcare Careers
• Bachelor of Psychology Scholarships
• Digital Resources for Students with Autism – Helpful for Teachers and Parents
• What is a Functional Behavior Assessment?
• What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
• Applied Behavior Analysis ABA Scholarships
• Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook
• Types of Psychology Degrees
• Clinical Psychologist Careers and Salary
• Marriage and Family Therapist Salary and Jobs for MFT Careers
• Behavioral Psychology
• Counseling Skills and Techniques
• Is a Master’s in Counseling Worth It?
• 25 Counseling Scholarships for Graduate Students
• School Psychologist vs School Counselor
• Bullying Resources for Educators and Parents
• The Comprehensive College Planning Resource
• School Counselor Certification Guide
• Resources for School Counselors
• School Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
• LMHC vs. LCSW
• How to Become a Counselor
• Mental Health Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
• MPA vs MPH: Which Degree is Best for You?
• MPA vs. International Relations
• MPA vs. MPP
• Masters in Business Administration (MBA) vs. Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
• Is an MPA Degree Really Worth It?
• MPA Careers and Salaries
• Master of Public Administration MPA Scholarships
• Online Masters in Urban Planning Programs
• What Can I Do With an International Relations Degree?
• International Relations Salary and Career Paths
• How to Make a Career Transition to Financial Planner
• Can You Change Careers with an MBA
• MBA Concentrations Guide
• Online MBA in Financial Planning Programs
• Find Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Programs
• Find Online MBA in Marketing Programs
• Find Online MBA in Business Analytics Programs
• Find Online MBA in Finance Programs
• MBA or CFA: Which Is Better for a Finance Career
• How to Get Into Business School
• MBA or JD: Which Is the Better Career Path?
• Is an MBA Degree Really Worth It? Decide Here
• Explore MBA Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Business
• MBA Scholarships
• Bachelor’s of Business Scholarships
• What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Business and Management?
• What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Marketing?
• Bachelor of Marketing Scholarships
• Is a Master of Accounting Worth It?
• Accountant Salary and Career Outlook
• Guide to Transition into an Accounting Career
• Master’s in HR Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Break into Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain Management Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Master’s in Management and Leadership
• Online Master’s in Finance Programs
• Explore Our LSAT Study Guide
• How to Get into Law School
• How to Study for the Bar Exam
• Is a JD Really Worth It?
• MPA vs JD: Which Is Better?
• Is a Master of Legal Studies Worth It?
• Online Master’s in Taxation Law Programs
• Online Master of Laws LLM Programs
• Online Master of Legal Studies in Compliance Programs
• What You Can Do with a Bachelor’s in Communications
• Bachelor of Communications Scholarships
• Online Master of Communication Management Programs
• Master’s in Communications Salary and Careers
• Is a Communications Degree Worth It?
• How to Become a Communications Director
• How to Become an Architect
• Guide to Online Economics Certificates and Courses
• How to Become a Public Policy Analyst
• Public Policy Analyst Salary and Job Outlook
• Guide to Online Sustainability Certificates and Short Courses
• Data Science Salary and Career Outlook
• Is a Data Science Degree Worth It?
• Online Business Management Courses
• How to Become a Finance Manager
• Finance Salary and Careers
• Web Developer Salary and Career Paths
• How to Become a Cyber Security Specialist
• Guide to Cybersecurity Salaries and Careers
• AI Engineer Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Become an AI Engineer
• How to Become a Blockchain Developer
• Systems and IT Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Human Resources HR Courses
• How to Become a Project Manager
• Project Manager Salary and Career Outlook
• Become a Marketing Manager
• Is a Marketing Degree Worth It?
• Marketing Salary and Careers
• Online Healthcare Courses
• Online Nutrition Courses
• Online Education Courses
• Online Business Negotiations Courses
• Online Leadership Courses
• Online Conflict Resolution Courses
• Become a Data Analyst
• Online Real Estate Courses
• What is an HBCU?
• Reasons to Choose a Degree From an HBCU
• Teaching Methods
• Learning Styles
• Testing Effect
• School Media
• Motivating Students
• Dropout Prevention
• Teachers Care
• Grants for Teachers
• Teacher Appreciation
• Debra Rose Howell
• Dr. David Lazerson
• Dr. Penny Ferguson
• Genein Letford
• Lynne Kesselman
• Susan Evans
• Valerie Kibler
• How To Become a Lawyer Online
• How to Become a Principal
• Guide to Becoming a Doctor of Social Work
• Masters Degree Program Accreditation
• Teacher Certification Tests (The Praxis and Beyond)
• Teacher Salary, Career and Benefits Guide
• Summer Vacation for Teachers
• Teaching STEM
• Teaching Art
• Teaching Music
• Teaching Gifted Education
• Teaching Social Studies
• Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Teaching English and Language Arts
• Teaching Special Education
• Teacher Shortage Areas by State
• How To Become an Online Teacher
• Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• How to Become a School Counselor
• LMHC Licensure Guide for Mental Health Counselors
• What does an LMHC do?
• Become a Psychologist
• How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
• What Does a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) Do?
• Become a Behavior Analyst
• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
• Become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• How to Become a Pharmacist
• Become a Speech Pathologist
• Become a Physical Therapist
• How to Become an Occupational Therapist
• Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Become a Nurse Practitioner
• Become a Nurse Midwife
• Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse APRN
• How to Become a Business Consultant
• Become an Accountant
• Become a Human Resources Specialist
• Become a Public Administrator
• Become a Librarian

Teach.com / Online Education / Education Degrees / Explore the Best Online EdD Programs for You / Doctor of Education EdD Salary and Career Outlook

Doctor of Education Salary and Career Outlook

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is an advanced, practice-oriented degree that prepares graduates for professional practice in school administration, academic leadership and related fields. In business settings, the EdD, as well as the Online EdD, may be an asset in the areas of leadership, training and development and people management.

The EdD differs from the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree—the latter is primarily designed for individuals interested in contributing to education research, becoming a college faculty member or pursuing graduate school teaching jobs. While both degrees offer unique benefits, researching earning potential for EdD holders as well as career outlook might help you decide if a Doctor of Education is the right path for you.

The EdD is a practice-oriented degree that prepares graduates for vital roles in educational improvement, administration, and organization. In business settings, the EdD, as well as the online EdD, can be an excellent educational background for leadership, training and development, and people management.

Jumpstart Your Career, Explore Sponsored Online EdD Programs

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
• Dissertation-in-practice

info SPONSORED

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 

USC Rossier School of Education's online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership

Earn an EdD from USC Rossier School of Education; 3.0+ GPA required to apply. Designed for leaders with 6-10 years of experience. Accelerated track available.

• Master’s not required  
• Live online classes  
• Immersive curriculum  
• Drive innovation across industries 

Brief History of the Education Doctorate Careers

In 1921, Harvard College awarded the first EdD . The Doctor of Education program attracted candidates with backgrounds in teaching and its purpose was to create a core of professional trainers for college-level faculty. As opposed to the PhD, which has historically required original research and a unique contribution to the body of knowledge, the EdD dissertation applied existing knowledge to problems in education—an approach that prompts students to focus on practice rather than theory. And with their newfound skills, graduates could pursue a variety of roles.

Some potential careers for professionals with a doctorate in education include postsecondary education administrator, postsecondary teacher and elementary, middle or high school principal . As stated, people with an EdD may also work at management and leadership levels in fields such as human resources , training and development , educational technology and philanthropy .

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Education?

A common question for those considering a doctorate in education is, “what jobs can you get with a doctoral degree?” When it comes to EdD careers for those already working in the education sector, the degree may bolster a professional’s credentials. Today’s coursework and content for online EdD programs are often provided through a blend of online interactions and real-world experiences, designed with leadership needs of modern education institutions in mind. This is in contrast to a PhD degree, which prepares graduates for education research, graduate school teaching, academic scholarship opportunities and more.

The education requirements and curriculum for an EdD will vary significantly between programs and specializations. Often, individuals interested in pursuing their EdD will need a BA from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a background in classroom teaching (or relevant leadership work). Comparing education doctorate specializations may help you find your career path once you graduate. Some specializations to consider include:

• EdD in Educational Leadership:  Students pursuing this concentration focus on sharpening their decision-making or conflict resolution skills. They also learn about ways to drive positive change in their workplaces.
• EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership: This concentration focuses on driving change within the education system itself. It specifically addresses areas that impact how students learn. Related EdD degree specializations, such as an EdD in organizational leadership, discuss many of the same objectives. A doctorate in organizational leadership may provide students with an opportunity to advance their practical and leadership skills.

In addition to the options above, concentrations and specializations offered for EdD students may also focus on subsets such as early childhood education, education policy, STEM education and nursing education.

10 Doctor of Education Jobs and Salaries to Consider

There are a variety of EdD career paths for professionals with this advanced degree. Doctor of Education concentrations allow you to tailor what you can do with an EdD degree to enhance your career. Below are 10 Doctor of Education career options to consider, taking into account factors like EdD salary and job growth as documented by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

1. Education Administrator Jobs – $97,500 median annual salary

Education administrators oversee the teaching and learning processes at educational institutions. Their work ensures high-quality education that meets the standards for academics, admissions, student development services, academic advancement and applicable federal rules for financial aid to students. Education administrators may also hold responsibilities in the learning environment at their institutions, including educational policies, co-curricular activities and research opportunities.

Education administrators may have titles such as registrar, dean or provost. Others have titles such as academic dean of a department or school in which they have overall responsibility for a significant part of a college or university; for example, a dean of the school of law.

According to the BLS, postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual salary of $97,500 in 2020 and the outlook for this occupation is 8% growth in jobs between 2020 and 2030.

2. Training and Development Manager Jobs – $115,640 median annual salary

Training and development management involves planning, directing and overseeing education and learning programs to refresh, improve or instill high levels of knowledge and skills in an organization’s employees. Training and development executives can be managers, directors or more senior officers who oversee a staff of managers and training specialists. Individuals in this role plan and carry out training to help improve effectiveness and productivity of the employee workforce .

The training and development manager aligns the training function with the immediate situation and long-term organizational goals and makes effective use of resources. Training occurs at multiple levels of employment including unit trainers and staff-level supervisors.

In 2020, training and development managers earned median annual pay of $115,640 , according to BLS pay data. When it comes to job outlook, employment of training and development managers is projected to grow 11%  from 2020 to 2030.

3. HR Director Jobs – $121,220 median annual salary 1

Certain human resources positions require at least a master’s degree  and some experience or a doctoral degree. The EdD may be a viable qualification for an HR director. Managing human assets is the core of some businesses. HR directors may oversee hundreds or thousands of employees in large corporations, or smaller workforces in small and medium organizations.

The functions of HR leadership roles encompass multiple aspects of the employee-organization relationship including tenure, recruiting, salary, benefits, performance, reward systems and more. The overall education and training levels of employees may also be a focus for a human resources executive who oversees HR functions designed to support all other organizational operations.

The median annual wage for human resource managers was $121,220 in 2020 . The BLS estimates HR director jobs will increase 9% from 2020 to 2030 .

4. Instructional Coordinator Jobs – $66,970 median annual salary

One of the typical work environments for an instructional coordinator is an educational institution, but this role also exists in private institutional settings.  Instructional coordinators may also take on leadership roles in state and local governments , where they will be responsible for the quality of education in school systems. These education coordinators ensure that school curricula and teaching standards meet their expected levels of quality.

Instructional coordinator responsibilities may include developing instructional materials, coordinating implementation of changes and new programs and assessing the overall effectiveness of education within their organizations.

Instructional coordinators earned above-average salaries in 2020 , with a median annual wage of $66,970. The BLS job outlook for instructional coordinators from 2020 through 2030 is growth of about 10% .

5. Nonprofit Director Jobs – $69,600 median annual salary

The executive director function in the nonprofit setting has a wide range of applications. Some community-based organizations have large staff, significant resources and a competitive salary structure, while others may struggle to meet their operational goals. Some nonprofits exist in the social organization space and perform fundraising, education and political action. Particularly in the field of education, nonprofits often exist for public benefit and use education and information as part of their missions.

Both from the aspect of managing people and managing education and information, the EdD may be a viable educational qualification for aspiring nonprofit executive directors and other  social and community service managers .

According to BLS data, the median annual wage for social and community service managers in 2020 was $69,600 . The BLS projects a 15% increase in social and community service manager jobs between 2020 and 2030 . That is much faster than the 8% average for all occupations.

6. Education Technology Jobs – $62,700 median annual salary

Educational and training programs are increasingly delivered through computers, tablets or other handheld devices. Training and development specialists who focus on education technology can be found in a number of industries, delivering digital learning support and developing services. EdD graduates with a concentration or specialization in educational technology may find careers as training and development specialists—helping to create, administer and deliver programs for schools, businesses and organizations.

Training and development specialists earned a median annual salary of $62,700 in 2020 . It’s important to note that salary for education technology jobs varies from position to position. The BLS projects the job market for training and development specialists will grow 11% between 2020 and 2030.

7. Leader in the Armed Services Jobs

A leader in the armed services may be a training and development specialist or they may be commissioned officers serving in one or more branches of the armed services. They may also be civilian employees of one or more of the armed services. Education in the armed services contributes to readiness and adaptation to technology and innovation. The level of education and training generally revolves around the chain of command, and leaders have responsibility for their assigned areas of duty. Whether by military units or designated personnel, leaders carry out plans and programs for educational attainment.

Pay varies based on rank. You may refer to pay tables provided by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service as you research leadership positions in this field. The outlook for this type of occupation is strong as innovation helps to drive military demand for higher levels of education.

8. Chief Academic Officer/Chief Education Officer Jobs – $185,950 median annual salary

Top executives (or C-suite officers) in small, medium and large corporations are often responsible for achieving organizational goals . A top academic or education executive may be responsible for the training and knowledge-base levels of employees. This includes the management and oversight of the training and development staff, supervisory personnel and other employees—such as directors, managers, team leaders and project leads. The EdD as a course of study prepares graduates to find ways to make education more effective.

The median annual salary for top executives in 2020 was $185,950. BLS projects employment of top executives is expected to rise 8% between 2020 and 2030.

9. Education Lobbyist Jobs – $125,350 median annual salary

Education lobbyists work within the framework of national and state government, as well as other policy-making organizations and structures. Political organizations and lobbying firms rely on the knowledge of  political scientists  and education lobbyists to manage legal issues and regulatory policies. Lobbyists are needed to analyze policies relating to education systems and to champion desired policy outcomes on local, state and federal levels.

Education lobbyists work to advance the interests of educational institutions, private corporations and public nonprofit organizations engaged in various school policies, services and functions.

While the BLS doesn’t provide salary data for education lobbyists, it does report on pay for political scientists. The median annual wage for political scientists in 2020 was $125,350 . According to the BLS, political scientist jobs are projected to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030 .

10. Elementary, Middle School, or High School Principal Jobs – $98,490 median annual salary

School principals are in charge of all the operations at their schools . This includes managing faculty and staff, coordinating curriculum programs, planning and managing school events, upholding good parent and community relations, maintaining a budget and keeping the environment safe and conducive to learning. In addition, principals are responsible for upholding state and federal standards, overseeing the hiring and recruiting of teachers, and monitoring students’ test score performance. Unlike their teaching staff, principals may work year-round, making the position both stimulating and visible to the public. In most cases, schools require elementary, middle and high school principals to have  advanced degrees in education administration or leadership , as well as teaching experience.

The BLS projects elementary, middle school and high school principal positions will grow 8% between 2020 and 2030. This is on par with the average for all occupations. Since there are a limited number of principals and vice principals per school, the BLS notes that the employment outlook for the field depends heavily on student enrollments in districts and whether new schools will be opening to meet population demands. As of 2020, the median annual salary for elementary, middle and high school principals was $98,490.

Icons made by  Freepik  from  www.flaticon.com  are licensed by  CC 3.0 BY

Doctor of Education Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salaries listed above are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook as of September 15, 2021. However, it’s important to note that the BLS does not record a single occupation class for EdD holders. That said, among the chief occupations for those who are known to enroll in EdD programs are education administrators at postsecondary levels. The employment outlook for this EdD occupation class is for a 8% growth rate from 2020 through 2030 .

According to a 2017 study by the Urban Institute [PDF, 2.1 MB] , which surveyed mean earnings along with degrees held, average earnings are generally higher for individuals with an advanced degree than for those with a bachelor’s degree. Average earnings for those with master’s degrees were 23% higher than the average for those with bachelor’s degrees, and the average earnings premium for doctoral degree recipients was 63%. Average earnings were more than twice as high for those with professional degrees as they were for those with only a bachelor’s degree.

What Pays More: EdD or PhD in Education?

While there are  differences between PhD and EdD in education programs , each education degree may offer graduates a way to enhance their professional credentials and help advance their careers. Those currently in the education field who are considering an advanced degree may wonder, “Will an EdD increase my salary more than a PhD?” or “Do teachers with an EdD get paid more than their counterparts with a PhD?”

For those in search of the highest paying jobs in education, unfortunately, there are no simple formulas to answer this question. Salaries will vary based on factors like geographic location, employer, industry, years of experience and more. This makes it difficult to distinguish which advanced degree will benefit teachers financially.

While there are a range of career options with an EdD, other  online programs for advanced degrees in education  are available as well.

Is an EdD Career Worth It?

Is a doctorate in education worth it? An EdD may be a fit for those who seek to pursue leadership roles in an educational institution, government agency, nonprofit or corporation. Those dedicated to the pursuit of better educational outcomes and experiences might find that the EdD coursework aligns with their career goals. If you have a passion for improving organizations through teaching and learning, think about whether an online Doctor of Education program is right for you.

Information on this page last updated in January 2022.

Learn to Change the World

Nonie Lesaux Named HGSE Interim Dean

Professor of education and former academic dean will begin her role at the end of the academic year

Howard Gardner Named 2024 Convocation Speaker

Celebrated psychologist and originator of the theory of multiple intelligences will address HGSE graduates on May 22

Can School Counselors Help Students with "FAFSA Fiasco"?

Support for low-income prospective college students and their families more crucial than ever during troubled federal financial aid rollout   

A Place to Thrive

Explore how you can connect, grow, deepen your work, and expand your horizons at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Degree Programs

Through a rich suite of courses and co-curricular experiences, along with the mentorship of exceptional faculty, a degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education prepares you to make a difference in education today.

Residential Master’s in Education

Immersive campus experience for aspiring and established educators, leaders, and innovators, with five distinct programs to choose from and rich opportunities to personalize your study and deepen your interests.

Online Master's in Education Leadership

Part-time, career-embedded program, delivered online, for experienced educators looking to advance their leadership in higher education or pre-K–12.

Doctor of Education Leadership

Preparing transformative leaders to have the capacity to guide complex organizations, navigate political environments, and create systemic change in the field of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education 

Training cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines, generate knowledge, and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Professional Development

For early childhood professionals.

Programs designed to support the learning and development of early childhood professionals working in diverse settings.

For K-12 Professionals

A robust portfolio of programs serving teachers, school leaders, district administrators, and other education professionals.

For Higher Education Professionals

Leadership and career development programs for college and university administrators.

Ideas and Impact

From world-class research to innovative ideas, our community of students, faculty, and alumni are transforming education today.

Royal, Wippman Named Presidents-in-Residence

In its first year as a fully endowed program, the Judith Block McLaughlin Presidents-in-Residence program welcomes two new members.

Um... Where Is Everybody?

Families may be the key to ending chronic absenteeism, a pandemic-era problem that has only gotten worse

Phase Two: The Reach

Reach Every Reader on its impact and the project’s next phase

Faculty in the Media

With deep knowledge of the education field, HGSE faculty members influence current conversations in the media, giving educators and students a much-needed voice for positive change.

"Every child has the right to read well. Every child has the right to access their full potential. This society is driven by perfectionism and has been very narrow-minded when it comes to children who learn differently, including learning disabilities."

Virtual Tour

Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. Explore now

• Discover a Career
• Find a Major
• Experience U of I Life

More Resources

• Admitted Students
• International Students

Take Action

• Find Financial Aid
• View Deadlines
• Find Your Rep

Helping to ensure U of I is a safe and engaging place for students to learn and be successful. Read about Title IX.

Get Involved

• Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities
• Recreation and Wellbeing
• Student Government
• Student Sustainability Cooperative
• Academic Assistance
• Safety & Security
• Career Services
• Health & Wellness Services
• Register for Classes
• Dates & Deadlines
• Financial Aid
• Sustainable Solutions
• U of I Library

• Upcoming Events

Review the events calendar.

Stay Connected

• Vandal Family Newsletter
• Here We Have Idaho Magazine
• Living on Campus
• Campus Safety
• About Moscow

The largest Vandal Family reunion of the year. Check dates.

Benefits and Services

• Vandal Voyagers Program
• Vandal License Plate
• Submit Class Notes
• Make a Gift
• View Events
• Alumni Chapters
• University Magazine
• Alumni Newsletter

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to VandalStar.

Common Tools

• Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
• Class Schedule
• OIT Tech Support
• Academic Dates & Deadlines
• U of I Retirees Association
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Mailing Address: College of Education, Health and Human Sciences University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive Moscow, Idaho 83844-3082

Phone: 208-885-6587

Fax: 208-885-1071

Email: [email protected]

Doctoral Degree Overview

University of Idaho offers two advanced Education degree programs, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Differences between the two are explained below. The Doctoral Handbook will guide students through the steps necessary to be considered for admission to the doctoral program in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and College of Graduate Studies.

Students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in education have various areas of specialization to choose from. Refer to the  Doctoral Specializations  page for more information.

For more information about our programs, contact Ann Brown .

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education prepares students as professional leaders, educators and practitioner-scholars who actualize the knowledge base in their respective field. Students will:

Create and model ethical evidence-based best practices

Lead organizational change 

Establish a caring and collaborative learning community

Support the principles of teaching and learning practices

Utilize the principles of effective leadership

Develop proficiency utilizing and applying technologies

Evaluate the individual, organizational, and societal contexts of learning

Design research that addresses professional policy issues

Integrate ethical sensitivity toward diversity and social justice in research, teaching and learning

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy prepares students as researchers, faculty and/or discipline-based scholars who contribute to the knowledge base of their respective fields. Students will:

Engage in ethical, empirical, theoretical, and/or conceptual inquiry

Develop an active research agenda

Engage in grant-writing, proposal and manuscript preparation and presentations

Develop understanding of pedagogies and content 

Contribute to professional organizations, societies and/or academies

Engage in appropriate outreach/service 

• Doctoral Handbook pdf
• EHHS Doctoral Core Course Rotation xlsx
• Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Approval pdf

2024-2025 Catalog

Doctoral degrees.

The University of Idaho awards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of high achievement in scholarly and research activity. The degree of Doctor of Education is granted for high scholarly attainment and in recognition of the completion of academic preparation for professional practice. See the "Ph.D. and Ed.D. Procedures" tab for more details. The Doctor of Athletic Training is offered through the College of Education and the Department of Movement Sciences (see the "DAT Procedures" tab for more details).

The major professor and program offering a particular doctoral program indicate the general philosophy of the degree program, the objectives of courses and seminars, the research specialties available, and requirements unique to the department. Admission to the doctoral program is granted only to those who have a recognized potential for completing the degree.

Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Credit requirements.

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D., a minimum of 78 credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required.; At least 52 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 33 of the 78 credits must be in courses other than 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation). A maximum of 45 research credits in 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation) including 6 credits of 599 (Non-thesis Research) or 500 (Master's Research and Thesis) may be in the 45 research credits used toward the degree. For the D.A.T., a minimum of 66 credits is required and follows a prescribed set of courses set by the program.

Courses numbered below 300 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a doctoral degree; courses numbered 300-399 may be used only in supporting areas and are not to be used to make up deficiencies. Individual programs may require additional course work. Applicants having a doctoral degree may obtain a second doctoral degree subject to the approval of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council will establish the requirements for the second degree.

Credit Limitations for Transfer, Correspondence Study, and Non-degree

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees, a student must complete at least 39 of the 78 required credits at the University of Idaho (U of I) while matriculated in the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred to U of I with the consent of the student's major professor, the committee (if required by the program), the program's administrator, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred only if the institution from which the credits are being transferred has a graduate program in the course's discipline. All credits used toward graduate degrees must be from regionally accredited American institutions or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries. Transfer credits are subject to all other College of Graduate Studies rules and regulations. Correspondence study courses may be applied to the degree only with the prior written approval of the College of Graduate Studies. Courses used toward an undergraduate degree, professional development courses, and courses on a professional development transcript are not available to be used toward a doctoral degree.

Time Limits

Of the credits submitted to satisfy the requirements for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree, a maximum of 30 may be more than eight years old when the degree is conferred, provided the student's committee and program administrator determine that the student has kept current in the subjects concerned. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their preliminary or general examination. These time limitations can be extended only on recommendation of the committee and approval by the Graduate Council.

Awarding Doctoral Degrees to Members of the Faculty

Regulations are outlined in Section 4920 of the Faculty-Staff Handbook.

Particular Requirements for the Ed.D. Degree

A period of professional practice is required for the Doctor of Education degree; the period involved is determined by the student's supervisory committee. While the Ed.D. is a College of Education degree, you should consult with the departments in the College of Education to learn of specific emphasis requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education Degrees

Appointment of major professor and committee.

Refer to " Appointment of Major Professor and Committee for All Degree Seeking Graduate Students " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section. In addition, a doctoral supervisory committee consists of at least four people: the major professor as chair and at least one additional UI faculty member from the program, the balance of the committee may be made up of faculty members from a minor or supporting area, and faculty members from a discipline outside the major. If the committee has a co-chair, the minimum number of committee members is five.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is a program option and serves to assess the background of the student in both the major and supporting fields and to provide partially the basis for preparation of the student's study program. A particular program may or may not require a master's degree as a prerequisite for the qualifying evaluation. As soon as the program's qualifications are met, a supervisory committee is appointed.

Preparation of Study Plan

Refer to " Preparation and Submission of Study Plan " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section.

Preliminary Examination for Ph.D. Degree

The preliminary examination should be scheduled only after the student has completed the majority of the courses on their study plan. The student is required to be registered during the semester the preliminary examination is taken. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the preliminary examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the preliminary examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the preliminary examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified enrollment status and is no longer in the degree program.

General Examination for Ed.D . Degree

When the student approaches the end of their course work, has completed the professional experience requirement, and has outlined the dissertation subject in detail, the supervisory committee approves the holding of the general examination. The student is required to be registered during the semester the general examination is taken. The examination is both written and oral and is intended to assess progress toward degree objectives. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the general examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the general examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the general examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified status and is no longer in the degree program.

See the General Graduate Regulations section regarding application for advanced degree, registration requirements, final defense and dissertation requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Athletic Training

The culminating clinical project.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.) will engage in research projects during the curricular phase of the program. These project(s) will lead to at least two publication ready manuscripts, and all students must meet professional authorship requirements (regardless of order). See the  Department of Movement Sciences and Doctor of Athletic Training webpages for more information.

The Team (Committee)

All D.A.T. project team committees will have at least four committee members: two members of the athletic training faculty (all with graduate faculty status), the student's attending clinician (who is the student's on-site mentor during the student's residency), and an expert in the student's chosen area of clinical research. The athletic training faculty members will always chair the CCP, provide research guidance, and serve as the experts in the development of advanced practice in Athletic Training. A situation may arise in which one or both of the members of the committee that are outside of the AT program faculty may have a degree less than that of which the student is seeking; however, the intent of the third and fourth D.A.T. committee membership is to provide outside validation of the student's progress toward advanced practice and clinical utility of action research studies.

Culminating Clinical Project Hours

These dissertation hours may be used in instances when the CCP has not been successfully completed and the curricular phase of program has been completed.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership Study Today to Lead Tomorrow

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Distinguish Yourself as a Leader with Liberty’s Online Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership

At Liberty, we believe that knowledge of all things begins with Christ — especially knowledge of leadership. As a steward of the power vested in you, you have a responsibility to lead others with excellence and integrity. People look to you for answers, guidance, expertise, and encouragement. If you are in a position of authority or hope to pursue a job that requires principled leadership, Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership can help you develop valuable leadership skills that are directly applicable to several career fields.

No matter what leadership position you serve in, you can benefit from a Christian view of leadership. Leading others can be challenging – awareness of the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of your team is a must, as is the ability to steer your team towards the completion of goals and objectives. At Liberty University, we seek to train principled, ethical leaders who can compassionately and effectively shepherd others.

Our doctorate in Christian leadership gives you the opportunity to personalize your degree. This program offers multiple specializations, allowing you to gain knowledge that is both broadly applicable and specifically tailored to your career goals.

Whether you’d like to revive a struggling church, minister to today’s youth, develop your ability to share the Gospel on digital platforms, start your own ministry, or serve as an administrator in a Christian school, Liberty’s Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership is an excellent option. Partner with us, gain valuable knowledge and skills, and take your career to new heights.

Accreditation

Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the  Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools ( ATS ) . Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.

What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Christian Education Online?

While each of our Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership tracks has a different emphasis, each one contains the same core foundation of courses.

In the core classes of our Christian leadership doctoral degree program, you will study biblical and theological foundations of leadership and education. You will also study theological anthropology in leadership and education, character and ethics, leadership and management theory, and organizational development. In addition, our EdD in Christian Leadership covers group and team dynamics as well as teaching theory and practice.

Within each of the Christian leadership EdD specializations, you’ll find a group of courses tailored to your unique interests. For example, the digital discipleship specialization offers an overview of how to construct a theology of networks for the digital age, best practices for digital spiritual formation, techniques for fostering online Christian community, and an advanced examination of digital ministry. The next-generation ministry specialization features courses that can help develop your youth ministry skills — such as leadership models for next-generation ministry and trends in next-generation ministry.

Following completion of your particular specialization, you will begin preparing for your praxis sequence. In your praxis courses, you will seek to produce a scholarly artifact that demonstrates applied research competency, scholarly achievement, and professional development within a specific field setting. 

Featured Courses

• CLED 700 – Biblical and Theological Foundations of Leadership
• CLED 720 – Biblical and Theological Foundations of Education
• CLED 800 – Theological Anthropology in Leadership and Education
• CLED 815 – Character and Ethics in Leadership and Education

Degree Information

• This EdD degree program falls under the  John W. Rawlings School of Divinity .
• View the  Graduate Divinity Course Guides   (login required) .
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in your field through this program’s integrated praxis sequence. 

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what you’re looking for in an online degree. You want a program that will challenge you to grow, teach you marketable skills, help you develop in-demand knowledge, and respect your free time. After all, your community, family, and personal obligations don’t stop when your degree begins. Our EdD in Christian Leadership is offered 100% online with no set login times and no required intensives, so you can take the next step in your educational journey while staying invested in your personal commitments.

Many doctoral programs have one of 2 emphases: theoretical or practical. For example, if you were to pursue a PhD in Christian Leadership online, your program would likely have a theoretical emphasis. While many PhD programs are designed to prepare you for careers in research or academia, other doctoral programs have a practical emphasis — like our Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program. Programs like the DMin are designed for practical application and hands-on problem-solving.

Liberty’s Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership offers you the best of both worlds. Our Christian leadership EdD won’t just help prepare you for academic or research careers – it can also help you pursue careers like ministry or Christian education. If you’re not sure whether you’d like to pursue a career within or apart from academia, choose a degree program that can help prepare you for both: Liberty’s EdD in Christian Leadership.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership Graduates

• Christian education administrator
• Christian school principal or president
• Church administrator
• Church discipleship coordinator
• Curriculum coordinator
• Minister of education

Doctor of Education Degree Options

Our EdD in Christian Leadership allows you to choose from the following list of specializations so you can gain additional training in a subject you’re most passionate about. Whether you’d like to revive a struggling church, lead an online ministry, or minister to today’s youth, our EdD in Christian Leadership offers a specialization that can give you the training you need to succeed. 

Church Revitalization

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Church Revitalization  can help prepare you to breathe new life into a struggling church.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Digital Discipleship

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Digital Discipleship  can help you gain an advanced understanding of effective evangelism on digital platforms.

Faith-Based Consulting

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Faith-Based Consulting  may be your key to a career that involves helping faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and churches achieve their vision and mission. You can help them grow stronger and more effective and become a beacon of faith, guiding others with wisdom and expertise. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a real difference in your community and beyond.

Ministry Leadership

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Ministry Leadership  can help you become a knowledgeable minister capable of sharing God’s Word with your congregation.

Next Generation Ministry

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Next Generation Ministry  can help equip you to minister to the leaders of tomorrow.

Spiritual Formation

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Spiritual Formation  is designed to help you shepherd your flock and take your evangelical ability to the next level.

Strategic Christian Ministry

Liberty’s online  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Strategic Christian Ministry  is designed to help you critically assess and serve faith-based groups as you glorify Christ through effective evangelism.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee. To continue our mission of providing affordable education, this fee is waived for students who enroll by Summer 2024 D-term.

*Electronic textbooks are not provided for courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for the Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity to demonstrate to application reviewers why you wish to pursue a doctoral degree at Liberty University, and also to showcase graduate-level writing abilities. Develop a well-written statement that describes how previous education and experience has prepared you for doctoral studies, what you hope to achieve by pursuing a doctoral degree, and the personal strengths that will help you succeed in a doctoral program.
• The  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership  is offered through Liberty University’s School of Divinity, a Christian academic community in the tradition of evangelical institutions of higher education. Accordingly, you will want to review the  Liberty University Doctrinal Statement  as you prepare to write your Statement of Purpose. You should also understand that program courses are taught from this evangelical theological perspective. Where appropriate, you should integrate clear references to your own biblical worldview as you respond to the questions on the Statement of Purpose.
• How has your previous education and/or work experience prepared you for doctoral studies at Liberty University?
• What is your goal with regard to pursuing a doctoral education at Liberty University?
• Please describe the character and values you possess that will help you succeed in your desired field.
• Submit a  School of Divinity Questionnaire (login required) .
• Department Review
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Inner Navigation

• What Will You Study?
• Potential Careers
• Specializations
• Tuition & Aid
• Admission Information

Have questions?

Are you ready to change your future?

Apply FREE This Week*

Request Information

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

Request Information About a Program

Request info about liberty university online, what program are you interested in, choose a program level.

Choose a program level

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Certificate

Select a Field of Study

Select a field of study

Select a Program

Select a program

Next: Contact Info

Legal full name.

Enter legal full name

Legal Last Name

Enter legal last name

Enter an email address

Enter a phone number

Full Address

Enter an address

Apt., P.O. Box, or can’t find your address? Enter it manually instead .

Select a Country

Street Address

Enter Street Address

Enter State

ZIP/Postal Code

Enter Zip Code

Back to automated address search

Start my application now for FREE

Why It's Still Hard to Get Into Medical School Despite a Doctor Shortage

Doctor shortages are a growing concern, yet more than half of med school hopefuls don't get accepted.

Why It's Hard to Get Into Med School

Getty Images

Medical schools need doctors to educate the next generation of doctors and a physician shortage doesn't help.

Key Takeaways

• A doctor shortage in the U.S. is projected to worsen in coming years.
• More medical school teachers and attending physicians are needed.
• There's a bottleneck between med school and graduate medical education.

Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, president of the American Medical Association, highlighted a doctor shortage crisis during a speech at the National Press Club in fall 2023.

“Imagine walking into an emergency room in your moment of crisis – in desperate need of a physician’s care – and finding no one there to take care of you,” he said.

A worsening doctor shortage in the U.S. is causing gaps in care across the country. Rural communities , which rely heavily on telemedicine, are most vulnerable. The shortage also directly affects medical schools nationwide, which rely on physicians to teach and mentor future doctors.

With demand for licensed physicians at an all-time high – and projected to be significantly higher by 2034, largely due to a growing and aging population – many observers wonder if admitting more students into medical schools will address the scarcity. Some say yes, but the complexities and demands of an effective medical school education present an uphill battle.

Not Enough Doctors or Med School Seats

In January 2024, there were just above 1.1 million professionally active doctors in the U.S., according to Statista, a worldwide data and business intelligence platform. And tens of thousands of those licensed physicians spend more time teaching, in research or in administrative roles than in patient care, according to the American Medical Association. Per the National Association of Community Health Centers, the physician shortage means 30% of Americans don't have a regular primary care doctor.

That's also a problem for medical schools: In short, you need doctors to make doctors. A shortage of them limits the number of mentors, teachers and attending physicians – for clinical hours – to engage with medical students. This is a consideration when increasing enrollment at medical schools, which number fewer than 200 in terms of accreditation to grant an M.D. or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in the U.S.

A. Dexter Samuels, executive director of the Center for Health Policy at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee, echoes concerns. Admitting more students would disrupt the ratio of faculty to students, he says.

For every med student, a slot should be available for training in a hospital setting. The doctor shortage can’t accommodate an increase in the number of students, Samuels says, and "hypercompetitiveness of recruiting and retaining faculty" is an ongoing challenge.

Already, fewer than half of all applicants to U.S. med schools are accepted each year, with the average hopeful applying to multiple schools.

Solving the doctor shortage in the U.S. will take more than just increasing the number of spots available in medical school, says Dr. Amy Waer, dean of Texas A&M University's School of Medicine . That’s because there’s a bottleneck between medical school and graduate medical education – that is, residencies and fellowships – also known as GME.

“While many medical schools would like to increase their admission numbers, finding appropriate clinical training sites and physician faculty are limiting factors, particularly for community-based medical schools like Texas A&M,” Waer wrote in an email.

Per the Association of American Medical Colleges, residency slots and clinical training sites haven’t kept pace with growing medical school enrollments – and without residency training, graduating doctors can’t be licensed to treat patients. Experts say the shortfall is largely due to a congressionally imposed cap on federal support for GME through the Medicare program, in place since 1997.

How Medical Schools Are Responding

Enrollment in M.D.-granting medical schools has grown steadily from 92,626 during the 2019-2020 school year to 97,903 in 2023-2024, according to AAMC data . That's up significantly from 69,718 med school students in 2002, per the AAMC.

However, the increases are unlikely to fully address the scarcity of doctors predicted through 2034. The class sizes, enrollment and number of medical schools are “not growing fast enough to meet the demand for physicians' services and health care across the nation,” Ehrenfeld says.

New medical schools are opening, aiming to produce more doctors. They will also benefit their surrounding communities, Ehrenfeld says.

“Schools have different missions and different goals they are trying to achieve," he says. "As there continue to be innovative solutions around medical education and meeting those demands, we will see more campuses and more schools trying to align the needs of the community with the mission of the program.”

This deliberate approach to opening new medical schools can help address the doctor shortage and improve quality of life for their local communities. For example, Texas A&M created the A&M Rural and Community Health Institute to reduce health care disparities in the region.

“Texas A&M's medical school is creating innovative partnerships with communities – particularly for underserved rural communities – to consider the expansion of residency placements and programs,” Waer says.

The doctor shortage in the U.S. will be solved in time, some experts predict. While increasing the number of medical schools and expanding enrollment will help address the shortage, they say, it will take more doctors choosing careers in teaching and mentoring to solve the problem.

Searching for a medical school? Get our complete rankings of Best Medical Schools.

Medical School Application Mistakes

Tags: medical school , doctors , education , graduate schools , students

Popular Stories

Best Colleges

Best Global Universities

Medical School Admissions Doctor

Best Graduate Schools

Top Medical Schools

You May Also Like

Premeds take 5 public health courses.

Rachel Rizal May 7, 2024

Fortune 500 CEOs With a Law Degree

Cole Claybourn May 7, 2024

Pros, Cons of Unaccredited Law Schools

Gabriel Kuris May 6, 2024

An MBA and Management Consulting

Sammy Allen May 2, 2024

Med School Access for Minority Students

Cole Claybourn May 2, 2024

Different jobs with med degree

Jarek Rutz April 30, 2024

Completing Medical School in Five Years

Kate Rix April 30, 2024

Dealing With Medical School Rejection

Kathleen Franco, M.D., M.S. April 30, 2024

Should I Get a Master's Before a Ph.D?

Andrew Warner April 29, 2024

Should You Take the LSAT More Than Once?

Gabriel Kuris April 29, 2024

Pathways to Nursing: How to Get Your Nursing Degree

• Academics  

Interested in nursing, but cannot commit to a traditional four-year program?

There are many ways to reach your goals and join this in-demand field. Nursing jobs are expected to grow faster than average through 2031, with advanced nursing professionals in even greater demand, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Sacred Heart University’s Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing offers many options for earning a nursing degree and qualifying for registered nurse (RN) licensure besides its four-year program . You can even explore advanced degrees that include online and hybrid options, which will help you climb the career ladder and become a leader in health care.

Associate Degree in Nursing

The associate degree in nursing program allows students to earn their degree and enter the nursing field within two to three years. The part-time program combines nursing theory and a strong general education foundation with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and clinical rotations at area hospitals and other health-care facilities. Often, faculty are still working in the field to offer practical, helpful advice and mentorship.

Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing

The second degree accelerated bachelor’s in nursing program allows students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field to complete the BSN degree in just 15 months. The accelerated program builds on the student’s existing undergraduate degree while focusing exclusively on nursing coursework.

RN to BSN (Online)

The RN to BSN program is specifically designed for RNs returning to college to finish their baccalaureate education. As a working nurse, you are seeking a trusted, affordable program that fits your schedule. Grounded in healing and humanity, SHU’s RN to BSN carries a long tradition of nursing education excellence.

RN to BSN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Online)

If you have a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing, this RN to BSN to MSN program provides you with a faster route to both a BSN and a master’s degree, along with more career opportunities.

Master of Science in Nursing

The following three programs are specializations offered in SHU’s MSN program.

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (Online)

Designed to focus on the skills and knowledge needed to fulfill this new role, this MSN specialization shows you how to evaluate patient outcomes, assess risk and coordinate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, high-quality care. After completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing CNL Certification Exam.

Nursing Management and Executive Leadership (Online)

This MSN specialization prepares students to adopt the necessary leadership principles and practices to assume greater responsibility ensuring effective and efficient care across all levels of a health-care organization. Learn how to practice positive management and leadership with an emphasis on quality and safety.

Nursing Education (Online)

The nursing education online specialization provides skills in teaching and learning to prepare the next generation of nurses. The curriculum is designed to provide you with an understanding of issues in nursing education, curriculum design, evaluation theory and experience in the faculty role needed to educate nurses in an education setting or health-care facility.

In the online FNP program , you will learn to provide family-focused care to patients throughout the lifespan, including primary care. Gain the knowledge and skills to pass national certification examinations from the American Nurses Association and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Online)

This program prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to manage the care of patients with psychiatric mental health conditions independently through advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Individual and group psychotherapy, medication management, emergency psychiatric care and other content are included in this 42-credit program.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Post-master’s doctor of nursing practice (hybrid).

Ideal for academically talented nurses, the DNP program serves nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, nurse executives and educators, as well as other master's prepared nurses.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (Hybrid)

The FNP program prepares RNs to become certified FNPs, which is a quickly growing field offering great autonomy.

Sacred Heart University takes great pride in preparing caring, compassionate and driven leaders who can thrive in the field of nursing, and we would love to help you jumpstart your career.

For more information about these programs, visit Davis & Henley College of Nursing .

Want to hear more from SHU? Subscribe to our newsletters to get the latest updates delivered right to your inbox.

Top Headlines

• National News
• International News
• High School Sports
• Ohio Sports
• West Virginia Sports
• Letters to the Editor
• Local Columns
• Engagements
• Anniversaries
• Out & About
• Special Sections
• Classifieds
• Garage Sales
• Become a Newspaper Carrier
• Statement of Values
• Terms of Service
• Submit News
• Browse notices
• Place a notice
• Newspapers In Education
• Sponsored Content

• Today's Paper

Subscribe Today

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Helping Heroes Plans June Start for Work on New Downtown Wheeling Headquarters

The plans for the proposed historic restoration of the former Manufacturers Heat & Light Building created by Gus Kayafas of Kayafas Architects. (Image Provided)

Renovation and construction to transform the former Manufacturer’s Light & Heat Building on 16th Street into the Helping Heroes center of operations is projected to begin next month.

According to the nonprofit’s Chief Executive Officer R.J. Konkoleski, Accelerated Construction Services is scheduled to begin work on the $10 million dollar project in June, with a tentative completion date of June 2025.

Demolition work has already been performed on the building, including removing interior walls. The building’s roof was also replaced as an “emergency measure,” according to Konkoleski, as leaks were causing water to “pour into” the building.

The organization will be operating from the Centre Wheeling Fellowship church on 22nd Street for now.

Once the project is completed, the building will not only serve as the main hub for Helping Heroes operations but also provide transitional housing for 15 veterans.

Konkoleski described the building’s 15 transitional housing rooms as “little apartments or hotel rooms.” Each room will include a private bathroom and shared common areas with a kitchen, laundry room and sitting area. Each of the three floors used for the housing will also have a larger wheelchair-accessible unit.

To create these 15 individual rooms, Konkoleski said “everything [in the building] had to be moved around.”

“Most of the interior walls have been taken down in the building,” described Konkoleski. “Our architect Gus Kayafas did a great job of figuring out how to work in those five rooms on each floor while meeting building codes and ensuring corridors and stairways are wide enough.”

With construction plans “stamped and approved,” Konkoleski is excited to see the work begin on what he hopes will soon be an important resource for veterans in the community.

According to Konkoleski, veterans will “typically” stay in one of these rooms for six to nine months and are prohibited from staying beyond 24 months. While in the housing, veterans will participate in Helping Heroes programs that will aid them in securing employment and accessing veterans’ benefits.

“Once those pieces [employment and income] are in place and they’re feeling comfortable and confident that’s when they move to permanent housing,” explained Konkoleski. “We’re not here to tell them what and when they should leave. We support their timeline and when they feel they’re ready and it’s usually in that window of under a year.”

Konkoleski envisions the building as not only a place for veterans to get back on their feet but also a community for veterans in the area.

“If any veteran just wants to stop by for a cup of coffee and talk with other veterans, we want it to be that kind of welcoming place,” described Konkoleski. “While it is transitional housing, it’s also these veterans’ home. We want them to have a home-like environment and be proud of the community they’re part of as well.”

Though extensive work must be completed before Konkoleski’s vision for the building can become a reality, he noted that once completed, the building will have the organization “right where we want to be.”

“The building is the right size with many good things going for it,” he described. “The location is close to a lot of other services veterans use and is right next to Northern Community College, which is where a lot of our veterans take classes. It’s a little harder for us right now because of all the work that needs to be done on the building, but we’ll have the perfect setup once it’s completed.”

With a $10 million dollar price tag on the renovations, Helping Heroes has had to seek private and public funding to cover the cost.

The organization’s main work on the project so far has been dedicated to “behind-the-scenes preparations” to fund the project, explained Konkoleski. This has included acquiring permits and applying for federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Funding from the Ohio County and Marshall County Commissions, Federal Home Loan Bank grants and private donors will also help cover the cost. In addition, the organization has accepted a financing offer from Belmont Savings Bank.

Another aspect of preparation for the project has been lining up the three tax credits Helping Heroes will use for the building- state historic, federal historic and new markets.

“There are time limits once you start construction to finish everything in a certain amount of time to get historic tax credits,” described Konkoleski. “We don’t want to start that clock ticking too early to ensure we have enough time to get everything we need done.”

Last week, Helping Heroes signed contracts with investors who are purchasing the tax credits for the building.

With everything now “lined up” tax credits-wise, Konkoleski hopes to have the four closing documents to begin construction signed “on the same day at the same time within the next month.”

The project’s next step for fundraising for the project is the organization’s annual Fundraiser for Homeless Veterans on May 17 at the Wheeling Park Ice Rink. The event includes dinner, prize wheels, basket raffles, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more. Ticket sales for that fundraiser close today and those tickets can be purchased at the American Legion on First Street in Moundsville, Happy Tails in McMechen, Helping Heroes or online at www.etix.com.

Also, the proceeds from the 2024 Mountaineer Brewfest will also go towards the building’s renovations, as Helping Heroes was selected as this year’s chosen charity for the event.

Konkoleski said that the community’s support for the project demonstrates that residents “recognize that there are veterans in this area struggling and in need of support.”

“The community understands that veterans experience not only housing problems but also that veteran suicides are starting to get more and more common,” he described. “A lot of times those problems are related to financial issues or substance abuse issues, which are things that our organization has to help address. We’re glad to take attention to help those struggling individuals.”

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

More U.S. Parents Than Ever Before Have Paid Leave This Mother’s Day — But Most Still Don’t

Michael Cohen: A Challenging Star Witness in Trump’s Hush Money Trial

Local Governments Struggle To Distribute Their Share of Opioid Lawsuit Settlements

West Virginia Voters Must Pick From GOP Candidates Who Still Dispute 2020 Election

Blinken Delivers Strong Criticism of Israel’s Conduct of War in Gaza

Starting at $2.99/week..