One serious and important thing to consider is returning to school for a graduate degree. Many people with experience in education consider earning a Doctor of Education or Ed.D.
But when you finally do, the question arises, “Is an Ed.D. Worth It?” The answer really depends on what you want to do with the degree and where you get the degree.
In this post, we have explained all there is to know about the degree and the steps you need to take to achieve professional success, as we believe it will help you know if the degree is worth it or not.
What Is An Ed.D.?
Ed.D is an abbreviation for Doctor of Education. It is a research and professional degree that gives opportunities for the graduate to apply for positions related to education.
These opportunities include professional services, academia, research, clinical, and management in public, private, or government organizations.
The Ed.D was founded in 1921 at Harvard University. It is less research-based and concentrates on being more practical compared to a doctorate in education.
Consider Your Goals.
When considering whether an Ed.D is best for you, you will likely come across a Ph.D. in Education as well. The first step to taking the right decision is to think about your career goal and understand it better.
This is because the Ed.D is best for people who want to work in education policy or school administration. Also, those who earn a doctorate generally work in academia, mainly as college professors.
Although some differences exist between the teaching style of each program, they can also be used interchangeably in most cases. So, if you already have a Ph.D., then Ed.D is not really necessary.
However, if you are in the middle of deciding between the two and your goal is administration, then the Ed.D is probably worth the time, effort, and expense.
Those with their Ed.D have the chance to create positive change in education by influencing school district policies, curriculum, and more. An Ed.D is best if you want a career in any of the following positions:
- Management
- Director of Education
- Chief Academic Officer
- Social and community managers
- Research staff
- Postsecondary teachers
Commitment Required: How Long Does It Take To Earn An Ed.D
If you are in the process of considering this type of degree, you probably know what it is like to get a master’s degree. It takes serious commitment and persistence.
Most students who acquire an Ed.D do so part-time as they choose to maintain employment. In a Ph.D. program, the situation is not the same because most people are just students and not working. Working while earning your Ed.D part-time can take an average of 4 to 5 years.
How Much Does An Ed.D Cost?
Program costs vary depending on the following;
- Tuition
- Program location
- Cost of living
- Employment status
- Tuition payment
However, the general number of credits required to earn an Ed.D degree is 60-66 units. Assume each unit costs between $350 and $775. In total, the degree can cost an estimated $21,000 to $55,000.
Funding your education is one of the main concerns of every student. Since most students can earn this degree while working, you can try using part of your salary to pay for your education.
If that is not possible, consider loans, scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursement offers from employers.
Read More: Is Business A Hard Major?
How Can An Ed.D Affect Earning Potential?
One of the reasons people choose to get their Ed.D is to increase their job opportunities and move up the career ladder. As we know, top positions naturally require higher earning potential.
5 Reasons Why You Should Earn Your Ed.D
- Affect Positive Change
As an Ed.D graduate, you stand a chance of developing management and communication skills that will help you affect positive change in any organization you have yourself.
- Increase Agility
The learning environment is constinously changing. With this degree, you will have an overview of educational trends, ways of learning, and an understanding of digital literacy that can support changes in education as they come.
- Resume Enhancer
A degree is terminal, meaning it is the highest level of expertise you can achieve in the field. Therefore, when you are looking for any job in the industry with this degree, you are a strong contender.
- Use Of Technology
Technology is one new way of teaching. With an Ed.D, you will know how to use technology to teach and learn.
- Executive Positions
Most high-level positions in the field require you to have an Ed.D. This will in turn create a chance for you to open the doors of many job opportunities and positions that place you in the leadership of organizations.
Read More: Is an English Degree Worth It? [2022 Guide]
Prerequisites For Earning An Ed.D
You must have completed a master’s degree before you can apply to most Ed.D programs. You will also have to provide the following with your application:
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- GRE or GMAT
What You Will Learn
Most programs include classes that range from management to theory. From teaching about how different social norms affect learning to the different ways students learn, the program provides details for graduates to design education policy. Some course titles may include:
- Educational leadership
- Advanced leadership in educational systems
- Advanced theories of learning
- Curriculum and educational reform
- Foundations of Research in Curriculum and Instruction
- Professional development and teacher education
- Perspectives in curriculum, teaching, and teacher education
- Basics of critical pedagogy
- Problems in school improvement
- Problems in teacher education
- Sociocultural perspectives
- Diversity in education
- Teacher learning and socialization in a school of poverty
Where Can I Earn My Ed.D?
The decision to get your Ed.D in a traditional on-campus program or online is entirely up to you. Your study choice may also depend on your family, significant other, and job. This can also be done online for students who first need to earn a master’s degree in education.
Is an Ed.D. Worth It?
If you want to hold a senior or reputable position in colleges and universities in administration or work in educational public policy, then you need your Ed.D.
The skills you learn and the knowledge you gain are irreplaceable. Ed.D is definitely worth it if this is your goal.
However, if the type of career you want in education can only be achieved with a master’s or bachelor’s degree, it may be a good idea to start with that and work for a while.
Conclusion
Bagging your Ed.D is something that you should think twice about if your goal is to work in a college or university.
This degree earns you a higher ground and even increases your chances of getting job opportunities. If you have any contributions, please do so in the comment section below.
