An EdD (Doctor of Education) degree prepares education professionals from a variety of settings to be effective and influential leaders by providing knowledge, insights, and strategies that can be applied immediately in their current jobs. A Doctor of Education degree helps prepare students to improve their performance in their current positions as well as pursue their career goals with high-level education credentials.
Online EdD programs, like Walden University’s accredited Doctor of Education program, provide a comprehensive approach that covers critical decision-making and leadership skills, as well as the doctoral study experience of designing, implementing, and assessing original research in a variety of subject areas. Walden’s EdD degree program, for example, emphasizes the application of research and theory to address complex, real-world issues of practice.
Career Options for EdD Graduates
With a Doctor of Education, education professionals are prepared to pursue professional, academic, administrative, research, or clinical positions in the K–12 setting, higher education, private organizations, public institutions, and civil service. A sampling of career options includes:
- School Principal – School principals manage daily school activities, coordinate curricula, and oversee teachers and other school staff to provide a safe and productive learning environment for students. The median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $96,400 in May 2019.1
- Superintendent – As the top executive of a school district, a superintendent oversees educational programs, spending, and facilities as well as hiring, managing, and supervising the staff of all educational facilities within the school district. The median annual wage for school superintendents was $159,352 in May 2019. 2
- Education Administrator – Administrators direct and coordinate activities of teachers, administrators, and support staff at schools, public agencies, and institutions. The median annual wage for education administrators in colleges, universities, and professional schools was $96,400 in May 2019.3
- University Professor – In addition to teaching, professors conduct research and publish scholarly articles or books, design their own curriculum for the classroom, and consult and advise students individually. University professors earned a median annual wage of $79,540 in May 2019.4
- Curriculum Instructional Specialist – Through a blend of learning and organizational theory, educators can develop expertise in the latest research and best practices in curriculum design, professional development, and program assessment. Instructional coordinators help improve learning outcomes for students from the district level up to the federal level as well as for employees in corporate training programs. In May 2019, curriculum specialists earned a median annual wage of $73,910. 5
Walden University’s Online EdD Program
Walden University’s Doctor of Education program offers 10 specializations to help you meet your personal and professional goals. Each specialization delivers a highly focused learning experience for teachers, principals, superintendents, higher education administrators, curriculum specialists, and other professionals who are required to demonstrate strong, evidence-based decision-making:
- Educational Administration and Leadership – This specialization prepares education administrators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to improve and transform their educational institution. EdD degree coursework is focused on building a collaborative organization—a new and innovative model in administrator leadership.
- Higher Education and Adult Learning – This specialization helps educators gain the experience and the skills to design, develop, and lead effective adult education programs in higher education institutions and other adult learning environments.
- Community College Leadership – This specialization is designed for educators who strive to redefine the community college landscape. EdD students build proficiency in areas such as student development, continuing education for professionals, academic transfer programs, and strategic planning.
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment – This specialization is designed for educators who want to drive innovation and change at systemic levels, from the district to the federal level. Students can develop expertise in the latest research and best practices in curriculum design, teacher professional development, and program assessment.
- Early Childhood Education – This specialization prepares educators to lead and advocate effectively within the dynamic early childhood landscape, fostering positive outcomes for young children and their families.
- Higher Education Leadership and Management – This specialization is designed for professionals striving to enter or advance their careers in the higher education administration field.
- Reading, Literacy, and Assessment – This specialization prepares EdD students to lead literacy initiatives that engage educators within professional development programs and learning communities with the goal of improving literacy outcomes across the educational system.
- Special Education – This specialization prepares educators to deepen their understanding of the critical trends and issues impacting special education.
- Educational Technology – This specialization is designed for K–12 educators who want to initiate and implement change at the district, regional, state, and federal levels by integrating the latest technologies and instructional design principles.
- Higher Education (Self-Designed) – This customizable specialization allows educators to examine 21st-century higher education solutions, evaluate current education models, and determine how to maximize efficiency and productivity within higher education settings.
- P-20 Education (Self-Designed) – This specialization allows you to personalize your education and focus on the topics you’re most passionate about. With a P-20 focus, you will be able to gain insights into issues that affect students from pre-school through undergraduate postsecondary education.
A Graduate’s Experience
“What motivated me to go with the EdD program was that it offered the courses that I needed to become a stronger leader in education and to be a scholar, which is ultimately what I wanted to do.”
—Suzette Henry
Doctor of Education (EdD) Graduate
Walden University, an accredited institution, has been serving the higher education needs of working professionals since 1970. Walden offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs as well as certificate programs online to students across the United States and around the world.
Explore Walden University's online college degrees in education and position yourself for success inside and outside of the classroom. Earn your education degree in a convenient format that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm
2Source: http://www1.salary.com/School-Superintendent-Salary.html
3Source: www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119032.htm
4Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
5Source: https://www1.salary.com/Curriculum-Specialist-salaries.html
Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.
Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or alabamaachieves.org to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.
Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or [email protected] to determine whether Walden’s programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.