As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”1 The importance of education cannot be overstated. Nor can the need for great educators and education administrators. If you believe in the power of education and wish to become a leader and influencer in the education field, enrolling in an online Doctor of Education (EdD) program can put you on the path to achieving your goals.
The benefits of earning your EdD are numerous:
You Can Effect Change
EdD degree programs focus on teaching you how to apply research to resolve current real-world problems in the field of education and learning. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to interpret the latest research, and then use that research to develop strategies to improve educational outcomes in a variety of settings. These problem-solving skills can give you the ability to effect meaningful social change, whether you are helping improve a public school district, spearheading a public information campaign, heading up a university initiative, or achieving another valuable educational goal.
You Can Take a Leadership Role
Graduating from an EdD degree program can improve your chances of earning a leadership role in education. Many K–12, early childhood, and higher education administrators have an EdD. This is because educational institutions—as well as many public and private organizations that are focused on improving education—want leaders who know how to take the latest educational research and use it to construct programs and policies that empower educators and improve educational outcomes. Your EdD degree program can prepare you to do just that.
You Can Follow Your Passion with the Help of a Specialization
When you pursue your EdD degree, there are a lot of great specialization options from which to choose. Select the one that is most aligned with your passion and goals and your work will become even more important to you. Walden University offers a number of options, including:
You Can Enter a Variety of Education Careers
An EdD can lead to a career either inside or outside traditional education settings. Thanks to the problem-solving skills taught in EdD degree programs, a variety of public and private organizations seek out Doctors of Education to fill important positions. Some of the jobs held by graduates of EdD degree programs include:2
- K–12 administrator
- University dean or associate dean
- University faculty
- Education policymaker or policywriter
- Education researcher
- Director of education programs at a corporation or nonprofit
- Education program or course developer
- Education program director or coordinator
- Adult educator and trainer
- Civil service leader
You Can Enhance Your Credentials
An EdD is a terminal degree in education practice, which means earning your doctorate will put you among the most educated in your field. The degree can be an important part of your résumé, and can help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the education and skills necessary to succeed at a high level. Whether you want to work in a K–12, early childhood, or higher education setting, or whether you are considering a career in program development, policymaking, or corporate education, being a Doctor of Education can put you a step ahead when applying for positions.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering an online EdD program. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/efa/quotes.shtml
2Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
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 www.alsde.edu 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