Why Should I Get an EdD?

Earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) can position you as a change-maker in the education field. Unlike traditional PhD programs that emphasize theoretical research, an EdD focuses on applying research to solve real-world problems in schools, districts, universities, and educational organizations.

As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you 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 develop advanced leadership skills 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:

1. 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 help improve educational outcomes in a variety of settings. These problem-solving skills can give you the ability to effect meaningful positive 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.

2. You Can Build Advanced Leadership Skills

   Graduating from an EdD degree program demonstrates you have developed an advanced skill set. Educational institutions—as well as many public and private organizations that are focused on improving education—seek 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 with those applicable skills. 

3. 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:

   • Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
   • Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
   • Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
   • Educational Technology
   • Higher Education Leadership and Management
   • Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning
   • Prekindergarten-Postsecondary Education (Self-Designed)
   • Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
   • Special Education
      

4. You Can Explore a Range of Education Career Paths

   Thanks to the problem-solving skills taught in EdD degree programs, a variety of roles may align with your capabilities. Examples of positions include :

   • K–12 administrator
   • University dean or associate dean
   • University faculty
   • Education policymaker or policy writer
   • 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

   Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

5. 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 resume, and can help demonstrate that you have advanced expertise that can be applied in a variety of settings, including K–12, early childhood, or higher education.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering an online EdD program. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191843730.001.0001/q-oro-ed5-00007046

Note on Teacher Licensure or Certification: This program does not lead to teacher licensure or certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.