Should I Get a Doctorate in Education? A Guide to Deciding If Pursuing This Advanced Degree Is Worth It

Earning a doctoral degree represents the pinnacle of academic achievement. But is the time effort and cost of getting a doctorate in education worth it for your career goals?

This in-depth guide examines the pros and cons to help you decide if pursuing a PhD or EdD is the right move

What Is a Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education is the highest college degree you can earn in the field These advanced programs equip scholars and professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to take on high-level roles.

You have two main options:

• Doctor of Education (EdD) – Focuses on practical application of research and theories. Prepares you for education leadership roles.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Primarily research-based. Readies you for scholarly work and academia.

Doctoral programs in education typically span 48-72 credits and take 3-4 years to complete. This includes time for extensive research and your dissertation.

Some common specializations include educational leadership, curriculum development, special education, literacy, and more.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Earning This Degree

Deciding if you should invest the time and effort into a doctorate is an important choice. Consider the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Pros of Earning a Doctorate in Education

• Career advancement – A PhD or EdD can open doors to high-level leadership and administrative positions.

• Increased salary potential – Data shows doctorate holders in education earn more on average.

• Enhanced skills – Gain expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Develop specializations.

• Personal growth – The journey to earning a terminal degree can be professionally and intellectually fulfilling.

• Social impact – With a doctorate, you can actively shape curriculum, teaching practices, education policy, and more to create positive change.

Cons of Pursuing a Doctorate

• Time commitment – Full-time doctoral programs take 3-4+ years. Can you make this big time investment?

• Cost – Doctoral tuition plus living costs means high education expenses. Is it budget-friendly for you?

• Limited career options – A doctorate trains you for specialized roles in academia and research. Will you use this niche preparation?

• Work-life balance – The intense workload, research, and dissertation can take a toll on your personal life. Are you prepared?

• Opportunity cost – If you work full time, will putting your career on hold for school be worth it in the long run?

As you weigh the pros and cons, think carefully about your career objectives and which degree will best help you reach them. An EdD or PhD is not necessarily required for education leadership roles. Rather, the right master’s degree may adequately prepare you.

What’s the Difference: PhD vs EdD in Education?

Though they are both terminal degrees, some key differences exist between the PhD and EdD:

• Focus – A PhD emphasizes scholarly research for teaching careers. An EdD focuses more on practical leadership skills.

• Dissertation – PhD dissertations make an original contribution to research. EdD dissertations solve real problems of educational practice.

• Program design – A PhD has more research methodology coursework. An EdD incorporates more practical experience.

As you mull your options, reflect deeply on your long-term aims. A PhD suits those who want to work in higher education teaching and research. The EdD may better serve educators pursuing high-level administration roles in K-12 or postsecondary institutions.

Admission Requirements for Earning a Doctorate

Doctoral programs have rigorous requirements since they are aimed at top academics and professionals at the pinnacle of the field. Common requirements include:

• Master’s degree with 3.0+ GPA

• GRE or GMAT scores

• Letters of recommendation

• Resume showing related experience

• Writing sample

• Interview

• Statement of purpose

Competition is stiff for these select programs that admit only the most qualified candidates. Some even require you pass qualifying exams to enroll.

What’s Required to Earn a Doctorate in Education?

Once admitted, completing a doctoral program is no easy feat. Here’s an overview of what’s required:

• Coursework – Complete 48-72 credits of advanced coursework. Includes core classes in research methods as well as specialization courses.

• Candidacy – Pass a qualifying candidacy exam or paper after finishing coursework.

• Dissertation – Research, design, and complete a lengthy original dissertation over 1-2 years.

• Defense – Publicly present and defend your dissertation to faculty.

Doctoral students must exhibit expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and scientific inquiry throughout. Programs often require some level of hands-on experience as well through practicums or internships.

Accreditation to Look for in Doctorate Programs

When researching doctoral programs, prioritize those with proper accreditation from these recognized bodies:

• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

• Regional accreditation (e.g. Higher Learning Commission)

Accreditation ensures programs meet high standards for curriculum, faculty, resources, and more. It’s also required for degree holders to gain licensure and employment.

Be wary of “accredited” schools that seem sketchy or too good to be true. Verify proper accreditation on the Department of Education website.

Potential Careers With a Doctorate in Education

What doors can this high-level degree open for your career? Here are some top jobs a PhD or EdD prepares you for along with median salaries:

• Postsecondary Administrator – Oversee departments like admissions, student affairs. $99,000

• Provost – Senior administrator at colleges and universities. $167,000

• School Superintendent – Highest executive role in K-12 school districts. $139,000

• Professor – Teach at colleges while researching. $80,000

• Dean – Manage faculty in a university division. $103,000

• Director of Curriculum – Lead curriculum development for a district. $108,000

• Education Policy Analyst – Research and evaluate policies at think tanks. $76,000

These represent just a sampling of the many leadership and executive positions open to those with an education doctorate.

Is Earning This Degree Worth the Investment for You?

At the end of the day, deciding if you should invest 3-4+ years into an EdD or PhD comes down to personal factors:

• Career goals – Is a doctorate required or preferred for your dream job?

• Salary expectations – Will the pay boost offset the cost and time spent?

• Work-life balance – Can you manage the demands of doctoral work alongside your other commitments?

• Finances – Do you have the savings and access to financial aid to pay for a doctorate?

Take an honest assessment of your individual situation. For some education professionals, getting this advanced degree pays dividends. For others, it may not be the best move. Evaluate the pros and cons carefully to determine if pursuing a doctorate aligns with your needs and aspirations.

Key Takeaways: Should You Earn a Doctorate in Education?

• Doctoral programs prepare you for high-level education careers in research and academia.

• A PhD focuses more on research while an EdD emphasizes practical leadership skills.

• Earning a doctorate requires 3-4+ years of intensive study and original research.

• Carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your career objectives, finances, and lifestyle.

• A doctorate can advance your career and salary potential but requires major investments of time, money, and effort.

While challenging, a PhD or EdD can open doors if education research and scholarship excite you. Take time to reflect deeply on your motivations, values, and goals to decide if this terminal degree is truly worth it for you.