How a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Can Transform Your Career

Earning an advanced degree can be a critical step toward furthering a career in education. Before committing to a graduate program, it makes sense to consider what you can do with a doctorate in educational leadership. Many educational leadership doctorate careers are available to educators who decide to take the next step and earn their Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) degree.

An educational leadership doctorate is a terminal degree designed to prepare students for senior roles in educational administration, policymaking, and leadership. Ed.D. programs focus on advanced theories and practices in education, providing graduates with the necessary skills to influence and improve educational systems and institutions.

Doctorate in educational leadership job prospects include roles as school district leaders as well as positions in educational coordination and policymaking at local, regional, and statewide levels. 

A doctorate in educational leadership typically includes field research, a dissertation, and team research. Participants who enroll in an Ed.D. program should expect advanced study in leadership, intensive discussions on inclusivity and ethics, and ample opportunities for self-reflection and growth as a leader and administrator.

An Ed.D. degree imparts students with practical leadership skills, in contrast at times with the focus of a Ph.D. degree program, which tends to have more of a theoretical, academic approach. Graduates of Ed.D. programs will be able to create and support inclusive learning communities in the schools and districts where they establish and grow their careers.

As leadership needs evolve for schools and school systems, advanced education becomes even more important for those with career advancement goals. An Ed.D. or Ph.D. is increasingly required for educators and administrators who want to take on more responsibility and help shape the futures of their schools and districts.

In New York State, for instance, the School District Leader (SDL) certificate is required for those who work in a leadership role at the district level, including directors, assistant superintendents, school business officials, and superintendents. The Ed.D. program at Russell Sage College gives enrollees the 600 hours of field experience required for SDL certification.

Career opportunities in educational administration span a wide range of roles, including positions such as school principals, district superintendents, and academic deans. Professionals in the field of educational leadership play a critical role in shaping the educational experience of students at the institutions they lead by fostering positive, inclusive learning environments and addressing the needs of both students and staff. 

School superintendent is one of the many job opportunities for a candidate with a Ph.D. in educational leadership. Superintendents serve an important leadership function in school districts. A district superintendent can shape the educational goals for a district as well as plan and delegate the tasks necessary to meet those goals. In addition, superintendents are responsible for the achievements of their districts, such as test scores and graduation rates.

In some states, school superintendents are elected during a general election. In other states, like New York, superintendents are usually hired or appointed by the school board. 

Colleges and universities often have many deans as part of their leadership teams. A university dean may serve as the dean of the entire institution or may be the leader of an individual department. Deans have leadership responsibility for the educational standards, the budget, and the administration of their domains.

Educational policy maker is among the many career options for educational leadership doctors. An educational policy analyst performs research and advocates for educational policy at the federal, state, or local level. Educational policy makers may choose to focus their research on a specific area, such as the community impact of school policies, program comparisons with outside institutions, or a specific student population like early childhood education. They work alongside stakeholders like school administrators, government officials, and families to develop new ideas for policy and implementation.

While educational administrative roles are common for graduates of Ed.D. programs, some professionals may choose to take on a more academic role after graduation. With a doctorate-level education, academia is another door that is open for those individuals.

Upon completing an Ed.D., some graduates may feel called to help their fellow educators and administrators follow in their footsteps by becoming professors of higher education. The faculty at Sage, for example, earned doctoral degrees and completed academic research before and during their work as professors in the School of Education. Professors prepare syllabi, plan and give lectures, and complete and publish research as part of their positions.

Like professors, educational researchers use their educational background to create and implement studies that focus on schools and education systems. Educational researchers may work for non-profit or governmental organizations, or they may work at colleges or universities. The results of educational studies can be used to inform policies related to educating students, training teachers, designing classrooms, and virtually any part of educational policy.

Educational leadership Ph.D. career paths or Ed.D. career paths can take many different forms, but all have some influence on educational systems and policy.

Both Ed.D. and Ph.D. degree holders are leaders in enacting educational reform. As superintendents, researchers, professors, and even government officials, these leaders use skills learned in an Ed.D. program that are critical for becoming advocates for positive change.

Not all Ed.D. graduates work within traditional K-12 school systems or even universities. Corporations and small businesses often invest in training for their workforce, from sales training to ethics to even basic job skills training. Educators with advanced degrees may work as consultants or employees for businesses to help them develop effective training programs, software, or testing.

Working in education is not entirely different than working in any other industry. Beyond skills and education, having a strong network is often the best way to advance your career. An Ed.D. program offers a unique opportunity for students to network within their cohorts and with the program’s faculty.

Networking in any career is about developing relationships and collaborating. Some networking strategies for educational leaders include:

Joining professional organizations and attending conferences can be an important part of advancing a career in education. Every state and many special sectors in education have their own professional organizations. The following organizations are specific to the state of New York, but most have corresponding national organizations, as well:

Many professional organizations also host regular conferences where members can present research papers and make connections with other people in their field.

Educators and administrators who are ready to invest in their careers by earning a doctorate in educational leadership should consider the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Sage. Designed for working professionals, this program typically takes three years to complete and has cohorts available to join in both Albany, Long Island, and New York City. Contact Sage today for more information about applying and taking this next step in your career journey.