A doctorate is a great way for individuals to deepen their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject and open up high-level career opportunities in administration, research, and academia. It involves rigorous inquiry and engagement within a field of study, encouraging critical thinking, research, and reasoning. While a doctorate does help individuals build a reputation as an expert in their field, it requires considerable time and effort, making it a challenging yet rewarding process.

Best-paying doctorate degrees

According to the Department of Education, some of the highest-paying doctoral degrees are in the fields of systems engineering, economics, communications engineering, information science, mechanical engineering, computer and information sciences, registered nursing, dentistry, physics, aeronautical engineering, and bioethics.

Doctorate degrees in education

There are two types of doctoral degrees that students and researchers can opt for in the field of education. One is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D), and the other is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in education.

1. Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D)

The Doctor of Education degree has been designed to help those looking to kick-start a career in educational leadership. This includes taking on roles such as school superintendent, policy maker, curriculum director, chief learning officer, education administrator, training and development manager, and principal.

The degree offers a combination of research- and application-based approaches, ensuring that educators get a well-rounded experience of the world of education. This degree can be earned in two years while pursuing a full-time program. That said, earning on a part-time schedule can take between three and five years.

Many universities have an additional Residency component to this degree. The goal here is to push individuals out of their comfort zones and encourage them to connect deeper with their work to make valuable contributions to the field. Individuals will also be expected to complete a strategic project and a written capstone to demonstrate what they have learned as part of their coursework and credits.

An Ed.D degree opens up a ton of career opportunities, allowing individuals, i.e., educators, to make a positive influence from the top. It allows them to learn new strategies to address social challenges while advancing their professional prowess and earning capabilities.

Individuals can also opt for program concentrations, such as a degree in Educational Leadership and Management, to train themselves for roles in management. Other popular concentrations under this degree include education policy, administration, sports education, innovation, leadership, and global education.

Applying to an Ed.D program

Individuals must first complete a master’s degree in education or an equivalent and meet GPA requirements set by the school to apply for an Ed.D program. Many schools may also require a certain amount of relevant work experience and ask individuals to take a specific entrance exam to secure their position in this program. Other requirements may include submitting a personal statement and letters of recommendation and sitting for interviews to determine their suitability for the program.

2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree individuals can get in the field of Education. This is largely undertaken by those interested in research and teaching-driven roles. Over the course of this degree, individuals learn how to identify gaps in existing knowledge, pose new hypotheses, and produce original research. This degree offers a wonderful way of enhancing research skills, making inquiries, exploring topics of interest, and contributing to the field significantly. This self-driven program typically includes coursework and a dissertation that must be completed and defended before a panel of experts.

A full-time PhD in Education can be completed in about three years, while a part-time degree can take around four years, depending on course load distribution. Individuals open the door to career opportunities such as university professors, college Presidents, and researchers with a PhD in Education. This degree can also be applied to educational administrative positions, such as Chief Learning Officer and Director of Education.

Salaries can vary greatly depending on the role, experience, and place of employment. College presidents, for instance, draw an average salary of $155,616 per year, while professors draw an average salary of $88,445.

Applying for a PhD program

The entrance requirements for a PhD are often more stringent than those for an Ed.D. Applicants typically need a master’s degree in a relevant field with a high GPA, standardized test scores, such as GRE, letters of recommendation—especially those about research—from professors, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample to showcase their research skills. An interview may also be a part of the selection process.

Choosing between an Ed.D and a PhD in Education

While a PhD is often considered more prestigious thanks to the research element, individuals’ “right” choice depends largely on their interests. If the goal is to take up an administrative or managerial position, an Ed.D. may suit their needs better. On the other hand, if the goal is to expand research and make personal contributions to the field of education, a PhD in Education may be better suited.