what does a doctorate in education get you

Earning A Doctoral Degree In Education: What You Need To Know

Updated: Oct 31, 2023, 10:19am

For many professionals working in education, earning a doctorate is a great way to learn new skills, explore challenges, and reach personal and career goals.

Earning a doctoral degree in education can help advance your career in research, academia and leadership. With this degree, you could engage in impactful research to solve challenges in education or develop practical ways to support faculty and staff at every level.

This article explores doctoral degrees in education, including admission requirements, specializations, common courses and job options. Keep reading to see if pursuing this degree is right for you.

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What Is a Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education equips scholars and education professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to move into higher-level positions. Graduates may earn a doctor of education (Ed.D.) or a doctor of philosophy in education (Ph.D.) . Doctorates in education often specialize in certain areas, such as educational leadership, special education or literacy.

A doctorate in education typically requires between 48 and 72 credits of coursework. Students can usually earn their degree within three or four years, including time to complete a dissertation. However, each school determines its own requirements, so total credits and time commitment will vary.

Admission Requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Education

While each program sets its own standard for admissions, the following list covers common requirements.

• Master’s degree
• Academic transcript showing a minimum GPA, typically 3.0 to 3.5
• Résumé or curriculum vitae detailing relevant professional experience
• Statement of purpose and/or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample, such as a published article, term paper or thesis
• Demonstration of English proficiency, sometimes through a test

Prospective students often must submit an application fee and complete an interview with program faculty.

Specializations for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Doctoral students can pursue a wide variety of specializations. Offerings vary by institution and degree type, though some specializations apply to both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs.

Popular focus areas for doctoral degrees in education include:

• Agricultural education
• Career and technical education
• Curriculum and teaching
• Early childhood education
• Educational technology
• English language learning
• Exercise science
• General education
• Instructional leadership
• International education and globalization
• Leadership and counseling
• Learning analytics in higher education
• Organizational leadership
• Science and mathematics education
• Special education
• Trauma-informed educational practices

Common Courses in a Doctorate in Education

Doctorate coursework includes both core classes and concentration courses. Below, review a few common courses you might encounter in an education doctoral program.

Foundations of Advanced Graduate Study and Research

This course provides an overview of a doctoral program’s many concepts, practices and expectations. Students learn about university resources, such as learning and research technology.

Scholarly Literature Review

In this class, learners develop an understanding of research and writing strategies, an essential skill for their doctoral program and future careers. They learn techniques for surveying scholarly literature, avoiding bias, identifying themes and theoretical perspectives, and reflecting different viewpoints in their writing.

Introduction to Statistics: Inquiry, Analysis and Decision Making

In this course, learners study approaches to analyzing quantitative information. Enrollees evaluate real-world data and learn about the importance of statistics in policy decisions.

Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment: Pre-Candidacy Prospectus

Students enroll in this class after completing their foundation, specialization and research coursework. Using the knowledge and research techniques they’ve learned, students create a prospectus that addresses a problem within an educational context, which may serve as the starting point for their dissertation.

Accreditation for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Accreditation affirms that a college or program meets high standards for quality education and state licensing requirements. Educational institutions may be accredited nationally or regionally.

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific departments, degree programs and colleges within educational institutions. For education degrees, this distinction is crucial. It ensures the program properly equips graduates for high-level work in classrooms, universities and education-focused organizations.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is the largest professional accrediting body for doctoral degrees in education. This organization focuses on metrics like student performance data, program impact, fiscal responsibility and clinical practice.

Departments may also earn accreditation from the newer, smaller Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). AAQEP uses a collaborative, flexible, improvement-focused, holistic approach to accreditation.

Finally, some agencies provide accreditation for specific areas of study within education. For example, the American Psychological Association accredits school psychology programs .

Ph.D. in Education vs. Ed.D.: What’s the Difference?

While an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in education can both prepare you for high-level careers in academia, these two degrees differ in scope.

A Ph.D. in education is ideal if you want to conduct scholarly research or teach at a college or university. It will help you develop research techniques, understand the principles of inquiry and hone your teaching skills.

If you aim to use your knowledge in practice rather than research, an Ed.D. may suit you better. A doctor of education degree readies you to work in leadership positions directly with students, teachers and other education professionals.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Earning a doctorate in education prepares you for various careers in academia. Consider the following list of potential jobs, including education requirements and salary information. We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale in October 2023.

Average Annual Salary: $167,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Provosts serve as senior-level administrators in universities and colleges. They may oversee educational program development, allocate funds to departments, work to maintain academic integrity, and provide guidance and leadership to students.

Academic Dean

Average Annual Salary: $103,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Academic deans manage personnel and development in educational institutions. They work with faculty and staff to establish academic goals and strategies. They also participate in hiring faculty and staff, oversee budgets, develop academic standards for their departments, and aid in recruitment and retention.

Median Annual Salary: $80,840 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Professors, also referred to as postsecondary teachers, instruct students in colleges and universities. They may also research and publish books or scholarly papers. Professors plan and develop lessons and assignments, guide students, and stay up-to-date on new technologies and innovations in their areas of expertise.

School Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: $139,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education , doctorate sometimes preferred Job Overview: As the highest-ranking school system administrators, superintendents work under the supervision and direction of a school board. They hire school principals, manage and terminate employees, adhere to budgets and solve problems within the district.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Median Annual Salary: $99,940 as of May 2022 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education leadership or a related field, sometimes bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Postsecondary education administrators work in university departments, such as student affairs, athletics or admissions. Their duties depend on their department. For example, a registrar’s office administrator oversees registration and academic policies, while an admissions administrator handles applications and applicants’ questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning a Doctoral Degree in Education

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in education.

Earning a doctoral degree in education typically takes three to four years, but some programs require more or less time. Each educational institution sets its own credit requirements.

Is getting a doctorate in education hard?

Earning a doctorate in education requires dedication and commitment. But that challenge might be worth it if you’re passionate about education and want to learn new skills to propel your career forward.

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Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

10 EdD Degree Jobs in Demand (with Salary Info)

Posted by Dr. Raymond Bandlow, Director Doctoral Studies in Education at Gwynedd Mercy University

Education changes lives for the better. If you’re a professional educator, you already know that an enormous amount of expertise, planning, and decision making happens before students set foot in a classroom. This planning ensures students are being taught the right material in the right way, with the resources and support they need to succeed. 

If you’re interested in growing your career in education, you’ve probably considered earning a graduate degree to gain the skills, knowledge, and competitive edge you need. A doctorate in education (EdD) program could be the right program for you. But is it worth the time and effort?

This short guide to careers with a doctorate in education can help you decide. This article describes what you can do with an EdD degree, including EdD degree jobs and current salary information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, and Payscale.com. 

GMercyU is a leader in graduate education, offering   online doctorate in education programs   that help educators like you take the next step in their careers. We hope this guide offers you food for thought as you plan your path forward in the exciting, challenging field of education.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an EdD Degree?

Is a doctor of education (edd) degree worth it, earn your doctor of education (edd degree) at gmercyu.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of education was in need of leaders and administrators who could shape the future of a 21st-century education. This means that in addition to experience and passion, employers are looking for qualified applicants with an EdD degree. 

These employers aren’t just in school districts, either. There are more jobs for EdD degree holders than you might expect. If you’re wondering what you can do with a doctorate in education, read on for career descriptions, salary information, and more.

School Principal (High School, Middle School, Elementary School)

Median Annual Salary:   $96,400 (May 2019)*  Educational Requirements:   Graduate degree (MEd or EdD), licensure (in public schools)

School principals direct the academic and administrative functions of individual elementary, middle, and high schools. They recruit and hire staff, oversee finances, approve decisions about curriculum and textbooks, and act as community liaisons between the school, families, and other organizations. They may also play a role in discipline for both students and faculty.

Instructional Coordinator

Median Annual Salary:   $66,290 (May 2019)* Educational Requirements:   Graduate degree (MEd, EdD or PhD) 

Instructional coordinators work in PK-12 schools, school districts and for government organizations that oversee education at the local, state or federal level. They are responsible for researching, designing, and implementing the academic instruction at their school or schools. 

Instructional coordinators analyze student data to determine progress on outcomes, evaluate and coach teachers, and review textbooks or instructional technology solutions to determine what best fits their students’ needs. While it is possible to become a school-level instructional coordinator with a master’s degree, roles at the district level or in government organizations may require a doctorate in education. 

School Superintendent

Median Annual Salary:   $162,652 (June 2020)* Educational Requirements:   Doctoral degree (EdD or PhD), certification (varies by state) 

School superintendents are the chief executive officers of a PK-12 school district. They oversee the financial management of the district, hire and recruit administrators such as principals and instructional coordinators, and also play a key role in handling emergencies or community outreach. Most superintendents are experienced educators who have worked their way up from the classroom to the boardroom. 

College Instructor/ Professor

Median Annual Salary : $79,540 (May 2019)* Educational Requirements:   Doctoral degree (EdD or PhD) 

Can you be a professor with a doctorate in education? Yes. College instructors teach online and on campus at community colleges or colleges and universities. They work with faculty and their dean to plan and deliver academic programs. 

In addition to teaching, they evaluate student assessments, perform research and may provide advising to graduate students, including doctoral degree candidates. Salary will vary by seniority, field of expertise, and location. 

Academic Dean

Median Annual Salary:   $91,489 (May 2020)* Educational Requirements:   Doctoral degree (EdD or PhD) 

Academic deans are in charge of their academic departments. They take the lead role in shaping programs, hiring staff, overseeing budgets, and representing their department in meetings at the college level. They are usually experienced professors who have gained administrative experience as well as expertise in their field.

Median Annual Salary:   $149,021 (May 2020)*  Educational Requirements:   Doctoral degree (EdD or PhD) 

At most U.S. colleges and universities, the provost is the chief academic officer. They are the immediate supervisors of academic deans and usually considered the “number two” of the institution after the college president. They hire deans, have input into faculty hiring, and coordinate instructional planning and delivery as well as research. They will also liaise with or even oversee academic support functions such as libraries, laboratories, and IT departments. 

Other Post-Secondary Administrator (Non-Academic)

Median Annual Salary:   $95,410 (May 2019)* Educational Requirements:   Graduate degree (MEd, EdD or PhD) 

Colleges and universities of all sizes need administrators to oversee non-academic functions, such as student affairs, athletics, instructional technology, campus security, and more. These administrators’ roles will vary depending upon the size of their college and the department they are responsible for, but in general, administrators of non-academic departments take the lead in HR, financial, and operational issues. Candidates for these administrative roles may come from outside of academia or be experienced instructors.

College President

Median Annual Salary:   $277,234 (June 2020)* Educational Requirements:   Doctoral degree (EdD, PhD) 

College presidents are the chief executives of colleges and universities. They are responsible for developing and implementing the school’s vision and mission. They oversee and direct all academic, operational, and financial aspects of the organization. College presidents report to the college’s Board of Trustees. Salary varies widely depending on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and the size and location of the institution. The president of a small private college, for example, will usually earn less than the president of a large state university system.

Training and Development Manager

Median Annual Salary:   $61,210 (May 2019)* Educational Requirements:   Bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs; graduate degree preferred 

Training and development managers work in a wide variety of organizations, including private-sector corporations, to help design, direct and deliver training for employees. They evaluate training needs, design in-person and online modules, develop instruction manuals and much more. At a senior level, they may have responsibility for budgets and hiring of any staff they manage. 

Chief Learning Officer

Median Annual Salary:   $198,700 (June 2020)* Educational Requirements:   Graduate degree required; Doctoral degree highly preferred

The role of chief learning officer (CLO) was created in the 1990s and is a relatively new type of career with a Doctor of Education.  CLOs are responsible for the training and development of all employees in a corporation or other organization. They focus on developing training strategies that align with the overall goals of their organization, measuring outcomes, and evaluating new technologies or approaches for nurturing employee and executive talent. 

CLOs need advanced understanding of human development, teaching, and learning as well as statistics, technology, and other fields which contribute to effective training. That’s why it’s an in-demand EdD job.

Earning an EdD degree takes a minimum of two to three years depending on your level of education and the format of your doctoral program. 

Generally, an EdD takes less time to earn than a PhD. That is because PhD programs focus heavily on research and scholarship for the sake of advancing a field of study, while EdD programs focus on applying research to practical academic leadership or teaching. If you are passionate about teaching, instructional design or shaping great institutions of learning, the hands-on leadership an EdD emphasizes could be ideal for you.

Absolutely! Earning your EdD opens the door to many exciting new career opportunities in administration, higher education, and corporate leadership – opportunities that offer meaningful work helping shape the schools and universities that educate future leaders, or the corporate training programs that help others fulfill their potential at work. 

Additionally, the Doctor of Education salary boost is real: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a doctoral degree took home the highest weekly salaries of any worker in 2019, with a median weekly wage of $1,883. By comparison, master’s degree holders took home median weekly earnings of $1,497 per week. 

Ready to advance your career in education? Earn your EdD degree with a university known for providing quality graduate education in a flexible format. In as few as two years and eight months, you can earn an   accelerated online Doctorate of Education (EdD) . Our program features four concentrations, an A.B.D. completion option, an exceptional graduation rate, and dissertation support from day one to prepare you for your future in educational leadership.   Learn more today.

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Ed.D. Career & Salary Guide: What Can You Do With a Doctor of Education Degree?

Wondering whether an Ed.D. is worth the investment? Use this doctoral guide to explore real-world career advice & salary resources. Learn about top Ed.D. job titles . Consider possible Doctor of Education salary benefits . Compare Ed.D. vs. M.Ed. salaries and Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. vs. Ed.S. salaries . And decide whether a doctorate in education justifies the expense .

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Consider earning a doctorate in education in order to qualify for educational leadership positions in PreK-12 schools & districts, university administration, and non-academic fields.

• Purpose: The Ed.D. is a practice-based degree, which means it’s focused on real-world applications of learning & research. You’ll be expected to tackle current educational challenges, explore ways to create change, and implement innovative solutions.
• Benefits: Some leaders earn the Ed.D. in order to apply for certain job titles ; others are interested in potential salary benefits . But you can also use a doctorate to deepen your knowledge of the field, network with educational peers, and become a more thoughtful leader.

Note: If you want to become a tenured faculty member in academia, a Ph.D. in Education may be a better bet.

State-Specific Ed.D. Career & Salary Advice

Looking for localized advice? In each one of our Ed.D. state guides , you’ll find a comprehensive career section. This contains a discussion of:

• Employment hotspots for PreK-20 educational leaders in your state
• State salary reports & resources (e.g. public school salary databases)
• Local educational leadership job boards (e.g. openings for district-level and school-level administrators)

Top Ed.D. Job Titles

Prek-12 ed.d. careers.

• Superintendent
• District-Level Educational Leader
• Director of Education
• Teacher-Leader
• Instructional Coordinator
• Curriculum Specialist

Higher Education Ed.D. Careers

• University/College President
• University Administrator
• Adjunct Professor

Non-Academic Ed.D. Careers

• Public Policy Analyst
• Education Lobbyist
• Education Consultant
• Education Researcher
• Teaching Coach
• Director of a Research Center
• C.E.O. of an Educational Organization or Company

Note: This is just a sample of Ed.D. job opportunities! For more ideas, check out the careers section in your chosen Ed.D. specialty/subject (e.g. Educational Technology, Early Childhood Education, Counseling & Psychology, Higher Education, etc.). And if you’re interested in college-level teaching, check out our guide to becoming a professor .

Salary Benefits of Earning a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree

Ed.d. salaries: what to know.

Salaries for Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduates are heavily reliant on circumstances:

• Top-level educational leadership positions like Superintendent, Director of Education, or University President will usually require a doctorate. These kinds of jobs tend to pay graduates well.
• But the Ed.D. is often an “optional” degree in the field of education—many employers are happy to consider candidates with an M.Ed. or Ed.S. and appropriate certification/licensure.

So you’ll need to do some digging to find out whether the doctorate in education will actually lead to a salary bump in your field. Wage numbers will also depend on your location (e.g. city vs. rural), job title, and day-to-day leadership responsibilities.

Ed.D. Salary Data

For Ed.D. salary data, have a look at these resources from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We particularly love the employment & wage maps—regions with the highest annual mean wages are shaded in dark blue.

• Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
• Education Administrators, Postsecondary
• Education Administrators, All Other
• Instructional Coordinators
• Training & Development Managers

You may wish to compare these educational leadership salary numbers with:

• Payscale’s cumulative data for Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree Salaries . Payscale also allows you to view salary data by job title (e.g. Elementary School Principal vs. School Superintendent vs. Higher Education Administration ).
• The AASA’s Superintendents Salary and Benefits Survey, which is published with a summary of major findings in the AASA’s Research Papers section.

State-Specific Ed.D. Salary Data

Interested in state-specific data? Use the BLS’s section on State Occupational Employment & Wage Estimates .

• Choose your state.
• Select your job category. Educational administrator & specialist jobs (e.g. School Psychologist) can be found under “Management Occupations.”
• Find your job title. Beside each entry, BLS provides data on mean hourly wages and annual mean wages.

If you’re in PreK-12 realms, you can also explore salary schedules for your district (e.g. Salary Schedules for LACOE Employees ) and possibly your state (e.g. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Compensation for Public School Employees ). In addition, our Ed.D. state guides have lots of local salary advice.

Ed.D. vs. Master of Education (M.Ed.) Salary

M.ed. salary data.

An M.Ed. or a relevant master’s degree is usually the baseline qualification for educational leadership positions at the school level (e.g. Principal, Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Developer, etc.). Employers will also be interested in your work experience and any necessary licenses or certifications.

• Principal Salaries: For ballpark salary figures, take a look at Payscale’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) Salaries . It includes numbers for leadership positions such as Assistant Principal and Elementary School Principal.
• Teacher Leadership Salaries: If you’re a teacher, check out the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) Teacher Contract Database . It contains salary data on 145+ of the largest school districts in all 50 states. 88% of these districts offer additional pay to teachers who have a master’s degree.

Potential Ed.D. Salary Increases

A doctorate in education may lead to an increase in salary for educational leaders—it depends on the job, choice of degree subject, and your location. For example:

• A graduate with an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and limited work experience may have to compete with seasoned M.Ed. candidates for the same jobs & salaries.
• But a doctoral graduate with an Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education will be able to demand a hefty salary from hiring committees.

In the PreK-12 realm, salary policies can vary from district to district. However, a number of places will reward you for the Ed.D. For instance, in North Carolina, a doctorate and advanced certification are often required for the highest pay levels for public school employees. Check with your local district.

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. vs. Ed.S. Salary

Ed.s. salary data.

We explore the ins & outs of the Education Specialist degree in our guide to Ed.S. vs. Ed.D. Programs .

• The Ed.S. is often set up to help students achieve specific leadership certifications & licenses (e.g. Principal, Superintendent, School Psychologist, etc.).
• With these qualifications in hand, you’ll often be able to earn similar salary numbers to an Ed.D. graduate.
• However, name recognition can vary from region to region. In some areas, the Ed.D. may have more “clout” than an Ed.S.

Payscale has a section on Education Specialist Salaries , but it’s pretty broad. You’ll have more luck if you look at district & state salary schedules. For example, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Compensation for Public School Employees contains a category for Advanced (Sixth Year) candidates.

Ph.D. in Education Salary Data

If you’re in any doubt about which degree to pick, check out our guide to Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. in Education Programs . You’ll notice that most Ph.D. graduates end up in academia or high-level research positions. So you can’t really compare Ed.D. and Ph.D. salaries—it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

The BLS provides detailed wage data on Education Teachers, Postsecondary . Mean wages tend to be best in New England, California and nearby states, the DC area, and a few states in the south. Keep in mind that the cost of living in many of those areas can also be high.

Other useful sources of higher education salaries include:

• Higher Ed: CUPA-HR Salary Data
• AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey
• Chronicle of Higher Education Salary Data

Is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Worth the Investment?

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: The cost of a doctorate in education should be weighed with potential salary increases and opportunities for promotion. If an Ed.D. can help you qualify for your dream position, then it’s an obvious pick. But you may find that a master’s degree will work just fine.
• Perception in Your Field: For example, a Ph.D. in Education is the standard requirement for academic positions—if you’re applying to be an Assistant Professor of Education, you’ll have to fight pretty hard to prove to a hiring committee that your Ed.D. and work experiences are equal in weight. In contrast, an educational company may prefer Ed.D. candidates.
• PreK-12 Considerations: If school districts have to compensate doctoral employees at the highest pay scale, an Ed.D. can sometimes be a discouragement to hiring committees. They don’t want to pay you more. This is a tricky topic, so chat to district peers about the possible downsides of a doctorate.
• Licensure & Certifications: For some jobs, the degree will take a back seat to other qualifications. For instance, if you wish to become a School Psychologist, employers may be more interested in your state license and NCSP credential than whether you chose an Ed.S. or Ed.D.
• Quality of the Doctorate: The Ed.D. is a bit of an upstart in the doctoral world, so it doesn’t always command the same respect as a Ph.D. When employers look at the Ed.D. listing on your résumé, they’ll also be considering name recognition and the quality of the College of Education. Check out our Rankings section for ideas on the best Ed.D. programs in the country.
• Job Outlook: Are top-level educational leadership jobs available in your area? What degrees do successful job applicants have? Are big-scale changes taking place (e.g. higher education institutions closing)? Can you pivot from one field into another? Ask yourself the hard questions before applying.
• Real-World Input: The best advice we can give you is to talk to mentors, peers, and recent Ed.S., Ed.D. & Ph.D. in Education graduates before you make a decision. They will give you honest perspectives about their experiences. They may even be able to help you avoid financial pitfalls.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Education?

If you’re considering pursuing a doctorate of Education (Ed.D.), you’re likely highly driven to make a positive difference in the lives of students and teachers. Still, you may wonder, “What can you do with a doctorate in Education?” Is a doctorate in Education only for people who want to teach? On the contrary, a doctor of Education degree can prepare students for a wide variety of career paths. For current teachers who want to pursue leadership positions, for example, a doctorate of Education can provide them access to job openings in administration. For students who are interested in studying the impacts of education on a global scale, a doctorate can provide opportunities to work in policy making and educational advising. The degree is versatile in its applications, making it well worth pursuing. Here are just a few careers you can pursue with a doctorate in Education.

1. Postsecondary Professor

Students who hold a master’s degree may find that their career path is limited to elementary and secondary education . This is because many universities and colleges prefer their professors to have a doctorate before they’re hired. With a doctorate in Education, educators are qualified to teach in postsecondary institutions as well as to conduct research in their field. A professor’s salary depends on their level of experience as well as whether or not they’re on the tenure track. In general, professorship levels can be broken down as follows: instructor, lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor. Average yearly salaries for professors increase as they progress along this track.

2. Education Consultant

Those who are interested in helping to improve the ways in which students are taught should consider pursuing a career as an education consultant. Education consultants advise teachers, families, school administrators, and school boards on the best educational techniques and technologies to implement in classrooms. They can also work with government officials in the development of educational policy. This position does not require a background in teaching, though it may be helpful to have some experience as an educator. Ultimately, the most important qualifications for this career are that individuals understand how to build curriculum, how to conduct research, and how to examine and identify problem areas in a school or school system. A doctorate of Education prepares students for this career by providing experience in all of these areas, and more. Educational consultants can work for private consultation firms, for school systems, or independently as a contractor. Therefore, salaries for this position are highly varied. The lowest 10% earn less than $40,000 while the highest 10% can earn a six figure income.

3. Academic Dean

Academic deans are senior administrators of colleges or universities. While the exact responsibilities of their job can vary, in general deans manage faculty and administrative staff, set academic goals, manage departmental budgets, direct fundraising efforts, and work with admissions offices to attract new students to the school. They can work in specific academic departments or in administrative departments such as admissions, student affairs, or alumni outreach. Academic deans can earn upwards of $90,000 per year, depending on their responsibilities and the school at which they work.

4. School Provost

A school’s provost reports to the college or university president. They implement academic plans for the entire school, oversee the implementation and updating of curriculum across the university’s academic departments, and direct the use of funds in order to achieve the academic goals of the school. A provost’s primary role is to act as the school’s academic steward. However, many are asked to take on responsibilities such as marketing, finance, fundraising, and recruitment. While many schools require that provosts have previous teaching experience, some do not. A provost’s previous field of study can vary from the arts to accounting to finance. However, it is common for provosts to hold a doctorate in educational administration or leadership. According to Glassdoor , provosts can expect to make an average salary of $137,204 per year.

5. School District Superintendent

Superintendents are responsible for the academic performance of their school district. They hire new teachers, make sure that teachers are certified and fulfill all continuing education requirements, and coordinate the educational goals set by both the state and the school board. Superintendents may work closely with an assistant superintendent, depending on the size of their school district. Superintendents are also responsible for designing curriculum, overseeing school facility management, and budgeting for the district. They may also be asked to serve as the spokesperson for the district as well as a liaison between faculty and the school board. Compensation for school superintendents can vary, depending on the size and location of the school district. On average, superintendents can earn a yearly salary of $70,000 to $110,000.

While there are many types of graduate degrees in education , those who graduate with their doctorate in Education have their pick when it comes to advanced careers in this field. Whether you want to continue teaching or begin working in a leadership position, a doctorate can help you reach your goals.

Are you considering pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership? Request more information and learn about University of Bridgeport’s pioneering program here.

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

Career Advice & Advancement Industry Advice Education

If you’re interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Should I apply for a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education?

The decision between these two culminating degrees can be career-defining as each serves a very different purpose despite being equivalent in level. In order to ensure you choose the path that best aligns with your future goals and career path, it’s important to take the time to first understand the differences in program curriculum and future career opportunities that relate to each degree.

Read on to learn about the defining qualities and key differences of an EdD and a PhD in Education to determine which program is the right fit for you.

EdD vs. PhD in Education

A Doctor of Education  is a professional degree designed for practitioners pursuing educational leadership roles. A Doctor of Philosophy in Education , on the other hand, is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles.

“With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis,” says Joseph McNabb , a professor of practice in Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education . “Conversely, an EdD student starts with a problem of practice and [works to learn] the skills it will take to resolve that complex problem of practice.”

What is an EdD degree?

An EdD, or Doctor of Education , is a professional doctorate best suited for experienced educators and mid- to senior-level working professionals who want to lead and implement change within their organization.

EdD candidates work in a broad range of fields ranging from K-12 and higher education to nonprofits, government, healthcare, and the military. What each share is a desire to transform their everyday environment and apply the lessons learned through their doctorate to a complex, critical issue facing their workplace. 

The EdD is practice-based. Students in an EdD program don’t want to just research their area of interest, but leverage that research in ways that could positively influence their community or organization’s decision-making process.

Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration

Those who pursue an EdD focus on qualitative, exploratory research. Students collect data and conduct individual interviews, observations, or focus groups to construct hypotheses and develop strategies that can help solve or clarify a specific problem of practice, such as how to support student veterans transitioning to civilian life or how to foster more female leaders in higher education—two dissertation topics recently explored through Northeastern’s EdD program .

What can you do with an EdD Degree?

While an EdD can be applied to a variety of industries and career options—such as K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, or civic service—there are several job titles you’ll likely come across within your cohort of classmates. They include:

• Postsecondary education administrators: Postsecondary education administrators work in colleges or universities, and typically oversee faculty research, academics, admissions, or student affairs. Some job titles that fall under this category include president, vice president, provost, and dean. The average annual salary for a postsecondary education administrator rings in at $102,610 .
• Elementary and secondary school education administrators: Superintendents, who are the top executives of a school district, fall under this category. They manage academic programs, spending, and the staffing of all educational facilities within their district, and typically earn an average of $111,020 per year .
• Top executives : In education, a top executive could be a “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer”—senior-level professionals who drive and develop strategies that help their organization meet critical business goals. Top executives make an average of $103,840 per year .
• Instructional coordinators : Instructional coordinators create and manage school curricula and other educational materials. They help teachers implement effective classroom learning strategies and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how. The average annual salary for instructional coordinators is $74,620 .

These are just a few of the many career opportunities available to EdD graduates.

Learn More: 8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education

What is a PhD in Education?

A PhD in Education is a terminal degree best suited for individuals who want to pursue a career in academia or research at the university level.

Students in PhD or doctoral programs take a more theoretical, study-based approach to learning. In most cases, their goal is to master a specific subject or add their unique findings to a body of existing literature. PhD candidates conduct original research in the hopes of driving change in their field or inspiring others to make change based on their work.

A PhD is the degree most popular amongst those who aspire to become a professor or obtain a tenure position. Through these programs, students tend to focus on getting published in well-respected journals, presenting at national conferences, and learning how to teach future educators.

What can you do with a PhD in Education?

While some of the above roles can also be earned through a PhD program, the most common job titles for PhD-holders include:

• Postsecondary teachers: Postsecondary teachers instruct students at a college or university. When they’re not in the classroom, they’re often focused on conducting research, attending conferences, and publishing scholarly papers and books. Postsecondary teachers earn an average $84,380 per year .
• Academic researcher : Researchers often have the opportunity to create their own centers or institutes, hire staff to help carry out their work, and secure funding for that work. Salaries often vary by subject area, but a general academic researcher typically earns an average of $85,234 per year .

EdD or PhD: Which is better for you?

Once you’ve explored the differences between an EdD and PhD in Education, the most relevant question to consider will be: What’s the next step I want to take in my career, and which degree can help me achieve my professional goals? The answer to this question will determine which degree program you ultimately pursue.

Earning your doctorate can pay off no matter which path you choose. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average of $109,668 a year —far more than master’s degree holders. Similarly, doctoral degree holders see an unemployment rate of only 1.6% compared to the national unemployment rate of 2%.

Regardless of which degree you ultimately pursue, there is enormous potential for you to advance your career in the field of education. Evaluating your needs and values will help you understand whether an EdD or PhD in Education is best suited to your personal and professional goals.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > What Is An Ed.D. And Why Is It Important For Your Future?

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What Is An Ed.D. And Why Is It Important For Your Future?

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: May 26, 2020

Many students who are seeking a career in education find themselves at a crossroads when presented with earning a Doctor of Education or a PhD in Education. Both levels of education are equal, yet their outcomes in terms of careers are very different. Depending on your career goals, you’ll want to understand these nuances before enrolling in either an EdD program or a PhD in Education.

Here, we will outline the differences, expectations, and outcomes for both program types.

What Is An EdD?

EdD stands for Doctor of Education. It is a professional degree that those pursuing a career in educational leadership roles will possess.

Doctor of Education programs include research curricula that prepares graduates to be able to impact practice and policy in the world of education. Not only is there research involved, but the degree is highly practical such that students can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios to effect change.

With an EdD, graduates can work in K-12 education, non-profits, and the government. Additionally, those with this degree may enter healthcare or the military.

Photo by  Tra Nguyen  on  Unsplash

What is a phd in education.

A PhD in Education stands for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education. This terminal degree is intended for those who want to work in academia itself.

For example, postsecondary teachers and researchers tend to earn PhDs as opposed to EdDs. Rather than practical and research-heavy, the degree focuses on theory and is mostly study-based.

Those who take part in earning their PhD are often published in respected journals and speak at conferences while fulfilling program requirements.

EdD Vs. PhD In Education: Understanding The Differences

While an EdD is meant for administration and leadership and a PhD is meant for professors and teaching, there are even more differences.

Here’s a direct breakdown of an EdD vs. PhD in Education:

• Administration focused
• Practical more than philosophical
• Peers are typically professionals
• Can hold full-time jobs while pursuing the degree
• Research intensive
• Funding may be granted for those in the program
• More program options to choose from
• Prepare students for a faculty career in higher education
• Jobs include: Postsecondary Teachers and Academic Researchers

What To Expect In A Doctor Of Education Program

When enrolled in an EdD program, you can expect to begin with coursework that includes subjects like quantitative analysis and the future of education. These classes are practice-oriented and research-based so that you are prepared for a field-based doctoral project.

For example, you may be required to redesign a school district’s policy. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the program:

Length Of Study

On average, EdD programs take about 2 years to complete. However, the program can take 4 or 5 years if working, even up to 7.

Costs Of Ed.D

60-66 units, around $20K-$50K

Earning Potential

Depending on your location and job title, the earning potential varies. However, some of the most common job titles and expected average salaries are:

• Education Administrator – $97,640
• Provost – $147,100
• Academic Dean – $90,330

What Can You Do With An EdD?

Once you graduate with an EdD, there are many career opportunities that you will be qualified for. Here’s a look at some jobs you may be interested in pursuing:

1. Postsecondary Education Administrators

Postsecondary education administrators oversee the faculty in higher education institutions. They often start their careers as professors and then become provosts or deans.

2. Elementary And Secondary School Education Administrators

Like the aforementioned position, these administrators oversee faculty and staff, but in elementary and high school settings.

3. Top Executives

Executives like Chief Learning Officers help devise plans to meet organizational goals.

4. Instructional Coordinators

Creating curriculums, instructional coordinators also help teachers implement how to teach effectively.

5. School Principal

In primary and secondary school, principals monitor operations, train staff, hire teachers, and manage budgets. A lot of principals have experience as teachers and then earn their EdD to obtain the position of school principal.

6. Postsecondary Teacher

Although it’s more likely for a postsecondary teacher (professor) to earn their PhD, some may earn their EdD too.

What Can You Do With A PhD In Education?

Like an EdD, a PhD affords graduates with a wide range of lucrative and fulfilling career opportunities. The most common career paths for those with a PhD in Education include:

Postsecondary Teacher

Also known as professors, postsecondary teachers are those who teach in universities and colleges. When they aren’t lecturing, they may also conduct research, contribute to academic journals and lecture at conferences.

Academic Researcher

Academic researchers may work for institutions or independently to conduct their research.

Benefits Of An EdD (Besides Money)

Besides the great earning potential for those with their EdD, the career options are filled with impact and benefits, like:

• Honing skills for organizational change
• Supporting educational change
• Boosting one’s resume
• Leveraging technology
• Working in top positions within companies or education

Photo by  Jasmine Coro  on  Unsplash

Where can i study edd.

For those interested in earning an EdD, there are many online programs to choose from. Online programs offer increased flexibility and lower cost compared to traditional campuses.

On your journey towards these terminal degrees, you may be interested in earning a Master’s in Education (M.Ed). For those seeking an online and tuition-free program, the University of the People offers exactly that!

The Wrap Up

Earning your M.Ed , EdD or PhD will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enter a career within education. With a PhD, you can become a professor or researcher. An EdD program will provide you with practical knowledge to work in administration and educational policy.

Regardless of the route that you decide is right for you, you will be able to make a difference in one of the most important fields in the world — education!

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The Doctorate in Education: Is it Worth It?

At some point along their career track, many educational professionals eventually weigh the decision to earn a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education.

In our last blog post , we examined the differences between the Ph.D. and Ed.D. and the benefits an Ed.D. can offer those pursuing leadership roles in education—as well as positions in nonprofit and government agencies and private sectors. We also surveyed the differences among Ed.D. programs, how to choose a college or university, and what to expect from the curriculum.

But what about time and cost? After you complete your Ed.D. will you see an increase in career opportunities and salary? In other words, is the juice really worth the squeeze?

Let’s take a look.

How Long Will It Take To Earn a Ed.D.?

If you’re considering earning your Ed.D. in education , you’ve most likely already completed your M.A. or M.A.Ed. Like a master’s degree, a doctorate takes a significant time commitment and a high level of personal dedication. It’s not easy.

While it’s possible to earn the degree in as little as two years of full-time study, most students don’t take this route. Unlike Ph.D. candidates, most Ed.D. candidates are employed full-time in the education field and choose to continue their jobs alongside their studies.

Depending on the course load and the design of the dissertation or capstone project, the degree can take four, five, or up to seven years at most.

How Much Does an Ed.D. Cost?

While the length of time you’ll spend working on your Ed.D. is important, it’s also essential to weigh the financial commitment of the degree. Here are some points to keep in mind when estimating the investment you will need to make to earn an Ed.D.:

• Tuition Costs. A typical Ed.D. program will require 60-66 credits. Tuition costs per credit can range from $350 to $775, resulting in a final price tag of $21,000 to $55,000 for the degree. Also look into any additional fees and the cost of attending orientation and conferences, and any professional memberships or certification programs that may be required.

• Program Location and Cost of Living. If you plan to enroll in a program in another city or state, what will the cost of relocating be? Will there be a change in your overall cost of living in the new location? Will you be able to keep your current job if you move, and if not, will your salary take a hit? More and more schools are now offering Ed.D. degrees entirely online, which can be a great option if there are no good programs in your geographic area and you don’t want to quit your day job.
• Employment Status. If you maintain a full-time job while earning your degree you won’t have to sacrifice your income, healthcare, or 401K savings to go to school.
• Tuition Reimbursement. Many employers offer financial incentives to current employees to advance their education, especially in a field relevant to their job duties. Check to see if your company or organization participates in a tuition reimbursement program. If so, do your research to make sure that the course of study you decide on will qualify.  

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.  

How can an ed.d. impact earning potential.

While an Ed.D. can grow your skill set, it can also have a significant impact on your annual earnings. Most senior positions in education and educational administration require an Ed.D., which is one of the main reasons that education professionals choose to pursue the degree. Having an Ed.D. under your belt allows you to advance within your current organization or to acquire a highly sought job at a school or university.

Here’s a look at the top senior education positions and what you can expect to make from each:

The focus of your coursework can also impact your future earnings. Most programs that lead to positions in private schools and companies will likely yield a higher salary than those that lead to nonprofits or public institutions. And a specialization in higher education administration and management will often yield a higher salary than a specialization in early childhood education.

5 Reasons To Earn Your Ed.D. That Have Nothing To Do With an Income Boost

Deciding to pursue an Ed.D. is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. As we’ve seen, it requires a significant commitment of both time and money. However, if you’re looking to advance your career and maximize your earning potential, the degree can open up a range of new possibilities.

Here are the top 5 reasons to earn your Ed.D.:

• You will gain the skills needed to effect change in your organization. An Ed.D. will help you hone your communication, assessment and management skills—skills that are in great demand in today’s educational institutions. If you are interested in taking the wheel, an Ed.D. will prepare you to advance and expand in your school or organization.
• You will develop the tools you need to become a better administrator in today’s educational environments. Education is a rapidly changing field; advanced study into current education trends, including digital literacy and collaborative learning will allow you to apply your knowledge and experience to solve problems and fix gaps in the educational systems around you.
• You can add clout to your résumé to give your new career search a boost. Are you looking to pursue new opportunities in the educational field? Whether you’re hoping to land a job in public education, government or the private sector, an Ed.D. degree will help your résumé stand out from the rest. Many programs offer specializations such as curriculum, instruction and assessment or higher education leadership, allowing you to gain specific skill sets and build your professional network within the area.
• You can learn how to better leverage technology to teach future generations. Educational technology is evolving in new and exciting ways. Learning how to incorporate technology into instructional design will allow you learning challenges in classrooms and training rooms in new ways.
• You will be qualified for senior educational leadership positions. Many elite, well-paying jobs—including superintendent, dean, and college president—require a doctorate. And, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, post-secondary college administration positions will experience faster than average growth in the coming decade.a

Tips on Getting Started

By now you may be 100 percent sure you’re ready to pursue an Ed.D.. Now what? What should you look at when researching programs and an estimating a graduation date? Consider the following factors to help determine a realistic timeline for the degree:

• Transfer Credit. Ed.D. programs typically transfer academic credits earned from any previous doctoral coursework . The amount of credits you can transfer will vary from one university to another. Reaching out to admissions counselors at different schools will help you find the best fit.
• Course Load and Schedule. Whether you will be studying in a classroom or remotely, you’ll need to decide how many classes you will be able to handle per term. This will vary based on the demands of your day job and family commitments, as well as your competence and background in the subject matter. If you are working on an academic schedule you should also look into which programs offer classes during the summer (when you may have more time to commit to your studies).
• Dissertation or Capstone Project. Most Ed.D. programs conclude with a final practicum, where you take what you have learned over the course of your classes and apply it to a real-world problem. The requirements of the dissertation or capstone project will depend on the college or university. If you are able to design your project to focus on your current place of employment, you will likely be able finish in less time than someone who cannot.

If you are a mid-career education professional looking to advance your career, raise your salary, and impact real change, then the answer is: Yes, it’s worth getting the degree. An Ed.D. requires a significant investment of both time and money—and it isn’t for everyone. But by doing the research and making the investment in the right way, you can position yourself to grow your career in a meaningful, financially rewarding way.

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PhD vs. EdD in Education: Nine expert tips to help you choose [with infographic]

If you want to elevate your career in education, an advanced degree can open the door to more job opportunities. Many schools offer graduate programs in education, but before you go down a rabbit hole of research, first decide if you want to get a PhD or EdD degree.

A PhD and EdD in education are both doctoral degrees. The one you choose will have a significant impact on your graduate school experience, and your career as well. (Already know what you want? Visit our Admission and Deadlines and Requirements pages for more information.)

For a quick overview of differences between the two degrees, view the infographic below or download it here .

Before we explore tips to guide your decision, let’s review important context for each degree.

What is a PhD in Education?

A PhD is a doctorate in philosophy. Historically, it was the first degree offered to students in the field of education and is perhaps more well-known than the EdD.

The PhD in Education is ideal for students who are excited by a career in research. Programs train you to interpret existing theory on a subject, identify opportunities for exploration, and advance theory through critical analysis. It is not necessarily a degree that prepares you for an administrative or leadership role.

With a PhD in Education, you will become an authority on a particular topic or range of topics, and make recommendations on how practitioners should approach or implement them. Examples of research topics might include teaching practices, the effect of learning environments on student outcomes, and inequity in education.

What is an EdD in Education?

An EdD is a doctorate in education, and prepares you for a career in educational leadership. Like the PhD degree, you will learn to interpret research. However, EdD programs train you to apply the research in real-world settings.

While pursuing your EdD degree, you will study critical theory and determine how you can implement it to drive change in K–12 classrooms, universities, community colleges and other organizations. You will also reflect on your role as a leader. Top EdD programs encourage you to analyze your relationship to your research topics and work environments. The goal is to ensure that your leadership is fair and equitable for all people.

PhD vs. EdD: What are the main differences?

The table below summarizes the key differences between a PhD and EdD in education:

Find your program

PhD vs. EdD: How to choose

To help you figure out which doctorate in education is right for you, check out these nine helpful tips:

1. Follow your passion

Rather than focusing on the title of the degree, think about what motivates you. Why did you get into education in the first place? Do you want to have a direct impact on classrooms or pursue big-picture change behind the scenes? You may assume that one degree is more prestigious than another, but it’s important to choose a path that will bring you personal satisfaction that is consistent with your career goals.

2. Picture your day-to-day

PhD and EdD programs are a significant time investment. If you’re struggling to decide because both degrees sound rewarding, try picturing what your daily life might look like in each program.

A PhD in Education is decidedly more research-heavy. A majority of your study will include—but is not limited to—investigating theory and research methodologies. By contrast, EdD programs include the application of your research. Much of your time will be spent using your knowledge to solve professional challenges.

3. Explore career options with a PhD in Education

Earning your PhD in education will make you a more desirable candidate for a range of research-oriented positions. Your ability to evaluate research and make recommendations will be a valuable skill to many organizations.

Many people with PhD in education degrees secure jobs as:

• University professor
• Research scholar
• Education director
• Policy researcher

Want specific examples? For a list of positions held by recent graduates from USC Rossier’s PhD in Urban Education program (PhD), check out our Benefits and Career Paths page.

4. Explore career options with an EdD in Education

EdD programs prepare you for different kinds of senior positions. You will be eligible for leadership roles primarily in education administration, however your high-level skill-set will be desirable to certain nonprofits and businesses as well.

Position titles for professionals with an EdD degree may include:

• Superintendent
• University or college president
• Director of a research center
• Development manager
• Curriculum developer

5. Compare PhD vs. EdD coursework

Doctor in education programs are rigorous and challenging, and while both are rooted in research, their paths diverge. Coursework in PhD programs highlights qualitative and quantitative research methods, and gives you the tools needed to perform your own research. You will also work on your dissertation, and be required to take oral and written exams.

Additionally, PhD students typically have the chance to work one-on-one with a research faculty member on their research. As you narrow your search for a graduate school, remember to review faculty and consider opportunities for collaboration.

EdD courses in educational leadership train you to view common problems in education from multiple perspectives. Courses early in the program urge you to use research as a tool that can provide practical solutions that promote equity. As you progress, you will then take actionable steps to address a problem of practice.

6. Review PhD vs. EdD specializations at different schools

You want to choose a university that aligns with your personal interests. Start by reviewing schools’ mission statements. Do they seem principle-driven or focused on ushering you through the program?  You also want to check out the concentrations offered by each program. Select a program that is going to let you explore issues and challenges that matter to you.

Concentrations vary by university. For example, some concentrations may include educational leadership in K–12 schools, educational psychology or higher education. Expect universities located in or near cities to offer concentrations exploring urban education settings as well.

7. Consider PhD and EdD online programs

If you’re a working professional and don’t want to commute to a physical campus while you earn a degree, an online doctor of education program may be right for you. Online programs cover the same information as their in-person counterparts, but offer a little more flexibility for students.

However, classes such as those included in USC Rossier’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online program are held live, meaning you are required to attend the online class at a specific day and time.Note: It may be easier to find online options for EdD than PhD programs.

8. Research PhD vs. EdD dissertation requirements

A traditional part of a PhD in education is the dissertation. Dissertation requirements vary by program and school, but generally include thorough investigation of a topic from multiple angles, copious research, and an exam to defend your written work once it’s completed.

By contrast, some EdD programs require you to complete a dissertation in practice. Using research methods learned in the program, you will attempt to resolve a problem in education dealing with equity and access. You may also have the chance to work alongside a group of students and an advisor to tackle the problem. In addition to the different requirements of PhD and EdD dissertations, individual schools may want you to explore issues that fall within their philosophical focus.

9. Estimate your time commitment

Before committing to a doctorate in education program, make sure you understand how much time it will take. A PhD in Education typically requires four to six years to complete, while EdD programs take three years, and may be completed while you work.

Additionally, some PhD programs are full-time commitments. Because of the workload, you can’t work a full-time schedule. However, your tuition is covered by a graduate assistantship. A Master’s degree may also not be necessary for acceptance into a PhD program.

USC Rossier resources

If you’re still unsure about which doctorate in education is right for you, we’re happy to provide personalized guidance .

You can also use USC Rossier’s simple career survey tool.

Curious about the requirements for our doctoral programs ? Check out the list of program comparisons. As a school that has offered doctoral degrees for 100 years, USC Rossier is uniquely positioned to provide insight and expertise on doctoral programs in education

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Doctor of Education (EdD) vs. PhD in Education

Earning an advanced degree can be both a life achievement and an effective tool for career advancement. But even with closely related areas, like the EdD vs PhD in education, you can find more than a few significant differences.

Broadly speaking, the EdD vs PhD comparison comes down to only a few core concepts. The EdD is focused on individuals who want to apply their knowledge to practice, while the PhD is more focused on research. However, learning more about the distinction between the two can help you find the program that most closely aligns with your goals.

What is a Doctor of Education Degree?

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is degree oriented towards professionals who want to learn to leverage educational leadership skills. Combining both research and application, the EdD is applicable to a broad range of industries inside and outside of the world of education. In other words, this degree aims at creating highly experienced educators who want to bring productive changes to an organization.

Exactly how long does it take to earn an EdD in education? Specifics vary between programs and the students who take them. Some institutions offer two-year full-time programs, while others have three-to-five-year part-time programs. Obtaining an EdD also requires a residency, which is included within that time frame.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING AN EDD?

The benefits of a doctorate degree in education are as varied as the career potential this specialization offers. Graduates learn to influence educational policy, affecting positive change from the top. An advanced education degree can help you stay competitive in your field while preparing you for a variety of administrative roles.

Your dissertation also gives you an opportunity to explore a targeted area of interest and learn strategies for addressing social challenges. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , those with a doctoral degree in the field earn an average salary that approaches six figures.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN EDD DEGREE?

The EdD aims to create scholars who are ready to put their erudition into practice. They are prepared for a variety of leadership roles in schools, government agencies, and both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.

Program concentrations make it possible to focus your EdD further. For example, the EdD in Educational Leadership and Management  prepares leaders for management specifically, while a Sports Leadership EdD would focus on improving education within athletic communities. You can find many types of concentrations, including those in education policy, administration, innovation, leadership, global education, and other key areas in education.

HOW DO I GET A DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION?

If you are wondering how to become a doctor of education , the first step to earning an EdD is to get a master's degree in education or an equally appropriate field. GPA requirements are most often 3.0 or higher. Depending on your concentration, you may find additional requirements, such as specific entrance exams. In many cases, you can also earn the same EdD degree both online and on-campus.

What is a PhD in Education?

As the highest degree you can receive in the field, the PhD in education qualifies you primarily for research and teaching positions. Students learn to identify gaps in existing research, contextually interpret relevant literature for posing new hypotheses, and produce new original research. Part-time programs typically take around four years to complete, while full-time programs take three years. Unlike the EdD, the PhD doesn't require a residency.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING A PHD IN EDUCATION?

Among the various reasons to pursue a PhD in education , the PhD tends to lend credibility, expertise, and social mobility. As a student, you learn to enhance your research skills and hone your technical expertise. The PhD also gives students the opportunity to conduct research into an area that interests them, making their own discoveries and contributions to knowledge in the process.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PHD IN EDUCATION?

As with the EdD, your degree concentration is able to focus your interests and extend your career prospects. For example, the PhD in Education  includes a leadership, policy, or STEM focus. The majority of these positions are related to becoming an educational researcher, or assuming a faculty position within a college. The PhD may also be applied to administrative positions related to education, like chief learning officer, superintendent, dean, or director of education.

HOW CAN I GET A PHD IN EDUCATION?

Educators who are looking for opportunities to grow professionally often use the PhD to do so. You can get a PhD in education by first obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a related field, or other significant experience in an education-related setting, and then successfully applying to a PhD program. In addition to earning enough credits, a PhD also requires completing a dissertation. All of this can be done both online and on-campus.

Pursuing Your Career in Education

At its core, the EdD vs PhD difference really comes down to what you want from your degree and long-term career goals. Drexel’s School of Education makes it possible to complete the EdD  or PhD in Education  with both traditional and online programs. If you want to pursue a higher education degree, start by learning more about our admission requirements  or requesting information about the Drexel SoE.

Doctorate in Educational Leadership K-12 Program Henry Predolin School

The K-12 Educational Leadership Ed.D. program prepares students for a licensed position as a principal, superintendent, or other school site district administrator. Students explore their roles as leaders and build upon and extend their competence in the following areas, as they relate to educational leadership: organizational analysis, educational change and reform, school law, public school finance, curriculum design and evaluation for administrators, school personnel administration, and educational policy. Students participate in field-based experiences as part of the license sequence courses.

The K-12 concentration prepares you for a position as a superintendent or school leadership position. In the PK-12 Educational Leadership concentration, you will:

• Grow your competence as a school leader
• Participate in field-based experiences
• Engage in research to inform your work and dissertation
• Learn how to lead ethically, justly, and with compassion

The Doctor of Education program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for PK-12 administration licenses. Students who have successfully completed the 24 credits in the  Superintendent/ District Leadership Licensure Program are automatically accepted into the 30-credit Doctoral Completion Program to complete the K-12 Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

Careers with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Most senior positions in education and educational administration require an Ed.D. Having an Ed.D. allows you to advance within your current organization or to acquire a new job.

median salary for a Superintendent in Wisconsin

Featured Courses in K-12 Educational Leadership

ED803 Practicum Development

The practicum is a three-semester placement with a mentor where the candidate can obtain real-time information, examples, and experiences relating directly to the Seven Wisconsin Administrative Standards. In this course, students will work with the instructor to consider licensing options and review the content guidelines for desired licenses. During the development phase of the practicum, qualified mentors will be identified, and the mentor/mentee relationship will be formally established.

ED 804 Political and Policy Leadership

The relationship between politics, educational policy, and educational practice is explored in its broadest sense. Particular emphasis is given to political and leadership theories, their practical application and the role of leadership in developing and implementing policy in the political environment within and outside of educational organizations. Politics and policy are discussed within an ethical framework of social justice and equity. Content will be applied in a variety of class experiences, mentoring activities, and related field assignments.

ED806 School District Human Resource Management

This course examines how to manage human resources effectively in the dynamic political, legal, social, and economic environment currently impacting schools. Among the topics included are: recruitment and retention; training and development; workforce diversity; organizational structure and job design; performance evaluation; and, compensation models. Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of human resource management and its strategic relevance in K-12 education. By providing a practical perspective on the development of human capital in intensely “people-oriented” organization, students will develop a conceptual framework of how to create a system of attracting, retaining and developing talent that creates and supports the vision and values of the school district.

Related Programs

On-campus, Virtual

Frequently Asked Questions About K-12 Educational Leadership

What are the admission requirements for this program?

Fall application deadline: The priority application deadline for the K 12 Doctoral program is August 1 each year. Applications after August 1 will be reviewed and accepted on a space-available basis.

• Complete and submit the Ed.D. application
• Provide evidence of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application to the Edgewood College graduate program.
• To qualify for the superintendent license, you must supply evidence of eligibility to hold a teacher or pupil services license in Wisconsin and demonstrate appropriate experience.
• Request that official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions be sent directly to Edgewood College.
• Provide two letters of recommendation. Letters must attest to the applicant’s ability to collaborate with colleagues and be successful as an educational leader.
• Submit a letter of intent describing the reason for pursuing the advanced educational leadership licensing, and about how the program can help the applicant reach personal and professional goals.
• Education: Major(s), schools attended, degrees obtained and dates of attendance
• Professional positions held

Applicants may also include:

• Presentations made to organizations, groups and professional associations
• Honors/ awards received
• Memberships in professional and other organizations
• Community Service: Name(s) of organizations, description of activities and positions held
• International Students may have additional admission requirements.

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What Is a Doctorate?

Learn more about the two major types of doctorate degrees, academic and professional, and when you might need each.

A doctorate is the highest degree you can earn in an academic field or profession. Earning your doctorate can help advance your career and increase your salary, while also showing others that you’re an expert in your subject area. 

In this article, we’ll review the two different types of doctorate degrees, the areas you can study, and the benefits of graduating with a doctorate. 

Types of doctorate degrees

There are two types of doctorate degrees available to earn: academic and professional . Each type is a terminal degree , meaning it’s the highest degree you can earn and shows true mastery over a subject. The type of doctorate you earn will largely depend on what you want to study. 

Academic doctorate 

An academic doctorate, often called a PhD (short for Doctor of Philosophy), is a research degree that typically requires completing a dissertation. Students enrolled in a PhD program may be interested in working in academia as a professor or conducting research in their field. However, a growing number of PhD students go on to apply their specialized knowledge and skill set to various careers outside of academia as well. 

Examples of academic doctorates include:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Doctor of Design (DDes)

Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA)

Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS)

Doctor of Theology (ThD)

Professional doctorate

A professional doctorate is also referred to as an applied doctorate, and has more to do with a specific profession, such as medicine, law, or business. Students in professional doctorate programs enroll to learn specific knowledge and skills they will need to pursue their chosen career path.  

Examples of professional doctorates include:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)

Juris Doctor (JD)

Learn more: What is a Professional Degree?

Doctorates: Time and costs

On average, it takes between four and seven years to earn an academic doctorate. That lengthy timeline often has to do with the dissertation phase, which requires extensive original research. 

The time it takes to earn a professional doctorate varies. A JD degree takes three years of full-time study to complete while earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree takes four years of full-time study before you begin a residency, which can last between three and seven years depending on your specialty. Careers that require a professional doctorate also often include studying and passing a licensure exam.  

Costs of a doctorate

As with timing, the costs of a doctorate degree will depend on what you choose to study and where you go to school. The average cost of a PhD in 2021 was $98,800, while a Doctor of Education degree cost an average of $111,900 [ 1 ]. The average total cost of medical school in 2021 was $218,792 [ 2 ].

What does it take to earn a doctorate? 

Both types of degrees involve completing advanced coursework and conducting original research. With a professional doctorate, you'll tend to focus your research on solving existing problems, whereas with an academic doctorate, you'll tend to focus your research on contributing a new theory or analysis to your field.

Beyond that, the path to earning your doctorate will depend on what you want to study—an academic subject or a professional one—and where you go to college or university.

Professional doctorates

Your time in a professional doctorate program will be spent advancing your knowledge in your field—medicine, law, or otherwise—and developing important skills to begin doing the work required by your chosen profession. 

The common requirements include: 

Coursework 

Internship (clinical rotation) 

Medical students spend around two years taking courses in a pre-clinical phase, followed by two years rotating through various medical specialties in a clinical phase. On the other hand, law students might spend two years completing their coursework before enrolling in a capstone project in their third year that might include interning or completing a writing project. 

Both medical and law students will need to seek licensure after finishing their program. Law students who pass the bar exam can go on to practice, while medical students will typically need to be licensed before beginning their residency program. 

Academic doctorates

Your time in an academic degree program will also be spent advancing your knowledge in your field by learning more about its history, theories, and key figures. From there, you will begin exploring how you can contribute original research to further people’s understanding of some aspect of the subject.

Comprehensive exam 

Dissertation 

Learn more about the requirements to get an PhD .

Applying for a doctorate 

Each type of doctorate requires similar admissions criteria. Requirements generally include: 

Institution’s application

Resume or CV

Transcripts

Entrance exam (MCAT, LSAT, GRE, or GMAT) 

Personal statement

Letters of recommendation

Learn more: GMAT vs GRE: Which Should I Take?

Requirements for a professional doctorate

Professional doctorate students must first earn their bachelor’s degree in a related subject. For example, many law students study English or communications as an undergrad given the amount of writing they will undertake as JD students. Med students, on the other hand, might study biology or chemistry.

It can be helpful to pursue an undergraduate degree that will prepare you for the advanced coursework a professional doctorate requires, but it is not always necessary. If you’re interested in beginning a professional doctorate after studying a completely unrelated subject, you will likely have to first complete prerequisite courses to show you can succeed in advanced science courses. In fact, postbaccalaureate programs are designed to help students interested in the medical profession become stronger applicants. 

Prepare for medical school with a series of specialized, free courses from Stanford University, University of Michigan, Duke University, the University of Chicago, and other leading US institutions.

Requirements for an academic doctorate

As with a professional doctorate, you will need to earn your bachelor’s degree, but you will also likely need to earn your master’s degree unless you are accepted into a dual degree program that combines the master’s and PhD into a shorter timeframe. Depending on what you study, a master's degree takes between one and three years to complete and further prepares you to go on and earn your doctorate.

Learn more: MA vs MS Degrees: A Guide

Demand for doctorates

The demand for experts who hold a doctorate degree depends largely on the field. The need for lawyers is expected to grow by nine percent (about average) between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [ 3 ]. But the demand for doctors and surgeons has slowed in recent years, though other health care professions, such as physicians assistants and nurse practitioners, which often require less education, are expected to increase significantly [ 4 ].

In certain professions, like business, it’s more common to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) , but executives with several years of experience and an MBA may want to further their education and solve real-world business problems by earning their DBA. Doing so can be a lucrative venture. Because DBA graduates are not as common as MBAs, there may be more demand for their services.

Salaries for doctorates

For professional doctorates, earnings can be significant. For example, veterinarians make a median salary of $100,370 and lawyers make a median salary of $127,990, according to BLS.

Overall, both doctorates tend to make more than those who earn a master’s or bachelor’s degree, according to BLS. A doctoral degree graduate has median weekly earnings of $1,909 and a professional degree graduate has $1,924 compared to $1,574 for master’s degree holders and $1,334 for bachelor’s degree holders [ 5 ]. 

Is a doctorate right for you?

If your goal is to work in a specific field, like medicine, or to become an authority in your field, a doctorate can help you achieve either outcome. When considering whether you should begin a doctorate program, ask yourself the following questions to help outline the best path forward.  

Do you enjoy working with this subject matter?

What kinds of job opportunities are available after graduation?

How competitive is the job market for your chosen career?

Will a doctorate give you a unique career advantage?

Do you have time to dedicate to earning a doctorate? 

Can you afford the cost of a doctorate? 

Are there financial aid options available?

Alternatives to doctorate degrees

Depending on your career path and goals, a master’s degree may be a better option. Master’s degrees take less time and cost less than doctorate degrees, and are available in nearly every field, including health care , business , the social sciences , natural sciences , and humanities . 

If you’re more interested in skills development, a professional certificate program can be a strong option to help you develop job-ready skills in popular fields like data science, project management, and UX design. You’ll find an array of programs from industry leaders like Google, Meta, IBM, Salesforce, and more on Coursera . 

Learn more: Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

A doctorate can be financially, academically, and personally rewarding, adding important knowledge to your wheelhouse and a standout credential to your resume. Earning your master's can also help you discern whether an academic doctorate makes sense for your larger objectives. Explore degrees in computer science , business , management , or public health from leading US institutions on Coursera, all while enjoying greater flexibility than an in-person degree program tends to offer. 

Related articles

How Long is Law School: What to Expect as a Law Student

How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate?

How to Pay for Graduate School: 8 Ways

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Public Health?

Article sources

1. Education Data Initiative. “ Average Cost of a Doctorate Degree , https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-doctorate-degree.” Accessed June 22, 2022. 

2. Education Data Initiative. “ Average Cost of Medical School , https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-medical-school.” Accessed June 22, 2022. 

3. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Lawyers , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm.” Accessed June 22, 2022. 

4. BLS. “ Physicians and Surgeons , ​​https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm.” Accessed June 22, 2022. 

5. BLS. “ Education Pays , https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm.” Accessed June 22, 2022. 

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Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Watch CBS News

What is parvovirus? Johns Hopkins doctor explains why it's a concern.

By Tara Lynch

Updated on: August 15, 2024 / 6:38 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- In a new advisory, the CDC warns  that parvovirus B19, also known as slapped cheek syndrome, is spreading just as students prepare to head back to school.

Children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old are at particular risk for contracting the disease. 

Symptoms are typically mild and mirror those of the common cold or influenza, but also include a facial rash  on the cheek.

"The virus is spread very rapidly through respiratory droplets. School is going to be an opportunity for many different respiratory viruses to spread from person to person," said  Dr. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security and infectious disease physician.

The virus can be severe in people who have sickle cell disease, are immunocompromised or are pregnant, according to the CDC.

"Your ability to make red blood cells shuts down if you have sickle cell and get infected with parvovirus. Pregnant women can have their fetus develop anemia and sometimes they can even have pregnancy loss," Dr. Adalja said.

The CDC's advisory comes after the virus spread in Europe  over the summer, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

There is no specific treatment for the illness. Typical cold and flu remedies can be used for treating minor symptoms and usually, patients recover within a week.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to monitor their patients for any signs of the virus. People who are at particularly high risk should take more precautions.

Tara Lynch is an Emmy-nominated reporter who is excited to share the stories of Baltimore.

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Tingling in your fingers isn't uncommon – but here's when you should see a doctor

Paresthesia refers to the tingling, pricking, “pins and needles” sensation that occurs beneath the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you’ve ever “slept” on your hand, arm or leg, the resulting tingling sensation is often temporary, and resolves when you reposition your body .

Paresthesia is very common, and tingling of the fingers is usually not a cause for concern. However, paresthesia can be chronic. If tingling in the fingers persists, it’s important that you consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are the result of an underlying medical condition . Once the cause of your symptoms is determined, treatment for paresthesia can be tailored accordingly.

Why are my fingers tingling?

Tingling in the fingers results from “a disruption or change in the nerve supply,” says Dr. Ernestine A. Wright , an internal medicine physician and a primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. 

Paresthesia resulting from applied pressure is temporary and resolves by itself, per Healthline. When your body is configured in certain positions, if you “apply pressure to the nerves that supply your hands and fingers,” then it's not unusual to experience the pricking, tingling sensation that’s associated with pins and needles, Wright explains. “As the pressure releases from that nerve, the sensation disappears and goes away,” she says.

Though tingling in the fingers is often not anything to worry about, there are common health conditions and autoimmune disorders that have the ability to cause damage to the nerves, resulting in tingling in the fingers , hands and arms, per Healthline. 

Noted: Arthritis is common, especially among seniors. Here's what causes it.

When should I worry about tingling in my fingers and carpal tunnel?

If you are experiencing a tingling sensation in your upper extremities throughout the day, or if the tingling is accompanied by shooting pains or burning sensations, it’s important that you consult your primary care physician to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, Wright says. 

According to Healthline, common causes linked to tingling in the fingers include:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin E or vitamin B9 (folate)
• Carpal tunnel
• Pinched nerve
• Kidney Failure
• Certain heart or blood pressure, anticonvulsant or anti-infection medications

Hypothyroidism and exposure to toxins may also cause tingling of the fingers, Wright says.

Good question: The ER or urgent care? How to know where to go when you get sick.

How do I get rid of tingling in my fingers?

To treat tingling in the fingers, “first and foremost, you have to come up with the correct diagnosis,” says Dr. Hisham Awan , an orthopedic surgeon and director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 

If you are experiencing tingling in the fingers, see a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you, says Awan. A physical exam, EMG test, nerve conduction study or a nerve ultrasound can be used to understand the root cause of your symptoms, he says. Whether your symptoms are the result of a nutritional deficiency or a side effect to a medication, treatment can be individualized accordingly. 

If you are experiencing a “compressive neuropathy, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, (treatment) depends on the severity,” Awan says. Carpal tunnel release surgery is typically seen as a last resort, but is highly effective at relieving symptoms.

Olympic Breakdancer Raygun Has PhD in Breakdancing?

Rachael gunn earned a zero in breakdancing at the paris 2024 olympic games., aleksandra wrona, published aug. 13, 2024.

About this rating

Gunn's Ph.D. thesis, titled "Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: a B-girl's Experience of B-boying," did cover the topic of breakdancing. However ...

... Gunn earned her Ph.D. in cultural studies. Moreover, a "PhD in breakdancing" does not exist as an academic discipline.

On Aug. 10, 2024, a rumor spread on social media that Rachael Gunn (also known as "Raygun"), an Australian breakdancer who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, had a Ph.D. in breakdancing. "This australian breakdancer has a PhD in breakdancing and dance culture and was a ballroom dancer before taking up breaking. I don't even know what to say," one X post on the topic read .

"Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael Gunn has a PhD in breakdancing and dance culture," one X user wrote , while another asked, "Who did we send? Raygun, a 36-year-old full-time lecturer at Sydney's Macquarie University, completed a PhD in breaking culture and is a lecturer in media, creative arts, literature and language," another X user wrote .

The claim also spread on other social media platforms, such as Reddit and Instagram . 

"Is she the best break dancer? No. But I have so much respect for going on an international stage to do something you love even if you're not very skilled at it," one Instagram user commented , adding that, "And, I'm pretty sure she's using this as a research endeavor and will be writing about all our reactions to her performance. Can't wait to read it!"

In short, Gunn's Ph.D. thesis, titled "Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: A B-girl's Experience of B-boying," indeed focused on the topic of breakdancing. However, Gunn earned her Ph.D. in cultural studies, not in breakdancing. Furthermore, it's important to note that a "PhD in breakdancing" does not exist as an academic discipline. 

Since Gunn's research focused on the breakdancing community, but her degree is actually in the broader field of cultural studies, we have rated this claim as a "Mixture" of truths.

Gunn "secured Australia's first ever Olympic spot in the B-Girl competition at Paris 2024 by winning the QMS Oceania Championships in Sydney, NSW, Australia," the Olympics official website informed . 

Gunn earned a zero in breakdancing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and clips of her routine went viral on social media, with numerous users creating memes or mocking dancer's moves. "As well as criticising her attire, social media users mocked the Australian's routine as she bounced around on stage like a kangaroo and stood on her head at times," BBC article on the topic read . 

The website of the Macquarie University informed Gunn "is an interdisciplinary and practice-based researcher interested in the cultural politics of breaking" and holds a Ph.D. in cultural studies, as well as a bachelor of arts degree (Hons) in contemporary music: 

Rachael Gunn is an interdisciplinary and practice-based researcher interested in the cultural politics of breaking. She holds a PhD in Cultural Studies (2017) and a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Music (2009) from Macquarie University. Her work draws on cultural theory, dance studies, popular music studies, media, and ethnography. Rachael is a practising breaker and goes by the name of 'Raygun'. She was the Australian Breaking Association top ranked bgirl in 2020 and 2021, and represented Australia at the World Breaking Championships in Paris in 2021, in Seoul in 2022, and in Leuven (Belgium) in 2023. She won the Oceania Breaking Championships in 2023.

Gunn's biography further revealed that she is a member of the Macquarie University Performance and Expertise Reasearch Centre, and has a range of teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels "across the areas of media, creative industries, music, dance, cultural studies, and work-integrated learning." 

Moreover, it informed her research interests included, "Breaking, street dance, and hip-hop culture; youth cultures/scenes; constructions of the dancing body; politics of gender and gender performance; ethnography; the methodological dynamics between theory and practice."

Gunn earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Media, Music, Communications, and Cultural Studies within the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University. Below, you can find the abstract of her paper, shared by the official website of Macquarie University:

This thesis critically interrogates how masculinist practices of breakdancing offers a site for the transgression of gendered norms. Drawing on my own experiences as a female within the male-dominated breakdancing scene in Sydney, first as a spectator, then as an active crew member, this thesis questions why so few female participants engage in this creative space, and how breakdancing might be the space to displace and deterritorialise gender. I use analytic autoetthnography and interviews with scene members in collaboration with theoretical frameworks offered by Deleuze and Guttari, Butler, Bourdieu and other feminist and post-structuralist philosophers, to critically examine how the capacities of bodies are constituted and shaped in Sydney's breakdancing scene, and to also locate the potentiality for moments of transgression. In other words, I conceptualize the breaking body as not a 'body' constituted through regulations and assumptions, but as an assemblage open to new rhizomatic connections. Breaking is a space that embraces difference, whereby the rituals of the dance not only augment its capacity to deterritorialize the body, but also facilitate new possibilities for performativities beyond the confines of dominant modes of thought and normative gender construction. Consequently, this thesis attempts to contribute to what I perceive as a significant gap in scholarship on hip-hop, breakdancing, and autoethnographic explorations of Deleuze-Guattarian theory.

In a response to online criticism of her Olympics performance, Gunn wrote on her Instagram profile: "Don't be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that's gonna take you":

We have recently investigated other 2024 Paris Olympics' -related rumors, such as:

• Lifeguards Are Present at Olympic Swimming Competitions?
• Hobby Lobby Pulled $50M in Ads from 2024 Paris Olympics?
• 2024 Paris Olympics Are 'Lowest-Rated' Games in Modern History?

Gunn, Rachael Louise. Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: A B-Girl's Experience of B-Boying. 2022. Macquarie University, thesis. figshare.mq.edu.au, https://doi.org/10.25949/19433291.v1.

---. Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: A B-Girl's Experience of B-Boying. 2022. Macquarie University, thesis. figshare.mq.edu.au, https://doi.org/10.25949/19433291.v1.

Ibrahim, Nur. "Lifeguards Are Present at Olympic Swimming Competitions?" Snopes, 8 Aug. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/lifeguards-paris-olympics-swimming/.

"Olympic Breaking: Criticism of Viral Breakdancer Rachael Gunn - Raygun - Condemned by Australia Team." BBC Sport, 10 Aug. 2024, https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/articles/c2dgxp5n3rlo.

ORCID. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1069-4021. Accessed 12 Aug. 2024.

Paris 2024. https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/-raygun_1940107. Accessed 12 Aug. 2024.

Saunders, Grant Leigh, and Rachael Gunn. "Australia." Global Hip Hop Studies, vol. 3, no. 1–2, Dec. 2023, pp. 23–32. Macquarie University, https://doi.org/10.1386/ghhs_00060_1.

Wazer, Caroline. "2024 Paris Olympics Are 'Lowest-Rated' Games in Modern History?" Snopes, 1 Aug. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/paris-olympics-lowest-rated-games/.

---. "Hobby Lobby Pulled $50M in Ads from 2024 Paris Olympics?" Snopes, 8 Aug. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/olympics-hobby-lobby-ads/.

By Aleksandra Wrona

Aleksandra Wrona is a reporting fellow for Snopes, based in the Warsaw, Poland, area.

Article Tags

A breaking hero emerges: Meet Australia's Raygun

An australian professor had some breaking moves, and people had thoughts., by nbc staff • published august 9, 2024 • updated on august 9, 2024 at 3:19 pm.

As Dr. Rachel Gunn, she's a 36-year-old lecturer at Macquarie University in Australia . She holds a PhD in cultural science. She researches and lectures on the cultural politics of breaking .

As Raygun, she's an Olympian breaker, competing for Australia.

Raygun lost all three of her matches, against B-Girls named Nicka, Syssy and Logistx. Yes, that sentence is accurate.

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But Raygun had some moves. And people had some thoughts.

What my nephew does after telling all of us to “watch this” pic.twitter.com/366LjIRl4j — Liz Charboneau (@lizchar) August 9, 2024

There has not been an Olympic performance this dominant since Usain Bolt’s 100m sprint at Beijing in 2008. Honestly, the moment Raygun broke out her Kangaroo move this competition was over! Give her the #breakdancing gold 🥇 pic.twitter.com/6q8qAft1BX — Trapper Haskins (@TrapperHaskins) August 9, 2024

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All I can think about when I see this is the hip hop dance teacher from Bob’s Burgers but if instead she was from Australia and was a 36 year old woman named Raygun https://t.co/nUwYVLnrms pic.twitter.com/Wl5FResHw7 — Shereef Sakr (@ShereefKeef) August 9, 2024

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when Raygun hit the kangaroo jawn I couldn't see the screen I was crying so hard pic.twitter.com/jcICfTu11d — Bradford Pearson (@BradfordPearson) August 9, 2024

I think I found the source of inspiration for the Raygun breakdance at the Olympics. https://t.co/t94Iyu1dPZ pic.twitter.com/a7DL9etwRz — Noodson (@noodson) August 9, 2024

Raygun was like pic.twitter.com/KvXVPVGScx — Charles J. Moore (@charles270) August 9, 2024

Raygun did THE SPRINKLER at this breakdance thing, this is the worst thing Australia has ever done. — Luis Paez-Pumar (@lppny) August 9, 2024

This article tagged under:

Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) Admission Requirements

Contributing Writer

Editor & Writer

Reviewer & Writer

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An Ed.D. is the terminal professional degree in education. As a result, Ed.D. programs set high admission requirements and standards. But how hard is it to get into an Ed.D. program?

First, applicants need to meet the doctor of education requirements. For example, Ed.D. programs require a master's degree for admission. Some applicants hold an Ed.S. degree. Ed.D. programs also expect management or leadership experience in an educational setting.

After meeting the requirements, applicants need to put together a strong Ed.D. application. That means solid letters of recommendation , curriculum vitae or resume, and a focused statement of purpose.

By understanding what doctorate in education (Ed.D.) programs prioritize, you can increase your chances of getting an acceptance letter.

Admission Requirements for Ed.D. Programs

Before applying to Ed.D. programs, prospective students must meet the admission requirements. Most programs require a master's degree, for example. And Ed.D. programs often ask for three years of experience in an education setting.

The Ed.D. application process also requires materials like letters of recommendation, a resume , and a personal statement. Some programs conduct interviews or require writing samples.

Popular Online Education Doctoral Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below

Requirements for an Ed.D. Application

• Check Circle Master's Degree : Ed.D. programs require a master's degree for admission. Candidates with an Ed.S. also meet the requirement. Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Check Circle Professional Experience : Ed.D. programs often expect professional experience. For example, applicants may need at least three years of relevant experience.
• Check Circle Personal Statement : In the personal statement , applicants explain their preparation for doctoral-level study. The statement lays out the candidate's goals with an Ed.D. degree.
• Check Circle Letters of Recommendation : Programs typically request 1-3 letters of recommendation. Applicants can ask professors, supervisors, and other professional references to write letters.
• Check Circle Curriculum vitae or resume: This document should reflect your education, professional experience and accomplishments in the field of education.
• Check Circle Interview : Some Ed.D. programs conduct interviews as part of the admission process. For example, many online programs use interviews to evaluate applicants.

Online Ed.D. Application Process

Online Ed.D. programs appeal to many prospective doctoral students. The flexible learning environment makes it easier to work while pursuing a doctorate.

How does the online Ed.D. application process differ from in-person program admissions? Typically, universities set similar requirements for online and on-campus Ed.D. programs.

Prospective students submit an online Ed.D. application with a resume, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a personal statement. Online programs may conduct a virtual interview to discuss the program with applicants.

During the application process, students interested in online programs should review any residency requirements, licensure information, and fieldwork options .

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. Admission Requirements

What's the difference between Ed.D. and Ph.D. admission requirements? The following table breaks down the main differences between applying to Ph.D. vs. Ed.D. programs.

What Do Ed.D. Programs Look For in Applicants?

Because Ed.D. programs train graduates for leadership positions in education , programs evaluate applicants on their experience and leadership qualifications. They look for teaching certifications, leadership experience, and other evidence of a strong professional track record.

Your academic record also plays a role. Applicants with a strong GPA or exceptional master's-level projects stand out.

Finally, recommendations matter in Ed.D. admissions. Programs often ask for both academic and professional references. Letter writers speak to the candidate's qualifications and ability to succeed at the doctoral level.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Into an Ed.D. Program: 5 Tips

Are you wondering how to get into an Ed.D. program? Many programs set competitive admission standards and only accept a fraction of applicants. How can you boost your chances of getting into your top choice Ed.D. program?

1 Research the Program

Fit matters for doctoral admissions. Research graduate programs to make sure your background, experience, and goals match the program. Contact prospective advisors and faculty to discuss their research areas. Highlight your knowledge of the program on your application.

2 Highlight Your Leadership Skills

Ed.D. programs train educational leaders. In addition to gaining leadership experience, make sure to center leadership accomplishments and goals on your applications. Mention specific projects, team building, and problem-solving examples in your resume and statement of purpose.

3 Strengthen Your Recommendation Letters

Doctoral programs ask for letters of recommendation to evaluate your academic and professional strengths. Strengthen these letters by providing key materials to your letter writers.

Include your statement of purpose and evidence of your qualifications. Ask professors to highlight your academic skills and ask professional references to focus on your leadership achievements.

4 Identify Your Interests

Know your concentration and related interests before applying to programs––and zero in on specific topics in your application materials. Mention the major issues you will examine in your capstone or dissertation . A well thought-out topic proposal will help your application stand out.

5 Emphasize Your Goals

Why do you need an Ed.D.? Your application should explain your professional goals and why an Ed.D. will help you reach them. Too many applicants apply to doctoral programs without a clear career trajectory. Explain your goals to stand out from the competition.

Explore More College Resources

What can you do with a doctorate in education.

How Hard Is a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) Program?

Ed.d. vs. ph.d. vs. ed.s.: what’s the difference.

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