What Can I Do With A Doctorate in Educational Leadership?
The EdD in educational leadership combines practice and research while incorporating innovative methods and real-world experiences—with the understanding that theory and practice inform one another.
In the UL Lafayette doctorate in educational leadership program, you can apply what you learn today to what you’re doing tomorrow. We offer two concentrations: the higher education executive concentration and the K-12 leadership education concentration.
“Graduates of our Doctorate in Educational Leadership are prepared to impact education policy, culture, and practices both in the K-12 arena, as well as within higher education institutions," says associate professor Dr. Dianne Olivier, who is the EdD in educational leadership graduate coordinator. “Our educational leadership program is extremely student-focused. Our students enter the program as leaders and exit as exceptional leaders and scholars.”
When you are choosing a doctoral program, know there are differences between PhD in educational leadership and EdD in educational leadership programs. An educational leadership PhD program is theory-based and is best if you’re looking for a career in research. The EdD program is more practice-based and prepares you for a career working with other educators to improve the quality of education that children and adults receive.
Many of the doctorate in educational leadership jobs available are in school administration in PK-12 and higher education, but there are also career opportunities that don’t involve being on a school campus every day. Read more about the careers that you’ll be prepared to pursue with your EdD in Educational Leadership:
Superintendent
National median annual salary: $149,124
Superintendents are often responsible for an entire school system and answer to a board of elected representatives to determine the best direction for elementary, middle, and high schools in an area. And even if you aren’t the head honcho, there are plenty of educational leadership careers that report to the superintendent. Superintendents need teams of experienced and knowledgeable educators who can help support the school system and the superintendent in various ways.
School Principal
National median annual salary: $98,487
As a school principal, you’ll be responsible for making sure your students and your staff excel in a safe and stable environment. With doctorate in educational leadership programs, you’ll gain solid communication and problem-solving skills, which which are both grounded in research and best practices and an essential part of providing effective leadership for teachers and support staff. You’ll be set to ensure everyone is working together to improve the educational opportunities for all students.
Professor
National median annual salary: $88,921
The educators of tomorrow need training from today’s educational leaders. Doctorate in educational leadership programs need adept and invested professors who will help shape the field’s future leaders. As a professor, you’ll get to work with students who are excited about improving the world through education while teaching them the best strategies for strengthening relationships and implementing solutions in schools.
Educational Consultant
National median annual salary: $94,303
If you still want to work in the education arena but not necessarily on a school campus, you can pursue educational leadership careers in consulting. As a consultant, you’ll effectively advise and support states, districts, and schools—and to do that, you need to understand the experiences and challenges they face. You may lead professional development, review and develop curricula, or assist with overall school improvement—all of which require the communication and leadership skills you’ll get with your EdD in educational leadership.
Legislative Activist or Lobbyist
National median annual salary: $104,000 (but varies according to level of government)
Advocate for children, educational institutions, and educational funding as a lobbyist on the state or federal level. This job requires a thorough understanding of the issues in education, along with understanding the legislation and legislative process. While you won’t be working directly with other educators and students, you’ll get to focus on ensuring they receive the support they need from the government.
University/College President, Chancellor, Provost, or Vice President
National median annual salary for college president: $261,269
This is a job that takes serious leadership skills. University leaders direct and oversee all initiatives for the institution. That includes academics, campus life, research, and personnel. They are also the figurehead for the institution, working with politicians, donors, students, faculty, and staff to help maintain and improve the university’s stature and educational opportunities.