How long will it take to earn a doctorate in education?

The importance of education cannot be overstated. The world will always be in need of educators and education administrators.  Individuals will typically need a doctorate degree in education, otherwise known as an EdD to qualify for one of these roles in a college or university.

These programmes equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to teach students, conduct research, resolve real-world problems, and take on senior leadership roles in the field of education. 

An EdD can be applied to a variety of industries such as K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, or civil service. While a PhD in education highlights theories and research on how students learn best, an EdD focuses on how these theories can be practiced effectively.

Graduates can serve as college or university professors in charge of training a new generation of teachers upon graduation. Some acquire the role of a superintendent, shaping education policies and the practices of a public school district. K-12 educators benefit greatly from adding “Dr.” before their names, with qualifications enabling them to pursue a multitude of careers outside of the K-12 classroom.

How long will it take to acquire an EdD? The short answer is approximately three years.

If you are considering earning the qualification, you’ve most likely already completed your master’s degree. Much like postgraduate qualification, a doctorate of education requires a significant time commitment and a high level of personal dedication.

However, this depends on the course load and the design of the dissertation or capstone project. Many participants opt for part-time options, meaning acquiring qualification could sometimes take up to seven years at most. 

Is it worth it? Definitely. 

By earning a doctorate of education, individuals will be on the right path to excelling in a career with lasting impact — on students, an institution, and a community. Additionally, an EdD will highlight to employers a candidate’s leadership skills, their capabilities in identifying issues, examining these problems from multiple perspectives, and the ability to offer relevant insights that create solutions. 

Another reason to gain the necessary qualification to enter the field is the current demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in education, training, and library occupations is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. 

The BLS also projects that about 441,000 new jobs are projected to be added from 2019 to 2029. Student enrollment is projected to increase; therefore, postsecondary teachers and preschool, elementary, and secondary school teachers will be needed to meet the demand.

Apart from the rewards that come with educating and bettering educational systems, it also leads to an increase in wages. Post-secondary instructors earn a median annual salary of US$79,540, while high school and elementary educators earn US$61,660 and US$59,420, respectively.

Most salaries in the field will depend on the location of the occupation, as cities and metropolitan areas are known to pay more than smaller towns. Previous experiences and academic achievement are also key in determining how much a professional will earn.