For anyone looking to pursue a career in education in academia and research a Ph.D. in education is the degree to seek.
A doctorate degree in education is a terminal degree in the field which means it is the highest level degree you can get.
So the natural next question is, “What can you do with a Ph.D. in education?
Here, we will share Ph.D. in education jobs, as well as answer all your big questions surrounding a doctorate degree in education.
What is a Ph.D. in education?
A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education is a graduate degree that is well-suited for anyone who wants to focus their career on academics and research.
Just like a Ph.D. in education is a terminal degree so is a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.
Although it can be confusing when faced with two terminal degrees in the same field it helps to clarify when we understand what each of their focus is.
An EdD in education is more hands-on and practice-oriented which means that it’s of use to those who want to work in education for the government and in a non-profit organization.
A Ph.D. in education is theoretically-focused and more study-based, in comparison.
For this reason it’s best for anyone looking to work in research and academia at the university level.
There are more differences between the two, including:
- A Ph.D. in education takes four years to complete, while an EdD takes two.
- A Ph.D. requires doing a dissertation, while an EdD doesn’t.
- A Ph.D. focuses on developing new research. EdD students, on the other hand, use existing research to guide decisions about issues within their area of study.
- A Ph.D. requires taking 90 credits, whereas an EdD requires 60.
Why Earn a Ph.D. in Education?
There are many reasons why a Ph.D. in education is valuable and worthy of your effort. Here’s why:
- It’s one of the most highly respected credentials in education, and as mentioned, it is a terminal degree .
- You’ll use research-based methods to solve problems and identify gaps in your specialization of choice.
Plus, you will have the expertise and credentials to publish in professional journals and present your findings at conferences around the world.
- You’ll be advancing in an area of education in which you’re passionate.
Are you fascinated by childhood development?
do you have a passion for classroom management?
If you have a desire to advance a particular field in education, a Ph.D. is an excellent way to do so.
- You’ll earn respect in your field and gain personal satisfaction.
Since a Ph.D. in education requires doing a dissertation, that alone is not an easy feat!
Accomplishing it will surely give you a rewarding feeling. Plus, being called Doctor isn’t so bad either.
Just like any degree, a Ph.D. in education involves a certain skill set.
Some learned along the way, and some you may have naturally.
These are some skills involved in a Ph.D. in education:
Technical skills:
Analysis and problem-solving, project management and organization, research and information management and written and oral communication are all important in such a research-based degree.
Soft skills:
Interpersonal and leadership skills, self-management and work habits, concentration, and patience are all important personal skills to have when you’re spending lots of time on one specific topic.
Also read : How to verification is done government job.
The Doctorate in Education Salaries You Can Expect
Did you know that in America, Ph.D. graduates will earn $1.3 million more than BA holders in their working lifetimes?
There are all kinds of career options for Ph.D. education graduates.
Here are some examples of typical careers for Ph.D. in education holders as well as their average salaries in the US:
- Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: $79,820
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $80,560
- Survey Researchers: $59,870
- Sociologists: $86,110
- Training and Development Specialists: $62,700
Many PhD in education graduates want to become professors.
Here’s what the average annual salaries look like around the globe for professors in the top-paying countries.
- Denmark: $109,600
- Switzerland: $185,000
- UK: $110,000
- US: $102,400
- Finland: $95,000
- Canada: $93,000
- Germany:$92,000
- France: $82,000
There are other career options as well such as school administrator, superintendent curriculum coordinator and principal.