What Is a Doctor of Education (EdD)?

A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a terminal degree in the subject of education that helps graduates prepare to pursue a range of administrative, leadership, and policy roles in the field.

Discover more about the EdD, how it compares to a PhD in education, and different careers you can explore after graduation.

What is a Doctor of Education?

An EdD is a practitioner-focused terminal degree you can earn after completing a master’s degree, such as a Master of Education (MEd). It’s primarily designed for those pursuing careers in educational leadership.

EdD programs offer a variety of concentrations depending on the area of education you’re interested in learning more about, including educational leadership, educational technology, and curriculum and instruction.

EdD: Cost and timeline

The average cost of earning an EdD is $62,780 [1]. However, this figure may not include school fees, books and materials, and housing.

While you can complete some accelerated Doctor of Education degree programs in as few as two years, most programs take between four and seven years to complete.

EdD vs. PhD in education

When you want to earn the most advanced degree possible in education, you also have the option to earn a PhD in education.

The primary difference between an EdD and PhD is the curriculum. EdD programs tend to emphasize topics relevant to teachers and administrators working in K–12 schools and higher education. A PhD program, on the other hand, helps students prepare to work in research and teaching roles, usually in higher education.

What is the structure of an EdD?

EdD programs are available in person and online. Typically, you’ll complete required coursework, take preliminary exams, and complete a dissertation.

General coursework includes:

• Curriculum

• Assessment

• Educational technology

• Professional knowledge

• Data management and analysis

Doctor of Education concentrations

As a doctoral student, you’ll also take courses related to your selected concentration. This specialization allows you to customize your learning path or explore an area of interest within the field.

For example, if your goal is to work as a school principal, you will likely pursue a doctorate in educational leadership. Alternatively, you may opt for a concentration in urban education if your plans include working in a city school. 

The following list includes some typical concentrations for an EdD program:

• Curriculum and instruction: Prepare for roles as a curriculum specialist, program director, or content area specialist.

• Education leadership: Gain knowledge and skills to be a school principal, chief learning officer, superintendent, or policy maker.

• Instructional design: Learn how to apply curriculum theory to educational programs in ways that meet the needs of all learners so you can work as a curriculum specialist or program evaluator.

• Learning design: Learn how to enhance learning environments and support teachers using instructional design tools.

• Multicultural education: Focus on the needs of diverse learners to prepare for a career in public schools, government and community agencies, or consulting firms.

• Special education: Develop the knowledge and skills you need to oversee programs designed for special needs learners.

• Urban education: Prepare to work in school leadership, community outreach, and learning programs intended for learners in urban areas.

Doctorate in education admissions requirements

The admission requirements for a doctorate of education program include an application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, and an interview. These requirements may vary between schools. For example, some schools may expect you to earn a minimum score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), while others may waive the requirement. 

Other requirements, like completing the graduate school application or having a master’s degree from an accredited school, are standard expectations. You may need to submit the following documents:

• Application: Most schools have the application available online. 

• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: A CV and resume include details like your work history, educational background, and skills. CVs tend to be longer and more detailed than resumes, with information about your publications, awards, professional association memberships, and more that may be relevant to your work as a doctoral student.

• GRE score report: You may need to send a copy of your GRE score report to the school. When you take the GRE, you can choose up to four schools to receive your scores. After test day, you can order score reports for an additional fee. 

• Letters of recommendation: Ask people who can speak to your communication skills, work ethic, and capabilities to write letters of recommendation on your behalf.

• Sealed transcripts: A transcript is an official document from the schools you attended that lists the courses you took, the grades you earned, your grade point average, and your degree. Some schools accept unofficial transcripts when you apply and expect you to provide official transcripts (sent directly from the schools) after they have accepted you to a program.

• Statement of purpose: Your statement of purpose is a writing sample that allows you to share your skills and interests, why you want to attend graduate school, and your post-graduation plans.

How long is a doctorate of education?

Many doctorate of education programs take between two and five years to complete. Both full-time and part-time programs exist, and the type of program you choose determines how long it takes to earn your EdD. The number of credit hours your program requires also impacts your degree timeline. Some programs require around 40 credits, while others require 60 or more. 

Doctorate in education jobs: What can you do with an EdD?

You can work in private or public education and the corporate world with an EdD. People with this degree tend to pursue leadership roles within organizations. They may work as trainers, executives, consultants, and policymakers—positions that allow them to practice their knowledge of learning, data analysis, assessment, and mentoring. The following list is not comprehensive, but it does give you an idea of Doctor of Education salary ranges and the types of jobs you may be able to attain.

1. College or university professor

Salary: $84,380 [2]

As a college or university professor, you design curriculum and lessons within your academic specialty. You also may write books or publish scholarly articles to boost your academic reputation. Many professors mentor students or work in a related field. For example, a psychology professor may also have a private counseling practice. 

2. Corporate executive

Salary: $103,840 [3]

As a top executive for a corporation, you establish goals, policies, and procedures for your organization. Your specific duties will vary depending on the organization’s size and industry. With a Doctor of Education degree, you could work as a chief learning officer who helps employees grow within their roles and develop their skills.

3. Instructional coordinator

Salary: $74,620 [4]

As an instructional coordinator, you develop and evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum and teaching strategies that school districts use. In this role, you are a curriculum specialist who observes teachers, analyzes learner data, and interacts with stakeholders. You also may be responsible for training teachers to use learning standards and effective teaching methods in the classroom.

4. Postsecondary education administrator

Salary: $102,610 [5]

As a postsecondary education administrator, you work in the administration of a college or university. Your specific duties depend on your title and the school where you work. You may help develop academic policies, appoint faculty members, schedule courses, plan commencement ceremonies, and advise students.

5. School district administrator

Salary: $111,020 [6]

As a school district administrator, you are the school district’s top executive overseeing its general operations. Your job may include creating and reviewing budgets, setting goals and monitoring progress toward them, and building relationships with stakeholders such as parents, learners, and community members.

6. School principal

Salary: $103,460 [7]

As a school principal, you are responsible for the operations of an elementary, middle, or high school. Your role includes managing staff, school activities, and budgets as well as establishing and maintaining a safe environment for learners. School principals work in public and private schools and typically work year-round.

Take the next step toward your Doctor of Education

Earning your EdD can help you land a meaningful leadership or administrative role in various industries. Explore whether a career in education is a good fit for you by taking a course like New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy from the University of Illinois on Coursera.