Do you have a passion for learning and leading? Then a Doctorate in Education (EdD) may be the perfect fit for you. If you’re interested in becoming a leader who addresses problems in education, a Doctorate in Education (EdD) provides both a solid educational foundation as well as a competitive edge. But, what is an EdD and how can it help you excel in the workplace?
Whether or not you work directly in the field of education, companies in all industries are looking for employees who demonstrate strong leadership skills and possess the ability to drive improvements within their organization. Students who are in an EdD program learn how to develop and apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills in areas such as organizational change, leadership, technology, instruction, and human resource development.
EdD versus PhD
There are distinct differences between an EdD and a PhD. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an academic, research-based degree that focuses intensely on research methodology. Students often pursue a PhD if their career desire is to conduct research that will influence changes or improvements in educational policy or practice. Typical career options for PhD graduates include tenure-track college professors clinical psychologists, and academic researchers.
MBA versus EdD
While an EdD focuses on leadership skills and organizational strategy, students may wonder if they should earn an MBA instead. However, it’s important to note the distinct differences between these degrees as well. An MBA is typically a two-year program that is ideal for those who want to become leaders in corporate businesses, finance, marketing, or government agencies. However, if you choose a program such as the EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership at the USC Rossier School of Education, it is a three-to-four-year program designed for those who want to drive and foster change and improvement in their organization.
Also, an MBA usually requires a specialization, such as finance, marketing, or human resources, whereas an EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership does not require candidates to choose a concentration. Instead, EdD students build upon their foundational knowledge regarding the connection between organizational behavior and leadership and are prepared to lead organizations in a variety of industries and settings ranging from the government to business, technology, media, and many other sectors. Some of the many career options for EdD graduates include working as a nonprofit director, educational consultant, superintendent, armed services leader, college professor or dean, director of human resources, social and community services manager, and corporate trainer. Additionally, earning your EdD prepares you for a position of CEO or CAO (Chief Academic Officer) to serve in a leadership position in a variety of industries, nonprofit fields, the military, and educational settings.
The Benefits of an EdD
EdD students learn the skills needed to lead and motivate employees. Students also learn how to develop and maximize human and fiscal resources, and how to procure and interpret data to make informed decisions to drive innovative change and foster growth.
While the EdD degree is not as well-known as a PhD, it provides a broad range of career opportunities. For motivated students with leadership potential and abilities, it provides a solid educational foundation that can prove invaluable in competitive industries.
About the author: Michelle Manno is the managing editor for Inside USC Rossier, the blog community for the school’s online master’s in teaching degrees. Connect with her on Twitter @michellermanno.
