Do I Need A Doctorate in Education?

If you’re an education professional driven to shape the future of education, a Doctorate of Education (EdD) can be a powerful next step in achieving that goal. However, whether you’re aiming for a leadership role, looking to transition into consulting or policy work, or simply want to deepen your expertise, the decision to pursue an EdD comes with important considerations.

You may be weighing factors like career growth, financial investment, and the time commitment required. Will an EdD open new doors? Is it the right step for you now, or later in your career? These are common questions for professionals who want to continue making an impact in education while advancing their own goals.

This guide will help you evaluate the true value of an EdD, exploring factors like professional benefits, financial considerations, and alternative career pathways.

What is an EdD and who is it for?

For professionals hoping to take their careers to the next level, a Doctor of Education offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills, conduct meaningful research, and drive real change. Unlike a PhD in Education, which is designed for those pursuing academic research, an EdD focuses on solving practical challenges in education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate training.

“It’s a degree that says you’re not simply a practitioner; you’re a scholar-practitioner,” says Melissa Parenti, an associate teaching professor in Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education. That’s because EdD graduates bring both hands-on experience and research-backed insights to their work, making them sought-after leaders in a range of fields.

But is earning an EdD worth it? And will it help you achieve your career goals? Here are some key factors to consider.

Is an EdD worth it? Key questions to consider

Will an EdD help you reach senior leadership roles?

Earning an EdD can be a significant step toward securing leadership positions in education and related fields. Many top executive roles—such as college president, school superintendent, and education policy advisor—either require or strongly prefer candidates with a doctoral degree. In fact, 44% of school superintendents and the majority of college presidents hold an EdD or PhD.

Beyond traditional education settings, EdD graduates are well-positioned to move into executive positions in corporate learning, nonprofit leadership, and government agencies. Since the degree builds expertise in areas such as strategic planning, curriculum development, and policy analysis, you’ll be able to drive institutional change in a variety of settings.

An EdD can also provide a competitive edge for professionals looking to break into consulting or advisory roles. Many organizations seek experts who can conduct research, interpret data, and develop informed strategies for improving education systems and workforce development programs. So while the degree isn’t required for every leadership role, it can enhance your credibility and broaden your career opportunities.

Is it ever too late to get an EdD?

An EdD can be valuable at any career stage, whether as a tool for advancement, a pathway to new opportunities, or a personal milestone. While younger professionals often pursue the degree to climb the leadership ladder, those more established in their career may have different motivations.

For mid-career professionals, an EdD provides the credentials and expertise to move into senior leadership or pivot into new areas within education. So whether it’s a stepping stone for career growth or a way to leave a lasting impact, the degree offers a pathway to mentorship, policy influence, and meaningful contributions to the field.

For some, earning an EdD later in their career is about fulfilling a long-held goal. “We’ve had students finish their dissertations and graduate after nearly 40 years in education because they made a promise to themselves to earn this degree,” Parenti says. “They want to do the research on a topic they’re passionate about and really become a thought leader in the field.”

Even toward the end of a career, the degree can open doors to part-time adjunct teaching, research, or board leadership roles. It can also support a transition into new areas of education, such as policy work or consulting.

How much does an EdD cost, and is it a good investment?

How much an EdD costs often depends on the institution. Some public universities offer EdD programs at a relatively low cost, while some institutions may charge thousands of dollars per credit. Given this range, prospective students must assess the cost in relation to their expected salary increases, institutional resources, and career advancement opportunities.

For example, the average salary for EdD graduates is approximately $78,500, with senior leadership roles, such as education administrators, earning a median annual salary of $102,610. While these numbers indicate potential financial gains, the true value of an EdD often extends beyond salary. For most professionals, it enhances credibility, expands professional networks, and provides leadership opportunities that might not be available otherwise.

However, if your return on investment is still a concern, financial aid and tuition reimbursement programs can help offset costs. Many universities offer scholarships and assistantships, while some employers provide tuition support for employees pursuing advanced degrees. Additionally, public-sector employees may benefit from increased pension contributions, making the long-term financial outlook more favorable.

Can you balance an EdD with a full-time job?

Earning an EdD while working full-time is a challenge, but many professionals successfully manage both by integrating their coursework with their careers. Most EdD programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering part-time options, online coursework, and asynchronous learning models that allow students to study on their own schedules.

“Most of our students are balancing work, family, and school,” Parenti says. “They have to be intentional with their time, but they find ways to make it work.” As a result, many students establish structured study routines, align their research with workplace projects, and seek support from employers, professors, and peers.

Faculty and advisors also play a critical role in supporting students through the process. “They’re not doing this alone,” Parenti says. “They have Dissertation in Practice chairs who guide them through each stage, making sure their research is feasible within their professional context.”

While time management is key, the ability to apply research directly to professional settings makes the experience both practical and rewarding. Many students use their coursework to address real challenges in their workplaces, allowing them to see the impact of their studies in real time. Although balancing an EdD with full-time work requires dedication, the built-in flexibility of most programs—combined with institutional support—makes it achievable for professionals committed to advancing their careers.

Should you get an online or on-campus EdD?

Choosing between an online or on-campus EdD depends on your schedule, career goals, and learning preferences. For working professionals, online programs offer the flexibility to balance coursework with full-time employment and personal commitments.

“Our EdD is fully online,” Parenti says. Online programs are designed for mid-career professionals who need an adaptable learning environment without the constraints of commuting or fixed class times. Students complete coursework at their own pace, making it easier to integrate studies into their daily routines. In contrast, on-campus programs require in-person attendance, which can be challenging for those with demanding work schedules.

Networking opportunities also differ. On-campus programs foster face-to-face interactions, while online EdD students engage with professionals from across the country. “You have students joining you who are high-level professionals,” Parenti says.

Another key distinction is program structure. Many online EdD programs emphasize applied learning, requiring students to conduct workplace-based research rather than a traditional dissertation. This hands-on approach allows professionals to implement solutions in real time.

Ultimately, an online EdD offers flexibility and accessibility, while an on-campus program may suit those who prefer in-person engagement. The right choice depends on your learning style and professional needs.

What can you do with an EdD beyond leadership roles?

An EdD is more than just a credential—it’s a pathway to leadership, influence, and impact. It’s a degree that can lead to diverse career opportunities in education, consulting, policy, and corporate training. Many EdD graduates transition into consulting, advising educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and ed-tech companies on leadership development and curriculum design.

“People want a layer of credibility, and this provides that,” Parenti says. An EdD signals expertise in data-driven decision-making and evidence-based strategies, making graduates valuable in roles beyond traditional school leadership.

Policy work is another avenue, allowing EdD holders to influence education at local, state, and federal levels. As a result, many work for government agencies or advocacy organizations, shaping legislation, funding initiatives, and systemic reforms.

For those interested in teaching, an EdD can lead to faculty positions in higher education, particularly in leadership or education programs. While tenure-track roles often require a PhD, many universities seek EdD graduates for adjunct or full-time teaching positions.

Is an EdD worth it for you?

Earning an EdD is a powerful investment for professionals looking to advance into leadership, consulting, or policy roles. Whether you aim to become a superintendent, college president, education consultant, or policy advisor, the degree provides the expertise, research skills, and credibility needed to drive meaningful change.

For working professionals seeking career advancement, Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies online EdD program is designed with flexibility in mind. The program allows you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments while applying research directly to your field. With a focus on action research, industry-aligned faculty, and a network of high-level professionals, Northeastern’s EdD prepares you to lead with confidence and expertise.