What Can You Do with a PhD in Education?

Lack of knowledge of career paths after completing a PhD in education can lead to a potential mismatch between qualifications and job aspirations. Our team of educators, researchers, and industry professionals brings this multifaceted perspective on the top career choices for education PhD graduates.

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What Can You Do with a PhD in Education?

With a PhD in Education, professionals can pursue academic and teaching positions, leadership roles within educational institutions, and research opportunities. Additionally, you can dive into curriculum and coursework development. Doctorate holders in this field also have the potential to impact education policy, budget, administration, education reform, advocacy, or professional development initiatives.

Academic Influence draws upon a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer credible insights into the various roles and industries that are accessible with a doctor of philosophy in education. We evaluate the latest trends and developments in higher education to guide you in exploring the diverse career options available for PhD in education.

Career Paths with a PhD in Education

Earning a PhD in Education can open doors to various professional opportunities. We leverage extensive research and insights from our top experts to provide comprehensive guidance for your educational and professional journeys. These paths include academic roles, leadership positions, research jobs, and more, both within educational institutions and beyond.

Academic and Teaching Positions

Among the most common career paths for professionals with a PhD in education is to become a professor or college instructor. Professors teach courses, mentor students, and conduct research. These positions also:

• Develop and deliver lectures, design curriculum, and engage students in higher education.
• Contribute to academic journals and present findings at conferences.
• Guide graduate students through their studies and research projects.

Leadership Roles

Diving into leadership roles is a common job pathway for PhD holders in education. These positions often involve making strategic decisions to improve educational systems, including:

• Overseeing school districts, managing budgets, and implementing policies.
• Leading a college or university, focusing on strategy and fundraising.
• Managing departments, developing programs, and guiding faculty and staff.

Education Policy and Budget

Budget allocation is among the biggest challenges in American schools, and analyses of finance metrics recommend a funding overhaul. Your doctorate education can help you find new methods to oversee and improve educational systems through policy development and budget management.

• Develop and evaluate policies to enhance educational systems.
• Allocate funds to various programs, guaranteeing financial efficiency.
• Manage operational aspects of educational institutions, including staffing and facilities.

Research Opportunities

A doctor of philosophy in education is a research-driven program. Getting into research is another thing you can do with your education PhD, letting you analyze educational trends and outcomes, so you can:

• Conduct studies to improve educational practices and policies.
• Work for companies developing educational products or services.
• Evaluate and promote educational initiatives in various communities.

Curriculum and Coursework Development

An education PhD provides in-depth knowledge of learning theories, instructional design, and educational technology. Specialists in curriculum and coursework development design educational programs that meet current academic standards.

• Create lesson plans, materials, and assessment tools.
• Make sure curricula align with educational standards and policies.
• Advise schools or companies on effective curriculum design.

Education Reform, Advocacy, or Professional Development

Throughout history, education advocacies fought for children’s access to education, budget cuts, safety in schools, and canceling student debt. Your PhD can lead to roles that focus on improving and advocating for education at various levels.

• Promote policies and practices that improve education.
• Develop and implement strategies for educational change.
• Provide training and development for educators to enhance their skills.

Areas of Specialization for PhD Holders in Education

Specializing in a particular area of education enables you to develop deep expertise, which is highly valued by employers seeking top talent. As we collect data on the top specializations in the education workforce, we’ve observed how excelling in an area lets professionals become invaluable. This may lead to better job security, growth opportunities, and income potential.

To maximize career success, we suggest identifying the intersection of personal interests and exceptional performance and concentrating efforts on becoming the best in that specific domain. Education PhD career avenues offer various areas where you can focus your expertise, leading to diverse career paths.

Based on job market trends and demand, we assess these specializations where you can target specific educational needs and develop valuable skills for making impactful changes.

Educational Leadership

Educational leadership focuses on preparing you to take on administrative and leadership roles in educational settings. Your advanced degree equips you with skills in strategic planning, policy analysis, and organizational improvement.

• Shape educational policies and practices
• Lead schools and educational institutions
• Manage and mentor teaching staff
• Develop and enforce school policies

Curriculum and Instruction

A PhD in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction equips you with the expertise to design, develop, and evaluate curricular materials, instructional strategies, and assessment methods that align with educational standards and best practices. This specialization emphasizes innovative teaching techniques suited to diverse learning environments.

• Design effective curricula
• Integrate new teaching methods
• Evaluate educational programs
• Improve classroom instruction techniques

Educational Technology

Suppose your PhD in education focuses on educational technology. You can lead the integration of innovative technologies into educational settings. This specialization involves understanding and implementing digital tools and resources to improve educational outcomes.

• Develop digital learning tools
• Implement technology in classrooms
• Train educators to use new technologies
• Research the impact of technology on education

Special Education

With a PhD in Education specializing in special education, you can contribute to the field by researching and advocating for policies supporting students with diverse learning needs. This specialization includes strategies for teaching students with disabilities and creating inclusive educational environments.

• Create individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Work with students with disabilities
• Develop inclusive classroom strategies
• Advocate for special education policies

Early Childhood Education

A PhD in education with a concentration in early childhood education prepares you to advance knowledge and practices in this critical developmental stage. This specialization covers child development theories, early learning standards, and effective teaching practices for young learners.

• Develop programs for young children
• Understand child development stages
• Implement early learning standards
• Cultivate family and community engagement

Adult Education and Literacy

Earning a PhD in education with a focus on adult education and literacy qualifies you to design and implement programs that support lifelong learning. This specialization addresses the unique needs of adult students, including literacy and workforce development.

• Design adult education programs
• Enhance adult literacy initiatives
• Support workforce training programs
• Develop materials for adult learners

Jobs You Can Get with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Only two percent of the U.S. population are PhD holders, making it a rare degree level. Earning a PhD in education opens up a myriad of career paths in the academic and educational sectors. These are the various employment options for professionals with a doctor of philosophy in education.

K-12 Principal

With a PhD in Education, you can leverage your advanced knowledge and research skills to lead and manage a K-12 school. This is among the most common jobs we see among PhD graduates who want to drive instructional excellence, foster a positive learning environment, and implement effective strategies to improve student achievement.

• Oversee day-to-day school operations
• Manage teachers and support staff
• Implement district policies and curriculum standards

School District Superintendent

Do you want to be responsible for setting the vision, developing policies, and leading strategic initiatives to improve educational outcomes? A doctoral degree in education equips you with the expertise to oversee and guide an entire school district to provide high-quality education for students within the district.

• Develop and implement district-wide strategies
• Manage educational budgets
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations

College Professor

Another way to take advantage of your PhD in education is to become a college professor. You can share your profound understanding of educational theories, practices, and research with aspiring educators, shaping the minds of future teachers and educational leaders.

• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Conduct and publish academic research
• Participate in academic committees

College Academic Dean

Utilize your PhD in education to take on a leadership role as an academic dean, overseeing academic programs and faculty development to uphold the integrity of an institution’s educational offerings.

• Oversee academic programs and departments
• Maintain academic quality and standards
• Manage administrative duties within the college

College President or Higher Education Administrator

With a PhD in education, you can rise to the highest administrative position in a college or university. This demanding yet fulfilling job lets you provide strategic vision, foster academic excellence, and guide the institution’s mission and goals.

• Set and implement the strategic vision for the institution
• Engage in fundraising and community relations
• Oversee administrative and academic policies

Provost or Chief Learning Officer

You can also use your education PhD to become a provost or chief learning officer. The combination of field experience and research lets you serve an institution through curriculum development and innovation integration in teaching and learning.

• Oversee the development of academic policies
• Collaborate with deans and department heads
• Promote high academic standards

Education Researcher or Consultant

Do you have research expertise and a deep understanding of educational theories and practices? As an education consultant or researcher with a PhD in education, you can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in educational institutions and organizations.

• Conduct educational research studies
• Analyze data to improve teaching methods
• Provide consultation to educational institutions

Curriculum Developer

You can also use a doctor of philosophy in education to thrive as a curriculum developer. This job involves aligning curriculum with educational standards, incorporating best practices, and meeting the diverse needs of learners.

• Design and develop instructional materials
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators
• Assess and improve curricular content

Instructional Designer

With an education PhD, you can excel as an instructional designer, combining your deep understanding of learning theories, instructional strategies, and educational technology. You’ll have the expertise to design innovative curricula, develop interactive multimedia resources, and implement instructional solutions that cater to diverse learner needs across various educational or corporate settings.

• Create educational programs and courses
• Work with subject matter experts
• Use technology to enhance learning experiences

Training and Development Manager

Do you want to develop and implement effective training programs for organizations across various industries? Apply your doctorate-level knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design, and educational technology as a training and development manager.

• Plan and oversee professional development programs
• Making sure training meets organizational needs
• Assess and improve training effectiveness

Education Policy Analyst

A PhD in education equips you with the research skills and specialized knowledge to analyze and evaluate educational policies, programs, and initiatives at the local, state, or national level. As an education policy analyst, you can specialize in the impact of educational equity, funding, standards, and student success.

• Study and evaluate educational policies
• Work with government or advocacy groups
• Provide data-driven policy recommendations

Related Questions

What Is the Highest Paid Job with a PhD in Education?

One of the highest-paid jobs with a PhD in education is that of school district superintendent with $178,415 as the average yearly income. They work closely with schools to manage budgets and implement district-wide strategies.

What Are the Benefits of Doing a PhD in Education?

A doctorate of philosophy in education allows you to contribute new research to the field. You gain deep knowledge and expertise in education theories and practices, making you a sought-after expert. This degree opens up opportunities for high-level roles in academia, research institutions, and policy-making bodies.

What Credentials Can I Gain from Studying a Doctorate in Education?

Studying for a PhD in education provides several key credentials, including becoming an expert in your chosen area, often leading to opportunities to publish research and present at conferences. You may also earn certifications or endorsements in specialized areas of education. Additionally, having a PhD adds significant weight to your CV.

Conclusion

From leadership roles to research opportunities, there are many jobs you can do with a PhD in education. As you embrace the knowledge of what you can achieve with this advanced degree, you can improve your potential as an educator, contribute to the education field, and positively impact the lives of learners and communities.