If you possess valuable teaching experience and a desire to improve your career prospects and take a more pivotal role in shaping your school’s culture, consider enrolling in the online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program from Arkansas State University (A-State). This 100% online program “offers rigorous career and educational field preparation for master’s and post-master’s level professionals who aspire to ascend to top leadership roles in education.”
Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Ed.D. program at A-State provides unparalleled support from experienced faculty members who will mentor and collaborate with students from the first course through the final dissertation. In addition to the stellar curriculum, the affordable tuition and flexible academic calendar make it a clear choice for future educational leaders.
What Can I Do with an EdD in Educational Leadership?
Earning an Ed.D. in educational leadership is an excellent way to elevate an already established career. As an experienced teacher who wants to advance professionally and assume a leadership role, you can use the knowledge gained through a doctoral degree to prepare for roles in education administration. Here are just a few of the job roles A-State’s Ed.D. program will prepare you to excel in, along with median 2024 salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or industry sources:
- School principal: $104,070 (BLS)
- Superintendent: $156,000(The School Superintendent Association)
- Instructional coordinator:Â $74,720 (BLS)
- Postsecondary education administrator: $103,960 (BLS)
What Is the Difference Between a PhD and EdD Degree?
The Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education are both terminal degrees. However, they differ in important ways, namely in that Ed.D. programs focus on educational practice while education-oriented Ph.D. programs tend to focus on research.
An Ed.D. or Doctorate of Education program is designed specifically for students preparing for a future actively working in education. For example, in the A-State program, you will develop highly effective classroom and administrative skills and prepare to implement them in real-world settings.
On the other hand, a Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is tailored more to individuals interested in research, academia or making theoretical contributions in a particular field. Students who graduate with a Ph.D. in educational leadership are more likely to use their skills as college professors or researchers working for government agencies, nonprofits and public institutions.
Coursework in an Educational Leadership Doctorate Program
One of the most impressive aspects of the Ed.D. from Arkansas State University is the writing-intensive curriculum. Each of the advanced courses required to complete this fully online doctoral program maintains the highest possible standards of academic excellence. Graduates of A-State are well prepared to become recognized leaders in the world of education, thanks to courses such as:
- Advanced Organizational Theory & Inquiry
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Comparative Education
- Organizational Development in Education (P-12)
- Politics of Education (P-12)
- Educational Leadership Practices
- Educational Policy and the Law
- Socio-Cultural Issues of Education
- Qualitative Research & Evaluation
The Benefits of a Flexible Academic Calendar and Affordable Tuition
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University offers a convenient academic calendar with multiple start dates each year. This increased flexibility is particularly valuable to working educators, and students can complete the entire doctorate in as few as 40 months.
In addition to convenience, earning your Ed.D. at A-State is of tremendous value. The program at A-State is an established, affordable option for students eager to reap the financial benefits of a doctoral degree sooner rather than later.
If you are an experienced educator ready to become a dynamic leader in your school district, the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University offers an accredited curriculum, outstanding faculty support for students and an exceptional value for your tuition dollar. This fully online program provides graduates with the depth of knowledge necessary to establish exceptional academic standards in their local schools and districts.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership.