Doctoral Degrees in Education

With the availability of funding, grants and access to online degree programs via the Internet, it's easier than ever today to obtain an advanced degree. If you're interested in pursuing a doctorate in education (EdD), now is a great time to discover the many options available.

Types of Doctoral Degrees in Education

An EdD is the equivalent of a PhD but is particular to the education field. While coursework will vary by institution, the main areas of study for education doctorate programs include the following:
  • counseling: A doctoral degree in this area will give you the skills to counsel clients, whether they are students or employees of a company that has hired your services. This specialty also includes substance abuse counseling. Courses will cover individual, group and career counseling.

  • educational leadership: This degree paves the way for you to work in a supervisory or research position where you are preparing, and in some cases also teaching, student curriculum. Coursework in classroom discipline, public speaking and curriculum planning will give you the skills to manage and teach a classroom of students.

  • music education: This degree prepares you to teach music in public or private schools (or conservatories) or to pursue research positions in the field of music.Typical courses you will take include music education and trends in music education.

  • school psychology: With an EdD in this area of study, you will be able to give valuable aid to students of all ages. Coursework will cover such areas as counseling theory, research and publication, issues in consultation and behavioral assessment. With this degree, you will be equipped to do research as well as counsel students at all levels of education.

  • special needs education: This advanced degree will give you the skills to work with special needs or disabled students. Coursework will cover issues associated with mild to severe disabilities.

How to Obtain Education Doctoral Degrees

The requirements for acceptance into education doctorate programs will vary by institution, but here are some general requirements:
  • a bachelor's and master's degree from an accredited university
  • a grade point average of 3.0 or above (required by some institutions)
  • references by professionals familiar with your work.
If you can't commit to a full time, on-campus program, another way to obtain an EdD is through an online doctoral degree in education. Programs vary and information is just a mouse-click away.

Investing in Education Doctoral Degrees

The time it takes to complete the coursework for an education doctoral degree will vary by student, but the average time for completion can run five to six years. Tuition can range from $3,000 to more than $30,000 a year, depending on the educational institution you choose. Remember to consider housing and living expenses into your total costs when budgeting for an EdD.

Options for Financing an EdD

If the tuition costs have you seeing double, consider these common ways to fund your doctorate in education:
  • grants
  • loans
  • on-campus employment opportunities
  • scholarships.
Teaching is one of the most fulfilling jobs one can pursue. Equipping yourself with a doctoral degree in education can pave the way for a rewarding career.
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