The job market is getting more competitive all the time in just about every field. If you’re already pursuing a career path in education, then you’re probably thinking about your next steps. What do you want from your career, and will your resume stand up to the competition?
Of course, there’s always a demand for great teachers. But if you’re not sure that your place in education is in the classroom, or if you want to teach students at a higher level, then you may need to think beyond a Bachelor’s degree—or even a Master’s degree. Getting a Doctorate in education will give you more career options and help you find a path that’s fulfilling and interesting.
Who Should Earn a Doctorate?
When most people think about Doctorate degrees, they think about people in fields like philosophy or history. The truth is, however, that a Doctorate can be earned in nearly every discipline. Not everyone needs to pursue their education to this level, but some in the education sector could benefit from going beyond a Master’s degree.
In our world today, a Bachelor’s degree is a baseline requirement for so many jobs. To stand out, you need to have a Master’s degree. To rise above the competition, a Ph.D. might be the way to go.
Specialized knowledge is key. Earning a Doctorate takes time and dedication, which not only provides you with the tools needed to help expand and innovate within your field but also indicates to employers that you have an advanced skill set. A Doctorate helps you specialize and narrow your focus so you can make a difference in the field of education.
Doctorate Pros and Cons
Of course, getting a Ph.D. has its upsides and downsides. Not everyone can (or should) pursue a Doctorate. Here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about getting a Doctorate in education:
Pros:
- Gain specialized knowledge needed to succeed in your field
- Unlock exciting new career opportunities and more prestige within the field
- Contribute to innovations and improvements within education
- Work as a graduate assistant and earn a salary while earning a degree
- Improve your writing and “soft” skills
- Networking opportunities
Cons:
- Cost, especially if you have existing student loans
- Time-consuming and stressful—getting a Ph.D. will likely be all-consuming for a while
- Loneliness while pursuing individual research
- No guarantee of getting a job with a good salary
- Reduces opportunities to gain real-world experience
Whether or not you should get a Doctorate largely depends on what you want to do with your career, ultimately. Those who want to push the current boundaries of education and improve the systems that are currently in place may want to consider a Doctorate. Those who don’t, might be better suited to one of the critical and clearly-defined roles within the education system as it exists today.
Online Education Options
Online learning has been popular for many years, even before COVID-19 forced schools to make their curriculums virtual, at least temporarily. While in-person learning has definite advantages, online learning offers convenience and flexibility that suits working adults and parents well.
Now that distance learning is becoming more accepted within the field of education, it is possible for PhD candidates to complete their degree through online learning. As a Ph.D. takes years of study and research, online EdD programs can make the process much more convenient and less stressful than being on campus full time.
If the need for flexibility has been holding you back from earning a Doctorate, then an online program might be a great choice. Now that the field of education has started incorporating distance learning as both a convenient option and a necessity for public health, having first-hand experience as a distance learner could also be an advantage for educational Doctorate candidates.
Next Steps Towards Earning Your Doctorate
If you think a Doctorate makes sense for your career goals in education, then the first step is to consider which programs you’re interested in. Whether in-person or online, the program should be well-respected and offer you the support you need for your research. Be sure that you understand the requirements and meet or exceed them before you apply.
When you decide to pursue a doctorate degree from an accredited online school, such as California Coast University, you’re taking the first step toward making your educational dreams come true. Find more information here.
Most people earn a Master’s degree before moving on to doctoral study. This may not be a requirement, but it can help prepare you for the rigors of earning your Ph.D. If you don’t already have a Master’s in education, you may want to consider pursuing one before you work toward a doctoral degree.
You don’t have to know exactly what you want to focus on for the research portion of your doctoral studies before you apply, but it’s good to start thinking about your options early on. This will help you during the application process and allow you to pick programs that align with your interests.
Earning a Doctorate in education isn’t an easy feat. It’s the highest level of study and requires you to make meaningful contributions to your field. Still, it can be one of the best ways to rise above the competition and allow you to really make a difference in the lives of students, now and in the future.
