What kind of education program is right for your plan of study? Find out with this article, which details the options in educational leadership doctoral programs. The article gives examples of courses and learning formats.
What Are Educational Leadership Doctoral Degree Programs?
An educational leadership doctoral degree program can prepare you to be an effective administrator or leader within a school system. Many programs stress the importance of training you to bring about positive changes and transformations that address current and future educational issues. Throughout a program, you can gain fundamental research and analytical skills that prepare you to write your dissertation and give you the ability to be an innovator throughout your education career.
The most common degree conferred in an educational leadership doctoral program is the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), but you also can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.L.D.). You may be able to keep your current job through flexible scheduling and online course options. Many doctoral programs in educational leadership require a capstone project and dissertation.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Level</b></td><td>Doctoral (Ph.D. or Ed.D.)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td>Diversity, policy assessment, financial resources, education reform</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program Requirements</b></td><td>Dissertation and/or capstone project</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program Formats</b></td><td>In-class, online, and hybrid</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$98,490 (<i>for elementary, middle and high school principals</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% growth (<i>for elementary, middle and high school principals</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesMightITake">What Courses Might I Take?</h3><p>Through an educational leadership doctoral degree program, you might examine administration issues, community diversity, financial resources and education reform. Inquiry, research and analysis also may be covered. You'll likely gain an understanding of leadership theory. Additionally, your courses may discuss curriculum and policy assessment methods, as well as how to use information to make decisions.
</p><p>Much of your doctoral program will be spent on your dissertation and capstone project. The dissertation is typically a presentation of new, relevant research in the field of education, which is reviewed by a committee. This is the culmination of your work as a doctoral candidate. The capstone project is usually a hands-on experience that allows you to apply educational ideas and theories. You'll report your findings back to a committee, often through your dissertation.
</p><h3 id="section---CanILearnOnline">Can I Learn Online?</h3><p>Most educational leadership doctoral degree programs will allow you to take some courses online or in a blended-learning format, but online-only programs are hard to find. Some programs deliver courses through the Internet, but require periodic visits to campus for face-to-face learning. You might be able to take courses in the evenings and on weekends, allowing you to tailor your schedule to meet your work needs.</p>
