What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership?

Updated on September 29, 2026.

In a competitive job market, your education can determine what positions and opportunities you qualify for. Professionals aspiring to leadership roles who possess master’s degrees can set themselves apart from the competition with additional education. Anyone working in education or interested in leadership roles may be a good fit for a doctorate in educational leadership (Ed.D.) program. 

An Ed.D. in Educational Leadership differs from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in its focus on practical applications of academic research. This degree option encourages students to learn how to solve real-world problems through coursework and research.

What can you do with an Ed.D.? Graduates are well-positioned to advance in their careers, innovate in their industries, and set high standards for others in their workplace. The degree is highly versatile in that the skills and competencies students learn are relevant in academic, community, and corporate settings alike. 

By learning what you can do with a doctorate in educational leadership, you’ll gain a clearer picture of the professional paths to explore and why employers take notice of Ed.D. graduates. 

What Is the Right Doctorate for Your Career? 

Choosing a doctoral degree depends on whether you want to become an academic scholar with a Ph.D. or a workplace practitioner‑leader with an Ed.D. Both represent the highest level of education; however, a number of differences set them apart. 

The admissions requirements for Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs differ because of each degree’s intent. Ph.D. applicants typically need master’s degrees in their desired doctoral discipline with master-level dissertations reflecting their scholarly potential. Ed.D. programs appeal to experienced professionals from different fields by requiring master’s degrees in most disciplines and years of work experience. 

Ph.D. and Ed.D. candidates demonstrate their knowledge and skills through dissertations. The Ph.D. dissertation is intended for publication in academic journals or as the basis for further writing. Ed.D. programs prepare future leaders with dissertation processes focused on solving challenges in the classroom, the boardroom, or the community.

According to a 2023 study published in Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, Ed.D. students had more flexibility in the nature of their final projects, with 83.7% of programs requiring a traditional dissertation, 8.1% requiring a capstone project, and 8.1% requiring a “less defined final project.”

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Key Differences at a Glance 

Explore some of these degrees’ differentiators below.

These key differences highlight that what you can do with an Ed.D. is quite different from what you can do with a Ph.D.

What Are Common Career Paths for Ed.D. Graduates? 

Ed.D. graduates commonly move into leadership roles in K‑12 schools, higher education, and organizational learning, including positions like principal, superintendent, college dean, chief learning officer (CLO), and training and development manager. 

A doctoral degree can raise the ceiling on your future career paths. The Ed.D.’s focus on solving leadership challenges translates well into the jobs summarized below.

1. K-12 Education Leadership 

Teachers in K-12 schools possess the classroom experience, licensure, and commitment to student success for leadership positions. K-12 career opportunities for Ed.D. graduates include principal of an elementary, middle, or high school and superintendent of a school district. A doctorate isn’t the minimum education requirement for these roles currently, but approximately 35.6% of respondents to a 2024-2025 survey by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) reported taking Ed.D. programs.

Principal 

Principals guide the work of teachers, department heads, and vice principals to ensure student safety and success. Leaders in this position establish goals and monitor progress in areas from professional development for teachers to student achievement. They represent their schools in their communities and advocate to school boards and district officials for necessary resources. 

An Ed.D., state licensure, and years of classroom experience can help you become a principal. K-12 principals have more responsibilities and autonomy and also earn higher salaries. The BLS lists a median salary of $105,870 for principals, far exceeding the median salaries of the following K-12 roles: 

• Elementary school teachers ($63,820) 
• Middle school teachers ($64,370) 
• High school teachers ($72,040)

Superintendent 

Superintendents are the chief executive officers for K-12 school districts across the country. They establish policies for all facets of student and staff experiences, from curriculum to facilities management. School superintendents lobby legislators for educational funding, communicate district changes to local media, and develop long-term plans for district success. Their work is implemented through assistant superintendents, principals, and other staff members. 

Due to the nature of Ed.D. programs and their focus on solving real-world problems, graduates are generally well suited for superintendent roles.

According to the 2024-25 AASA Superintendent Salary & Benefits Study, the median annual salary for school superintendents was $158,721.

2. Higher Education Leadership 

Career opportunities for Ed.D. graduates interested in educating future leaders are also available on college campuses. College deans oversee assigned areas of university operations from specific schools to student affairs. Chief academic officers — also known as provosts — maintain university accreditation and ensure industry and state educational standards are achieved. An Ed.D. and a commitment to academic excellence can open doors to university leadership roles. 

The rewards for a career in higher education are numerous, not the least of which is competitive compensation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists a median salary of $104,590 for postsecondary education administrators in May 2024. The top 10% of earners reported salaries of at least $215,620, while state university administrators earned more than the median of $107,540.

3. Chief Learning Officer 

CLOs oversee education and development for employees in school districts, corporations, and nonprofits. Their responsibilities include creating and implementing training plans, designing and delivering development programs, and assessing the learning needs within an organization. These professionals also analyze the programs they implement to determine if the learning culture in the organization is succeeding, if learning goals are being met, and how educational programs within the organization can improve. 

An Ed.D. in Educational Leadership fits with this career path better than most C-Suite roles because degree candidates learn about policies and practices for effective leadership. Aspiring CLOs can apply these ideas to innovations in staff training during their dissertation research. Experienced professionals may also apply what they’ve learned earlier in their career to discussions with fellow Ed.D. candidates. 

Aspiring CLOs should focus on developing leadership, organizational development, program development, and other in-demand skills the role demands.

Payscale reports that CLOs earned a median annual salary of approximately $168,000 as of October 2025, with the top 10% earning more than $225,000.

4. Training and Development Manager 

Training and development managers oversee a staff of training and development specialists. They also instruct specialists in training methods, assess the organization’s training needs, and ensure that training goals are aligned with the organization’s overall goals. This alignment is made possible through the design, implementation, and analysis of training programs. Professionals in this career path also stay updated on industry trends and adapt training programs to keep their employers competitive. 

While the minimum education level for a training and development manager is a bachelor’s degree, an Ed.D. allows you to stand out from the competition for jobs in this career. The BLS projects a 6% growth in training and development management roles from 2025 to 2035. High demand for experienced professionals translates into good compensation, with a median salary of $133,000 in May 2025.

5. Professor 

As a terminal degree, an Ed.D. qualifies graduates for teaching opportunities at the university level. You can combine your full-time work with part-time adjunct roles or pursue tenure-track positions in educational leadership and comparable disciplines. Professors design instructional plans for their courses, evaluate student progress, and conduct research that advances their academic discipline. They also work with fellow professors and academic staff to keep their departments competitive with other universities. 

Employment as a university professor requires a doctoral degree. The BLS lists a median annual salary of $85,330 for postsecondary teachers and a 7% growth rate from 2025 to 2035. The highest 10% of earners reported salaries of at least $203,580, with above-median salaries in disciplines like business and law. 

Is an Ed.D. Worth It? 

If you’re exploring what you can do with an Ed.D., the value becomes clear when you consider how it can affect your career trajectory. 

1. It Opens Doors to Leadership Roles Across Sectors 

An Ed.D. prepares graduates for leadership positions in K-12 schools, higher education, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. The degree’s practitioner‑focused design helps professionals step into roles where strategic planning, organizational improvement, and people leadership are essential. This versatility is a major advantage for anyone seeking upward mobility. 

2. It Helps You Stand Out in Competitive Job Markets 

Many leadership roles don’t require a doctorate — however, having one is a differentiator that employers notice. Ed.D. graduates can rise above other applicants because they bring advanced problem‑solving skills, research‑driven decision‑making, and a deeper understanding of how to improve learning systems. In fields where leadership positions are highly sought after, this distinction matters. 

3. It Strengthens Your Earning Potential 

Across K-12, higher education, and corporate learning environments, professionals with doctorates consistently earn more than their peers. If you’re pursuing roles like principal, superintendent, dean, CLO, or training and development manager, an Ed.D. can position you for higher salaries and long‑term financial growth. 

4. It Develops Practical Skills You Can Use Immediately 

Unlike research‑heavy doctoral programs, Ed.D. coursework focuses on real‑world challenges. Graduates learn how to lead teams, manage change, evaluate programs, analyze data, and improve organizational outcomes. These skills directly translate into day‑to‑day leadership responsibilities, making the degree valuable from the moment you begin applying what you learn. 

5. It Expands Your Influence as an Educator or a Leader 

Ed.D. graduates can prepare for roles where they can shape policy, guide institutional strategy, or improve learning experiences for entire communities. If you want your work to have broader impact, an Ed.D. can provide the tools to lead at scale.

Open Career Paths with a Doctorate Degree from St. Bonaventure University 

Research shows that highly effective leaders who promote organizational and individual growth are in high demand. Seventy-seven percent of organizations report that they are facing a leadership gap. St. Bonaventure University’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership can help you develop the skills and expertise to fill this leadership gap and positively influence organizations. 

Our 48-credit Ed.D. program can be completed in three years without setting foot in a classroom. The fully online program is designed to develop leaders in education, nonprofits, business, and the public sector. Coursework is offered in a cohort model, so students have the opportunity to build relationships with their peers and professors. This coursework builds advanced knowledge in areas including: 

• Analyzing Diversity Policy & Practices in Education 
• Complexity, Communication, and Collaboration 
• Leadership Theories and Practices 

The dissertation component of the program offers students the opportunity to create their own research, exploring an area of interest that will apply to real-world leadership situations. Each dissertation involves research methodology, data collection, and a final product that can be implemented in the workplace. Online Ed.D. program graduates leave St. Bonaventure University with research demonstrating their readiness for organizational leadership. 

As members of the St. Bonaventure University community, online Ed.D. Educational Leadership students are supported by Franciscan values of compassion, wisdom, and integrity. The university is dedicated to developing leaders who help others, value academic excellence, and are civically engaged. 

Build a solid foundation in applied educational leadership research and theory, while learning to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world educational settings with an online Ed.D. Educational Leadership degree from St. Bonaventure University. 

Learn More About SBU’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership 

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