Professionals who aspire to leadership roles may find themselves wondering if further education beyond a master’s degree could advance their careers. For those who work in the profession of education, or are interested in education-oriented leadership roles within a company or organization, a doctorate in educational leadership may be a degree of interest.

Why might someone pursue an Ed.D Educational Leadership? There are many reasons, including opportunities for career advancement, the chance to innovate in their profession and the desire to create a positive, sustained impact in their place of work. Individuals might also pursue an Ed.D. Educational Leadership in order to work toward a promotion or a higher salary potential.

From school districts and universities to corporations and communities agencies, employers are looking for strong educational leaders who have the skills, passion and experience needed to create meaningful change. Consider seven such positions that answer the question “What can you do with a doctorate in educational leadership?”

Higher Education Leadership

From Deans of colleges to the Chief Academic Officer role at a university, doctorate of education leadership graduates may choose to pursue higher education leadership positions. For example, Deans oversee areas of a college or university such as academics or students. Deans tend to be responsible for implementing policies, measuring progress and managing staff.

Deans are considered Postsecondary Education Administrators by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS lists a median salary of $96,910 for Postsecondary Education Administrators. These roles are expected to grow by 7 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Another example is a Chief Academic Officer, also referred to as a Provost, Vice President and Vice Chancellor. These professionals are responsible for oversight of a college or university’s educational programming, which includes curriculum, instruction, academic standards and pedagogy. They design and implement academic strategies and oversee course development and quality assessment as well as staff and budgets. Chief Academic Officers are also responsible for ensuring that standards such as accreditation are met.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a median annual salary of $98,980 for top executives as of May 2021. Roles for these professionals are expected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is as fast as the average growth rate for all professions. Similarly, the BLS lists a median salary of $96,910 for Postsecondary Education Administrator roles, which are expected to grow by 7 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Chief Learning Officer

Employed in a range of settings including school districts and corporations, Chief Learning Officers oversee education and development for employees. 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.

The BLS lists a median annual salary of $98,980 for top executives as of May 2021. Roles for these professionals are expected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is as fast as the average growth rate for all professions.

Training and Development Manager

Working in nearly every industry, Training and Development Managers typically manage a staff of training and development specialists. Training and Development Managers instruct specialists in training methods, assess the organization’s training needs and ensure that training goals are aligned with the organization’s overall goals. These professionals are also responsible for creating and managing training budgets as well as designing and executing training programs. They may analyze and select training materials, create and update training programs and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and training specialists.

While the minimum education level for a Training and Development Manager is a bachelor’s degree, a doctorate in educational leadership may provide more opportunities for advancement.

The BLS lists a median annual salary of $120,130 for Training and Development Managers each year. These roles are projected to grow by 7 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Education Administrator

Education Administrator roles include elementary, middle and high school Principals as well as Postsecondary Education Administrators such as Academic Deans and Chief Student Affairs Officers at colleges or universities. Elementary, middle and high school Principals are responsible for managing school operations, staff and activities. They oversee curriculum, schedules and budgets, assess and train Teachers and meet with students, Teachers and parents in pursuit of student success. Principals also often serve as the public face of the school in the community.

The BLS lists a median salary of $98,420 for elementary, middle and high school Principals. Roles for these professionals are expected to grow by 5 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Postsecondary Education Administrators may work in a department of a college or university, such as admissions, registration, or student services. Their roles vary depending on the department but tend to include overseeing staff and programs. Admissions Administrators may be responsible for determining the size of an incoming class, meeting with prospective students and reviewing applications and student data. Student Affairs Administrators, on the other hand, may lead a team of advisors to students, manage parent communication and oversee nonacademic programs for students.

The BLS lists a median salary of $96,910 for postsecondary education administrators. These roles are expected to grow by 7 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Social and Community Service Manager

Social and Community Service Managers work for a wide range of organizations focused on cultivating public well-being. They may work in organizations that support a specific population, such as unhoused citizens, people with mental health needs, or under-resourced children. Social and Community Service Managers may be responsible for overseeing the operations, staff and programs of a social organization. They foster relationships with community members, stakeholders and potential funders to design and implement programs and services that meet the needs of the demographic the organization serves. In a larger agency or organization, a Social and Community Service Manager may have a specialized role such as running a specific program offered by the organization.

The typical entry-level education for Social and Community Service Managers is a bachelor’s degree. However, earning a doctorate in educational leadership may provide greater opportunities for advancement in the profession.

The BLS lists a median annual salary of $74,000 per year for Social and Community Service Managers. Roles for these professionals are projected to grow by 12 percent between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the average rate for all occupations.

Superintendent

Superintendents are responsible for the oversight of all schools within their district. Their goal is to increase student success. Superintendents develop strategies and programs for improving educational performance within their district. They evaluate educational programs, services and facilities, as well as designing and approving academic plans and programs. Superintendents often work closely with Principals in their districts to improve student outcomes within their schools. They tend to have a significant role in the community and public life.

While a doctoral degree is not a prerequisite for becoming a Superintendent, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, reports that 42 percent of Superintendents have earned a doctorate. The report also states that Superintendents with an EdD earned high median salaries. For example, they found that the median annual salary for a Superintendent with a master’s degree was $137,500. Superintendents with an EdD, however, earned a median annual salary of $169,950. While the BLS does not specifically report on Superintendents, Zippia projects 4 percent growth in superintendent roles between 2018 and 2028.

Professor

Professors, also referred to as Postsecondary Teachers or Faculty, educate students beyond the high school level. Employed by community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, Professors specialize and teach in a specific subject area. They are responsible for designing instructional plans, planning lessons and assignments and teaching students. Professors assess and evaluate students’ progress and advise students. They may also be responsible for conducting ongoing research in their profession and contributing to the literature in their area of expertise.

Most postsecondary teaching roles require a doctoral degree. The BLS lists a median annual salary of $79,640 for postsecondary teachers. Roles for these professionals are projected to increase by 12 percent between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations.

Prepare to Create Meaningful Change in Your Industry with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Bonaventure University

Research shows that throughout the marketplace and in educational institutions, highly skilled leaders who promote organizational and individual growth are in high demand. For example, 77 percent of organizations report that they are facing a leadership gap. And one in four leaders say that leadership development is either not available or low quality within their organization.

Through the St. Bonaventure University’s online Ed.D. Educational Leadership program, you can develop the skills and knowledge you need to positively influence organizations and effect change. This practitioner focused, highly individualized program empowers students to create their own emphases and equips them to facilitate positive change in their organizations. The program helps students become thoughtful educational leaders with critical inquiry, reflection and dynamic leadership strategies through the lens of Franciscan values.

Designed for active professionals interested in practical research, the online Ed.D. Educational Leadership degree program can be completed in three years and is comprised of 48 credits. 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. There are no geographic limitations or travel requirements. Additional key features include:

• Fall, spring and summer start dates

• Affordable, competitive tuition

• Full-time faculty with the highest degrees in their profession

The dissertation component of the program offers students the opportunity to create their own research, exploring an area of interest that will specifically apply to real-world leadership positions. The dissertations are problem-based, address local educational issues and draw upon broader theories, trends and research.

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.

St. Bonaventure University is highly acclaimed by U.S. News & World Report, ranking on their lists of:

• Top 10 Best Value Schools

• Top 20 Regional Universities

• Top 60 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, SBU is considered one of the Best 387 Colleges by The Princeton Review.

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