What can you do with an EdD?

Many education professionals are driven by a desire to make a broader impact through teaching, leadership, program improvement and evidence-based decision-making.

They may work across K–12, higher education, adult learning or organizational settings, and often look for ways to improve outcomes by applying research and proven practices.

What is an EdD?

Some professionals pursue a PhD in Education to focus primarily on original research and academic scholarship.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a terminal, professional practice doctorate that is designed to prepare educators for the application of appropriate and specific practices in the education profession.

In practice, that means EdD students may study a problem they see at work, such as a gap in student outcomes, a struggling training program or a literacy initiative that isn’t working, and use research to design and test a solution. They may be interested in:

• Applying research to daily decision-making
• Keeping up on the latest developments in the field
• Leading within the field

Learn more about the differences between an EdD and a PhD in Education.

Why is an EdD important?

An EdD can help you strengthen your ability to evaluate best practices, lead improvement efforts and support meaningful change in educational and organizational settings. Professionals who earn an EdD may pursue leadership-focused work in areas such as higher education, K–12 education, instructional design, educational technology and performance improvement.

Education professionals are being asked to guide new priorities, including responsible AI use in classrooms and workplaces, workforce upskilling, literacy improvement and data-informed accountability. These challenges call for the kind of applied, evidence-based leadership an EdD is designed to build.

Roles to explore with an EdD

Professionals with a doctoral degree in education may work in public or private schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits, corporations, consulting organizations and government agencies that support or influence education and training. Career paths can vary based on experience, licensure requirements and professional goals, but here are some job titles to explore based on EdD specializations offered by Capella University.

EdD specialization	Related job titles to explore*
EdD in Adult Education	Adult basic education instructor Director of adult education Director of community education Distinguished visiting professor Instructional coach Literacy coach
EdD in Curriculum and Instruction	Curriculum and instruction specialist Curriculum coordinator Director of curriculum and instruction Director of teaching and learning Instructional designer
EdD in Educational Leadership	Dean of education Dean of students Director of admissions Vice president of academic affairs/provost
EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership	Chief of staff District leader Human resources specialist Management and program analyst
EdD in Reading and Literacy	English instructor Humanities teacher Intensive reading teacher Reading specialist Reading teacher

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

However you choose to apply your degree, earning an EdD can help demonstrate advanced preparation, commitment to professional growth and interest in leading positive change within the field of education.