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Navigating the Doctorate in Education

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Navigating the Doctorate in Education is an engaging and honest conversation for anyone considering pursuing a doctorate degree in education. This book helps prospective students navigate the journey from choosing the right university to completing the research and achieving the ultimate title of doctor of education. Success in this advanced degree journey depends on understanding where to go; financial, personal, and professional demands; and the educational expectations of a doctorate degree. There are nuances of the process, whether you take classes on campus or online, that every candidate should know before beginning this terminal degree. A timely text, Navigating the Doctorate in Education encapsulates perspectives from professors and former doctoral candidates so you will be informed and prepared for success.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part i | 25  pages, planning where you want to go, chapter chapter 1 | 11  pages, introduction to education doctoral programs, chapter chapter 2 | 12  pages, which program fits my professional goals, part ii | 30  pages, packing your skills suitcase, chapter chapter 3 | 18  pages, assessing your skills, chapter chapter 4 | 10  pages, preparing yourself for the road ahead, part iii | 17  pages, avoiding quicksand on the trail, chapter chapter 5 | 8  pages, the big three, chapter chapter 6 | 7  pages, rules of the road, part iv | 43  pages, crossing the oceans, chapter chapter 7 | 8  pages, research expedition, chapter chapter 8 | 9  pages, your tour guides, chapter chapter 9 | 16  pages, chapter chapter 10 | 4  pages, documenting your journey, chapter chapter 11 | 4  pages, the final defense, part v | 25  pages, planning your next adventure, chapter chapter 12 | 9  pages, career: school leadership, chapter chapter 13 | 14  pages, career path: higher education.

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1st Edition

Navigating the Doctorate in Education Planning Your Journey

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Navigating the Doctorate in Education is an engaging and honest conversation for anyone considering pursuing a doctorate degree in education. This book helps prospective students navigate the journey from choosing the right university to completing the research and achieving the ultimate title of doctor of education. Success in this advanced degree journey depends on understanding where to go; financial, personal, and professional demands; and the educational expectations of a doctorate degree. There are nuances of the process, whether you take classes on campus or online, that every candidate should know before beginning this terminal degree. A timely text, Navigating the Doctorate in Education encapsulates perspectives from professors and former doctoral candidates so you will be informed and prepared for success.

Table of Contents

Julie Fernandez is Dean of the College of Education at Charleston Southern University, USA. Krista Allison is Program Chair of the EdD program at Charleston Southern University, USA.

Critics' Reviews

"Fernandez and Allison have provided a much needed practical guide for those desiring to pursue a doctorate in education specifically. Current practitioners considering pursuing the terminal degree will particularly find this work extremely helpful. The  Travel Journal  and  Packing Checklist  sections in each chapter are a creative way to provide students with the needed motivation on their journey to degree completion."  -Dr. Michael Rosato. Professor and Dean, School of Education, Howard Payne University "A thorough, sincere, and out-of-the-box testament of what a doctoral journey means for all who decide to undertake it. Filled with excerpts of those who have  been there and done that , Drs. Fernandez and Allison have brought forth one of the most straightforward accounts of what it takes to succeed in the doctoral academic world." - Dr. Pablo G. Siboldi, Assistant Principal, Aldine Independent School District

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Earning A Doctoral Degree In Education: What You Need To Know

Updated: Oct 31, 2023, 10:19am

For many professionals working in education, earning a doctorate is a great way to learn new skills, explore challenges, and reach personal and career goals.

Earning a doctoral degree in education can help advance your career in research, academia and leadership. With this degree, you could engage in impactful research to solve challenges in education or develop practical ways to support faculty and staff at every level.

This article explores doctoral degrees in education, including admission requirements, specializations, common courses and job options. Keep reading to see if pursuing this degree is right for you.

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What Is a Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education equips scholars and education professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to move into higher-level positions. Graduates may earn a doctor of education (Ed.D.) or a doctor of philosophy in education (Ph.D.) . Doctorates in education often specialize in certain areas, such as educational leadership, special education or literacy.

A doctorate in education typically requires between 48 and 72 credits of coursework. Students can usually earn their degree within three or four years, including time to complete a dissertation. However, each school determines its own requirements, so total credits and time commitment will vary.

Admission Requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Education

While each program sets its own standard for admissions, the following list covers common requirements.

• Master’s degree
• Academic transcript showing a minimum GPA, typically 3.0 to 3.5
• Résumé or curriculum vitae detailing relevant professional experience
• Statement of purpose and/or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample, such as a published article, term paper or thesis
• Demonstration of English proficiency, sometimes through a test

Prospective students often must submit an application fee and complete an interview with program faculty.

Specializations for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Doctoral students can pursue a wide variety of specializations. Offerings vary by institution and degree type, though some specializations apply to both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs.

Popular focus areas for doctoral degrees in education include:

• Agricultural education
• Career and technical education
• Curriculum and teaching
• Early childhood education
• Educational technology
• English language learning
• Exercise science
• General education
• Instructional leadership
• International education and globalization
• Leadership and counseling
• Learning analytics in higher education
• Organizational leadership
• Science and mathematics education
• Special education
• Trauma-informed educational practices

Common Courses in a Doctorate in Education

Doctorate coursework includes both core classes and concentration courses. Below, review a few common courses you might encounter in an education doctoral program.

Foundations of Advanced Graduate Study and Research

This course provides an overview of a doctoral program’s many concepts, practices and expectations. Students learn about university resources, such as learning and research technology.

Scholarly Literature Review

In this class, learners develop an understanding of research and writing strategies, an essential skill for their doctoral program and future careers. They learn techniques for surveying scholarly literature, avoiding bias, identifying themes and theoretical perspectives, and reflecting different viewpoints in their writing.

Introduction to Statistics: Inquiry, Analysis and Decision Making

In this course, learners study approaches to analyzing quantitative information. Enrollees evaluate real-world data and learn about the importance of statistics in policy decisions.

Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment: Pre-Candidacy Prospectus

Students enroll in this class after completing their foundation, specialization and research coursework. Using the knowledge and research techniques they’ve learned, students create a prospectus that addresses a problem within an educational context, which may serve as the starting point for their dissertation.

Accreditation for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Accreditation affirms that a college or program meets high standards for quality education and state licensing requirements. Educational institutions may be accredited nationally or regionally.

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific departments, degree programs and colleges within educational institutions. For education degrees, this distinction is crucial. It ensures the program properly equips graduates for high-level work in classrooms, universities and education-focused organizations.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is the largest professional accrediting body for doctoral degrees in education. This organization focuses on metrics like student performance data, program impact, fiscal responsibility and clinical practice.

Departments may also earn accreditation from the newer, smaller Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). AAQEP uses a collaborative, flexible, improvement-focused, holistic approach to accreditation.

Finally, some agencies provide accreditation for specific areas of study within education. For example, the American Psychological Association accredits school psychology programs .

Ph.D. in Education vs. Ed.D.: What’s the Difference?

While an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in education can both prepare you for high-level careers in academia, these two degrees differ in scope.

A Ph.D. in education is ideal if you want to conduct scholarly research or teach at a college or university. It will help you develop research techniques, understand the principles of inquiry and hone your teaching skills.

If you aim to use your knowledge in practice rather than research, an Ed.D. may suit you better. A doctor of education degree readies you to work in leadership positions directly with students, teachers and other education professionals.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Earning a doctorate in education prepares you for various careers in academia. Consider the following list of potential jobs, including education requirements and salary information. We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale in October 2023.

Average Annual Salary: $167,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Provosts serve as senior-level administrators in universities and colleges. They may oversee educational program development, allocate funds to departments, work to maintain academic integrity, and provide guidance and leadership to students.

Academic Dean

Average Annual Salary: $103,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Academic deans manage personnel and development in educational institutions. They work with faculty and staff to establish academic goals and strategies. They also participate in hiring faculty and staff, oversee budgets, develop academic standards for their departments, and aid in recruitment and retention.

Median Annual Salary: $80,840 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Professors, also referred to as postsecondary teachers, instruct students in colleges and universities. They may also research and publish books or scholarly papers. Professors plan and develop lessons and assignments, guide students, and stay up-to-date on new technologies and innovations in their areas of expertise.

School Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: $139,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education , doctorate sometimes preferred Job Overview: As the highest-ranking school system administrators, superintendents work under the supervision and direction of a school board. They hire school principals, manage and terminate employees, adhere to budgets and solve problems within the district.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Median Annual Salary: $99,940 as of May 2022 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education leadership or a related field, sometimes bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Postsecondary education administrators work in university departments, such as student affairs, athletics or admissions. Their duties depend on their department. For example, a registrar’s office administrator oversees registration and academic policies, while an admissions administrator handles applications and applicants’ questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning a Doctoral Degree in Education

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in education.

Earning a doctoral degree in education typically takes three to four years, but some programs require more or less time. Each educational institution sets its own credit requirements.

Is getting a doctorate in education hard?

Earning a doctorate in education requires dedication and commitment. But that challenge might be worth it if you’re passionate about education and want to learn new skills to propel your career forward.

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Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

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Product Description

Product details.

ISBN 9781032596006

Format PAPERBACK

Publisher ROUTLEDGE (26 February. 2024)

No. of Pages 148

Language English

Dimensions 229 x 152 x 9

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Online Ed.D. in Education Administration | OU Online

Online Doctor of Education in Education Administration

Become a changemaker for education., make informed decisions in complex settings.

The OU Online Doctor of Education in Education Administration is a 100% online, 54-credit-hour program that takes 36 months to complete. Led by renowned educational leaders and scholars from OU’s Jeanine Rainbolt College of Education, the program emphasizes relationship-building in a cohort model through community groups, networking events, and collaborative projects. The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), culminates with a problem of practice dissertation completed during coursework in the program's third year.

*The summer and fall cohorts for this program are currently at capacity. 

Choose from the following tracks:

Pk-12 educational leadership.

Learn cutting-edge research and leadership skills to help advance your career in PK-12 school district-level education, including assistant, associate, and superintendent positions and human resources administration.

Higher Education Leadership

Apply current scholarship and research skills to advance your career in colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations. You’ll be prepared for positions in student affairs, student support services, institutional research, and higher-level positions like dean or provost.

Request Information

Admission deadline.

Rolling admissions (applications due 14 days before the intended start date).

Program Start Terms

Fall, Summer

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Benefits of the Education  Administration Doctoral Degree

Meet today’s growing demand.

As today’s educational landscape grows increasingly complex, there is a growing need for quality leaders who can meet these new challenges. Become equipped with the advanced knowledge and skills others lack and become an educational change agent in your organization.

Strong Career Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary administrators is projected to grow 4 percent by 2032. An estimated 15,300 job openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of these openings will result in the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.

Flexible Format

Learn in a flexible, online program designed for working professionals. You’ll engage in discussion with professors and fellow students with opportunities to work together and collaborate.

OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation*

OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more*

OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field*

*Source: OU Online Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023

Pursue Your  Education  Administration Doctoral Degree

Take the next step in your career with a degree from the University of Oklahoma. Applications are reviewed year-round for fall, spring, and summer sessions. Choose your program, choose your start, and apply today.

Program Breakdown

OU Online’s Doctor of Education in Education Administration program is structured to prepare students for job advancement and leadership by cultivating a deeper understanding of challenges in today’s educational settings. Students will learn how to lead change in their careers and gain the tools necessary to make positive and lasting changes in the organizations and educational settings in which they interact.

The program hosts monthly coffee chats each Friday where students can network with faculty and industry leaders. After completing year two, students will have the option to attend an immersion experience on campus.

This program offers two tracks – PK-12 Educational Leadership or Higher Education Leadership. Students can begin their curriculum in summer or fall terms. Courses will contain both asynchronous and synchronous components. Synchronous sessions are optional and will be recorded for playback.

PK-12 Educational Leadership Track

• Applied Quantitative
• Theoretical Paradigms in Education
• Visionary Leadership
• Qualitative Inquiry for Practitioners
• Program Evaluation
• Instructional Leadership in Educational Administration
• Dissertation Development & Advisory
• Educational & Community Relations
• Strategic & Financial Planning in Education
• Special Education Law
• Prospectus Development
• Advanced Inquiry
• Readings for Prospectus
• Policy Planning and Development

Higher Education Leadership Track

• Administration of Adult & Higher Ed
• Educational Technology Leadership
• Critical Literature in Adult & Higher Ed
• Diversity Issues in Higher Ed

How to Apply

Admissions to the online Doctor of Education in Education Administration are selective. To be considered, you must have a conferred master’s degree from an accredited institution.

To apply, students must:

• Complete the online application at  https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
• Submit a current resume
• Provide official college transcripts from all institutions for both undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Background on the setting (e.g., school district, higher education institution, or non-profit organization)
• Description of the problem of the practice
• Importance of your problem of practice
• It is understood that the dissertation topic/interests may change, so you are not locked into this proposal if you are accepted into the program.  
• International students must demonstrate English proficiency.

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admissions process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before classes start. The program strives to respond to applicants within one week of submitting a completed application.

For more information about the admissions process, please complete the contact form below, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.

If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the  cost calculator  on our OU Online financial aid page. 

Graduate tuition waivers cannot be applied to OU Online programs. OU Online programs qualify for the OU Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver & Fee Exemption, and we encourage you to check your eligibility.  

Tuition waiver and fee exemption package application

If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing  [email protected]  or calling 405-325-2929.

Same Academic Excellence

Like every OU Online program, the Ed.D. in Education Administration is built on the foundation of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

An Investment in Your Future

Earning a Doctor of Education in Education Administration from OU Online gives you the advanced knowledge necessary to make informed and effective decisions in complex educational settings. You’ll learn to develop and implement strategic plans that drive positive change and innovation in educational organizations, gaining an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community.

Tuition and fees for the program are $29,700 ($550 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.

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We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.

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When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.

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Navigating the Doctorate in Education 1st Edition

Navigating the Doctorate in Education is an engaging and honest conversation for anyone considering pursuing a doctorate degree in education. This book helps prospective students navigate the journey from choosing the right university to completing the research and achieving the ultimate title of doctor of education. Success in this advanced degree journey depends on understanding where to go; financial, personal, and professional demands; and the educational expectations of a doctorate degree. There are nuances of the process, whether you take classes on campus or online, that every candidate should know before beginning this terminal degree. A timely text, Navigating the Doctorate in Education encapsulates perspectives from professors and former doctoral candidates so you will be informed and prepared for success.

• ISBN-10 1032597925
• ISBN-13 978-1032597928
• Edition 1st
• Publication date February 26, 2024
• Language English
• Dimensions 6 x 0.56 x 9 inches
• Print length 162 pages
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

"Fernandez and Allison have provided a much needed practical guide for those desiring to pursue a doctorate in education specifically. Current practitioners considering pursuing the terminal degree will particularly find this work extremely helpful. The Travel Journal and Packing Checklist sections in each chapter are a creative way to provide students with the needed motivation on their journey to degree completion."

-Dr. Michael Rosato. Professor and Dean, School of Education, Howard Payne University

"A thorough, sincere, and out-of-the-box testament of what a doctoral journey means for all who decide to undertake it. Filled with excerpts of those who have been there and done that , Drs. Fernandez and Allison have brought forth one of the most straightforward accounts of what it takes to succeed in the doctoral academic world."

- Dr. Pablo G. Siboldi, Assistant Principal, Aldine Independent School District

About the Author

Julie Fernandez is Dean of the College of Education at Charleston Southern University, USA.

Krista Allison is Program Chair of the EdD program at Charleston Southern University, USA.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge; 1st edition (February 26, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 162 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1032597925
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1032597928
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.56 x 9 inches

About the author

Julie fernandez.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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Ed.D.: Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

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• Doctoral Writing Guide This link opens in a new window
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Dissertation Databases

Dip resources, citi training.

• Dissertation
• RefWorks This link opens in a new window
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Franklin Dissertation Resources

• Franklin University Doctoral Resources Doctoral Studies Resource documents, including the dissertation handbook and guide to submitting your dissertation are available on the Office of Academic Scholarship page.
• Franklin University Student Dissertations View former Franklin student's dissertations in the OhioLINK ETD Center.

• Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center (OhioLINK) This link opens in a new window Online theses and dissertations from Ohio graduate students.
• Open Access Theses and Dissertations This link opens in a new window Information about and links to freely-available full-text to almost almost 3.5 million graduate theses and dissertations from over 1,100 colleges, universities, and research institutions.
• Open Dissertations This link opens in a new window Open access database providing both historic and contemporary dissertations and theses. Includes content of the American Doctoral Dissertations database, which provides more than 153,000 theses and dissertations from 1902 to the present, as well as additional dissertation information provided by colleges and universities from around the world. Includes links to full-text from free platforms where available.
• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global This link opens in a new window Doctoral dissertations and theses from around the world, spanning from 1743 to the present day and offering full text for graduate works added since 1997, along with selected full text for works written prior to 1997. It contains a significant amount of new international dissertations and theses both in citations and in full text.
• WorldCat Dissertations and Theses This link opens in a new window Catalog of dissertations, theses and published material based on theses, worldwide.
• CPED Dissertation in Practice Find sample dissertations in practice from institutions that are members of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)

Doctoral students are required to prepare a research proposal for their dissertation study. All doctoral projects that involve human subjects must be reviewed and approved by Franklin University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure the rights and welfare of human participants are protected. The research proposal will be included in the IRB application.

Anyone who conducts human subjects research at Franklin University must complete training before any research activities commence and before submitting a research proposal to the IRB for review. The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) provides an online training course to satisfy this requirement and must be completed by all faculty, staff, and students involved in human subjects research. CITI educational courses help researchers to understand their obligations to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects in research. 

Please take the following steps to complete your CITI training: 

• Log on to the CITI homepage: www.citiprogram.org and click on the Register link. You will register with Franklin University in this seven-step process. Please use your Franklin University email address, which will link your CITI record to Cayuse IRB.
• Franklin learners must complete the Social and Behavioral Research (SBE) course. Additional elective courses are available but not required to conduct human subjects research at the University. The SBE course will take a few hours to complete, but you are not required to complete all modules in one sitting. 

Completing the CITI course will keep your training current for three years, after which time you will be required to complete a refresher course that updates your training for another three years. You will receive an email reminder from CITI when it is time to refresh your training. If your training expires during any human subjects research project, you must cease all research activities until your training has been updated.

• Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office For questions or issues with CITI Training, please contact the Franklin University IRB Office. Email: [email protected] Phone: 614.947.6037
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Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs Empowering Leaders in Education through Advanced Research and Practice

Degree Options

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Become a Leader of Distinction in Education with One of Our Online Doctoral Programs in Education

Reach the pinnacle of your profession and impact the field of education with Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. In our online Ed.D. programs, you’ll study education administration, curriculum development, learning theory, and the latest research to gain the advanced knowledge you need to positively influence the world of education. Check out our available online EdD programs .

Additionally, you’ll conduct your own research in order to provide practical solutions to challenges in the field of education with a capstone project. Liberty’s online doctorate in education is a model of high academic standards and leadership in education. With a degree like this, you can become better equipped to become an effective educational administrator, university faculty member, senior-level educational leader, or educational policymaker.

• By pursuing your doctorate at Liberty, you can better prepare for careers or career advancement in various school and administrative settings within the field of education.
• As you continue your studies with Liberty’s School of Education, you can be confident that you are receiving a quality education based on the principles of God’s Word.
• You can learn to be a positive influence in the lives of young people in your school and community and make an impact for Christ!

What is the Difference Between an EdD and a PhD in Education?

The biggest difference between an EdD and a PhD in education is the scope of the degree itself. While a PhD is primarily concerned with producing original research in the form of a dissertation, our EdD is designed so that you can complete exemplary research in the education field. As more of a practitioner’s degree, the EdD blends praxis and scholarship so that you can be better prepared to impact the field of education wherever you go. If you are more interested in producing original research to further the field of education, you may be interested in our  PhD in Education .

What Will You Study in a Doctorate in Education ?

The core content of our online EdD programs is designed to enhance your understanding of essential educational concepts while giving you practical classroom management tools. The online doctorate in education can help advance your skills in quantitative and qualitative methods of research, advanced learning theory, research skills, and provide many other essential competencies for advanced educators like yourself.

While completing a Liberty University doctoral program, you can choose specialized tracks to further equip you for an administrative role. We offer tracks in leadership, higher education, and curriculum and instruction, so you can pick the degree that gives you the right tools to achieve teaching excellence.

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Education .
• View the  Graduate Education Course Guides  (login required).
• View the  Doctoral Advising Guide .

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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Careers for Liberty’s Ed.D. Doctoral Programs

• Curriculum specialist
• Elementary educator
• Gifted-student instructor
• Instructional supervisor
• Middle school educator
• School administrator
• Secondary school educator
• Special education instructor
• University professor

Degree Options for Our Online Ed.D. Programs

We know that you have specific goals. With a wide offering of Ed.D. programs, you can be confident in partnering with Liberty as you continue your educational journey.

Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership  degree is designed to provide studies and training in the management of education organizations to help prepare you for licensed school administration.

Upon successful completion of Liberty University’s Virginia state-approved administration and supervision – educational leadership program, you may apply for advanced licensure in another state through reciprocity, which may or may not be possible and result in additional requirements based on your state’s Department of Education  regulations .

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Curriculum and Instruction

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction  degree can help you build on your foundational knowledge and further master all aspects of education. This education doctorate gives you the flexibility and freedom to mix and match elective courses so you can create a personalized degree program that fits your passions and interests.

View the  Degree Completion Plan.

Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology  degree covers theories of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan – enabling you to meet your students right where they are and provide the support they need to thrive. Through this program, you can become equipped to improve teaching and learning processes in your school using a fundamental understanding of how people learn and retain information.

Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education  degree is designed to equip you for a variety of teaching roles – including general education and community classroom settings. You will study various theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solve problems. In addition, you will explore research and instructional approaches for managing student behaviors effectively with an emphasis on individualized, classroom, and school-wide behavior support.

Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology  degree is designed to equip you for the modern classroom. By incorporating new technology and methods of instruction into the classroom, you can engage students in new and exciting ways. Your experience can also be valuable in settings outside of the classroom including corporate training, curriculum design, and as a leader in the educational technology field.

Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education  degree is designed to strengthen your teaching ability through individualized and collaborative professional development opportunities. You will study curriculum development, usage, and evaluation. Additionally, you will apply considerations of preadolescent physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development to various school processes and teacher interaction with middle school students and families.

Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning  degree covers a variety of advanced educational topics, specifically those that can prepare you for roles in online programs. In this degree, you will study trends in learning technologies and curriculum and instruction. You will also study curriculum theory, applied research methods, and much more!

Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education  degree addresses curriculum function, development, and evaluation. Our program is designed to provide you with a detailed overview of technology usage in the classroom as it relates to student learning, the effectiveness of administrative processes, and service to students and parents. You will also study various theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solving problems.

Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education  degree is designed to help you analyze processes for assessing students with special needs. Additionally, you will develop ways of effectively using various technology for communication and collaboration as you improve classroom instruction. You can learn to use different theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solving problems.

Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership  degree is designed to train you on best practices in education and technology to help you enhance student learning, become a competent administrator, and best serve your students and their parents. This program focuses on translating classroom theory into real-world application and is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to effectively lead and manage in an educational environment.

Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation  degree covers research-based approaches to analyzing student learning, curricula, academic programs, student services, and institutional structures. In this program, you’ll explore how to help colleges and universities maintain high standards of quality and accreditation so that their students receive the best education possible.

Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership  degree can help you strengthen your leadership skills and advance your career in postsecondary education administration. You will analyze the major challenges facing today’s educational leaders and explore methods for helping colleges and universities thrive.

Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership  degree is designed to provide training in university administration and advanced business topics. You can develop essential skills in business management and use your business knowledge to help your college or education-related organization thrive.

Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs  degree can help you learn how to support college students’ personal, professional, and academic development. That way, you can help them develop essential skills for navigating challenges in school – and in life.

Instructional Design and Technology

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in  Instructional Design and Technology  investigates the intersection of education, technology, and creativity. You can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a leader in designing and implementing effective educational strategies using cutting-edge technology.

Special Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Special Education  degree can help you learn how to manage and construct educational programs geared for those students with additional educational needs. You can have a profound impact on the lives of your students with the concepts you can master in this program.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Liberty’s Online Doctoral Programs in Education

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants must submit a copy of their current initial state teaching or school counseling license to  [email protected] .
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you get a doctorate in education.

Through Liberty University’s online EdD programs, you will have the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable education professionals who want to mentor and help you to become an advanced educator, administrator, and researcher. Our doctorate in education offers a robust, theoretical framework that can advance your teaching methods and theories to a higher order of application, allowing you to evaluate and address teaching challenges in K-12 institutions and at the university level.

Is a Doctorate in Education worth it?

Yes – we think so! You can be better prepared to take advantage of the increased market demand for leaders in education

• With an online doctorate in education, you may be  eligible for higher pay  than those who hold a master’s degree alone.
• Throughout the program, you can network with your peers and professors while developing your writing and research for the final capstone project phase.
• Completing an online EdD gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

What can Liberty’s doctoral programs do for you?

Liberty University’s doctoral programs can offer you advanced academic training and practical skills that align with your professional aspirations and personal values. These programs are designed to enhance your expertise in a specific field, such as education, business, or divinity, enabling you to contribute to academic knowledge, apply practical solutions in real-world settings, and ascend to higher positions in your career.

You can benefit from flexible learning options, including online courses that allow you to balance your studies with personal and professional responsibilities. Liberty’s commitment to integrating ethical and faith-based principles into its curriculum can also provide you with a unique perspective that is valued in many professional settings. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to engage with experienced faculty and like-minded peers, expanding your professional network and gaining support that can be crucial for both academic and career advancement.

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The Education Dissertation A Guide for Practitioner Scholars

• Dan W. Butin - Merrimack College, USA, Cambridge College
• Description

"With each turn of the page I found myself nodding 'exactly!' Whether as a class text assigned by faculty or as a self-study resource used by students, this book will resonate with readers." —Doug Leigh, Associate Professor of Education Pepperdine University

Use these focused guidelines to help you through every stage of the dissertation process!

Writing a dissertation requires focus and commitment. The Education Dissertation provides a step-by-step process for developing and completing an academically rigorous dissertation in a time-efficient manner.

Written for doctoral students in education who are also currently working in the field, this book provides specific and accessible guidance for the entire process, from finding a topic to conducting the literature review to writing and defending the dissertation. Grounded in adult learning theory, this volume:

• Offers a clear, easy-to-follow approach that highlights key milestones with concrete goals and workable methods at each step
• Discusses how practitioner scholars can apply their work experience to the dissertation
• Includes organizational templates complete with detailed charts, checklists, a timeline, student examples, and rubrics
• Provides tips throughout to help students think through situations
• Covers both quantitative and qualitative research

Perfect for practicing educators at any stage of the dissertation process, this resource provides the "big picture" framework as well as the nitty-gritty details.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.sagepub.com

"The book is rich with ideas and strategies for thinking about every phase of the dissertation and for undertaking each phase once it has been carefully thought out."

"The author does an excellent job of taking a serious, technical, overwhelming topic and making it fun and interesting to read."

"With each turn of the page I found myself nodding 'exactly!' Whether as a class text assigned by faculty or as a self-study resource used by students, this book will resonate with readers."

• Guides the student through the entire process of writing a rigorous dissertation from selecting the research topic to defending the dissertation
• Offers the student a road map complete with detailed charts, checklists, a timeline, many student examples and rubrics
• Provides numerous "hints" throughout the book to help students think through situations before proceeding
• Explores the various types of research and the implications of each for the particular research topic selected by the student
• Incorporates "Try This!" activities at each stage of the process to help students understand important concepts, e.g., how to start a literature review correctly, how to focus research questions, and how to operationalize their ideas

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Butin_Educational_Dissertation_Preface

Butin_Educational_Dissertation_Ch1

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Tuition and Costs

There are many factors to consider when choosing a graduate program and cost is certainly one of them. Learn more about HGSE's academic programs in addition to our tuition and cost of attendance.

Tuition Charges

The following tuition and fee charges are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change for future years. Tuition and fee charges for the 2025-2026 academic year are published in March 2025. Summary (PDF) of tuition and cost information for the current 2023-2024 academic year.

HGSE is committed to helping you achieve your academic and career goals – and offers many financial aid options to support you.

Full Cost Details

Please note the Standard Student Budget includes actual tuition and fee amounts as well as estimated allowances for related educational expenses. Tuition and Health Insurance Fees are expenses that are directly billed to students, while all other categories are estimated allowances that should not be exceeded. Financial aid eligibility is determined using the following standard cost estimates, updated estimates are published annually in March for the upcoming academic year. Summary (PDF) of tuition and cost information for the current 2023-2024 academic year.

View Standard Residential Ed.M. & C.A.S. Details

View Standard Part-Time Online Ed.M. Details

View Full-Time Ed.L.D. Details

^ Ed.L.D. students receive a guaranteed funding package to cover these costs.

* Year 2 in the Ed.L.D Program is a 10 month academic year, while Years 1 and 3 are 9 month academic years.

For full details regarding Ph.D. Program costs, visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Cost of Attendance .

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee costs are subject to change and are determined each year. Please be aware that future tuition costs, fees, and standard student budget amounts may differ from year to year. Updated figures will be published on this website and in future editions of the Financing Your Education guide , which is updated on a yearly basis. Information regarding health insurance fees, coverage, and waivers can be found on the Harvard University Student Health Program website . Online part-time Ed.M. students will not be automatically enrolled into the comprehensive student health insurance program. Information regarding billing and payment dates can be found through Harvard Student Accounts .

• Full-time and part-time student tuition and course credit policies

Questions regarding tuition and course credit policies can be directed to the  HGSE Office of the Registrar . 

Academics : Doctoral Programs

As America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins has been developing education leaders for more than 100 years. Ranked among the top education grad schools by U.S. News & World Report, the Johns Hopkins School of Education translates innovative research into practice every day.

Join an education movement that creates new areas of research and makes a lasting impact.

2 Doctorate programs

27 PhD candidates

235 EdD candidates

5 Research Centers

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The School of Education’s full-time PhD program offers a unique learning experience where the course of study is individually tailored based on the student’s interest in finding solutions to pressing problems in education. Select applicants receive full tuition and a stipend.

PREPPEd offers PhD pathway to underrepresented undergrads 

School News

Doctor of Education

The selective, part-time EdD program is designed for practicing educators, offering tools for leadership development and the application of evidence-based methods. Our comprehensive, research-based curriculum enables you to specialize in urban leadership; mind, brain, and teaching; entrepreneurial leadership; or instructional design in online teaching and learning.

“ The dossier option is redefining educational research for social justice. I am learning how to conduct, translate, and creatively apply rigorous research that will directly benefit my communities.

15% Demand for educational leaders is projected to grow between 7 and 15% over the next 10 years.

Source: Hanover Research

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Achieving Your Doctorate in Education

• Hilary Burgess - The Open University
• Sandy Sieminski - The Open University
• Lore Arthur - The Open University
• Description

The chapters provide a detailed examination of all aspects of completing a doctorate in education: from research methodologies, to the analysis of data, reflection on the student's own experience, and the critical issues involved in writing a thesis. Detailed case study material is used throughout.

The editors are experienced supervisors of EdD courses and have created an essential companion for all education students pursuing a doctorate.

SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Supplements

Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Anyone seeking doctoral status would benefit from dipping into or immersing themselves in this well written text. Clearly formatted pages with bold section headings make for quick and easy access to relevant passages where readers can watch the authors skilfully untangle the mysteries of research language such as 'theoretical framework', methodology and data analysis. I recommend Achieving Your Doctorate in Education to students and new supervisors involved in the doctoral research process.

A useful guide to support research students planning to begin their doctorate

Great advice and solid examples from practice for achieving your EdD

Easy to read, smartly written with thought provoking points to help you consider a doctorate.

Excellent book and insightful for my students.

A guide to dip in and out of as required.

Excellent in the sense it gives clear guidance and several "tips" for this level of student

This is again an excellent book, I would recommend to our students that they read this book before deciding on whether to undertake our course, but not required once on the course

Excellent text for those undertaking an EdD as it clearly defines all the key areas. Highly recommend for dipping in and out of for references.

Good for postgraduate students setting out on the EdD.

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Sample materials & chapters, for instructors, select a purchasing option, related products.

Recommended Reading

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In other words, I may earn a small commission if you click on a link on this page to purchase a book from Amazon.

This list is aimed at graduate students, postdocs, and other PhDs who are actively looking for paid employment or exploring career options. It includes both practical resources, books that combine advice with inspiration, ones that hope to advocate for better systems while also breaking things down for job seekers, as well as memoirs and novels. The focus here is on books written for graduate students and PhDs, but I’ve also included what I think as key or otherwise useful texts with a much broader intended audience.

What’s not on this list? Books that focus almost exclusively on graduate school itself are generally omitted (exception: Berdahl and Malloy, for its framing of the whole thing as part of your career). There are great ones in this category, including Jessica McCrory Calarco’s A Field Guide to Grad School , Malika Grayson’s Hooded: A Black Girl’s Guide to the Ph.D. , Robert L. Peters’s Getting What You Came For and Adam Ruben’s Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to go to Grad School . See also Gavin Brown’s How to Get Your PhD: A Handbook for the Journey , which features an essay by me! Similarly, books that focus on academic careers (once you’ve got one) aren’t included (example: Timothy M. Sibbald and Victoria Handford, eds., The Academic Gateway ), nor are books that focus on navigating a career beyond the ivory tower. There are lots of books about academic writing and publishing, conducting and producing research, doing a dissertation, and related stuff. These aren’t included either.

Something missing? I occasionally update this list, so let me know what you think I should add or change.

Books for PhDs

This list is in alphabetical order by author’s last name. Some of these books are inexpensive; others are not. Most should be available via your university or local library, or even from your institution’s career services centre.

Fawzi Abou-Chahine, A Jobseeker’s Diary: Unlocking Employment Secrets (2021).

The short guide is directly aimed at PhDs, especially folks from STEM disciplines. Folks in the UK seeking roles in the private sector will certainly benefit from this book.

Susan Basalla and Maggie Debelius, “ So What Are You Going to Do with That?” Finding Careers Outside Academia (3rd ed., 2014)

The best guide to figuring out your life post-PhD written by two humanities doctorates who’ve been there, done that. Includes many profiles of fellow (former) academics who’ve transitioned to careers beyond the tenure-track.

Loleen Berdahl and Jonathan Mallow, Work Your Career: Get What You Want from Your Social Sciences or Humanities PhD (2018).

I loved the authors’ emphasis on getting clear about what you want, and the advice to reflect at each stage of the graduate school process whether continuing on is the right one. It is refreshing to read a book on graduate school that neither presumes academia is the desired career outcome nor implies it ought to be. Instead, the authors encourage readers to keep their options open and rightly point out the benefits of varied work experience, training, and professionalism to careers within and beyond the Ivory Tower.

Natalia Bielczyk, What Is Out There for Me? The Landscape of Post-PhD Career Tracks (2nd ed., 2020).

A Europe-based computational scientist turned entrepreneur, Dr. Bielczyk offers an important perspective on PhD careers, one explicitly aimed at STEM folks. The book benefits from Bileczyk’s personal experiences, extensive research — including interviews with dozens of PhDs — and includes lots of specific advice and suggestions. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel and interact with her on social media.

Jenny Blake, Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One (2017)

From the description: “ What’s next? is a question we all have to ask and answer more frequently in an economy where the average job tenure is only four years, roles change constantly even within that time, and smart, motivated people find themselves hitting professional plateaus. But how do you evaluate options and move forward without getting stuck?”

Richard N. Bolles with Katharine Brooks, What Color is Your Parachute? 2021 : Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success (50th anniv. ed, 2020)

If you read only one book on how to get a job and change careers, make it this one. Bolles has an idiosyncratic writing style but his advice is spot-on. Read my review of the 2019 version here .

The 2021 edition was thoroughly updated by Katharine Brooks, EdD, who is the author of You Majored in What? (below). Great choice! An excellent way to bring a classic up to date, and at a time when good advice and guidance is particularly needed.

William Bridges, Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes  (40th anniv. ed., 2019)

Think you’re taking too long figuring out what’s next? You aren’t! In the pre-modern world, the transition—a psychological process as opposed to simply a change—was understood as a crucial part of life; not so nowadays. But to successfully navigate a transition, an individual has to experience an end, go through a period of nothingness or neutrality, and finally make a new beginning. No part of the process can be skipped or sped through. There are no shortcuts. (Bridges can relate to being post-PhD or on the alt-ac track: He’s got an ivy league PhD and was an English professor until going through an important transition of his own.)

Katharine Brooks, You Majored in What? Designing Your Path from College to Career (updated, 2017)

Dr. Brooks is a long-time career educator who (as of 2020) directs the career center at Vanderbilt University. This book is aimed at a broader audience of students, but don’t let that dissuade you from checking it out. Starting from the assumption that there are plenty of useful clues in what you’ve done and who you are, and filled with great exercises to help you parse them out, the book will take you through the career exploration process and set you up for a successful job search that is based on a sound understanding of what you want to do and how to make a strong case to employers.

Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-lived, Joyful Life (2016)

From the description: “In this book, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans show us how design thinking can help us create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling, regardless of who or where we are, what we do or have done for a living, or how young or old we are. The same design thinking responsible for amazing technology, products, and spaces can be used to design and build your career and your life, a life of fulfillment and joy, constantly creative and productive, one that always holds the possibility of surprise.”

Christopher L. Caterine, Leaving Academia: A Practical Guide (2020)

Just published. Dr. Caterine is a classics PhD who transitioned into a career in strategic corporate communications. One thing that’s cool about this book is just that: He’s working in the private sector. Humanities PhDs are much less commonly found in the business world compared to academics with other backgrounds, and I think that’s a shame. Chris shows us it’s possible and how you can do it too. (But it’s fine if you’re looking elsewhere.)

Christopher Cornthwaite, Doctoring: Building a Life With a PhD (2020)

Dr. Cornthwaite is the Canadian religious studies PhD behind the blog and online community called Roostervane . He shares his story in hopes of inspiring those struggling to move forward with hope and strategies to build a career. Check out the online community too, useful for folks searching for non-academic positions as well as individuals launching side hustles or businesses as consultants of various kinds.

Leon F. Garcia Corona and Kathleen Wiens, eds., Voices of the Field: Pathways in Public Ethnomusicology (2021)

A friend of mine contributed a chapter to this. From the description: “These essays capture years of experience of fourteen scholars who have simultaneously navigated the worlds within and outside of academia, sharing valuable lessons often missing in ethnomusicological training. Power and organizational structures, marketing, content management and production are among the themes explored as an extension and re-evaluation of what constitutes the field of/in ethnomusicology. Many of the authors in this volume share how to successfully acquire funding for a project, while others illustrate how to navigate non-academic workplaces, and yet others share perspectives on reconciling business-like mindsets with humanistic goals.”

M.P. Fedunkiw, A Degree in Futility (2014)

I started to read this novel one day and just couldn’t stop until I finished. So many feelings! The main character defends her dissertation (history of science, U of T) at the beginning of the book, and the story ends a few years later. Fedunkiw has drawn on her own post-PhD experiences to write this wonderful book about a group of three friends navigating life, love, and work in and out of academia. Do read it.

Joseph Fruscione and Kelly J. Baker, eds., Succeeding Outside the Academy: Career Paths beyond the Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM (2018)

Edited volume of contributions, primarily from women in humanities and social science fields. From the description: “Their accounts afford readers a firsthand view of what it takes to transition from professor to professional. They also give plenty of practical advice, along with hard-won insights into what making a move beyond the academy might entail—emotionally, intellectually, and, not least, financially. Imparting what they wish they’d known during their PhDs, these writers aim to spare those who follow in their uncertain footsteps. Together their essays point the way out of the ‘tenure track or bust’ mindset and toward a world of different but no less rewarding possibilities.”

Patrick Gallagher and Ashleigh Gallagher, The Portable PhD: Taking Your Psychology Career Beyond Academia (2020)

From the description: “Each chapter in this book offers tips and key terms for navigating various kinds of employment, as well as simple action steps for communicating your talents to hiring managers. Your ability to conduct research, to understand statistics and perform data analysis, and to perform technical or scientific writing are all highly valuable skills, as are the insights into human nature you’ve gained from your psychology studies, and your ability to think innovatively and work cooperatively in a variety of contexts.”

David M. Giltner, Turning Science into Things People Need (2017)

From the description: “In this book, ten respected scientists who have built successful careers in industry reveal new insights into how they made the transition from research scientist to industrial scientist or successful entrepreneur, serving as a guide to other scientists seeking to pursue a similar path. From the student preparing to transition into work in industry, to the scientist who is already working for a company, this book will show you how to sell your strengths and lead confidently.”

Alyssa Harad, Coming to My Senses: A Story of Perfume, Pleasure, and an Unlikely Bride (2012).

An English PhDs lovely memoir of discovering the wonders of perfume and embracing who she really is. A story of how one intellectual got back in touch with her feelings, a crucial step on the road to post-PhD happiness and fulfillment. Read an excerpt over at the Chronicle .

Leanne M. Horinko, Jordan M. Reed, James M. Van Wyck, The Reimagined PhD: Navigating 21st Century Humanities Education (2021).

This text appeals to both individual PhDs and graduate students figuring out their own pathway forward and faculty members and other university staff working to improve programs and professional development offerings at their campuses. I’m glad to see it out! (I was at the 2016 conference that inspired this book.)

Hillary Hutchinson and Mary Beth Averill, Scaling the Ivory Tower: Your Academic Job Search Workbook (2019)

Two long-time academic coaches wrote this fantastic guide and workbook for the academic job market. They take you step-by-step through the process of understanding how hiring works — and how it works differently for specific types of positions and kinds of institutions, getting sorted for your search, where to find job ads and other crucial information, staying organized, creating all your materials, prepping for interviews, and other considerations. The book also takes a clear-eyed view of academia and it’s challenges for job seekers, both in the US and around the world. This book is an essential companion to your academic job search. Buying the e-book version? Download and print the worksheets here .

Natalie Jackson, ed., Non-Academic Careers for Quantitative Social Scientists: A Practical Guide to Maximizing Your Skills and Opportunitie s (2023).

If you’re at an institution, check to see if you have free access to this ebook via Springer.

Kaaren Janssen and Richard Sever, eds., Career Options for Biomedical Scientists (2014).

From the description: “This book plugs the gap by providing information about a wide variety of different careers that individuals with a PhD in the life sciences can pursue. Covering everything from science writing and grant administration to patent law and management consultancy, the book includes firsthand accounts of what the jobs are like, the skills required, and advice on how to get a foot in the door. It will be a valuable resource for all life scientists considering their career options and laboratory heads who want to give career advice to their students and postdocs.”

Karen Kelsky, The Professor Is In: The Essential Guide to Turning Your Ph.D. Into A Job (2015)

Dr. Kelsky is dedicated to telling the truth about the academic job market. This book expands on and collects in one place her huge archive of advice and information for PhDs — particularly those aiming for tenure-track positions at US universities. There is advice and resources for “leaving the cult” (part X), a section heading that gives you a sense of where she’s coming from! Academic is its own beast, and its idiosyncracies and unwritten, untold norms and rules belie claims of meritocracy. If you’re going to aim for a tenure-track position, make sure you know what you’re going into and how to increase your chances of success where positions are scarce.

Peggy Klaus, Brag: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It (2004)

In my experience, PhDs are excellent at not tooting their own horns, for lots of reasons, good and less-good. Here’s how you can talk about yourself appropriately in hopes of moving forward in your career. Great book.

Kathryn E. Linder, Kevin Kelly, and Thomas J. Tobin, Going Alt-Ac: A Guide to Alternative Academic Careers (2020).

If you’re doing or have a doctorate and want to be meaningfully employed in or around higher education, you must read this book – and do what it says. It’s full of clear, practical advice and example jobs where PhDs excel. I was impressed with the depth of knowledge and wide-ranging, thoughtful advice presented, useful for career explorers and seasoned professionals both (and everyone in between). It it’s been a while since you’ve taken a long, hard look at your professional situation, this book will help you revisit your goals and provide smart strategies to move your career forward in just the right way for you.

Kathleen Miller et al. (eds), Moving On: Essays on the Aftermath of Leaving Academia (2014)

Featuring an essay by your truly and many other contributions. By the women behind the now-defunct site How to Leave Academia.

Rachel Neff, Chasing Chickens: When Life after Higher Education Doesn’t Go the Way You Planned (2019)

From the description: “So, you have your PhD, the academic world’s your oyster, but teaching jobs, it turns out, are as rare as pearls. Take it from someone who’s been there: your disappointment, approached from a different angle, becomes opportunity. Marshaling hard-earned wisdom tempered with a gentle wit, Rachel Neff brings her own experiences to bear on the problems facing so many frustrated exiles from the groves of academe: how to turn ‘This wasn’t the plan!’ into ‘Why not?’”

M. R. Nelson, Navigating the Path to Industry: A Hiring Manager’s Advice for Academics Looking for a Job in Industry (2014)

Melanie Nelson’s useful guide is aimed at STEM PhDs who already know where they’re headed. She earned a PhD in the biosciences and has worked as a hiring manager in industry for over a decade.

Rebecca Peabody,  The Unruly PhD: Doubts, Detours, Departures, and Other Success Stories   (2014)

A collection of first-hand accounts and interviews with people who’ve travelled in, through, and beyond graduate school. Read my review here .

Katie Rose Guest Pryal, The Freelance Academic: Transform Your Creative Life and Career (2019).

Read this book! Katie Pryal provides helpful advice for getting started with the practical stuff, as well as grounding yourself in the reality of the gig economy. It’s particularly good for arts and humanities PhDs and similar academically-focused folks who think business isn’t for them. Take it from Dr. Pryal (and me): You can do this.

Tom Rath, StrengthsFinder 2.0: Discover Your CliftonStrengths (2017)

Take this one out of your local library to read the descriptions and learn about the concept of (work) strengths. If you want to take the assessment, you can purchase the book outright or do that on Gallup’s website . If you’re newer to the world of work beyond the academy, this book and the description of strengths will give you all kinds of useful words and phrases to use to understand what you enjoy, what you bring to a workplace, and effectively communicate all that to potential employers and professional colleagues. Embracing strengths will give you a positive, forward-looking way of approaching career building, and it can change your life for the better.

Katine L. Rogers, Putting the Humanities PhD to Work: Thriving in and beyond the Classroom (2020)

From the introduction: “This book invites readers to consider ways that humanities graduate training can open unexpected doors that lead to meaningful careers with significant public impact, while also suggesting that an expanded understanding of scholarly success can foster more equitable and inclusive systems in and around the academy.” Good. Do read this one if you’re currently a student or if your work has anything to do with advising students or creating and maintaining the graduate training ecosystem within and beyond institutions.

Martin E. P. Seligman, Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being (2011)

An update to his bestselling book Authentic Happiness (also worth reading), this introduced me to the concept of PERMA: that to flourish in life and work, you need to consider and evaluate how frequently you experience have positive emotions (P), feel engaged (E), have positive relationships (R), feel what you’re doing is meaningful (M), and have a sense of accomplishment (A). This isn’t about careers specifically, but it might help you reframe what counts as success in your work life, and that’s particularly crucial for career changers.

Melanie V. Sinche, Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science (2016)

From the description: “Next Gen PhD provides a frank and up-to-date assessment of the current career landscape facing science PhDs. Nonfaculty careers once considered Plan B are now preferred by the majority of degree holders, says Melanie Sinche. An upper-level science degree is a prized asset in the eyes of many employers, and a majority of science PhDs build rewarding careers both inside and outside the university. A certified career counselor with extensive experience working with graduate students and postdocs, Sinche offers step-by-step guidance through the career development process: identifying personal strengths and interests, building work experience and effective networks, assembling job applications, and learning tactics for interviewing and negotiating—all the essentials for making a successful career transition.”

Don. J. Snyder, The Cliff Walk: A Memoir of a Job Lost and a Life Found (1998)

A marvelous memoir written by a former tenure-track professor at Colgate University who was suddenly let go. This is the story of his journey through unemployment. You will relate. What’s neat is to look up what he does now — but do read the book before you do! I quote from the book in this post .

Matteo Tardelli, Beyond Academia: Stories and Strategies for PhDs Making the Leap to Industry (2023)

This book takes readers through a 4-step process to reflect on what they want, explore job options, apply for roles, and conduct job interviews and negotiate offers. This is Dr. Tardelli’s second book for PhDs moving to non-academic careers; his first one is partly a memoir about his own journey: The Salmon Leap for PhDs (2020).

Anna Marie Trester, Bringing Linguistics to Work: A Story Listening, Story Finding, and Story Telling Approach to Your Career (2017)

My friend and colleagues Dr. Anna Marie Trester is the expert on careers for linguists, and more broadly is a great resource for thinking creatively and expansively about the value of your social sciences and humanities education to the wider world of work and career development. Check out her website for more offerings, CareerLinguist.com .

Jennifer Brown Urban and Miriam R. Linver, eds., Building a Career Outside Academia: A Guide for Doctoral Students in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (2019)

From the description: “This career guide examines the rewarding opportunities that await social and behavioral science doctorates in nonacademic sectors, including government, consulting, think tanks, for-profit corporations, and nonprofit associations. Chapters offers tips for leveraging support from mentors, conducting job searches, marketing your degree and skill set, networking, and preparing for interviews. This expert guidance will help you decide what career is the best fit for you.”

Julia Miller Vick, Jennifer S. Furlong, and Rosanne Lurie, The Academic Job Search Handbook (5th ed., 2016)

Pick this one up for trustworthy job market advice and info — the first edition was published in 1992! — and the dozens of sample cover letters, CVs, and statements of various kinds. It covers an array of fields, from professionally-oriented doctorates to STEM and humanities. This book is a beast, and might be overwhelming. Tackle it bit by bit and keep it as a reference as you gear up for the job market, prepare and submit applications, and move along the hiring process toward negotiation and acceptance.

Susan Britton Whitcomb, Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer (4th ed., 2010)

This was the book I found most useful when I was researching how to write a good resume (as opposed to an academic CV).