Colleges and universities across the United States face significant challenges over the next decade. Changing public perceptions of the importance of a college education, preparing students for AI in the workplace, and navigating budgetary concerns require innovative leadership. The next generation of higher education leaders needs to strengthen their institutions for long-term success.

Department managers and administrators are poised to take over university leadership roles left open by retirements or career changes. A Doctor in Education (Ed.D.) focused on higher education builds leadership and institutional research skills necessary to take the next career step. Before learning what you can do with an Ed.D., it’s worthwhile to look at how the degree differs from other doctorate options. 

What is an Ed.D.?

The Ed.D. is a doctoral degree designed to apply advanced professional competencies to real-world challenges. Ed.D. candidates are typically K-12 teachers and superintendents, mid-career university staff members, and others in the educational space who have earned master’s degrees. The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) notes that Ed.D. graduates are capable of:

• Blending practical experience and advanced skills into solutions
• Applying theories and research as tools for change
• Communicating their work to diverse audiences
• Collaborating with institutional stakeholders to overcome obstacles

Ed.D. programs sharpen candidates' skills in areas such as change management, problem-solving, and communication. They build competences in new areas like budgeting, policy analysis, and data-driven decision-making necessary for leadership roles. All of these skills are mobilized in day-to-day institutional operations and when pursuing long-term initiatives.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is often viewed as comparable to the Ed.D., but there are a few key distinctions. Ph.D. candidates prepare for tenure-track faculty positions at the university level. An Ed.D. in higher education is a practice-based degree aimed at university leadership that also offers pathways to tenure. Ph.D. programs typically require at least four years of full-time study, while Ed.D. degrees can be completed in up to three years of part-time study.

Education Doctorate Jobs at Colleges and Universities

Answering the question, “What can you do with an Ed.D.?” depends on where you see yourself in the future. The world of higher education is filled with growth opportunities for professionals who want to make positive impacts while ascending the ranks. The following education doctorate jobs show the spectrum of opportunities for Ed.D. graduates.

1. Provost

Colleges and universities employ provosts - or chief academic officers - to keep them on track to academic excellence. Provosts work with presidents, deans, and department heads on policies and programs that best serve student learning. They also keep higher education institutions working toward their goals by:

• Managing faculty recruitment and retention efforts
• Overseeing the academic program budget for their institution
• Supervising associate provosts and deans
• Working with donors and legislators to secure continued funding

Success in the provost role is possible with extensive knowledge of the politics and finance of higher education. Ed.D. programs build these skills and explore how higher education institutions function. 

2. Vice President of Student Affairs

There’s a lot more to higher education than what happens in the classroom. The Vice President of Student Affairs oversees departments responsible for student well-being and enrichment, including areas like:

• Career Services
• Multicultural and Inclusion Programming
• Residence Life
• Student Health and Wellness
• Student Organizations

This education doctorate career requires budget management skills, the ability to mobilize resources across departments, and the vision to see how student affairs initiatives advance institutional goals. The Ed.D. provides the analytical and communication skills necessary for this executive role.

3. Community College President

Community colleges provide a launching pad to four-year degrees, accounting for 39% of American undergraduates in 2023. The chief executive or president of a community college directs their staff to meet the needs of a diverse student body. This diversity is found in 66% of students who attend part-time, 53% of students who are Native American, or 39% of students who complete noncredit courses. Growing enrollment and 48.3% of community college presidents planning retirement in the next decade mean opportunities for the next generation of leaders. An Ed.D. explores topics like student diversity and collaborative culture that are necessary for this role.

4. Director of Institutional Research

Data-driven decisions are critical to the long-term success of a college or university. The Director of Institutional Research works with institutional leaders to identify areas in need of study. They design, run, and analyze research projects in areas including:

• Alumni success and engagement with the institution
• Faculty satisfaction
• Grant funding success and usage
• Student retention and graduation

Research directors help their institutions comply with legal and contractual requirements. Ed.D. programs feature coursework in educational accountability and research design useful for this position.

5. Higher Education Consultant

An Ed.D. and years of experience in higher education can also lead to consulting roles with a variety of institutions. Higher education consultants work on their own or with consulting firms to improve educational outcomes. They meet with institutional leaders, conduct research, and make recommendations in areas that may include:

• Attracting a more diverse student body
• Evaluating job market needs and competitors before introducing new degrees
• Exploring funding and expenses to get the most out of constrained budgets
• Strategizing for institutional growth to accommodate increased enrollment

Education Doctorate Job Outlook

There is constant churn within higher education leadership teams with the potential for higher turnover in the near future. The American College President Study in 2023 found that 55% of presidents planned to retire or shift into new positions by 2028. Promotions from the ranks of provosts, vice presidents, and deans will leave education doctorate jobs available to newcomers.

As you consider what you can do with an Ed.D., it’s important to think about what drives your pursuit. The compensation for a higher education leadership role is a good incentive, with the average administrator earning $103,960 in 2024. Salary isn’t the only consideration when pursuing a doctoral degree or a leadership job, however. 

An Ed.D. can help you step into roles where you can innovate and lead changes within important institutions. Leadership positions positively impact the current generation of college students, who bring in-demand skills and institutional values into the job market. These roles also help you find your purpose and achieve professional fulfillment. 

Earning an Ed.D. in Higher Education from an Education Leader

Getting the most out of an Ed.D. experience depends on your long-term career goals. Ed.D. programs support candidates' research into solutions for higher education challenges. They also build the advanced skills necessary to apply these solutions in real-world settings.

The personal and professional return on your investment in an Ed.D. is substantial when you study at a reputable university. Working with experienced faculty and driven colleagues in an Ed.D. program raises the level of your work. Saint Leo University’s online Ed.D. in Higher Education Concentration is the next step in your higher education career to achieve this.

The program’s courses are entirely online, and the 48-credit curriculum and capstone can be completed over 32 months. The Higher Education concentration features courses including:

• Higher Education and Administration
• Higher Education Finance, Planning and Budgeting
• Student Affairs and Leadership

Graduates of the program benefit from Saint Leo University’s reputation for excellence, as confirmed by U.S. News & World Report. Saint Leo University graduates join a growing alumni network of leaders and change agents.

Find out how Saint Leo University’s online Ed.D. in Higher Education Concentration can help your career.