Is a Doctor of Education Worth it in Canada? Salary, Jobs & Career Benefits

 A Doctor of Education degree, also known as an Ed.D., can involve a considerable time and financial investment for aspirants. Keeping that in mind, the degree’s value is largely determined by each learner’s specific career objectives.

Mid-career working professionals, particularly engaged in the education sector in Canada, as well as practicing educators, are likely to find immense value in the program. This is because they have significant years of experience backing their career journey and are now at the ideal juncture to enter senior leadership roles as a step toward career advancement.    

This blog discusses in greater detail the value of an Ed.D. degree and attempts to answer the question on the minds of every course applicant: “Is a Doctorate in Education worth it​?”

Take your skills to the next level — Explore Online Programs on Education

Understanding Whether a Doctorate in Education is Worth it in Canada: Earnings & Outcomes

Before pursuing a Doctorate in Education, it is essential to critically evaluate the program’s value by carefully weighing its pros and cons. Furthermore, the actual value of the degree is measured by the potential earnings it can attract upon completion and the learning outcomes that enable graduates to earn as much.

Let’s examine the Ed.D. degree in detail and analyze its key features to assess its actual value for learners.

What is a Doctorate in Education

Let’s begin by answering what the program is and entails. A Doctorate in Education, more commonly known as an Ed.D., is an advanced professional degree that emphasizes the practical application of research in educational leadership roles.

Also read: What is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)? A Complete Guide 

Typical Salary Ranges by Role

Professionals graduating with a Doctorate in Education are eligible to apply for a variety of rewarding roles in senior leadership positions. These roles are available across varied sectors—academia, consulting, policy, leadership, administration, research and development, etc. 

Job Role	Average Salary Range (Approx)
Principal	CAD 106,000 – CAD 164,000 per annum
Professor	CAD 111,000 – CAD 153,000 per annum
Educational Consultant	CAD 42,000 – CAD 79,000 per annum
Corporate Trainer	CAD 36,000 – CAD 67,000 per annum
Curriculum Developer	CAD 53,000 – CAD 80,000 per annum

Source: Glassdoor

Comparison: Master’s vs Ed.D. vs Ph.D. in Education

Educators or professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in education can choose from a wide array of study programs. A Master’s in Education or M.Ed. is a postgraduate degree designed to enable educators to gain the required knowledge and skills in varied areas of education. 

Ed.D. or a Doctor of Education is especially designed keeping the specific needs of professionals in mind, who aspire to develop skills in educational leadership or administration. 

A Ph.D. in Education is more focused on research, which is quite the opposite of the Ed.D., which primarily emphasizes the practical application of research across several fields of education. 

Also read: Ed.D vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference?

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Doctorate in Education

Weighing the pros and cons of the degree can help you better evaluate whether a Doctorate in Education is worth it. Some of the key advantages of taking up an Ed.D. are:

• Enhanced credibility and expertise in the field of education.
• Numerous career opportunities, particularly in high-level top leadership positions.

Some of the potential disadvantages of pursuing the degree, which are worth considering, include:

• The Ed.D. program can be demanding and may result in immense pressure and stress for some learners, especially working professionals, who need to balance studies with their other work commitments.

• An Ed.D. degree requires a significant amount of both time and money investment for learners. This may be a massive consideration for some learners. 

Also read: Is upGrad’s M.Ed. for Teachers the Right Way to Build a Career in Canada?

Risks & Limitations

While a Doctorate in Education does prepare you for top leadership roles, it also has some noteworthy risks and limitations with regard to cost, time, and career advancement. Keeping them in mind can help you make an informed decision:

• Improper work-life balance: Pursuing a doctorate while maintaining a full-time job can pose a serious challenge to your personal life. It may result in high levels of stress in some students and also make them feel isolated from their social circles.
• Huge time investment: An Ed.D. degree generally takes 3-5 years to complete, depending on the mode of learning (full-time or part-time). 

Also read: Full-Time vs. Part-Time M.Ed. Programs in Canada

Career Benefits of a Doctorate in Education

Some of the top benefits for career progression from an Ed.D. degree include improved salary packages, the chance to drive positive change through policy-making, and the opportunity to assume senior leadership positions in academia. 

• The Ed.D. program offers specialized expertise in specific areas such as higher education leadership, instruction and curriculum, and edtech.
• The degree provides easy access to top leadership roles such as College President, School Superintendent, and Dean.
• Graduates with a doctorate in education become eligible for higher salary packages than those with an M.Ed.

Also read: Career Paths after Completing an Ed.D in Canada

How upGrad Supports Your Doctorate Journey in Canada

To help Canadian professionals and educators make an impressive mark in educational leadership and policy-making, upGrad facilitates online Doctoral degrees in Education. These courses are designed in a flexible learning format to enable working professionals to balance their careers with studies.

Some of the best online Doctorate of Education programs available through upGrad are:

• Doctor of Education by Edgewood University
• Dual M.Ed. and Ed.D. Degree Program by Edgewood University

FAQ on Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Canada