A bachelor's or master's degree generally limits you to teaching kindergarten through 12th grade. A doctorate is usually required to teach at the college level. A doctorate enables you to publish any research you complete while on a college faculty. It also gives you an opportunity to transition to leadership positions within a school district, and government positions also exist for people with PhD's in education.
An aspiring doctor of education can choose from a variety of specialization options. Teaching and Teacher Education is one such specialization. The student of this specialty researches methods to educate teachers about various factors that affect their ability to teach, such as student diversity and teaching in urban environments. Educational Reform is another specialization. This specialty focuses on school and curriculum policies, as well as finding creative solutions to educational problems.
The aspiring doctor of education will complete a seminar in the first semester of the doctoral program. This seminar serves as an introduction to the program and to the requirements of professional research. The student is also required to complete two courses in the foundations of education. At least 15 research methodology courses are required, along with three credits directly related to the student's specialization.
A doctorate in education requires at least 45 to 60 credits after you have completed the master's program. You must also complete training in at least one form of research, which includes mentoring in research techniques. The third semester of study will bring an examination of your candidacy, as well as a review of your portfolio. The final requirement is to complete a dissertation, an in-depth, scholarly examination of a relevant subject of your choice.