The Ph.D. is the highest level of academic degree awarded. According to the National Science Foundation, slightly more than 6,500 candidates were awarded Ph. D. degrees in 2008.
Among the many specializations offered when studying for a Ph.D. in Education are elementary, secondary and higher education, special education, curriculum and instruction and educational technology.
Those who are awarded the Ph.D. in Education will find jobs as instructors at all levels of teaching in both private and public institutions. In addition, jobs are available as administrators for schools and school districts. Jobs with consulting firms are also options.
The U.S. Census reports that in 2007 the mean salary for those who hold advanced degrees was $80,977 compared to $57,181 for bachelor's degrees.
Possibly the best reasons to pursue a Ph.D. in Education is for the love of learning and for the intellectual challenges involved with study and research.