- Principal
- Academic Dean
- University Provost
- University President’s Chief of Staff
- College Vice-President
Earning a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership comes with a long list of challenges and an unparalleled level of adversity. Nonetheless, those who complete the program will be eligible for some of the highest-ranking positions in the spheres of secondary and post-secondary education.
1. Principal
Being a principal is one of the most prominent jobs for professionals who work in the lower levels of education. To get there, one must have the right combination of experience and technical expertise. A Ph.D. in Educational Leadership will certainly come in handy as it is the most fitting credential for anyone who seeks to become a principal. Given the status of this degree, most prospective candidates look to lead high schools as they are the highest institutions in secondary education.
2. Academic Dean
An academic dean is in charge of an entire college program and usually reports directly to the provost. Their job is to ensure that the department is running smoothly while they oversee all of the professors. They also resolve student issues that other professors were unsuccessful with. To get there, one must possess relatable industry knowledge. For instance, an academic dean for a department of mathematics will usually need to show a proven track record of either working as a mathematician or teaching in the field. Having a doctorate in educational leadership will be extremely beneficial.
3. University Provost
A provost is someone who oversees the operation of the educational institution as a whole. They often work directly with the school’s president and handle everything from finance and funding to large-scale expansions. Unlike an academic dean, however, provosts will not necessarily interact with the students. Their job is more focused on helping develop the overall university by:
- drafting budgets
- attending important meetings
- presenting long-term strategies
To become eligible, a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership is an exceptional starting point.
4. University President’s Chief of Staff
There are only a few people who work above the provost. The president’s chief of staff is one of them. This person has authority over everyone who reports directly to the school’s president. The chief of staff carries a lot of responsibilities. Their job is to ensure that the executive leadership of an institution is performing well. Doing so can be extremely difficult as they must also multitask to serve the president directly. While the job requirements vary, having a doctorate tends to be a very common criterion. As with most other jobs on this list, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that one can expect to make very close to six figures as an administrator in this field.
5. College Vice-President or President
Finally, someone who earns a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership will have a high chance of working up to the vice-president or president position with a post-secondary institution. It is vital to recognize that this venture will take a substantial amount of time. They will first need to get tenure as a professor or a department chair. They must subsequently serve as an academic dean for a while. Afterward, they have to work as senior officials for the school. Finally, they may get appointed to be the president by the board of trustees.
Related Resource: Top 20 Most Affordable PhD in Educational Leadership Online
Ultimately, there are many more opportunities across a wide range of levels. This is why a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership is among the best programs for folks planning to work in the academic circles.