5 Doctoral Degrees that Make a Positive Impact

Continued Education

If you’re considering enrolling in a doctoral program, you might wonder what an Ed.D. degree is and what a Ph.D. degree is. Both are types of doctoral degrees, which is the highest level of degree you can earn.

In the 2019/2020 academic year, about 190,178 students received a doctoral degree, according to a Statista report. That number is projected to reach 221,000 in the 2030/2031 academic year.

As you search for the best doctoral degrees, DBU offers several options. In keeping with our commitment to integrating faith and learning in every classroom, DBU helps doctorate in education (Ed.D.) and doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) students deepen their knowledge and fulfill their spiritual calling.

If you haven’t decided on a specific degree or concentration, let’s examine some benefits of obtaining an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. and explore doctoral programs Christians should consider.

Benefits of Obtaining an Ed.D. or a Ph.D.

Advancing your education requires time, energy, focus, and a financial investment. So, it’s reasonable for you to consider whether getting a doctoral degree is worth it. Earning an Ed.D. or Ph.D. has multiple benefits, including:

More job opportunities
Readiness for leadership roles
Higher salaries
Contributing to a particular field
Expanding knowledge and soft skills
Honing writing and research skills
Personal growth and sense of achievement

If you complete your curriculum at DBU, you’ll also enjoy spiritual growth from Christian scholars and lifelong mentors in our Christ-centered doctoral programs.

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. Degree

Although both are doctoral degrees, the coursework and focus differ for an Ed.D. versus a Ph.D. Program lengths and requirements vary per school.

An Ed.D. program prepares doctoral students to assume leadership positions in education, such as school superintendent or college president. You’ll apply what you learned in practice to create change in your field.

By comparison, a Ph.D. program emphasizes research, and graduates generate new and original research in their chosen field, according to EdDPrograms.com.

5 Doctoral Programs Christians Should Consider

Doctoral programs remain popular. Statista projects that 211,000 people will earn doctoral degrees in the 2023/2024 academic year.

Here are five doctoral programs Christian students should consider.

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership degree prepares students for advanced leadership roles in higher education and other fields. Graduates apply curriculum concepts, theory, and research to advance their careers and effect change.

If you wish to make positive changes in the education sector, a doctorate in education in Educational Leadership helps you develop the skills, knowledge, and tools to do so.

Job titles Ed.D. in Educational Leadership graduates hold include:

School Principal and Assistant Principal
School Superintendent
University Dean
University President
University Vice President
Educational Organization CEO

DBU’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program incorporates a faith-based learning approach so that students pursue a unique combination of theory and practical experience to become servant leaders in their unique sphere of influence.

DBU offers three concentrations:

Higher Education Leadership – provides cognate studies in higher education administration and leadership.
Educational Ministry Leadership – provides cognate studies specific to leadership in the church or a Christian education organization.
General Leadership – provides cognate studies for professionals in various leadership positions.

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership Concentration

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a K-12 Leadership concentration enables graduates to make positive impacts in the lives of K-12 students. Degree holders tackle learning challenges and deliver public, private, and charter school solutions.

If you are passionate about children’s education, this program provides an opportunity to make a positive difference.

K-12 job titles graduates hold include:

School Principal
School Administrator
School System Superintendent
Educational Researcher

DBU’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership concentration is a 60-hour program that 85% of students complete in four years or less, with a remarkable dropout rate of only 5%. Graduates possess the critical thinking skills necessary to integrate faith and learning to transform students and improve education. The program promotes a strong work-life balance for students to help ensure completion.

Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

DBU’s Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program is a minimum 60-hour research doctorate program designed to develop and enhance the competencies essential to servant leadership in the 21st century.

If you seek to impact and address contemporary leadership issues within your field, this is a great educational path for you.

Graduates of DBU’s Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program possess the skills and knowledge to serve in executive leadership positions in various industries, including business, education, ministry, industry, civic, and government. The curriculum integrates faith and learning, as with all DBU academic programs.

Ph.D. in Psychology

Ph.D. in Psychology doctorate students contribute research to the field of psychology. They examine human behavior, social interactions, and mental health treatments. They work in various industries and settings, including schools, universities, clinics, private businesses, and the government.

Job titles that Ph.D. in Psychology graduates hold include:

Psychology Professors
Research Psychologists
Licensed Psychologists

Psychology is a growing field, with employment of psychologists projected to increase 7% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹

¹Based on data available as of Friday, October 25, 2024, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Psychologists.

If you have a passion for mental health and wish to contribute to human behavior research, this popular doctoral program is for you.

Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

MBA students can take their business education and career to the next level with a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) degree. The 60-hour doctorate program coursework includes subjects like financial decision-making, organizational development theory, corporate and personal ethics, and global management.

Graduates work in various fields, including healthcare, education, government, nonprofits, and private businesses.

DBA holders assume various top-level executive positions, with a median annual salary for Chief Executives in May 2022 of $189,520, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Around 311,600 job openings are projected each year from 2022 to 2032.

Pursuing a degree in any of these doctoral programs allows you to advance in your career and make a positive impact as a servant leader in your chosen field.