The education industry faces significant challenges as students struggle to recover from COVID-19-related academic losses. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, fourth and eighth grade reading scores have declined steadily since 2019. Math scores remained stable compared to 2022; however, performance was still below pre-pandemic levels. The post-COVID decline is most noticeable among lower-performing students, broadening the divide between the highest and lowest performers.
Education leaders play a critical role in addressing such challenges by formulating the policies that guide instruction and administration. Their work shapes curriculum and learning outcomes and influences funding decisions.
If you’re an education leader who wants to transform your organization or the broader education system, earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) can help you gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to reach your goal. American University’s (AU’s) online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership program is designed specifically for working professionals seeking career advancement and policy influence. This article explains how earning this degree can help you accelerate your education leadership career.
Boost Your Leadership Skills with AU’s EdD Program
Connect Policy to Practice
How an Online Doctor of Education Strengthens Leadership and Policy Expertise
Enrolling in an online EdD program can help you develop the analytical and strategic thinking skills necessary to shape education policy and the leadership capabilities needed to drive systemic change.
Education Policy Analysis: Understanding the System
The AU online EdD’s curriculum cultivates the skills to assess policies and evaluate their impact on school systems, educators, and students. Education Policy Analysis, for example, explores how federal, state, and local policies affect American PK-12 education and examines the issues and challenges educators face because of these policies.
AU EdD students also learn to use policy analysis tools and management science to develop data-driven and research-based policy recommendations. By leveraging data and research, educators and policymakers can create targeted interventions that enhance learning experiences and drive sustainable improvements.
Education Policy Implementation: From Research to Practice
In addition to gaining expertise in policy analysis, online EdD students learn to translate policy recommendations into actionable strategies that improve learning outcomes and equity. They also develop the key skills needed to implement these policy strategies.
Effective education policy implementation requires strong leadership and communication skills to help educators, students, and communities understand policy directives and embrace the change. The problem-solving skills developed in the EdD program enable AU graduates to adapt policies to real-world challenges, overcome barriers, and refine strategies based on feedback and evolving educational needs.
Career Paths for EdD Graduates: Where Leadership Meets Policy
Earning your EdD online opens doors to high-impact leadership roles that address pressing educational challenges. AU online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership graduates often go on to work in government agencies, school districts, or higher education institutions in positions focused on policy and administration. This section highlights three such career opportunities.
Education Policy Advisor or Analyst
Education policy analysts and advisors study educational systems to uncover, research, and report on key issues and recommend reforms. The EdD program develops essential skills for this role, including research, data collection and analysis, legal analysis, education theory, and communication capabilities.
EdD graduates are well suited to work as policy analysts and advisors in various organizations within the educational system, including:
- Government agencies: Education policy analysts and advisors often work directly for local, state, or federal government education agencies.
- School districts: Education policy analysts help districts better understand their schools’ operations and determine what support they need to improve.
- Research institutes: Education policy analysts and advisors work at research institutes and think tanks to study trends and develop reform strategies.
- Nonprofits: Nonprofits may employ education policy analysts and advisors to identify ways to improve policies to better support schools with limited funding and resources.
School District Leader or Superintendent
Superintendents are administrative leaders who manage a district’s schools, budgets, programs, and staff. Their responsibilities include strategic planning, policy implementation at the district level, and leading diverse teams of educators. Throughout their studies, EdD students develop their skills in strategic budgeting, collaborative inquiry, talent management, program evaluation, and policy analysis, all of which are essential to district leadership.
Higher Education Leadership (Dean, Provost, or University Administrator)
Higher education leaders—e.g., deans, provosts, and university administrators—play a critical role in shaping institutional policy. They set policies, evaluate progress, and collaborate with staff to improve the quality of education and student outcomes. EdD graduates are highly suited to these roles because they have the skills to evaluate policy effectiveness, develop strategic plans, and lead teams in implementing new policy directives.
Why an Online Doctor of Education is Ideal for Working Professionals
Online EdD programs are popular among active industry professionals because they make it easier to balance graduate study with a full-time job.
Designed for Busy Education Professionals
Asynchronous prep and dissertation work affords flexibility to fit academics into students’ busy calendars, while synchronous live sessions foster community building, meaningful learning, and direct faculty support. Online students can earn their advanced degrees without having to put their careers on hold.
Practical, Career-Focused Curriculum
The AU online EdD program features a practical, career-focused curriculum that integrates leadership development, policy research, and hands-on experience. Many courses feature practical elements: creative exercises, communication skills development (reading, writing, and presenting), research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategy development. Students benefit from opportunities to apply these skills immediately at work, adding value even before graduation.
Advance Your Career with American University’s Online Doctor of Education
If you want to connect policy to practice to solve educational challenges and improve learner outcomes, consider enrolling in the AU online EdD program. The AU online EdD includes comprehensive coursework in education policy analysis and implementation to prepare you for roles that include policy analyst, superintendent, and higher education leadership. AU students meet and connect with education leaders and policy experts (during online lectures and the three in-person residencies) to build their professional network; a robust professional network can benefit EdD graduates throughout their careers by providing access to industry discussions and insights, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.
Next Steps: Apply to AU’s Online EdD Program
The AU online Doctor of Education program is designed to prepare professionals for leadership positions in education policy and administration. Contact us to request more information or schedule an application walkthrough to learn more about the application process and discuss whether the online EdD fits your goals.
