Five Reasons To Pursue A Professional Doctorate (NAPSA)—Over the past two de- cades,getting a doctorate degree has become more relevant for people who are notresearchersor college professors. For example, an Ed.D. can prepare you for administration and leadership positions. Doctorate programs today emphasize practicality over philosophy and encourage students to solve workplace issuesthat affect their field. WhatIs A Professional Doctoral Degree? Notall doctorates are Ph.D.s. Ph.D. students must write and defend a dissertation. With a professional doctor- ate, students develop new solutions to real-world problems by exploring and applying existing research and scholarship. Often referred to as an “applied” or “practitioner” doctorate, a professional doctorate is a doctoral-level degree for experienced professionals who want to translate their industry expertise into a higher position of credibil- ity, leadership and influence in their profession. WhyGetA Professional Doctoral Degree? 1. To develop a unique dissertation topic that can be leveraged and expanded upon to help enhance your career. Your research could significantly affect yourfield. If you enjoy problem solving and are passionate about real-worldissues, an Ed.D. degree maybefor you. 2. To fulfill a lifelong dream to reach the apex of knowledge in a specific field, earning the covetedtitle of “Doctor” 3. To become a sought-after expert, leader, author, change agent, innovator and scholar. 4. To attract like-minded thinkers and grow your professional network, garnering support from those in similar roles. Ed.D. students work and collaborate with classmates whoarealso professionals, learning from each other and sharing new ideas. 5. To prove your capabilities and increase yourself-esteem, serve as a role model for friends, family members, colleagues and the community. Ed.D. degree students are able to hold fulltime jobs while working toward their advanced degree. One Doctor’s Story Ed.D. degrees can also push students to go further in their education and professional careers. Continuing education is always challenging but If you're looking to address real-world issues, an Ed.D. maybe for you. can be extremely rewarding. University of Phoenix alumna Kelisa Wing is a great example of a lifelong learner whohasbenefited from continuing her education. As an educator, Wing strives to improve her field. She was named the 2017 Department of Defense Education Activity Teacher of the Year due to her significant contributions to the teaching profession. A dedicated English language arts teacher, veteran and motherof two, Wing earned her Master of Secondary Education with University of Phoenix overseas while her husband, also a veteran, was stationed in Germa- ny. She also completed an educational specialist advanced degree with the Uni- versity of Phoenix, wheresheis current- ly pursuing a Doctorate of Educational Leadership. “University of Phoenix helped me learn how to becomea better administrator,” Wingsaid. “Thespecialist degree helped metransition from a teaching position to assistant principal at an el- ementary school. I enjoyed the classes so much that pursuing a doctorate was the natural choice for me. I know the degree will enhance my learning about curriculum andinstruction, helping me to ensure our curriculum represents the backgroundof our students.” ‘The flexibility of professional doctorate degrees available via online programs can be key for those continuing their career journey as they advance their education. Learn More For further information on programs available at University of Phoenix, visit www.phoenix.edu/degrees/doctorate. html. For facts about the educational debt, earnings and completionrates of students who attended these programs, visit www.phoenix.edu/programs/gainfulemployment.html.
