There are right and wrong moments for everything, including your doctor of education. It may be smart to pursue your doctorate immediately after earning your previous degree, but there are benefits to putting additional education off for a while.

Should you take a break from the classroom and wait to get your doctor of education?

Yes…

If You Want to Get Some Work Experience

Working full-time hours allows you to save up some money. However, if you do not continue your education immediately, student loan payments for your undergraduate and graduate degrees will kick in, which will affect your finances and ability to save.

Working before pursuing your doctorate may also help you decide if it would be beneficial to your career. If you enjoy your job and don’t think the benefits of having a doctorate would outweigh the cost, you may choose to not go for your doctorate at all.

If You Hope Your Employer Will Pay

An educated employee is an employee who brings more value to a company. That is why it is common for businesses, including schools, to pay for their employees to continue their education.

If you are thinking about applying for jobs or are already working for a company that will eventually provide financial aid for you to get your doctorate, it may be a good idea to put your doctor of education degree on the back burner for a while.

If You Want to Be Completely Sure

If you’ve pursued an undergraduate and master’s degree on a particular subject, you may not actually know what a day in the life of a professional in that industry is like… until you get some on-the-job experience of your own.

A doctor of education degree requires an investment of your time and money. It’s smart to make sure that you’re in the first field before committing to a program.

No…

If You’re Already in “Learning Mode”

Diving back into the collegiate lifestyle isn’t always as easy as it looks.

Many adults who choose to take time off after their graduate degree before pursuing their doctor of education report losing interest and motivation in school. Some of them never return. If you want to keep up your studious momentum, applying right away is a good idea.

If You Don’t Want Major Milestones to Get in the Way

On average, it takes a student four years to complete our doctor of education program. A lot can happen in those four years. While some events are unexpected, some may already be a part of your plans.

You may choose to put off your doctorate until your children are older or your car is paid off, but if you have a few years before you plan on starting a family or making large purchases, now may be the perfect time to pursue the next step in your education.

If You Want to Earn More, Faster

If you decide to work a while before pursuing your doctor of education degree, you will be earning less during that period of time, and will need to begin payment on student loans. On the other hand, you may be overwhelmed taking on a doctorate degree without the opportunity to save up first, but once you start earning, you’ll be earning much more.

If you would like to talk to a counselor about your options, contact Beth Hargrove, an admissions counselor at Texas Wesleyan. She can answer any questions you may have about pursuing your doctorate and give you more information about our doctor of education program.

‌