Professionals who are interested in bringing their careers to the next level may want to consider pursuing a Ph.D. in education. Being the highest degree level, students will be seriously challenged in their courses and will get the chance to pursue research and hands on experience in their fields. A great number of the students entering doctorate programs in education are usually working professionals in the field, and as such, many programs will be designed with that in mind.
Getting a doctorate in any subject can mean a lot of hard work and effort, and education is no exception. Students will be expected to pursue research projects, take courses, and work with other students and professors to discuss issues and analyze materials. Many programs will be self-directed, and students will be expected to do a large part of their work independently.
Also the need for Ph.D.s are very important for HBCUs. The number of black professors are going down as professors retire and take jobs at other universities. If the HBCU experience is to be maintained, some students will need to forgo the immediate cash incentive from a professional career, and go back to school to gain a doctorate.
But students who have attended HBCUs under black professors can attest to how much of a benefit that having a teacher with a different experience can be.