Why I Chose a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education
For Samantha L., a registered dietitian and nutrition educator, the decision to pursue a doctoral degree was about more than career advancement. It was about shaping the future of education and promoting health and wellness on a broader scale.
“Rowan’s online Ed.D. program will give me the skills to become a leader in nutrition education and make the field more inclusive, equitable and impactful for students—and in turn, the populations they will go on to support.”
Her vision goes beyond classrooms and institutions: she wants to create more equitable pathways in nutrition education, where cultural humility, health and access are at the forefront.
What Sparked — and Sustains — Samantha’s Doctoral Journey
Samantha’s passion for education runs deep.
“My mom was a well-respected educator, and I believe that has always sparked my interest in the field of education.”
That spark grew as she worked in her undergraduate nutrition lab, served as a graduate teaching assistant and coordinated school nutrition programs in K–12. Eventually, her career path led her to adjunct teaching and then to her current role as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Rowan University.
Today, she teaches courses including Basic Nutrition, Lifecycle Nutrition, Management of Food and Nutrition Services, Techniques of Food Preparation, Principles of Food Science, and Integrative and Functional Nutrition, while overseeing the Senior Nutrition Internship. Outside of the classroom, she helps community members become certified in food safety and delivers presentations to local schools and student groups on nutrition and wellness.
At the heart of her journey, though, it’s her students who keep her motivated:
“My students inspire me to keep growing as an educator and leader so I can create programs that meet their needs and strengthen the profession.”
Why Rowan’s Online Ed.D. in Higher Education?
Rowan’s online Doctor of Education in Higher Education, offered through the CAEP-accredited College of Education, builds on a century-long legacy of preparing educators and leaders.
With its flexible, 100% online format, the program empowers working professionals to balance careers with doctoral study while gaining expertise in:
Leadership and administrative strategy
Higher education governance and student success
Social justice, equity, and institutional reform
Translating theory into practice through inquiry-driven coursework and a dissertation
For Samantha, the design of Rowan’s online Ed.D. program has been both rewarding and practical.
“The online program gives me the opportunity to be flexible with my time. I can balance my full-time faculty role with my continuing education, which is important to me.”
Online Ed.D. Learning That Balances Flexibility with Quality
While some may have doubts about online doctoral study, Samantha highlights how Rowan delivers a high-quality online learning experience.
“The format offers flexibility without sacrificing quality.”
Samantha explains that thanks to Rowan’s design, continuing her education alongside a full-time faculty role has actually been manageable.
“Any education on top of a full-time position will add a challenge, but the online format—compared to in person—allows my life to be more balanced.”
She values being able to manage coursework at her own pace—even pausing lectures and returning later—while still staying connected through group projects, discussion posts and weekly faculty office hours.
The Truth About Online Ed.D. Programs
Many people assume that online doctoral study means less interaction, limited engagement or even isolation. But Samantha’s experience tells a different story.
“My experience with Rowan’s online Ed.D. program has been fantastic. The content is engaging, and there are meaningful opportunities to collaborate with peers and connect with faculty.”
For her, the online format has delivered both flexibility and real connection—combining the independence of learning at her own pace with the support of peers and professors who keep the journey collaborative.
How Rowan’s Online Ed.D. Positively Impacts Teaching and Leadership
The impact of Rowan’s Ed.D. program is already showing up in Samantha’s daily teaching.
“Every course and assignment makes me think about how I can better support my students and improve nutrition education as a whole.”
She says the content has prompted her to reflect in new ways, giving her fresh ideas for the classroom. At the same time, it also strengthens her preparation for future leadership roles—particularly in influencing curriculum and program development to advance equity in nutrition education.
Samantha’s Advice for Future Online Ed.D. Students
Earning a doctorate in higher education while working fulltime requires commitment, but according to Samantha, it’s well worth the effort. She stresses the importance of entering the program with a clear sense of priorities, since flexibility is a huge benefit but also requires discipline and consistency.
Her advice to prospective students: Reflect on your goals, your learning style and your readiness to hold yourself accountable.
“If you are motivated and the online program format aligns with how you learn, it can be a rewarding way to advance your education.”
And for those who may come from different fields—as with her own path from nutrition into higher education—she sees Rowan’s Ed.D. as an inclusive fit. The program brings together professionals from areas of exercise science, social work and communications, alongside those with traditional education backgrounds. For Samantha, such diversity makes the coursework more engaging and complementary to her work as a dietitian.
“Rowan’s online Ed.D. program is a great option for professionals from different backgrounds. It allows you to build a strong foundation in education while still advancing in your own field.”
Looking ahead, she envisions a career of mentoring students, shaping programs and—in her own words—retiring someday “as a lunch lady.”
Earn Your Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Online at Rowan
Rowan’s online Ed.D. in Higher Education allows professionals like Samantha to balance teaching, leadership and scholarship while advancing equity in higher education.
With courses in governance, leadership, advocacy, and sustainable institutional change, graduates are equipped to lead at four-year colleges and universities, as well as at other postsecondary institutions.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, Rowan’s flexible, fully online Ed.D. program can help you grow as an educator and leader—without putting your career on hold.
