Really need some guidance on my degree path / future

College Confidential Community
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I am looking for a bit of guidance, and this looks like the perfect place.

This first semester of grad school (earning Ph.D in chemical education through a chemistry department) has been interesting; I’ve learned a lot. The chemistry department here is what I would call disorganized, but the degree is do-able. My would-be advisor is nice. My grades are doing fine. However, lately I’ve started doubting my decision to get the chemistry doctorate.

My ultimate goal is to teach. I thought specifically it was chemistry. As I go through the chem grad school experience, however, I find they care much more about conferences and paper publishing than teaching (even their own courses). I realize chemical education research should be intriguing, and it is, but its not pure classroom experience.

The thought has crossed my mind to switch to an education masters (that comes with a teaching license) and Ed.D. The upside is that I will get more “teaching” courses and experience (teach HS chemistry while earning masters), and with the doctorate I could work at a university. The downside is that I realize I won’t be qualified to teach undergraduate chemistry.

The real battle I’m fighting is whether or not to get the chem degree and teach college chemistry or get the education degree, teach HS chemistry, and work for the education department of a university (or get into educational leadership or policy). I’m struggling to find out if my heart is so much into chemistry or plain teaching.

I’m not thinking about changing because it’s difficult. I’m just soul searching. While the internet can’t make the decision for me, I know you me some clarity. Thank you so much.

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By the way, I have a BS in Chemistry. Taught SI for almost 3 years at my undergrad.

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Do NOT get an Ed.D unless you are dead certain you want to work in administration. You are 100% correct that you will NOT be able to teach undergraduate chemistry with that kind of degree (or an education master’s degree, for that matter). Even at the community college I worked at, you needed a master’s degree PLUS 18 credits in the subject (minimum). They strongly prefer people with actual graduate degrees in the field.

The way I look at this is: if you continue on your current path, you can get a position in admin if you change your mind about working/teaching in chemistry – in fact, many deans and top-level administrative staff have PhDs in academic fields. The reverse is NOT true. I would not switch course.