Reviewed by Jon Konen, District Superintendent In essence, the primary difference between a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is that an Ed.D. focuses on practical skills, while a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focuses on theory and research. Those pursuing an Ed.D.
typically want to work in education leadership roles, so they perform hands-on work while pursuing their degrees. Ph.D. candidates usually hope to work in educational research and high-level education, so they perform a lot of literature reviews and other types of academic study. However, both involve practical and theory-based work. Do you want to earn a doctorate in education but can’t decide
which type of program to choose? Then, look no further for the answers to your questions. Here, we’ll discuss the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D., including the careers they’re both geared toward, what their respective course schedules look like, how long they take to get, and more.
What Is an Ed.D.?If you are working towards your Ed.D., your curriculum will likely be geared towards solving on-the-ground problems in the educational system. Projects for Ed.D. programs often include participating in workshops and research in the community, up to implementing a program in a classroom and reporting the findings. Specific coursework is determined by the area you specialize in. For instance, if you’re focusing on creating best practices for special education, you’ll likely spend time working in various special education rooms. What Can I Do With an Ed.D.?Those with Ed.D. degrees often seek positions in administration or community or district-wide leadership, seeking to improve schools and other educational resources in their communities. If you choose to pursue the Ed.D. route, you may also choose to specialize in different leadership tracks such as:
Salaries and Job Growth for Common Ed.D. CareersThere are many possible careers with Doctor of Education degrees, but salaries for the most common include:
A Ph.D. in education focuses on conducting research that enhances the profession and educational system. Most people with this doctorate spend some time working as a professor or postsecondary administrator. Ph.D. in education programs generally require courses in research, independent study, and best practices, culminating in a dissertation. That said, teaching-related internships and research are often needed. What Can I Do With a Ph.D. in Education?With a Ph.D. in education, you will usually seek employment as a college professor or educational researcher. This means you should want to teach and conduct research at the collegiate level. While some people can ultimately focus their efforts on research, being asked to teach is common. While both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs allow many of the same specialties, some more common with Ph.D. programs are:
Salaries and Job Growth for Common Ph.D. in Education CareersNo matter the specialty, many Ph.D. holders work in college classrooms and administration. The salaries and job growth estimates for those areas are:
Similarities Between Ed.D. and Ph.D. DegreesBoth a Ph.D. in education and an Ed.D. are intended to extend a teacher’s knowledge and ability in education. Each requires research in your intended field and the defense of a dissertation, capstone project, or other comprehensive final exploration of a topic. You can refer to yourself as “doctor” whether you have a Ph.D. or Ed.D. However, you should be aware of the context in which you’re using it since almost everyone associates the term with medical doctors. In your classroom? Go ahead! In a place where it could be confusing? Consider leaving your title at home. While common career paths were named under both the Ed.D. and Ph.D. sections above, you aren’t barred from entering those careers with the other doctorate. While it’s more common, for instance, for someone with an Ed.D. to work hands-on in the schools, someone with a Ph.D. can definitely do that too. Some doctoral programs allow you to pick an area to specialize in, while others only enroll students for specific types of specialties. It’s rare for a student not to specialize—to work as a doctor in education, you need to have a particular area you’re passionate enough about to want to focus your studies on it. Common specialization tracks for both degree types can include:
While you can have other degrees in all those specializations, doctoral degrees allow you to make bigger picture decisions. For instance, someone with a master’s in ECE may serve as a consultant or manager of an ECE center, while someone with a doctorate is more likely to work at the policy level to ensure a community’s early childhood education goals are met. (If you want to teach ECE and not work in those levels, consider an associate or bachelor’s degree in the field, as those are typically all you need.) Is Getting a Doctoral Degree in Education Worth It?Getting a Ph.D. in education or an Ed.D. is worthwhile for some people and not for others. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding to pursue a doctoral degree in education: Doctoral Degrees in Education: Pros
Doctoral Degrees in Education: Cons
Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which is Right for Me?Both doctoral degrees in education can lead to professional advancement. The two primary factors to consider are how much time you have to spend in school and what your careers goals are:
Your Path to a Doctorate in EducationIf you’re beginning to explore careers in education, you may have made it to this page as part of figuring out the path to your ideal career in the field. Remember: No matter what, you need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to pursue a doctorate in education. Depending on the requirements of the programs that might be offered at your school of choice, you may also need a master’s degree. However, if you’re getting ready to enter a specific job that requires a doctorate, it’s time to explore doctoral programs in your state or online. Whether you choose an Ed.D., Ph.D., or choose to remain at the bachelor’s or master’s degree levels, a career in education—even one that seems a bit outside the box—means you’re likely to change lives. We at EducationDegree are here to help with our wealth of articles and other resources to set you up for success. (Salary data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2020 for teachers and administrators. Figures represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed October 2021.) Is an EdD higher than a PhD?The EdD is focused on individuals who want to apply their knowledge to practice, while the PhD is more focused on research. However, learning more about the distinction between the two can help you find the program that most closely aligns with your goals.
Is an EdD as respected as a PhD?Prestige. The Ph. D. is generally considered more prestigious than the Ed. D., especially at highly selective research institutions.
Can you be called Doctor with an EdD?An EdD, or Doctor of Education, is a professional doctorate best suited for experienced educators and mid- to senior-level working professionals who want to lead and implement change within their organization.
Can you become a professor with an EdD?Question: Can you become a college professor with an EdD? Answer: Yes — Earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree qualifies graduates to teach at the postsecondary level, at both two- and four-year colleges and universities.
|