Deciding to pursue a doctoral degree in education marks a pivotal point in your professional journey. Among the crucial choices you’ll face is selecting between a Doctor Of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education. Both pathways offer distinct routes to impactful careers, whether your ambition lies in leading educational transformation or shaping the field through rigorous research.
The decision between an EdD and a PhD extends beyond mere degree selection; it’s a career-defining moment. Each program provides unique advantages, catering to different professional aspirations—leadership in organizations or groundbreaking research contributions. By thoroughly understanding the variations in curriculum, career prospects, and long-term influence, you can confidently choose the path that best aligns with your career objectives and passion for education.
Explore further to uncover the defining characteristics and essential distinctions between an EdD and a PhD in Education, empowering you to determine the ideal program for your future.
EdD vs. PhD in Education: Understanding the Core Differences
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional doctorate specifically tailored for experienced practitioners aiming for leadership positions within educational settings. Conversely, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education is designed to equip graduates for roles focused on research and academic teaching.
According to Joseph McNabb, a professor at Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education, “With a PhD, students delve into existing research, identify gaps in the literature, and contribute new knowledge grounded in theory and hypotheses. In contrast, an EdD student begins with a practical problem and concentrates on acquiring the necessary skills to address and resolve that complex problem effectively.” This distinction highlights the fundamental difference in focus: the PhD emphasizes theoretical contribution and research generation, while the EdD targets practical problem-solving and leadership application in the field of education.
EdD: The Doctor of Education Explained
What is an EdD Degree?
A Doctor of Education is recognized as a professional doctorate, ideally suited for seasoned educators and professionals in mid- to senior-level positions seeking to drive and implement change within their organizations.
EdD candidates come from diverse sectors, including K-12 and higher education, non-profits, government agencies, healthcare institutions, and the military. Common to all is a strong desire to transform their immediate professional environments, applying doctoral-level learning to address critical, complex issues prevalent in their workplaces.
The EdD is fundamentally practice-based. Students in a Doctor of Education program are not solely interested in academic research for its own sake, but rather aim to leverage research to tangibly improve decision-making processes within their communities or organizations.
Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration
EdD programs emphasize qualitative, exploratory research methodologies. Students are trained to gather data and conduct in-depth interviews, observations, and focus groups to formulate hypotheses and develop actionable strategies. These strategies are designed to solve or clarify specific problems of practice. Examples include devising methods to better support student veterans transitioning to civilian life or strategies to promote female leadership in higher education—illustrative dissertation topics recently explored within Northeastern’s EdD program.
Career Paths with an EdD Degree
While the applicability of an EdD spans various industries and career paths—including K-12, higher education, the non-profit sector, and public service—certain job titles are frequently encountered among EdD graduates. These include:
Is an EdD Worth It?
An EdD represents an invaluable investment for professionals passionate about leadership and committed to enacting meaningful change in education and related fields. It is specifically designed for individuals who aspire to reshape policies, enhance learning environments, and lead organizations effectively. Graduates holding a Doctor of Education are well-prepared for high-impact leadership roles where they can translate research into practical action. Indeed, EdD candidates are not just scholars; they are change agents dedicated to tackling complex challenges and shaping the future trajectory of education. While pursuing an EdD demands dedication and significant time investment, it equips graduates with strategic skills, influential networks, and enhanced credibility necessary to lead confidently and make a lasting positive impact within their communities.
Learn More: 8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education
PhD in Education: A Deep Dive
What is a PhD in Education?
A PhD in Education is a terminal degree primarily intended for individuals aiming for careers in academia or research at the university level.
PhD students typically adopt a more theoretical, study-intensive approach to learning. Their primary objective is often to achieve mastery in a specialized subject area and contribute original findings to the existing body of academic literature. PhD candidates engage in original research with the goal of advancing their field and inspiring further developments based on their scholarly contributions.
The PhD is the preferred degree for those seeking professorships or tenure-track positions in universities. These programs typically emphasize publishing in reputable academic journals, presenting at national and international conferences, and developing pedagogical skills to train future generations of educators.
Career Paths with a PhD in Education
While some roles mentioned earlier can also be attained with a PhD, the most common career paths for PhD holders in Education include:
Is a PhD in Education Worth It?
A PhD in Education provides a strategic pathway for those committed to influencing educational theory, policy, and systemic change through rigorous research. While it requires a substantial time commitment, this degree can significantly enhance career progression and professional standing. Graduates often become leaders in education reform, curriculum innovation, and policy analysis, directly addressing critical challenges within the educational landscape. By fostering innovation and expanding the frontiers of knowledge, a PhD opens doors to influential leadership roles in academic and research institutions, empowering professionals to make profound and lasting contributions to the field.
EdD or PhD: Choosing the Right Path for Your Career
After exploring the distinctions between an EdD and PhD in Education, the most pertinent question to consider is: What is the next step I envision for my career, and which degree will best facilitate the achievement of my professional aspirations? Your answer to this question will guide you in selecting the doctoral program that best aligns with your career trajectory.
Pursuing a doctorate promises significant career benefits, regardless of the chosen path. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average annual salary of $109,668, substantially more than those holding a master’s degree. Moreover, doctoral degree holders experience a notably low unemployment rate of just 1.0%, compared to the broader national unemployment average.
Whether you opt for an EdD or a PhD, significant potential exists to advance your career within the field of education. Carefully evaluating your professional needs and personal values will ultimately clarify whether a Doctor of Education or a PhD in Education is the most appropriate choice to fulfill your personal and professional goals.
