Considering a doctoral degree in education is a significant step towards advancing your career and impact in the field. Among the pivotal decisions you’ll face is selecting between a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education. Both degrees are gateways to impactful careers, but they cater to distinct professional aspirations, whether you aim to revolutionize education through leadership or contribute to its evolution through in-depth research.
The choice between an EdD and a PhD transcends a mere academic preference; it’s a career-defining juncture. Each program is structured to provide unique advantages, aligning with different career trajectories, from organizational leadership to pioneering research. Understanding the nuances in curriculum, career prospects, and long-term influence is crucial in making an informed decision that resonates with your professional ambitions.
Continue reading to explore the defining characteristics and critical distinctions between an EdD and a PhD in Education, empowering you to determine the program that best aligns with your career objectives.
Understanding the Core Differences: EdD vs. PhD
The fundamental difference between a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education lies in their primary focus and career orientation. An EdD is a professional doctorate specifically tailored for experienced practitioners aiming for leadership roles within educational settings and related fields. Conversely, a PhD in Education is a research-oriented degree designed to prepare graduates for careers in academic research and teaching at the university level.
As Joseph McNabb, a professor at Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education, aptly puts it, “With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis. Conversely, an EdD student starts with a problem of practice and [works to learn] the skills it will take to resolve that complex problem of practice.” This distinction highlights that while PhD candidates delve into theoretical research to expand the body of knowledge, EdD candidates focus on applying existing research and practical skills to solve real-world educational challenges.
Doctor of Education (EdD) – The Practitioner’s Degree
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is recognized as a professional doctorate, ideally suited for seasoned educators and professionals in mid- to senior-level positions who are driven to lead and enact change within their organizations. EdD programs are designed to cultivate leaders who can apply evidence-based practices to improve educational systems.
EdD candidates come from diverse professional landscapes, including K-12 and higher education, as well as sectors like non-profits, government, healthcare, and the military. What unites them is a shared commitment to transforming their immediate professional environments and leveraging their doctoral education to tackle significant, pressing issues within their workplaces.
The EdD curriculum is inherently practice-based. Students pursuing an EdD are not solely interested in academic research for its own sake. Instead, they aim to utilize research as a tool to inform decision-making processes and drive positive change within their communities or organizations. The emphasis is on the practical application of research to solve real-world problems in education and related fields.
Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration
Research within EdD programs typically leans towards qualitative and exploratory methods. Students often engage in data collection through individual interviews, observations, or focus groups. This approach enables them to formulate hypotheses and develop targeted strategies to address or clarify specific problems of practice. Examples of such problems include enhancing support systems for student veterans transitioning to civilian life or promoting gender diversity in leadership roles within higher education. These topics, among others, represent the practical and impactful dissertation research undertaken by students in EdD programs like the one at Northeastern University.
Career Paths with an EdD
An EdD opens doors to a wide array of leadership and administrative roles across various sectors. While the degree is highly applicable in K-12 and higher education, its value extends to the non-profit sector, government agencies, and civic service. Common job titles held by EdD graduates include:
- Superintendent: Leading and managing school districts, implementing educational policies and reforms.
- Principal: Directing school operations, fostering a positive learning environment, and improving school performance.
- Curriculum Director: Developing and refining educational curricula to meet evolving standards and student needs.
- Education Administrator: Overseeing educational programs and initiatives at various levels, from local to national.
- Policy Analyst: Analyzing educational policies and advising on improvements and new strategies.
- Nonprofit Leader: Heading educational non-profit organizations, driving initiatives to improve education access and quality.
- Corporate Trainer: Leading training and development programs within corporations, applying educational principles in corporate settings.
These roles exemplify the leadership trajectory available to EdD graduates, highlighting careers where they can implement systemic changes and improvements.
Is an EdD Worth It?
For professionals passionate about leadership and driven to enact meaningful change in education and beyond, an EdD is an exceptionally valuable degree. It is specifically designed for those who aspire to reshape policies, enhance learning environments, and lead educational organizations effectively. EdD graduates are well-prepared for high-impact leadership roles where they can translate research into actionable strategies. EdD candidates are not just academics; they are change agents committed to resolving complex challenges and shaping the future of education. While earning an EdD demands dedication and time, it equips individuals with the strategic skills, influential networks, and enhanced credibility necessary to lead confidently and make a lasting impact in their professional spheres and communities.
Learn More: 8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education – The Researcher’s Degree
A PhD in Education is a terminal degree primarily designed for individuals who are passionate about contributing to the academic field of education through research and scholarship. It is the quintessential degree for those aiming for careers in academia or research-intensive roles within universities and research institutions.
PhD programs in education adopt a more theoretical and study-based approach to learning. The central goal for PhD candidates is to achieve mastery in a specialized area of education and contribute original research that expands the existing body of knowledge. These candidates are expected to conduct rigorous, original research that can drive significant advancements in their specific field of study or inspire further research and change based on their findings.
The PhD is the preferred degree for those aspiring to become university professors or secure tenure-track positions. PhD programs heavily emphasize scholarly activities such as publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at national and international conferences, and developing effective teaching methodologies for training future generations of educators. The focus is squarely on contributing to the academic discourse and shaping the theoretical underpinnings of education.
Career Paths with a PhD in Education
While some roles, particularly in administration, might be accessible with either an EdD or a PhD, the most common career paths for PhD holders in Education are research and academia-focused. These include:
- University Professor: Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting research, and mentoring students in higher education institutions.
- Research Scientist: Leading research projects, analyzing data, and contributing to educational research in universities, research organizations, or government agencies.
- Educational Consultant: Providing expert advice on educational practices and policies, often based on research findings.
- Curriculum Developer (Research-Focused): Designing and evaluating curricula based on the latest educational research and theories.
- Policy Analyst (Research-Oriented): Influencing educational policy through research, providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers.
- Research Director: Overseeing research departments or centers within universities or educational organizations.
These career paths demonstrate the PhD’s emphasis on research and scholarly contributions to the field of education.
Is a PhD in Education Worth It?
A PhD in Education is an invaluable investment for those seeking to influence educational theory, policy, and systemic changes through rigorous research. While it demands a significant commitment of time and intellectual effort, this degree offers substantial career advancement and enhances professional credibility within academic and research circles. PhD graduates are frequently at the forefront of education reform, curriculum innovation, and policy analysis, directly addressing critical challenges facing the education sector. By fostering innovation, expanding the frontiers of knowledge, and contributing to the theoretical foundations of education, a PhD opens doors to leadership roles in academia and prestigious research institutions, empowering professionals to make profound and meaningful impacts on the field.
EdD vs. PhD: Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Doctor of Education (EdD) | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Practice-based leadership and application | Research and theory development |
| Career Goals | Leadership roles in educational organizations, policy, administration | Academia, university teaching, and research |
| Target Audience | Experienced practitioners | Aspiring academics and researchers |
| Curriculum Focus | Applied research, organizational leadership, practical problem-solving | Theoretical research, advanced statistics, research methodologies |
| Research Type | Problem of practice, qualitative, exploratory | Original research, quantitative and qualitative, theory-driven |
| Dissertation Focus | Solving real-world educational problems | Contributing to the body of knowledge, theoretical advancements |
| Professional Identity | Practitioner-scholar, change agent | Researcher-scholar, academic expert |
| Career Settings | Schools, districts, non-profits, government, corporations | Universities, research institutions, think tanks |
Making the Right Choice for Your Future
After exploring the distinctions between an EdD and a PhD in Education, the most critical question to consider is: What is the next step I envision for my career, and which degree is best suited to help me achieve my professional aspirations? Your answer to this question will be the determining factor in choosing the right doctoral program.
Pursuing a doctorate, whether an EdD or a PhD, is a significant investment that typically yields substantial returns. Professionals holding a doctoral degree earn an average of $109,668 a year, significantly more than those with a master’s degree. Furthermore, doctoral degree holders experience a remarkably low unemployment rate of just 1.0%, compared to the national average.
Ultimately, both the EdD and PhD in Education offer immense potential for career advancement and significant contributions to the field of education. Evaluating your personal needs, professional values, and career goals will guide you in understanding whether an EdD or a PhD in Education is the most appropriate path to realizing your ambitions and making a lasting impact.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.
