Considering advancing your education with a doctorate? Choosing between a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education is a pivotal decision. Both degrees offer pathways to impactful careers, but they cater to distinct professional aspirations. Whether you aim to lead educational transformation or contribute to the field through rigorous research, understanding the core differences between an EdD and a PhD is crucial.
This choice extends beyond just selecting a degree; it’s about charting the future direction of your career. Each program provides unique advantages tailored to different ambitions—leadership roles versus research-oriented positions. By carefully examining the curriculum, career prospects, and long-term influence associated with each degree, you can make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your professional objectives.
Continue reading to explore a detailed comparison of the EdD and PhD in Education. We will break down the defining characteristics and key distinctions to help you determine which doctoral path is the ideal fit for you.
Doctor of Education (EdD) vs. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional doctorate specifically tailored for experienced practitioners seeking leadership roles within educational settings. In contrast, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education is academically focused, designed to prepare graduates for careers in research and university-level teaching.
According to Joseph McNabb, a professor at Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education, the fundamental difference lies in their approach to knowledge. “With a PhD, students delve into existing research, identify gaps in the academic literature, and aim to produce new knowledge grounded in theory and hypotheses,” McNabb explains. “Conversely, an EdD student begins with a practical problem they encounter in their professional environment and focuses on acquiring the skills necessary to solve that complex, real-world issue.”
Is an EdD or PhD More Suitable for Your Career?
Neither an EdD nor a PhD is universally “better.” The optimal choice hinges entirely on your individual career aspirations. If your goal is to take on leadership positions, implement systemic improvements in educational practices, or tackle practical challenges in the field, an EdD is likely the more appropriate path. It emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and leadership skills relevant to education, non-profit organizations, governmental bodies, and corporate training environments.
Conversely, if your passion lies in conducting in-depth academic research, contributing to scholarly publications, and pursuing a career as a university professor, a PhD in Education is the better route. This degree places a strong emphasis on theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and pedagogical skills necessary for higher education and research-intensive roles. Ultimately, the most valuable degree is the one that empowers you to achieve your specific goals and make your desired impact on the landscape of education.
Deep Dive into the Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is categorized as a professional doctorate, making it an excellent choice for seasoned educators and professionals in mid- to senior-level positions who are driven to lead and enact change within their organizations.
EdD candidates come from diverse professional backgrounds, 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 by applying their doctoral learning to address pressing, complex issues prevalent in their workplaces.
The EdD curriculum is fundamentally practice-based. Students in EdD programs are not solely focused on theoretical research within their chosen area of specialization. Instead, they are keen on utilizing research to generate insights that can positively influence decision-making processes within their communities or organizations.
Explore Further: 5 Key Considerations When Choosing Your EdD Concentration
EdD research typically employs qualitative and exploratory methodologies. Students engage in data collection through methods such as individual interviews, direct observations, and focused group discussions. This data then informs the development of hypotheses and practical strategies aimed at resolving or clarifying specific problems of practice. Examples of such problems include enhancing support systems for student veterans transitioning to civilian life or promoting greater representation of women in leadership roles within higher education—both of which are examples of dissertation topics recently undertaken within Northeastern’s EdD program.
Career Opportunities with an EdD Degree
The versatility of an EdD degree opens doors to a wide array of industries and career paths, including K-12 education administration, higher education leadership, the non-profit sector, and public service. Within these fields, common job titles held by EdD graduates include:
These examples represent just a fraction of the diverse career opportunities available to graduates holding an EdD. The degree equips individuals to excel in leadership and change-making roles across various sectors.
Is Pursuing an EdD Degree Worthwhile?
An EdD represents a significant investment that yields substantial returns for professionals passionate about leadership and driven to enact meaningful change in education and related fields. It is specifically designed for those who aspire to reshape policies, enhance learning environments, and effectively lead organizations. Graduates with an EdD are well-prepared for high-impact leadership positions where they can translate research into actionable strategies. EdD candidates are not just academics; they are agents of change dedicated to tackling complex challenges and shaping the future of education. While earning an EdD demands commitment and time, it cultivates strategic thinking, fosters influential networks, and provides the credibility necessary to lead with assurance and leave a lasting positive impact within their communities.
Further Reading: Explore 8 Career Paths with a Doctorate in Education
In-depth Look at the PhD in Education
A PhD in Education stands as a terminal degree primarily suited for individuals aiming for careers in academia or research within university settings.
PhD programs in education adopt a more theoretical and research-intensive approach to learning. Typically, students pursuing a PhD aim to achieve mastery in a specialized subject area and contribute original findings to the existing body of scholarly literature. PhD candidates are expected to conduct original research with the objective of advancing knowledge in their field and inspiring further innovation and change through their scholarly contributions.
The PhD is the degree of choice for those aspiring to become professors or secure tenure-track positions at universities. PhD programs emphasize skills such as publishing in reputable academic journals, presenting research at national and international conferences, and developing effective teaching methodologies for training future generations of educators.
Career Trajectories with a PhD in Education
While some roles mentioned earlier can also be attained with a PhD, the most typical job titles for individuals holding a PhD in Education include:
Is a PhD in Education a Valuable Degree?
A PhD in Education provides a robust pathway for those dedicated to influencing educational theory, policy, and systemic reform through rigorous research. Although it necessitates a considerable time commitment, this degree can significantly enhance career progression and bolster professional credibility within academia and research-focused organizations. PhD graduates often engage in critical areas such as education reform initiatives, curriculum development, and policy analysis, directly addressing key challenges within the education sector. By fostering innovation, expanding the frontiers of knowledge, and contributing to scholarly discourse, a PhD opens doors to leadership roles in universities and research institutions, equipping professionals to make profound and lasting contributions to the field.
EdD or PhD: Determining the Best Path for You
After gaining a comprehensive understanding of the distinctions between an EdD and a PhD in Education, the most pertinent question to ask yourself is: What is the next step I envision for my career, and which degree will most effectively help me realize my professional ambitions? Your answer to this pivotal question will guide you toward the most suitable degree program.
Pursuing a doctoral degree in education, whether an EdD or a PhD, offers substantial career benefits. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average annual salary of $109,668, significantly higher than those holding a master’s degree. Furthermore, doctoral degree holders experience a notably low unemployment rate of just 1.0%, compared to the broader national unemployment average of 2%.
Regardless of whether you choose to pursue an EdD or a PhD, a doctoral degree in education provides immense potential for career advancement and impactful contributions to the field. Carefully evaluating your personal needs, professional values, and career goals will ultimately clarify whether an EdD or a PhD in Education is the most aligned and beneficial choice for your future.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.
