Deciding to pursue a Doctorate In Education is a significant step for any aspiring education professional. However, the path forward isn’t always clear-cut. One of the primary crossroads you’ll encounter is choosing between a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education. Both degrees represent the pinnacle of academic achievement in the field, but they cater to distinct career aspirations and learning styles. Whether your ambition is to revolutionize education through impactful leadership or to contribute to the field’s knowledge base through rigorous research, understanding the nuances between these degrees is crucial.
The choice between an EdD and a PhD is more than just selecting a degree title; it’s about charting the course of your future career. Each program offers unique advantages, tailored to different professional landscapes. An EdD is often the preferred route for those aiming to lead educational institutions, implement systemic changes, or tackle practical challenges within educational settings. Conversely, a PhD is typically geared towards individuals who wish to delve into in-depth research, contribute to scholarly discourse, and pursue careers in academia. 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 personal and professional objectives as you consider a doctorate in education.
Continue reading to explore the defining characteristics and fundamental distinctions between an EdD and a PhD in Education, empowering you to determine which program is the ideal fit for your journey.
EdD vs. PhD in Education: Understanding the Core Differences
At their heart, both the Doctor of Education and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education represent advanced study and significant achievement. However, their focus and intended career outcomes diverge considerably. A Doctor of Education (EdD) is fundamentally a professional doctorate. It is specifically designed for experienced practitioners who are looking to advance into leadership roles within educational organizations and related fields. In contrast, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education is a research-focused degree, primarily aimed at preparing graduates for careers in academic research and university-level teaching.
According to Dr. Joseph McNabb, a professor at Northeastern University’s Graduate School of Education, the distinction lies in the approach to knowledge creation and application. “With a PhD,” he explains, “students are engaging with existing research, identifying gaps in current literature, and contributing new knowledge grounded in theory and hypothesis.” This research-centric approach contrasts sharply with the EdD. “An EdD student,” Dr. McNabb continues, “typically starts with a problem of practice in their professional environment and seeks to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively address that complex problem.” This problem-of-practice focus is a hallmark of the EdD, emphasizing the practical application of research and theory to real-world educational challenges.
Is an EdD or PhD the “Better” Doctorate in Education?
The question of whether an EdD is “better” than a PhD, or vice versa, is fundamentally misguided. Neither degree is inherently superior; their value is entirely dependent on your individual career goals and aspirations within the field of education. If your ambition is to take on leadership positions, drive educational reforms, or solve pressing real-world challenges in education, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or corporate training environments, then an EdD is likely the more suitable choice. Its curriculum is strategically designed to cultivate practical application, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics within educational contexts.
Conversely, if your passion lies in conducting in-depth academic research, contributing to scholarly publications, and shaping the minds of future educators as a university professor, then a PhD in Education is the more appropriate path. The PhD curriculum places a strong emphasis on theoretical frameworks, rigorous research methodologies, and the development of advanced teaching skills necessary for success in academia. Ultimately, the “best” doctorate in education for you is the one that most closely aligns with your desired impact on the field and your long-term professional vision.
Delving Deeper into the Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is classified as a professional doctorate, optimally designed for seasoned educators and experienced professionals at the mid- to senior-levels of their careers. These individuals typically seek an EdD to enhance their leadership capacity and to become agents of change within their respective organizations.
EdD candidates come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, spanning K-12 and higher education institutions to non-profit organizations, government sectors, healthcare systems, and even the military. What unites these professionals is a shared commitment to transforming their immediate professional environments and applying the advanced knowledge gained through their doctorate to address significant, complex issues prevalent in their workplaces.
The EdD is fundamentally practice-based. Students enrolled in an EdD program are not solely interested in theoretical research for its own sake. Instead, they are driven to leverage research findings in ways that can tangibly improve decision-making processes, influence policy, and foster positive change within their communities or organizations.
Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration
The research undertaken in EdD programs typically leans towards qualitative and exploratory methodologies. Students often engage in data collection through individual interviews, systematic observations, or focused group discussions. This data then serves as the foundation for constructing hypotheses and developing strategic interventions aimed at solving or clarifying specific problems of practice. Examples of such problems explored in dissertations within Northeastern’s EdD program include investigating effective strategies to support student veterans transitioning back to civilian life, and identifying methods to cultivate more female leaders in higher education – illustrating the practical and impactful nature of EdD research.
Career Pathways with an EdD Degree: Leadership and Impact
While the skills and knowledge gained through an EdD are broadly applicable across various industries and career paths—including K-12 education, higher education administration, the non-profit sector, and public service—certain job titles are particularly common among EdD graduates. These roles often reflect the leadership and change-agent focus of the degree. Common career paths include:
- School Principal or District Superintendent: Leading and managing educational institutions or entire school districts, implementing best practices and driving school improvement initiatives.
- College or University Administrator: Holding leadership roles within higher education institutions, such as deans, provosts, or directors of academic programs, shaping institutional policy and academic direction.
- Curriculum Director: Designing and implementing educational curricula at the school, district, or even state level, ensuring alignment with educational standards and best practices.
- Education Consultant: Providing expert advice and guidance to educational institutions or organizations on a wide range of issues, from curriculum development to organizational leadership and strategic planning.
- Non-profit Organization Leader: Directing educational programs or initiatives within non-profit organizations, addressing educational disparities and promoting access to quality education.
- Corporate Training and Development Manager: Leading training and professional development programs within corporations, applying educational principles to enhance employee skills and organizational effectiveness.
This list represents just a snapshot of the diverse career opportunities that become available to graduates holding a doctorate in education (EdD). The degree equips individuals to be impactful leaders across a wide spectrum of professional settings.
The Value Proposition: Is an EdD Worth the Investment?
For professionals who are deeply passionate about educational leadership and possess a strong drive to enact meaningful change within education and related fields, an EdD represents an invaluable degree. It is specifically tailored for those who aspire to reshape educational policies, enhance learning environments, and effectively lead educational organizations through complex challenges. Graduates with an EdD are exceptionally well-prepared for high-impact leadership roles where they can directly translate research into practical action and tangible improvements. EdD candidates are not simply academics; they are change-makers, committed to addressing complex challenges and actively shaping the future trajectory of education. While earning an EdD demands significant dedication, time, and financial investment, it provides graduates with the strategic thinking skills, influential professional networks, and enhanced credibility needed to lead with confidence and make a lasting positive impact on their communities and the broader educational landscape.
Learn More: 8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education
Exploring the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education
A PhD in Education stands as a terminal degree, primarily suited for individuals who are driven to pursue careers in academia and research, typically within university settings and research institutions.
Students undertaking a PhD in Education program adopt a more theoretically grounded and research-intensive approach to learning. In most cases, their overarching goal is to achieve mastery in a specialized subject area within education and to contribute original research findings that expand the existing body of knowledge in that field. PhD candidates are expected to conduct original, independent research with the aim of driving significant advancements in their chosen area of specialization or inspiring further research and innovation within the field.
The PhD is widely recognized as the degree of choice for those who aspire to become university professors or secure tenure-track positions in academia. PhD programs typically emphasize developing skills in publishing research in reputable peer-reviewed journals, presenting research findings at national and international conferences, and honing the pedagogical skills necessary to effectively teach and mentor future generations of educators.
Career Trajectories with a PhD in Education: Academia and Research
While some of the leadership roles mentioned earlier can also be attained with a PhD in Education, the most common and traditional career paths for PhD holders are concentrated within academia and research. These include roles such as:
- University Professor: Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting research, mentoring students, and contributing to the academic community through service and scholarship.
- Research Scientist or Scholar: Working in research institutions, universities, or think tanks, conducting in-depth research projects, publishing findings, and seeking grants to support research endeavors.
- Research Director: Leading and managing research teams or departments within universities, research organizations, or government agencies, overseeing research projects and setting research agendas.
- Postdoctoral Researcher: Engaging in advanced research training after earning a PhD, typically in a university setting, to further specialize research skills and build a strong publication record before seeking faculty positions.
- Educational Policy Analyst: Conducting research and analysis to inform educational policy decisions at the local, state, or national level, often working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions.
- Curriculum and Assessment Researcher: Focusing on research related to curriculum development, assessment methods, and educational program evaluation, often contributing to the improvement of educational practices and student learning outcomes.
Assessing the Value: Is a PhD in Education Worth the Pursuit?
A PhD in Education offers a clear pathway for individuals seeking to influence educational theory, policy, and systemic change through rigorous research and scholarly inquiry. While it undeniably demands a substantial time commitment, intellectual rigor, and personal dedication, this degree can lead to significant career advancement, enhanced professional credibility, and the personal satisfaction of contributing to the field’s knowledge base. PhD graduates often become actively involved in education reform initiatives, curriculum innovation, and policy analysis, tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the education sector today. By fostering innovation, expanding the frontiers of educational knowledge, and preparing future scholars and educators, a PhD in Education opens doors to leadership roles within academia, research institutions, and policy-making bodies, empowering professionals to make a profound and lasting impact on the world of education.
EdD or PhD: Determining the Right Path for Your Doctorate in Education
After exploring the key distinctions between an EdD and a 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 equip me to achieve my professional aspirations? The answer to this fundamental question will ultimately guide you toward the doctorate in education program that is most aligned with your personal and professional journey.
Pursuing a doctorate in education, regardless of whether you choose an EdD or a PhD, offers significant professional and financial rewards. Professionals holding a doctoral degree earn an average annual salary significantly higher than those with a master’s degree, highlighting the economic value of advanced education. Moreover, doctoral degree holders experience remarkably low unemployment rates compared to the national average, demonstrating the strong demand for highly educated professionals in the field of education and beyond.
Ultimately, whether you are drawn to the practitioner-focused EdD or the research-oriented PhD, a doctorate in education represents a powerful investment in your future. Carefully evaluating your individual needs, professional values, and career ambitions will illuminate whether an EdD or PhD in Education is the most strategically advantageous and personally fulfilling path for you to pursue.
