EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?
Career Advice & Advancement Industry Advice Education
If you’re interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Should I apply for a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education?
The decision between these two culminating degrees can be career-defining as each serves a very different purpose despite being equivalent in level. In order to ensure you choose the path that best aligns with your future goals and career path, it’s important to take the time to first understand the differences in program curriculum and future career opportunities that relate to each degree.
Read on to learn about the defining qualities and key differences of an EdD and a PhD in Education to determine which program is the right fit for you.
EdD vs. PhD in Education
A Doctor of Education is a professional degree designed for practitioners pursuing educational leadership roles. A Doctor of Philosophy in Education , on the other hand, is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles.
“With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis,” says Joseph McNabb , a professor of practice in Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education . “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.”
What is an EdD degree?
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.
EdD candidates work in a broad range of fields ranging from K-12 and higher education to nonprofits, government, healthcare, and the military. What each share is a desire to transform their everyday environment and apply the lessons learned through their doctorate to a complex, critical issue facing their workplace.
The EdD is practice-based. Students in an EdD program don’t want to just research their area of interest, but leverage that research in ways that could positively influence their community or organization’s decision-making process.
Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration
Those who pursue an EdD focus on qualitative, exploratory research. Students collect data and conduct individual interviews, observations, or focus groups to construct hypotheses and develop strategies that can help solve or clarify a specific problem of practice, such as how to support student veterans transitioning to civilian life or how to foster more female leaders in higher education—two dissertation topics recently explored through Northeastern’s EdD program .
What can you do with an EdD Degree?
While an EdD can be applied to a variety of industries and career options—such as K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, or civic service—there are several job titles you’ll likely come across within your cohort of classmates. They include:
- Postsecondary education administrators: Postsecondary education administrators work in colleges or universities, and typically oversee faculty research, academics, admissions, or student affairs. Some job titles that fall under this category include president, vice president, provost, and dean. The average annual salary for a postsecondary education administrator rings in at $102,610 .
- Elementary and secondary school education administrators: Superintendents, who are the top executives of a school district, fall under this category. They manage academic programs, spending, and the staffing of all educational facilities within their district, and typically earn an average of $111,020 per year .
- Top executives : In education, a top executive could be a “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer”—senior-level professionals who drive and develop strategies that help their organization meet critical business goals. Top executives make an average of $103,840 per year .
- Instructional coordinators : Instructional coordinators create and manage school curricula and other educational materials. They help teachers implement effective classroom learning strategies and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how. The average annual salary for instructional coordinators is $74,620 .
These are just a few of the many career opportunities available to EdD graduates.
Learn More: 8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education
What is a PhD in Education?
A PhD in Education is a terminal degree best suited for individuals who want to pursue a career in academia or research at the university level.
Students in PhD or doctoral programs take a more theoretical, study-based approach to learning. In most cases, their goal is to master a specific subject or add their unique findings to a body of existing literature. PhD candidates conduct original research in the hopes of driving change in their field or inspiring others to make change based on their work.
A PhD is the degree most popular amongst those who aspire to become a professor or obtain a tenure position. Through these programs, students tend to focus on getting published in well-respected journals, presenting at national conferences, and learning how to teach future educators.
What can you do with a PhD in Education?
While some of the above roles can also be earned through a PhD program, the most common job titles for PhD-holders include:
- Postsecondary teachers: Postsecondary teachers instruct students at a college or university. When they’re not in the classroom, they’re often focused on conducting research, attending conferences, and publishing scholarly papers and books. Postsecondary teachers earn an average $84,380 per year .
- Academic researcher : Researchers often have the opportunity to create their own centers or institutes, hire staff to help carry out their work, and secure funding for that work. Salaries often vary by subject area, but a general academic researcher typically earns an average of $85,234 per year .
EdD or PhD: Which is better for you?
Once you’ve explored the differences between an EdD and PhD in Education, the most relevant question to consider will be: What’s the next step I want to take in my career, and which degree can help me achieve my professional goals? The answer to this question will determine which degree program you ultimately pursue.
Earning your doctorate can pay off no matter which path you choose. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average of $109,668 a year —far more than master’s degree holders. Similarly, doctoral degree holders see an unemployment rate of only 1.6% compared to the national unemployment rate of 2%.
Regardless of which degree you ultimately pursue, there is enormous potential for you to advance your career in the field of education. Evaluating your needs and values will help you understand whether an EdD or PhD in Education is best suited to your personal and professional goals.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.
Subscribe below to receive future content from the Graduate Programs Blog.
About scott w. o'connor, related articles, 5 tips for choosing your edd concentration.
What to Expect from an EdD Program
6 Benefits of Online EdD Programs
Did you know.
The median annual salary for professional degree holders is $97,000. (BLS, 2020)
Doctor of Education
The degree that connects advanced research to real-world problem solving.
Most Popular:
Tips for taking online classes: 8 strategies for success, public health careers: what can you do with an mph, 7 international business careers that are in high demand, 7 must-have skills for data analysts, in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future, the benefits of online learning: 8 advantages of online degrees, how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, the best of our graduate blog—right to your inbox.
Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice.
By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Keep Reading:
Top Higher Education Conferences To Attend in 2024
Grad School or Work? How To Balance Both
Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth the Investment?
Should I Go to Grad School: 4 Questions To Consider
REQUEST INFO
EdD vs PhD – Key Differences Compared
EdD and PhD programs are degrees in education but cater to distinct career goals. Learn more.
Why should I get an EdD degree?
Are you considering a doctorate to propel your career in education? A master's degree has equipped you with valuable knowledge, but you're hungry to make a bigger impact. Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs offer a path forward, but how do these doctorates differ? The key lies in their focus.
What is an EdD degree?
An EdD degree is oriented toward professionals who want to learn to leverage educational leadership skills. Combining research and application, the EdD can be applied to various industries inside and outside of education. With an EdD, you can spearhead educational change at the district or school level, craft innovative curricula, or guide future educators
EdD vs PhD
Are you a passionate educator ready to take the next step and become a leader who shapes the future of education? Then, an EdD program might be the perfect fit for you. The focus of an EdD program is on practical application. You'll delve into the latest educational theories and strategies but with a clear emphasis on how to implement them effectively in real-world educational settings. EdD programs are designed for busy professionals, so expect a curriculum that blends rigorous coursework with flexible learning options.
If you’re more interested in delving deeper into the theoretical underpinnings of education or seeing yourself as a future professor who teaches and conducts groundbreaking research, a PhD in education might be a better fit. A PhD program emphasizes original research, pushing the boundaries of educational knowledge.
The key takeaway? Both EdD and PhD programs are degrees in education, but they cater to different career goals. An EdD equips you to be a change agent in the field, while a PhD prepares you to become a scholar who advances educational knowledge
EdD Degree Online
Arizona Online’s EdD in Educational Leadership – in the Educational Leadership & Policy (EDLP) unit – is designed to advance knowledge and address enduring and future problems in education by:
- Exploring issues of social justice for educational equity and opportunity
- Engaging in research situated in socio-cultural, economic, and political contexts
- Addressing the significance of changing and challenging educational contexts
Students continue to work as full-time practitioners while studying and applying new knowledge to their daily practice.
The benefits extend far beyond the classroom. EdD programs often attract experienced professionals, creating a unique learning environment. Your classmates – who are often current school administrators, deans, and educational professionals – bring much practical experience. This collaborative atmosphere fosters knowledge exchange, allowing you to learn from each other's successes and challenges. The connections you build in the program can evolve into valuable professional networks that propel your career forward long after graduation
Doctor of Education Salary
EdD degree jobs vary depending on your goals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), EdD graduates who become school principals, leading middle or high schools, enjoy a competitive median salary of $101,320. According to Payscale, superintendents – responsible for the whole district's success – command even higher salaries, averaging $144,547 nationwide.
But leadership isn't the only option. EdD graduates can also work to develop curriculums and set educational standards. Instructional coordinators, for example, earned a median salary of $66,490 in 2022, according to the BLS.
For those passionate about technology, EdD programs focusing on e-learning can lead to careers overseeing tech initiatives or online programs. Education Technology Specialists, for example, currently earn an average annual salary of $80,965 (Glassdoor).
And, of course, an EdD qualifies graduates to teach. College professors enjoy a median annual salary of $80,840 (BLS, 2022), with varying salaries based on experience and institution.
EdD Programs
If your career goals aren't limited to teaching or research, an EdD is better than a PhD. An EdD goes beyond traditional academics, equipping you with the skills to make a real-world difference in the field of education. An EdD is your springboard to impactful careers across the educational spectrum. Think school administration, curriculum development, or policy leadership in K-12 or higher education. The possibilities extend beyond the school walls, with opportunities in healthcare, government, and even the business sector. Earning an EdD could be the key to unlocking your potential if you're passionate about leading and making a tangible impact.
Learn more about the EdD in Educational Leadership
Related Articles
How to Become a Registered Dietitian Degree Spotlight
Top Jobs for Engineering Master's Graduates | Career Guide Degree Spotlight
What is Health Information Management? Degree Spotlight
REQUEST INFORMATION
ChatGPT for Teachers
Trauma-informed practices in schools, teacher well-being, cultivating diversity, equity, & inclusion, integrating technology in the classroom, social-emotional development, covid-19 resources, invest in resilience: summer toolkit, civics & resilience, all toolkits, degree programs, trauma-informed professional development, teacher licensure & certification, how to become - career information, classroom management, instructional design, lifestyle & self-care, online higher ed teaching, current events, edd vs. phd: choosing the right doctoral program for you.
So you’ve completed your MEd and you want to further your expertise and advance your credentials. How do you decide which doctoral program is right for you? While both an EdD and a PhD focus on higher learning in the field of education, varying curriculum requirements, a different focus in studies, and differing career opportunities are what set them apart.
It’s important to understand the nature of each program and be sure you’re following the specialized career path that’s ideal for your goals.
Differences between an EdD and a PhD
The main difference between an EdD and a PhD is the practical vs. philosophical approach of the two programs respectively.
EdD is rooted in practice
A doctorate in education is best suited for experienced educators pursuing hands-on leadership roles in colleges, governments, and school districts. An EdD program is designed to be more project-based, with a focus on practical applications. Rather than developing new research, existing research is used to identify new opportunities for the implementation of practical applications and plans of execution.
PhD is rooted in theory
A doctorate of philosophy in education , on the other hand, is a better option for those wishing to further their knowledge as an educator while conducting research to improve the professional education system as a whole. More theoretical in nature, emphasis is on the development of educational theory through research and generating new or reformulating existing knowledge. A PhD program is designed to recognize challenges in the larger learning environment and conduct research to make observations and develop conclusions for solutions.
Overview of EdD and PhD programs
EdD and PhD programs have their similarities:
- A focus on the improvement of learning systems
- A set number of credit hours
- Requirement of research in an intended field
- Defense of a dissertation by peers
- Final year dedicated to dissertation completion
The first few years of study in either program are similar in the coursework required but, as involvement in the program continues, the depth of differences becomes more apparent.
EdD curriculum
The overall learning objectives within the EdD curriculum include the practical application of problem-solving to the system of learning within the education system.
Fundamental to the curriculum is the application of theory, training in identifying and eliminating discrimination, being an advocate for social justice, and developing training in understanding situations from varying perspectives.
Time is spent on qualitative, exploratory research collecting data and conducting interviews, observations, or focus groups to construct hypotheses and develop strategies in clarifying and solving problems of practice.
Students learn problem-solving skills for addressing the daily challenges that education leaders face as well as solutions in the management of business organizations.
Practice-based, students within the program don’t just research but learn ways to implement their research to positively influence a community or organization’s decision-making process. Projects consist of workshops and research in the community, such as implementing a program within the classroom and reporting the findings.
EdD programs typically take three to four years to complete. However, as many students in EdD programs also work while receiving their education, various circumstances can extend the completion time to four to five years.
PhD curriculum
The learning objections within a PhD program focus on research methodology and examining theoretical and philosophical ideas within a specialized area of interest without hands-on application.
More devoted to research than practical application, students within the program learn to conduct research to reshape their field of expertise, alter political agendas, or train the next generation of scholars to approach education from a new angle.
Coursework will vary from program to program as it is designed to provide an opportunity to specialize in a specific field of interest. Students review research, evaluate gaps in the literature on the subject, and generate new knowledge based on theory or hypotheses.
They raise questions and develop theories through testable and applicable research.
A PhD program often takes four to six years to complete, including the dissertation or thesis necessary for graduation.
What does an ideal candidate for each program look like?
Both education doctoral candidates have a desire to promote a positive change in education. But how they wish to activate that change is decidedly different.
EdD candidates
EdDs have proven leadership experience and are looking to assume higher education positions or administrative positions within learning institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and within the private sector.
They hope to create and manage education curriculums, help implement effective learning strategies, and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how.
Candidates recognize the problems facing districts or business organizations and are determined to find a practical way to address it.
PhD candidates
PhD candidates are interested in a more theoretical, study-based approach to learning with the goal of mastering a specialized subject or add unique findings to a body of existing literature.
They tend to focus on being published in well-respected journals, presenting at national conferences, and learning how to teach future educators.
Candidates hope to hold more study-based roles rather than managing or overseeing others.
What are some common career paths for EdDs and PhDs?
Edd career path.
Professionals with an EdD learn to lead in a way that is transferable to the front of the classroom or within various industries.
They have a strong capability for identifying a problem, examining issues from multiple perspectives, and offering relevant insights for practical solutions.
EdD career options are diverse.
A majority of EdD graduates are senior-level professionals driving and developing strategies to help organizations meet critical business goals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , common job titles and median salaries include:
- Education administrators (elementary and secondary school): $98,750
- Education administrators (postsecondary): $111,210
- Trainers and development managers: $121,730
- Social and community service managers: $71,670
- Education administrators (preschool and childcare center/program): $53,990
- Chief learning officer: $200,140
PhD career path
Professionals with a PhD have investigative minds and lead by conducting original research to drive change in the field of education, alter political agendas or train the next generation of education scholars.
- Survey researcher: $63,240
- Sociologist: $90,290
- Educational psychologist: $85,340
The big picture
When career goals aren’t limited to teaching or research, an EdD is the optimal choice for a doctoral degree.
With opportunities to hone leadership skills and solve problems with practical applications, an EdD prepares professionals for careers as leaders in educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and more.
EdD programs are designed for working professionals.
Most EdD students will complete their doctoral degree while working and balancing a family. Earning a degree while simultaneously working full time can lead to a well-rounded learning experience. For instance, there are opportunities to apply coursework within a current career. Also. most other classmates will be working professionals able to provide insight and analysis to real-world situations.
Ready to Research Degree Programs?
- Research Master Degree Programs
- Research EdD Degree Programs
- Research Bachelor Degree Programs
- Research Associate Degree Programs
- Research PhD Degree Programs
- Research Education Specialist Degree Programs
- Research ALL Degree and Certificate Programs
You may also like to read
- EdD vs. EdS: Differences Between the Two Degrees
- Tips for Earning an EdD While Working Full-Time
- Career Options & Opportunities With an EdD Degree
Categorized as: Degree Research
Tagged as: Degree Info , EdD , Postsecondary (Advanced Education)
- Online & Campus Bachelor's Degrees in Educati...
- Online & Campus Master's in Early Childhood E...
- Online & Campus Master's in Special Education