Are you planning for a career in education? Maybe you are already a teacher but are hoping to further your education so you can take your career to the next level.
Whatever the reason, you are exploring the various degree options and trying to figure out which one is best for you.
Perhaps you're wondering about two advanced degrees: the PhD and the EdD. What is each type of degree, and what are the differences between them? Keep reading as we explore answers to these and other questions.
What Is a PhD?
A PhD is a doctoral degree. It stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Many institutions offer Doctor of Philosophy degrees in education.
These intensive degree programs are terminal, meaning they are the highest level of education you can receive within a particular field.
PhD degrees are research-based, allowing students to perform their own research and establish their own theories. Each student is expected to write and defend a dissertation as part of a PhD program.
Doctor of Philosophy degrees in education enable students to become college professors and researchers, as well as administrative members of secondary schools.
Regardless of their specific job title, those holding a PhD typically have careers focusing on research. They often publish their own findings in scientific journals as they seek to expand and contribute to society through research.
What Is an EdD?
An EdD is another type of doctoral degree. It stands for Doctor of Education. Many institutions offer these degrees in flexible online formats.
Like PhD degrees, EdD degrees are terminal, but they can usually be completed in a shorter amount of time. There are more opportunities to obtain an EdD degree in an online format.
EdD degrees focus on practical applications of education. Rather than conducting new research, students learn to apply knowledge that is already there to various educational and leadership roles.
Those holding an EdD degree have a variety of career opportunities:
- top-level administrative positions such as provost or dean at colleges and universities
- specialized trainers in specific fields such as healthcare
- specialized trainers in companies outside the field of education
Though they can work in many different fields, those holding an EdD degree focus on practical teaching and management techniques.
Some programs require written dissertations, while others allow students to conduct a dissertation in practice as they obtain their degree.
What's the Difference Between PhD and EdD Degrees?
The primary difference between these two types of doctoral degrees is their focus.
Both degrees can lead to a career in education. But a PhD focuses on theory and research, while an EdD is more geared toward practical, administrative careers.
PhD degrees almost always lead to academic careers. Those holding this type of degree often serve as professors or researchers, sometimes both.
Meanwhile, EdD careers typically lead to administrative or leadership roles within educational or professional establishments. They may work as professors, but more often, they hold higher positions as deans, executives, or curriculum designers.
Additionally, due to their research-intensive nature, PhD degree programs typically take much longer to complete than EdD programs. Whereas most EdD programs can be finished within three years, PhD programs often take four to six years.
Is a PhD Equal to an EdD Degree?
PhD and EdD degrees may be slightly different from each other, but they are equal in terms of degree level.
As mentioned above, both PhD and EdD degrees are terminal. They are the highest degrees available in their particular fields. Both degrees lead to the title of Doctor.
Both degrees can lead to educational careers, so they are equal in that sense. But they lead to different types of educational careers—PhD degrees are more academic in nature, while EdD degrees typically lead to more administrative roles.
So yes, these degrees are equal to each other, but they have different areas of focus. They lead to different specialties within the broad field of education.
Should I Pursue a PhD or EdD Degree?
If you are trying to decide which degree to obtain, you'll want to consider the career options you would like to pursue.
If you enjoy teaching or conducting research within a particular field, you'll want to pursue a PhD degree. It may take a lot of time and effort to complete, but it will lead to a more rewarding career in the long run.
On the other hand, if you enjoy leadership or administrative roles and want to keep your options open for working within both academic and professional settings, an EdD degree may be for you.
Start Earning a PhD or EdD Today
PhD and EdD degrees are both doctoral programs leading to careers in education. However, PhD degrees are more research-based and take longer to complete, while EdD degrees can be finished sooner and are more practical in nature.
