doctorate of education abbreviation

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.

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Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference?

Reviewed by Jon Konen, District Superintendent

In essence, the primary difference between a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is that an Ed.D. focuses on practical skills, while a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focuses on theory and research.

Those pursuing an Ed.D. typically want to work in education leadership roles, so they perform hands-on work while pursuing their degrees. Ph.D. candidates usually hope to work in educational research and high-level education, so they perform a lot of literature reviews and other types of academic study. However, both involve practical and theory-based work.

Do you want to earn a doctorate in education but can’t decide which type of program to choose? Then, look no further for the answers to your questions.

Here, we’ll discuss the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D., including the careers they’re both geared toward, what their respective course schedules look like, how long they take to get, and more.

What Is an Ed.D.?

If you are working towards your Ed.D., your curriculum will likely be geared towards solving on-the-ground problems in the educational system.

Projects for Ed.D. programs often include participating in workshops and research in the community, up to implementing a program in a classroom and reporting the findings. Specific coursework is determined by the area you specialize in. For instance, if you’re focusing on creating best practices for special education, you’ll likely spend time working in various special education rooms.

What Can I Do With an Ed.D.?

Those with Ed.D. degrees often seek positions in administration or community or district-wide leadership, seeking to improve schools and other educational resources in their communities.

If you choose to pursue the Ed.D. route, you may also choose to specialize in different leadership tracks such as:

• Educational Technology : Instructional technologists help create programs for classrooms, teach district leaders and educators how to best implement digital resources, and more.
• Education Policy : Education policy jobs involve helping officials to create policies that further and benefit education at the local through national levels.
• School or District Leadership : Principals and superintendents aren’t generally required to have doctorates, but the degrees can make them stand out among the crowd.

Salaries and Job Growth for Common Ed.D. Careers

There are many possible careers with Doctor of Education degrees, but salaries for the most common include:

• Educational Technologists: Average base salary of $64,125 per year ; growth unavailable
• Education Policymakers: Median salary of $125,350 per year (inclusive of all political scientists); 9% growth 2020-2030
• School or District Leaders: Median salary of $98,490 per year (inclusive of all administrative positions); 3% to 4% growth 2019-2029

What is a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in education focuses on conducting research that enhances the profession and educational system. Most people with this doctorate spend some time working as a professor or postsecondary administrator.

Ph.D. in education programs generally require courses in research, independent study, and best practices, culminating in a dissertation.

That said, teaching-related internships and research are often needed.

What Can I Do With a Ph.D. in Education?

With a Ph.D. in education, you will usually seek employment as a college professor or educational researcher. This means you should want to teach and conduct research at the collegiate level. While some people can ultimately focus their efforts on research, being asked to teach is common.

While both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs allow many of the same specialties, some more common with Ph.D. programs are:

• Adult Education : Adult education can mean college professors in the traditional sense or working with nontraditional learners on earning their GEDs.
• School Psychology: This program may be offered through a college’s education department or psychology department. It allows you to provide in-depth psychological services to students and families.
• Specific Subjects: You can focus on an academic subject you like most, such as math , language arts , history , special education, or even art and physical education , allowing you to create best practices for teachers, teach college students in the subject, research the psychology behind best practices, and work as a K-12 classroom teacher or teacher leader.

Salaries and Job Growth for Common Ph.D. in Education Careers

No matter the specialty, many Ph.D. holders work in college classrooms and administration. The salaries and job growth estimates for those areas are:

• Postsecondary Teachers: Median salary of $80,560 per year ; 12% growth between 2020 and 2030
• Postsecondary Education Administrators: Median salary of $97,500 per year ; 8% growth 2020-2030

Similarities Between Ed.D. and Ph.D. Degrees

Both a Ph.D. in education and an Ed.D. are intended to extend a teacher’s knowledge and ability in education. Each requires research in your intended field and the defense of a dissertation, capstone project, or other comprehensive final exploration of a topic.

You can refer to yourself as “doctor” whether you have a Ph.D. or Ed.D. However, you should be aware of the context in which you’re using it since almost everyone associates the term with medical doctors. In your classroom? Go ahead! In a place where it could be confusing? Consider leaving your title at home.

While common career paths were named under both the Ed.D. and Ph.D. sections above, you aren’t barred from entering those careers with the other doctorate. While it’s more common, for instance, for someone with an Ed.D. to work hands-on in the schools, someone with a Ph.D. can definitely do that too.

Some doctoral programs allow you to pick an area to specialize in, while others only enroll students for specific types of specialties. It’s rare for a student not to specialize—to work as a doctor in education, you need to have a particular area you’re passionate enough about to want to focus your studies on it.

Common specialization tracks for both degree types can include:

• Adult Education
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning
• Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Special Education (SPED)
• Teacher Leadership

While you can have other degrees in all those specializations, doctoral degrees allow you to make bigger picture decisions.

For instance, someone with a master’s in ECE may serve as a consultant or manager of an ECE center, while someone with a doctorate is more likely to work at the policy level to ensure a community’s early childhood education goals are met. (If you want to teach ECE and not work in those levels, consider an associate or bachelor’s degree in the field, as those are typically all you need.)

Is Getting a Doctoral Degree in Education Worth It?

Getting a Ph.D. in education or an Ed.D. is worthwhile for some people and not for others. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding to pursue a doctoral degree in education:

Doctoral Degrees in Education: Pros

• Prestige: Getting a doctorate impresses many people.
• Additional Career Opportunities: Some careers that education-focused doctors can have are open to those with master’s degrees, but many (such as professors at major universities) often require doctorates.
• Research: Doctoral candidates and doctors in education often have more resources for researching their chosen field.

Doctoral Degrees in Education: Cons

• Potentially Harder to Get Some Jobs: If you want to work as a teacher in a K-12 school, you’ll likely be at the high end of the pay scale. If you decide to switch to a new school or district, you could find it hard to gain employment since you’re more expensive to hire.
• According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the most recent data on the cost of a graduate education at a public university shows the average to be $11,926 per year.
• At a private university, you’re looking at an average of $25,442 per year.
• You May Not Need One: Before committing the time and money to a doctoral degree in education, be sure you need one. In some cases, the costs outweigh the benefits.

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which is Right for Me?

Both doctoral degrees in education can lead to professional advancement. The two primary factors to consider are how much time you have to spend in school and what your careers goals are:

• Time in School: You should generally expect your D. in education to take between four and six years, depending on a few factors that will play out after you get started. An Ed.D. usually takes approximately three years.
• Career Goals: An Ed.D. involves more of a practical application of what you’re learning. You learn by doing and should want a career where you’re actively involved in education. Meanwhile, a D. in educationinvolves more theoretical and research-based work. You should favor jobs in research and development but also be comfortable teaching in a postsecondary environment.

Your Path to a Doctorate in Education

If you’re beginning to explore careers in education , you may have made it to this page as part of figuring out the path to your ideal career in the field. Remember: No matter what, you need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to pursue a doctorate in education. Depending on the requirements of the programs that might be offered at your school of choice, you may also need a master’s degree .

However, if you’re getting ready to enter a specific job that requires a doctorate, it’s time to explore doctoral programs in your state or online.

Whether you choose an Ed.D., Ph.D., or choose to remain at the bachelor’s or master’s degree levels, a career in education—even one that seems a bit outside the box —means you’re likely to change lives. We at EducationDegree are here to help with our wealth of articles and other resources to set you up for success.

(Salary data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2020 for teachers and administrators . Figures represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed October 2021.)

What’s the Difference Between a PhD and EdD in Education?

What Is an Ed.D. Degree?

What is a ph.d. in education, ed.d. vs ph.d. in education: key differences.

• Ed.D. vs Ph.D. in Education: Which is Right for You?

An Ed.D. degree is a doctoral degree in education focused on educational leadership. The abbreviation stands for Educationis Doctor, and the degree indicates that the person holding it has advanced leadership knowledge in teaching, administration, and education research. According to the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, the Ed.D. “prepares educators for the application of appropriate and specific practices, the generation of new knowledge, and for the stewardship of the profession.” (Source: https://www.cpedinitiative.org/page/framework)

Ed.D. degrees emphasize transformational leadership skills—that is, leadership that can change systems to better serve students and their communities, rather than leadership that merely manages efforts within the existing system. In the modern educational environment, where educators seek to provide an excellent education to students from an ever more diverse range of background and abilities, transformational leadership is in demand.

By completing an Ed.D. program, experienced educators can develop executive-level leadership skills, advanced education policy knowledge, pedagogical skills, and research capabilities to innovatively solve problems for the schools and students they serve.

Who Is a Good Fit for an Ed.D. Degree?

Ed.D. degrees are aimed at current education professionals working directly in their organizations outside of academia. These professionals may include:

• Pre-K-12 teachers, counselors, curriculum advisors, and other classroom personnel
• School principals and other administrators
• School district officials
• Administrators within government education departments
• College administrators
• Mid-career executives in educational consultancies or private businesses such as textbook publishers

Essentially, Ed.D. programs are ideal for experienced education professionals who hold a master’s degree and who do not want to work mostly within academic education research. While Ed.D. programs can also teach advanced classroom teaching skills, the primary role of an Ed.D. degree vs. a Ph.D. is to empower the professionals who are shaping and leading today’s schools and colleges.

Ed.D. Career Options

Ed.D. career options will vary depending on your previous work experience and your master’s degree field of study. However, the degree is designed to equip you for senior leadership roles.

• School District Administrator or Superintendent - An Ed.D. degree can equip you to lead in public school districts, either as an upper-level administrator or as the superintendent (in some larger cities known as the Chief Executive Officer). According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a school superintendent in the U.S. is currently $117,216. *Source  
• Academic Dean - Usually found in colleges and universities but sometimes also in larger private K-12 schools, deans oversee a specific academic department or area of operations (e.g. student affairs). They manage instructors, analyze student performance data, help set curriculum plans, etc. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for an academic dean is $90,236. *Source  
• Provost - A provost or vice president is a senior academic administrator who acts as deputy to a college president. Provosts are primarily responsible for directing the academic programs at a college or university and have authority over deans. Payscale.com currently estimates the average annual salary for provosts at $147,730. *Source  
• College President - Earning your Ed.D. could prepare you to become the CEO or president of a college or university, ultimately responsible for setting the academic and social direction of your school, as well as ensuring it has the budgetary resources to change and expand with the times. Pay for college presidents can vary widely depending on the size and type of their institution, but in 2016, the median take-home pay for public university presidents was $431,000. *Source  
• Company Executive - The skills you learn in an Ed.D. program can also apply to careers in private industry, particularly companies within the education sector such as textbook publishers or educational technology companies. However, the Ed.D. can also equip you to lead training efforts within large corporations unrelated to education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for top executives in 2017 was $104,700 per year. * Source

Benefits of an Ed.D. Program

What are the benefits of an Ed.D. program? Aside from expanded pay potential and the opportunity for more responsibility, there are several.

• Advanced research with practical outcomes: In an Ed.D. program, you’ll be required to conduct research into an educational problem, and thanks to the program’s more practical focus, you can dive deep into an area which is of pressing concern to you at your current place of work.
• Raise your relevance: Earning your doctorate in education can help you stay up to date on policy, technology, and pedagogical ideas that are changing the field.
• Fill in skill and knowledge gaps: Most educators spend their time focused on one aspect of teaching or leadership. By completing your Ed.D., you can round out your knowledge and expertise with advanced course content in teaching methods, building community relationships, education law, etc.
• Time to completion: In general, an Ed.D. degree requires 60 credits of work beyond the master’s degree and a dissertation or capstone project. They usually take less time to complete than a Ph.D.—in some cases, depending on the program, as few as three years.
• Study while continuing to work: Because the Ed.D. is aimed more at administrators and practitioners, institutions often structure the program to accommodate working schedules, meaning you can “earn while you learn”.

A Ph.D. in Education is a research-intensive academic degree focused on producing leaders who can nurture new educators, either within college classrooms or as leaders within educational institutions. Ph.D. programs in education emphasize the production of scholarship-- the research and analysis which describes for practitioners and policy makers what works in education, what doesn’t work, and why that is.

Typically, Ph.D. in Education degrees aim to produce researchers who can also teach at the university level, ensuring that new teachers get off to a strong start in their careers and that mid-career teachers gain the advanced skills they need to serve students even more effectively, whether as master teachers, administrators, or school counselors. Education Ph.D. graduates may also serve as administrators, whether at the K-12 level, in higher education, or in government departments and private companies which serve education.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Ph.D. in Education?

While current teachers and administrators can make a good fit for Ph.D. in education programs, they should already have a demonstrated focus on research in their careers before applying. Other potential good fits for education Ph.D.s are academics from other fields who are interested in investigating specific problems within the field of education.

These may include:

• Sociologists
• Counselors or people with psychology degrees
• Child social workers

Ph.D. in Education Career Options

There is some overlap between the careers you can pursue with an Ed.D. and the careers you can pursue with a Ph.D. in Education. Your ability to pursue administrative roles will vary depending on your previous experience managing others within an education setting. Other roles may include:

• College Professor   – Ph.D. graduates in education can often obtain work teaching in education programs at colleges and universities. They may work with new undergraduates, experienced teachers, administrators, or public policy students. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median 2017 salary for postsecondary teachers of all types was $76,000. *Source  
• Sociologist   – As a graduate of a Ph.D. in Education program, you could work in sociological research related to education, conducting surveys, analyzing data, and working to identify the impact of educational policies on schools and students. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for sociologists in 2017 was $79,650. *Source  
• Training and Development Manager   – Private companies need skilled educational professionals who can help them develop effective training programs for employees and executives. As a training and development manager, you can put the knowledge gained in your education Ph.D. program to work researching and designing corporate training plans. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that training and development managers earned a median salary of $108,250 in 2017. *Source  
• Public Policy Director   – With your Ph.D. in Education, you may also qualify to lead policy creation and advocacy efforts within non-profit organizations or government departments. You would apply your research and analysis skills to this role, along with managerial skills as you direct the work of junior policy analysts and researchers. Payscale.com reports that the average annual salary for this role is $76,486. *Source

Benefits of a Ph.D. in Education Program

With its emphasis on research and teaching, the Ph.D. in Education demands full-time commitment, can take longer to complete than an Ed.D. and can be difficult to complete while continuing to work. However, it has its own benefits for those who truly want to follow a scholarly career path.

• More common degree: There are more Ph.D. programs in education available than there are Ed.D. programs. This means you will have more options when it comes to finding a college that suits you. It also means you will have more options in terms of choosing a specialization program.
• Funding is more available: Many colleges and universities provide funding for Ph.D. students to pay their tuition and some living costs while they study. In exchange, Ph.D. students assist their supervisors in research, perform graduate assistant teaching duties, and represent the university at conferences and other professional events. These are all excellent activities for building a resume in academia—and you could get paid to do them.
• Learn widely applicable research skills: The research methodologies you learn in a Ph.D. program go beyond those taught in an Ed.D. program and can apply to many career paths after graduation. This is especially true if you work with research involving large data sets and analysis software. Many companies are looking for data analysts, no matter what field of study their degree was in. *Source

The two doctoral degrees in education overlap in many ways, but also feature key differences in terms of their intended student prospects, aims, goals, and formats.

Career Path Direction

When it comes to deciding on a Ph.D. vs. Ed.D., consider where you’ve come from and where you want to go. If you are an established classroom teacher or administrator and want advanced skills to continue solving complex problems as a leader in that area, choose an Ed.D. If you have a more academic background and want to investigate major issues around education through research or want to contribute to the profession by training new teachers in colleges, choose the Ph.D.

Skill Set Emphasis

Related to the differing career path goals of a Ph.D. vs. Ed.D., the skills emphasized in each degree do vary. Ed.D. students will focus primarily on hands-on, transformational leadership skills within education settings at any level. Ph.D. students will cover many courses in research methodologies, spend more time producing a dissertation and other scholarly publications, and focus on teaching and mentoring college students.

Research Goals

Both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs teach advanced research skills, including statistics, data analysis, and qualitative and quantitative methodologies such as surveys and other investigation tools. However, the research aims in each degree differ.

Ed.D. programs teach research skills to help students employ those processes to solve very specific problems through the application of evidence to practical solutions.

Ph.D. programs teach more open-ended academic inquiry skills, designed to contribute to the wider body of scholarship which informs education practice and policy.

Program Format and Completion Length

The final difference between Ed.D. programs vs. Ph.D. programs is the way the formats are commonly structured by colleges and universities. Because of its more practical, hands-on focus, the Ed.D. is usually a credit-based program that can be delivered via online study as well as on-campus study (or with some combination of the two). In addition, Ed.D. programs are often designed to accommodate working education professionals, whether they are teachers, curriculum designers, or administrators.

Finally, Ed.D. degree programs are typically shorter than other doctoral degrees in education, with programs lasting anywhere from two to four years in length. Ph.D. in Education programs are more likely to be full-time residential programs which require students to leave full-time jobs to pursue. While some Ph.D. programs focused on educational leadership may be structured for people who need to keep working, they are less common in other specialization areas. Ph.D. degrees are also competency-based, meaning whether you earn the degree or not depends on the defense of your dissertation. Because of this requirement, they are more likely to take in the region of 5-7 years to finish.

Ed.D. vs Ph.D. in Education: Which Is Right for You?

In summary, the chief difference between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. is about the long-term career goals of the student. Which one is right for you will depend on where you’ve come from in your career to this point and where you want to go. Dedicated to solving problems in education through hands-on, transformational leadership? An Ed.D. program is likely to be the best bet for you. Passionate about scholarly research and policy development within academic settings? You may be ideal for a Ph.D. program. We hope this guide has helped you understand the differences between an   Ed.D. in Education Leadership   and a Ph.D. program in education with more clarity. Good luck with your career in education, no matter which degree you choose!

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Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: What’s The Difference?

Doctoral degrees are the pinnacle of achievement in higher education. They’re also particularly valuable if you want to become a leader in the education field. Whether you aspire to teach college, head a K-12 school system or become an organizational leader, you may be at a crossroads between choosing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D). or a Ph.D. in Education.

You’re probably wondering what the practical difference is between the Ed.D. and the Ph.D., as well as the career paths each prepares you for. We’re here to help answer those questions and more as we dive into the specifics of the Ed.D. vs. a Ph.D.

Ed.D.: The Professional Degree in Education

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a professional degree designed for practitioners who want to pursue roles as education or mission-driven leaders.

The Ed.D. degree originates over 100 years ago at Harvard University. Since its inception it has evolved into a multifaceted and nuanced program offered in varying forms at universities across the world. As this degree has grown, it is especially prevalent in online education. 

According to labor market analytics firm EMSI, Ed.D. degrees earned through online programs grew 238% from 2012 to 2020. 

As the popularity of the Ed.D. grows and its availability increases, many students are weighing the pros and cons of getting their Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. We’ve put together three lists to help you decipher the advantages, career paths and top considerations for potential Ed.D. students.

Top 3 Ed.D. Advantages 

Leadership training.  Ed.D. programs offer leadership and management training that is pivotal in creating thriving organizations and satisfied employees across industries.

Real-world application.  Ed.D. degrees are focused on preparing professionals to solve real-world problems in education and other mission-driven organizations.

Flexible career options.   An Ed.D. provides flexible career options, both in the field of education or as a leader in a mission-driven organization.

5 Popular Ed.D Career Paths

• School Principal: Principals act as the leader of K-12 schools, managing teachers and staff to set school goals and ensure students are meeting learning objectives. If you currently work in K-12 education, getting your Ed.D. is a great way to advance your career and increase your earning potential, as principals earn a median salary of $109,970.
• Superintendent: Superintendents are responsible for all school programs within their district. They work with school boards to create and carry out policies that will improve students’ learning outcomes. An Ed.D. degree is an ideal fit for this high-earning career, as superintendents can earn a median salary of $165,967 per year.
• College Professor: If you want to teach education full time at the college level, you will most likely need a doctoral degree. Professionals with Ed.D. degrees, especially those with industry experience, are a great fit for professional education programs at universities. College professors in the field of education earn an average base salary of $99,749.
• Higher Education Administrator: Administrators in higher education can work in a variety of departments and specialities. These professionals often oversee faculty, staff, curriculum, budgets and facilities within their department or college. Higher education administrators earn a median pay of $97,500 per year with projected job growth of 4% by 2029.
• Nonprofit Executive Director: These professionals develop goals, strategies and operational plans for nonprofit organizations. An Ed.D. with a focus in organizational leadership can prepare you for these roles that involve donor education, motivation and people management. Executive directors earn a median salary of $78,253 , with the top 10% earning over $114,053.

3 Big Considerations for Prospective Ed.D. Students

No universal standard across programs.  Ed.D. curriculum is not standardized, meaning each Ed.D. program may be different in its focus. It’s important to thoroughly research each Ed.D. program to ensure the curriculum aligns with your goals.

Not ideal for academia. An Ed.D. degree may not be the right fit if you want to pursue a career in academia with a heavy research focus. Most tier one research universities seek out candidates with Ph.D. degrees who want to conduct and publish research on the university’s behalf. 

J ust as rigorous as Ph.D. programs. Ed.D. programs are not easier than Ph.D. programs. If you’re considering an Ed.D. because you see it as a less intensive option than a Ph.D., that is a misconception. Be prepared for a rigorous academic program no matter which degree path you choose.

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.

Ph.d.: the academic & research degree in education.

A Ph.D. in Education is a terminal degree that’s best suited for individuals who want a career in academia or research at the university level. Students in a Ph.D. program take a more theoretical approach to learning, which involves publishing original research to contribute to the field of education. A Ph.D. trains you to interpret existing knowledge, identify areas for exploration, and use critical analysis to move the discipline forward.

Let’s look at the advantages, career paths and considerations for pursuing a Ph.D. in Education so you can compare this degree option to the Ed.D. degree. 

Top 3 Ph.D. Advantages 

Stand out for academia and research positions. Gaining subject mastery and finely honed research skills can help you stand out for jobs at top tier research universities, research institutions or government agencies.

Advance education theory. Advance theory on a topic you’re passionate about while gaining professional credibility in that specialty. This may include advancing theory in areas such as cognitive learning theory, behaviorism learning theory, or connectivism learning theory, among others. 

Contribute to research. Collaborate directly with faculty and researchers to contribute original research in the field. This could include addressing issues such as the gender gap in STEM programs, mandating school standards, or standardized testing as an indicator of future success.

5 Popular Ph.D. Career Paths

• University Professor: A Ph.D. degree will help you compete for jobs at universities of all sizes. If you want to participate in research while also teaching, a Ph.D. is a great fit. College professors in the field of education earn an average base salary of $99,749.
• Academic Researcher: Getting your Ph.D. in education can also qualify you to work solely as a researcher in a university setting. Many educational researchers use their subject matter expertise to design and test academic programs that assist schools and universities with curriculum and measuring student progress. An academic researcher can expect to make an average $60,480 per year , while some make as much as $144,500.
• Education Policy Analyst: These professionals have a desire to shape the future of education by identifying and researching educational challenges and proposing data-backed policy solutions. The average salary for an education policy analyst is $63,129.
• Academic Dean: Academic deans are the head of their respective academic unit within a university. A Ph.D. in Education can prepare you to lead the education department and shape the curriculum and student experience.  The median salary for an academic dean is $72,528.
• Government Education Researcher: A Ph.D. in Education can qualify you to work with various government agencies, from local to federal, to conduct research that helps improve education quality. The average education researcher at the federal level can expect to earn $125,157. 

3 Big Considerations for Prospective Ph.D. Students

Less flexible scheduling. Ph.D. programs may not accommodate part-time study and may require in-residence study and research. While some online programs are available, if you’re looking to compete for top jobs at research universities, a full-time Ph.D. program is likely your best option.

Longer duration to complete. Ph.D.s in Education usually require 90 credit hours to complete, compared to approximately 60 credit hours for an Ed.D. This means your degree will take longer to earn and will likely cost more than an Ed.D.

Less competitive wages. Ph.D. degrees most often lead to careers in academia, which often pay less than the variety of public, private and nonprofit sector jobs you can pursue with an Ed.D.

Making The Right Degree Choice For Your Career Goals

Choosing the right doctoral degree is key to your success as a future educator or organizational leader. If you want to pursue a degree that is ideal for working professionals while learning to apply research to real-world problems, an Ed.D. can take your career to the next level.

Franklin University offers an online Ed.D. program that can be completed in as few as 3 years. The no-fear dissertation process helps you define your dissertation topic and integrate it into your coursework, so you can finish faster. Franklin also offers three different focus areas in Organizational Leadership, PK-12 Leadership and Higher Education Leadership, so you can specialize in the career path you're most passionate about.

Learn more about Franklin’s Ed.D. program and how it can help you advance your career.

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