Many students who are seeking a career in education find themselves at a crossroads when presented with earning a Doctor of Education or a PhD in Education. Both levels of education are equal, yet their outcomes in terms of careers are very different. Depending on your career goals, you’ll want to understand these nuances before enrolling in either an EdD program or a PhD in Education.
Here, we will outline the differences, expectations, and outcomes for both program types.
What Is An EdD?
EdD stands for Doctor of Education. It is a professional degree that those pursuing a career in educational leadership roles will possess.
Doctor of Education programs include research curricula that prepares graduates to be able to impact practice and policy in the world of education. Not only is there research involved, but the degree is highly practical such that students can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios to effect change.
With an EdD, graduates can work in K-12 education, non-profits, and the government. Additionally, those with this degree may enter healthcare or the military.
A PhD in Education stands for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education. This terminal degree is intended for those who want to work in academia itself.
For example, postsecondary teachers and researchers tend to earn PhDs as opposed to EdDs. Rather than practical and research-heavy, the degree focuses on theory and is mostly study-based.
Those who take part in earning their PhD are often published in respected journals and speak at conferences while fulfilling program requirements.
EdD Vs. PhD In Education: Understanding The Differences
While an EdD is meant for administration and leadership and a PhD is meant for professors and teaching, there are even more differences.
Here’s a direct breakdown of an EdD vs. PhD in Education:
EdD
Administration focused
Practical more than philosophical
Peers are typically professionals
Can hold full-time jobs while pursuing the degree
PhD
Research intensive
Funding may be granted for those in the program
More program options to choose from
Prepare students for a faculty career in higher education
Jobs include: Postsecondary Teachers and Academic Researchers
What To Expect In A Doctor Of Education Program
When enrolled in an EdD program, you can expect to begin with coursework that includes subjects like quantitative analysis and the future of education. These classes are practice-oriented and research-based so that you are prepared for a field-based doctoral project.
For example, you may be required to redesign a school district’s policy. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the program:
Length Of Study
On average, EdD programs take about 2 years to complete. However, the program can take 4 or 5 years if working, even up to 7.
Costs Of Ed.D
60-66 units, around $20K-$50K
Earning Potential
Depending on your location and job title, the earning potential varies. However, some of the most common job titles and expected average salaries are:
Education Administrator – $97,640
Provost – $147,100
Academic Dean – $90,330
What Can You Do With An EdD?
Once you graduate with an EdD, there are many career opportunities that you will be qualified for. Here’s a look at some jobs you may be interested in pursuing:
1. Postsecondary Education Administrators
Postsecondary education administrators oversee the faculty in higher education institutions. They often start their careers as professors and then become provosts or deans.
2. Elementary And Secondary School Education Administrators
Like the aforementioned position, these administrators oversee faculty and staff, but in elementary and high school settings.
3. Top Executives
Executives like Chief Learning Officers help devise plans to meet organizational goals.
4. Instructional Coordinators
Creating curriculums, instructional coordinators also help teachers implement how to teach effectively.
5. School Principal
In primary and secondary school, principals monitor operations, train staff, hire teachers, and manage budgets. A lot of principals have experience as teachers and then earn their EdD to obtain the position of school principal.
6. Postsecondary Teacher
Although it’s more likely for a postsecondary teacher (professor) to earn their PhD, some may earn their EdD too.
What Can You Do With A PhD In Education?
Like an EdD, a PhD affords graduates with a wide range of lucrative and fulfilling career opportunities. The most common career paths for those with a PhD in Education include:
Postsecondary Teacher
Also known as professors, postsecondary teachers are those who teach in universities and colleges. When they aren’t lecturing, they may also conduct research, contribute to academic journals and lecture at conferences.
Academic Researcher
Academic researchers may work for institutions or independently to conduct their research.
Benefits Of An EdD (Besides Money)
Besides the great earning potential for those with their EdD, the career options are filled with impact and benefits, like:
Honing skills for organizational change
Supporting educational change
Boosting one’s resume
Leveraging technology
Working in top positions within companies or education
For those interested in earning an EdD, there are many online programs to choose from. Online programs offer increased flexibility and lower cost compared to traditional campuses.
On your journey towards these terminal degrees, you may be interested in earning a Master’s in Education (M.Ed). For those seeking an online and tuition-free program, the University of the People offers exactly that!
The Wrap Up
Earning your M.Ed, EdD or PhD will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enter a career within education. With a PhD, you can become a professor or researcher. An EdD program will provide you with practical knowledge to work in administration and educational policy.
Regardless of the route that you decide is right for you, you will be able to make a difference in one of the most important fields in the world — education!
At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More
