EdD vs PhD in Education: What's the Difference?

As an educator, you may be looking to take the next step in your career and earn an advanced degree. But as you prepare to take that next step, you’ll see two paths appear: the EdD vs. PhD in education.

It’s important to know that, even though they are both doctoral programs in education, there are significant differences between the EdD degree and the PhD in education.

So what's the same for the EdD degree and the PhD in education?

They’re both rigorous doctoral programs that will equip you to make a difference in school systems, impact local and national education policy, and improve instruction. Both require a dissertation and years of commitment. Both require drive and dedication to making an impact in the field of education.

What's different?

When you’re deciding between an EdD vs PhD in Education, there is one main distinction between the two. An education PhD program is theory- and research-based. The EdD program is more practice-based, meaning you’ll be applying research instead of conducting it, though you will be conducting some research for your dissertation.

Differences in Curriculum

A PhD in education is a research-focused degree that emphasizes conducting research about educational systems, students, curricula, and policies—and doing it well. The biggest emphasis of a PhD in education program is to create new knowledge about your field. Because you’ll be focused on creating new knowledge, you have more ability to hone in on an area that interests you for your research.

An EdD degree is a practice-focused degree, meaning your curriculum will emphasize implementing and leading change and improvements in schools and school systems. Your assignments will be based on real-world situations, and you’ll use different leadership skills, communication styles, and existing research to find solutions.

Differences in Your Dissertation

Both require a dissertation, but the subject or application of the dissertations are different. Like we mentioned before, the PhD in education is based in theory and research, and your dissertation must reflect your research findings.

The EdD dissertation is about using existing and new research to solve a real-world problem. You’ll use theories to support your argument and conduct your own in-depth research with the intention of developing useful information or solutions for practical application.

Differences in Research Opportunities

In a PhD in education program, you’ll conduct research. That is your main goal. You’ll collaborate with others on research and you’ll probably do some independently.

You’ll be doing research in an EdD degree program, but it will be a bit different. Much of what you’ll be asked to do is to create plans, understand best practices, and implement solutions using other scholars’ research.

Differences in Career Opportunities

Earning your PhD in education means you probably won’t work in schools, though that option may still be available. You’ll work for policy centers and non-profits, or in higher education. In those scenarios, it is your job to research and create the knowledge that will be the base for educational change. You will have some face-to-face time with students and other teachers, but you won’t spend the majority of your career in classrooms or school systems. However, if you become a professor at a university, you will be spending your time with students and teachers, because you’ll be preparing them for careers in education.

EdDs are more hands-on leaders and work in high-level leadership positions in schools and school districts in administrative positions—teacher leaders, vice principals, and principals, where your job is to implement change based on research and experience.

Both the PhD and the EdD equip you to work as a professor at a college or university, preparing the next generation of future educators.

Learn more about UL Lafayette’s Doctor of Education program >