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

There are two main degrees to consider for people who aspire to work in the education sector’s highest echelons. People often refer to these degrees as ‘Doctorate of Education’ degrees. However, while this is technically true, there are some vital differences between both degrees.

When most people hear a term like ‘Doctorate degree’, they immediately think of Ph.D. courses. Afterall, Ph.D. graduates often use the title, ‘Dr.’ But the Ed.D. degree is also a doctorate degree in education and might be a better choice for some people looking to work in specific roles within the education sector.

What is an Ed.D.?

Ed.D. is shorthand for ‘Doctor of Education.’ It is a degree aimed at experienced educators who want to start applying for jobs in the highest echelons of educational institutions. For example, many Ed.D. graduates go on to work as school administrators and superintendents.

There is a wide range of jobs available to Ed.D. graduates. Many of these roles are outside the education sector. For example, an Ed.D. can land you a job in a non-profit, a government agency or department, the healthcare industry, or even the military.

This article from Marymount University discusses ‘is an Ed.D worth it’ and goes into more detail about what the Ed.D. course is like and what to expect from it. Students complete their Doctor of Education courses while they work. The Ed.D. is popular with teachers who want to expand their skillset and access higher-paying positions.

How Does It Differ From a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in Education is also often referred to as a ‘Doctor of Education’ degree. This name is accurate, but there are some crucial differences between the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education.

The Ph.D. in Education and the Ed.D. provide graduates with different career paths, albeit in similar fields. The Ed.D. is a practice-based degree, whereas the Ph.D. is more academic. Ph.D. graduates generally go on to work in academia, or they work with research departments within universities.

The Ph.D. is a more theoretical course than the Ed.D., the latter of which involves gathering data and conducting interviews in the field. In doing so, Ed.D. graduates develop problem-solving skills. This training positions Ed.D. graduates to assist in formulating policies in both governmental and private institutions.

On the other hand, a Ph.D. education is a degree for aspiring to work as a postsecondary teacher or academic researcher. The focus of Ph.D. courses is on preparing students to contribute their own research to the existing knowledgebase. Students are focused on producing research and getting it published in academic journals. Ph.D. students are also encouraged to present their findings at conferences and give talks to other academics.

Choosing The Right One

The best of these options for you will depend on your long-term plans and the career you want to pursue. You will need to have experience working in education before you can apply to study for either degree. If you already have a specific career path in mind, you can pick the degree that is best suited to pursuing that particular path.

But if you are still unsure what direction you want to take in the long term, there are several factors that you need to consider when making your decision.

What Are You Passionate About?

Instead of focusing on the nature of the courses themselves, you should focus on your career preferences when deciding which degree to study. Your degree will only last a few years, but your career is a long-term investment.

The Ph.D. is for those that want to teach in a postsecondary setting or as academic researchers. Postsecondary teachers will still have opportunities to get involved in research. When they aren’t in the classroom, postsecondary teachers are often attending conferences and working on their own papers or books. Postsecondary teaching also pays significantly better than education at lower levels.

Academic research pays a similar salary to postsecondary teaching. However, working as an academic researcher means having more control over the research that you are involved in. Academic researchers oversee teams of researchers and can lead their own centers and institutes. Universities and colleges often fund and own these institutes, enabling them to benefit from the research they produce.

An Ed.D. degree arguably offers a wider range of career opportunities than a Ph.D. does. Of course, when it comes to careers, it’s about quality, not quantity. There are numerous administrative roles within schools and other educational institutions that are every bit as important as the frontline teaching roles, even though they don’t receive nearly as much attention.

The Ed.D. is the best degree for anyone who wants to work in the administration of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions. Precisely what this administration work involves will depend on the setting you are doing it is. For postsecondary administrators, the bulk of their job involves overseeing faculty research within colleges and universities.

Outside of educational institutions, Ed.D. graduates often go on to work as executives within private organizations. These senior-level professionals often adopt titles such as “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer.” Their primary responsibility is to assist in the formulation of corporate strategies.

Which Institutions Do You Want To Work For?

If you are going to work in a college or university, it makes sense to choose one whose ethos aligns with your own. There is a wide range of universities throughout the United States. Many have their own distinct personalities and specialties. These are worth taking into account when you are considering your long-term options.

If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in education, the institution you end up working in will determine the academic research you can access. It is good to identify potential future employers as early on as you can when studying for a Ph.D. course.

It is always a good idea to look online for other students’ experiences before making your final choice. Reports from other students will give you the kind of insight that is impossible to find elsewhere. You will learn much more about a university from ex-students than you will from reading about the institution, although both are worth doing.

Ed.D. students tend to have a bit more freedom when completing their course. The Doctor of Education course focuses on practical research in the field, rather than abstract academic research from papers and textbooks. Ed.D. students will also learn how to take what they learn from their practical work and apply it to developing solutions to common educational challenges.

Will You Study Online Or Offline?

Both the Doctor of Education and a Ph.D. in education can be studied online. Studying online offers several advantages to students and has become a popular means of earning a degree in recent years.

First and foremost, studying online gives students more flexibility. Regardless of the course, studying online gives you even more control over your time than most university students. It is also an ideal arrangement for anyone who will be working while they study. The Doctor of Education degree is completed by educators who are already working. Learning online can be a lot more convenient for people in this position.

This flexibility is also a real boon for people who have traditionally found it difficult to access higher education. For example, single parents who have to balance childcare and work commitments find it difficult to add education on top. Fortunately, most online degrees can be studied on a part-time basis, giving students more free time.

Another key selling point of online degrees is cost-savings. Studying an online degree is cheaper than a traditional campus course. Sometimes, the difference in cost can be significant. If you want to keep your education costs as low as possible, something that seems to be getting harder as time goes on, studying online is the best path forward.

If you are going to go with online studying, the Ed.D. is much more accessible. You can study for a Ph.D. in Education online, but only a relatively small range of universities offer it. For most Ph.D. students, a physical university is a better option. By contrast, the Doctor of Education degree is more widely available from universities with an online component.

Research The Dissertation Requirements

The dissertation is the culmination of any doctorate course. It is here that you will demonstrate what you have learned and your ability to apply it to the real world. Both the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education require students to present their dissertations. However, exactly what is involved is slightly different for each.

With respect to the Ph.D. in Education, the dissertation requirements will vary between universities and between courses. In any case, they will require students to demonstrate their ability to conduct thorough research into a specific subject, consider topics from multiple angles, and compile their research to synthesize conclusions from it. There is also usually an exam that involves defending your written work after completion.

On the other hand, the dissertation for an Ed.D. reflects the more practice-focused nature of the course. Throughout an Ed.D. program, students will learn about various research methods and how they can define and solve problems in education relating to access and equity of service. Ed.D. students will regularly work alongside a single group of students to test and implement their research under a supervisor’s watch.

Not only are dissertations conducted differently in both courses, but the problems you are asked to solve in your dissertation will often reflect the geographical area that your university is located in.

Should Every Educator Pursue A Doctorate?

Earning either kind of doctorate degree in education will enable you to apply for some of the highest-paying roles open to educators. However, not everyone is suited to these roles, and many teachers will be much more satisfied staying where they are. If your passions lie in classroom teaching at the K12 or elementary levels, there is no need to pursue a doctorate degree.

But if you would like to have at least the option of advancing your career further down the line, or you want to apply for a senior or administrative role with your current employer, both a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. can be viable choices. If frontline teaching and working directly with pupils speak more to you, the Ed. D. is a better degree option.

Teachers who have gained experience in the classroom and now want to apply that experience to academic research should opt for the Ph.D. in Education instead. Studying for a Ph.D. will take you out of the classroom and see you working more behind the scenes. However, you will still have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of pupils, students, and teachers across the country.

Any experienced educator who is passionate about their job should consider studying for a doctorate degree. Whether you go for the Ph. D. or the Ed. D. is up to you. Before you decide, make sure that you understand each degree’s nuances and which career paths they will open to you. Remember, the degree that you study will last just a few years but will decide your long-term career options for decades to come.

Irrespective of which degree you study for, you will command a higher salary after you graduate. Both the private and public sectors have high-paying jobs in education available. These encompass jobs in the classroom and jobs in the administration of schools. You don’t need to be in the classroom to have a positive impact on schools and universities. Of course, there’s no reason that you cannot, for example, earn an Ed. D. degree and then go back to teaching in the classroom after spending time working elsewhere. Both the Ed. D. and the Ph.D. give you options for your future and are worth considering for any passionate teacher.

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One a month, no spam, honest

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Coming up
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Ed.D. Vs. Ph.D.: What’s The Difference?

There are two main degrees to consider for people who aspire to work in the education sector’s highest echelons. People often refer to these degrees as ‘Doctorate of Education’ degrees. However, while this is technically true, there are some vital differences between both degrees.

When most people hear a term like ‘Doctorate degree’, they immediately think of Ph.D. courses. Afterall, Ph.D. graduates often use the title, ‘Dr.’ But the Ed.D. degree is also a doctorate degree in education and might be a better choice for some people looking to work in specific roles within the education sector.

What is an Ed.D.?

Ed.D. is shorthand for ‘Doctor of Education.’ It is a degree aimed at experienced educators who want to start applying for jobs in the highest echelons of educational institutions. For example, many Ed.D. graduates go on to work as school administrators and superintendents.

There is a wide range of jobs available to Ed.D. graduates. Many of these roles are outside the education sector. For example, an Ed.D. can land you a job in a non-profit, a government agency or department, the healthcare industry, or even the military.

This article from Marymount University discusses ‘is an Ed.D worth it’ and goes into more detail about what the Ed.D. course is like and what to expect from it. Students complete their Doctor of Education courses while they work. The Ed.D. is popular with teachers who want to expand their skillset and access higher-paying positions.

How Does It Differ From a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in Education is also often referred to as a ‘Doctor of Education’ degree. This name is accurate, but there are some crucial differences between the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education.

The Ph.D. in Education and the Ed.D. provide graduates with different career paths, albeit in similar fields. The Ed.D. is a practice-based degree, whereas the Ph.D. is more academic. Ph.D. graduates generally go on to work in academia, or they work with research departments within universities.

The Ph.D. is a more theoretical course than the Ed.D., the latter of which involves gathering data and conducting interviews in the field. In doing so, Ed.D. graduates develop problem-solving skills. This training positions Ed.D. graduates to assist in formulating policies in both governmental and private institutions.

On the other hand, a Ph.D. education is a degree for aspiring to work as a postsecondary teacher or academic researcher. The focus of Ph.D. courses is on preparing students to contribute their own research to the existing knowledgebase. Students are focused on producing research and getting it published in academic journals. Ph.D. students are also encouraged to present their findings at conferences and give talks to other academics.

Choosing The Right One

The best of these options for you will depend on your long-term plans and the career you want to pursue. You will need to have experience working in education before you can apply to study for either degree. If you already have a specific career path in mind, you can pick the degree that is best suited to pursuing that particular path.

But if you are still unsure what direction you want to take in the long term, there are several factors that you need to consider when making your decision.

What Are You Passionate About?

Instead of focusing on the nature of the courses themselves, you should focus on your career preferences when deciding which degree to study. Your degree will only last a few years, but your career is a long-term investment.

The Ph.D. is for those that want to teach in a postsecondary setting or as academic researchers. Postsecondary teachers will still have opportunities to get involved in research. When they aren’t in the classroom, postsecondary teachers are often attending conferences and working on their own papers or books. Postsecondary teaching also pays significantly better than education at lower levels.

Academic research pays a similar salary to postsecondary teaching. However, working as an academic researcher means having more control over the research that you are involved in. Academic researchers oversee teams of researchers and can lead their own centers and institutes. Universities and colleges often fund and own these institutes, enabling them to benefit from the research they produce.

An Ed.D. degree arguably offers a wider range of career opportunities than a Ph.D. does. Of course, when it comes to careers, it’s about quality, not quantity. There are numerous administrative roles within schools and other educational institutions that are every bit as important as the frontline teaching roles, even though they don’t receive nearly as much attention.

The Ed.D. is the best degree for anyone who wants to work in the administration of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions. Precisely what this administration work involves will depend on the setting you are doing it is. For postsecondary administrators, the bulk of their job involves overseeing faculty research within colleges and universities.

Outside of educational institutions, Ed.D. graduates often go on to work as executives within private organizations. These senior-level professionals often adopt titles such as “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer.” Their primary responsibility is to assist in the formulation of corporate strategies.

Which Institutions Do You Want To Work For?

If you are going to work in a college or university, it makes sense to choose one whose ethos aligns with your own. There is a wide range of universities throughout the United States. Many have their own distinct personalities and specialties. These are worth taking into account when you are considering your long-term options.

If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in education, the institution you end up working in will determine the academic research you can access. It is good to identify potential future employers as early on as you can when studying for a Ph.D. course.

It is always a good idea to look online for other students’ experiences before making your final choice. Reports from other students will give you the kind of insight that is impossible to find elsewhere. You will learn much more about a university from ex-students than you will from reading about the institution, although both are worth doing.

Ed.D. students tend to have a bit more freedom when completing their course. The Doctor of Education course focuses on practical research in the field, rather than abstract academic research from papers and textbooks. Ed.D. students will also learn how to take what they learn from their practical work and apply it to developing solutions to common educational challenges.

Will You Study Online Or Offline?

Both the Doctor of Education and a Ph.D. in education can be studied online. Studying online offers several advantages to students and has become a popular means of earning a degree in recent years.

First and foremost, studying online gives students more flexibility. Regardless of the course, studying online gives you even more control over your time than most university students. It is also an ideal arrangement for anyone who will be working while they study. The Doctor of Education degree is completed by educators who are already working. Learning online can be a lot more convenient for people in this position.

This flexibility is also a real boon for people who have traditionally found it difficult to access higher education. For example, single parents who have to balance childcare and work commitments find it difficult to add education on top. Fortunately, most online degrees can be studied on a part-time basis, giving students more free time.

Another key selling point of online degrees is cost-savings. Studying an online degree is cheaper than a traditional campus course. Sometimes, the difference in cost can be significant. If you want to keep your education costs as low as possible, something that seems to be getting harder as time goes on, studying online is the best path forward.

If you are going to go with online studying, the Ed.D. is much more accessible. You can study for a Ph.D. in Education online, but only a relatively small range of universities offer it. For most Ph.D. students, a physical university is a better option. By contrast, the Doctor of Education degree is more widely available from universities with an online component.

Research The Dissertation Requirements

The dissertation is the culmination of any doctorate course. It is here that you will demonstrate what you have learned and your ability to apply it to the real world. Both the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education require students to present their dissertations. However, exactly what is involved is slightly different for each.

With respect to the Ph.D. in Education, the dissertation requirements will vary between universities and between courses. In any case, they will require students to demonstrate their ability to conduct thorough research into a specific subject, consider topics from multiple angles, and compile their research to synthesize conclusions from it. There is also usually an exam that involves defending your written work after completion.

On the other hand, the dissertation for an Ed.D. reflects the more practice-focused nature of the course. Throughout an Ed.D. program, students will learn about various research methods and how they can define and solve problems in education relating to access and equity of service. Ed.D. students will regularly work alongside a single group of students to test and implement their research under a supervisor’s watch.

Not only are dissertations conducted differently in both courses, but the problems you are asked to solve in your dissertation will often reflect the geographical area that your university is located in.

Should Every Educator Pursue A Doctorate?

Earning either kind of doctorate degree in education will enable you to apply for some of the highest-paying roles open to educators. However, not everyone is suited to these roles, and many teachers will be much more satisfied staying where they are. If your passions lie in classroom teaching at the K12 or elementary levels, there is no need to pursue a doctorate degree.

But if you would like to have at least the option of advancing your career further down the line, or you want to apply for a senior or administrative role with your current employer, both a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. can be viable choices. If frontline teaching and working directly with pupils speak more to you, the Ed. D. is a better degree option.

Teachers who have gained experience in the classroom and now want to apply that experience to academic research should opt for the Ph.D. in Education instead. Studying for a Ph.D. will take you out of the classroom and see you working more behind the scenes. However, you will still have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of pupils, students, and teachers across the country.

Any experienced educator who is passionate about their job should consider studying for a doctorate degree. Whether you go for the Ph. D. or the Ed. D. is up to you. Before you decide, make sure that you understand each degree’s nuances and which career paths they will open to you. Remember, the degree that you study will last just a few years but will decide your long-term career options for decades to come.

Irrespective of which degree you study for, you will command a higher salary after you graduate. Both the private and public sectors have high-paying jobs in education available. These encompass jobs in the classroom and jobs in the administration of schools. You don’t need to be in the classroom to have a positive impact on schools and universities. Of course, there’s no reason that you cannot, for example, earn an Ed. D. degree and then go back to teaching in the classroom after spending time working elsewhere. Both the Ed. D. and the Ph.D. give you options for your future and are worth considering for any passionate teacher.

Subscribe to our newsletter!
One a month, no spam, honest

Now on air
Coming up
More from Uncategorized
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More from Phoenix FM


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

There are two main degrees to consider for people who aspire to work in the education sector’s highest echelons. People often refer to these degrees as ‘Doctorate of Education’ degrees. However, while this is technically true, there are some vital differences between both degrees.

When most people hear a term like ‘Doctorate degree’, they immediately think of Ph.D. courses. Afterall, Ph.D. graduates often use the title, ‘Dr.’ But the Ed.D. degree is also a doctorate degree in education and might be a better choice for some people looking to work in specific roles within the education sector.

What is an Ed.D.?

Ed.D. is shorthand for ‘Doctor of Education.’ It is a degree aimed at experienced educators who want to start applying for jobs in the highest echelons of educational institutions. For example, many Ed.D. graduates go on to work as school administrators and superintendents.

There is a wide range of jobs available to Ed.D. graduates. Many of these roles are outside the education sector. For example, an Ed.D. can land you a job in a non-profit, a government agency or department, the healthcare industry, or even the military.

This article from Marymount University discusses ‘is an Ed.D worth it’ and goes into more detail about what the Ed.D. course is like and what to expect from it. Students complete their Doctor of Education courses while they work. The Ed.D. is popular with teachers who want to expand their skillset and access higher-paying positions.

How Does It Differ From a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in Education is also often referred to as a ‘Doctor of Education’ degree. This name is accurate, but there are some crucial differences between the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education.

The Ph.D. in Education and the Ed.D. provide graduates with different career paths, albeit in similar fields. The Ed.D. is a practice-based degree, whereas the Ph.D. is more academic. Ph.D. graduates generally go on to work in academia, or they work with research departments within universities.

The Ph.D. is a more theoretical course than the Ed.D., the latter of which involves gathering data and conducting interviews in the field. In doing so, Ed.D. graduates develop problem-solving skills. This training positions Ed.D. graduates to assist in formulating policies in both governmental and private institutions.

On the other hand, a Ph.D. education is a degree for aspiring to work as a postsecondary teacher or academic researcher. The focus of Ph.D. courses is on preparing students to contribute their own research to the existing knowledgebase. Students are focused on producing research and getting it published in academic journals. Ph.D. students are also encouraged to present their findings at conferences and give talks to other academics.

Choosing The Right One

The best of these options for you will depend on your long-term plans and the career you want to pursue. You will need to have experience working in education before you can apply to study for either degree. If you already have a specific career path in mind, you can pick the degree that is best suited to pursuing that particular path.

But if you are still unsure what direction you want to take in the long term, there are several factors that you need to consider when making your decision.

What Are You Passionate About?

Instead of focusing on the nature of the courses themselves, you should focus on your career preferences when deciding which degree to study. Your degree will only last a few years, but your career is a long-term investment.

The Ph.D. is for those that want to teach in a postsecondary setting or as academic researchers. Postsecondary teachers will still have opportunities to get involved in research. When they aren’t in the classroom, postsecondary teachers are often attending conferences and working on their own papers or books. Postsecondary teaching also pays significantly better than education at lower levels.

Academic research pays a similar salary to postsecondary teaching. However, working as an academic researcher means having more control over the research that you are involved in. Academic researchers oversee teams of researchers and can lead their own centers and institutes. Universities and colleges often fund and own these institutes, enabling them to benefit from the research they produce.

An Ed.D. degree arguably offers a wider range of career opportunities than a Ph.D. does. Of course, when it comes to careers, it’s about quality, not quantity. There are numerous administrative roles within schools and other educational institutions that are every bit as important as the frontline teaching roles, even though they don’t receive nearly as much attention.

The Ed.D. is the best degree for anyone who wants to work in the administration of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions. Precisely what this administration work involves will depend on the setting you are doing it is. For postsecondary administrators, the bulk of their job involves overseeing faculty research within colleges and universities.

Outside of educational institutions, Ed.D. graduates often go on to work as executives within private organizations. These senior-level professionals often adopt titles such as “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer.” Their primary responsibility is to assist in the formulation of corporate strategies.

Which Institutions Do You Want To Work For?

If you are going to work in a college or university, it makes sense to choose one whose ethos aligns with your own. There is a wide range of universities throughout the United States. Many have their own distinct personalities and specialties. These are worth taking into account when you are considering your long-term options.

If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in education, the institution you end up working in will determine the academic research you can access. It is good to identify potential future employers as early on as you can when studying for a Ph.D. course.

It is always a good idea to look online for other students’ experiences before making your final choice. Reports from other students will give you the kind of insight that is impossible to find elsewhere. You will learn much more about a university from ex-students than you will from reading about the institution, although both are worth doing.

Ed.D. students tend to have a bit more freedom when completing their course. The Doctor of Education course focuses on practical research in the field, rather than abstract academic research from papers and textbooks. Ed.D. students will also learn how to take what they learn from their practical work and apply it to developing solutions to common educational challenges.

Will You Study Online Or Offline?

Both the Doctor of Education and a Ph.D. in education can be studied online. Studying online offers several advantages to students and has become a popular means of earning a degree in recent years.

First and foremost, studying online gives students more flexibility. Regardless of the course, studying online gives you even more control over your time than most university students. It is also an ideal arrangement for anyone who will be working while they study. The Doctor of Education degree is completed by educators who are already working. Learning online can be a lot more convenient for people in this position.

This flexibility is also a real boon for people who have traditionally found it difficult to access higher education. For example, single parents who have to balance childcare and work commitments find it difficult to add education on top. Fortunately, most online degrees can be studied on a part-time basis, giving students more free time.

Another key selling point of online degrees is cost-savings. Studying an online degree is cheaper than a traditional campus course. Sometimes, the difference in cost can be significant. If you want to keep your education costs as low as possible, something that seems to be getting harder as time goes on, studying online is the best path forward.

If you are going to go with online studying, the Ed.D. is much more accessible. You can study for a Ph.D. in Education online, but only a relatively small range of universities offer it. For most Ph.D. students, a physical university is a better option. By contrast, the Doctor of Education degree is more widely available from universities with an online component.

Research The Dissertation Requirements

The dissertation is the culmination of any doctorate course. It is here that you will demonstrate what you have learned and your ability to apply it to the real world. Both the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education require students to present their dissertations. However, exactly what is involved is slightly different for each.

With respect to the Ph.D. in Education, the dissertation requirements will vary between universities and between courses. In any case, they will require students to demonstrate their ability to conduct thorough research into a specific subject, consider topics from multiple angles, and compile their research to synthesize conclusions from it. There is also usually an exam that involves defending your written work after completion.

On the other hand, the dissertation for an Ed.D. reflects the more practice-focused nature of the course. Throughout an Ed.D. program, students will learn about various research methods and how they can define and solve problems in education relating to access and equity of service. Ed.D. students will regularly work alongside a single group of students to test and implement their research under a supervisor’s watch.

Not only are dissertations conducted differently in both courses, but the problems you are asked to solve in your dissertation will often reflect the geographical area that your university is located in.

Should Every Educator Pursue A Doctorate?

Earning either kind of doctorate degree in education will enable you to apply for some of the highest-paying roles open to educators. However, not everyone is suited to these roles, and many teachers will be much more satisfied staying where they are. If your passions lie in classroom teaching at the K12 or elementary levels, there is no need to pursue a doctorate degree.

But if you would like to have at least the option of advancing your career further down the line, or you want to apply for a senior or administrative role with your current employer, both a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. can be viable choices. If frontline teaching and working directly with pupils speak more to you, the Ed. D. is a better degree option.

Teachers who have gained experience in the classroom and now want to apply that experience to academic research should opt for the Ph.D. in Education instead. Studying for a Ph.D. will take you out of the classroom and see you working more behind the scenes. However, you will still have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of pupils, students, and teachers across the country.

Any experienced educator who is passionate about their job should consider studying for a doctorate degree. Whether you go for the Ph. D. or the Ed. D. is up to you. Before you decide, make sure that you understand each degree’s nuances and which career paths they will open to you. Remember, the degree that you study will last just a few years but will decide your long-term career options for decades to come.

Irrespective of which degree you study for, you will command a higher salary after you graduate. Both the private and public sectors have high-paying jobs in education available. These encompass jobs in the classroom and jobs in the administration of schools. You don’t need to be in the classroom to have a positive impact on schools and universities. Of course, there’s no reason that you cannot, for example, earn an Ed. D. degree and then go back to teaching in the classroom after spending time working elsewhere. Both the Ed. D. and the Ph.D. give you options for your future and are worth considering for any passionate teacher.

Subscribe to our newsletter!
One a month, no spam, honest

Now on air
Coming up
More from Uncategorized
More from
More from Phoenix FM


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

There are two main degrees to consider for people who aspire to work in the education sector’s highest echelons. People often refer to these degrees as ‘Doctorate of Education’ degrees. However, while this is technically true, there are some vital differences between both degrees.

When most people hear a term like ‘Doctorate degree’, they immediately think of Ph.D. courses. Afterall, Ph.D. graduates often use the title, ‘Dr.’ But the Ed.D. degree is also a doctorate degree in education and might be a better choice for some people looking to work in specific roles within the education sector.

What is an Ed.D.?

Ed.D. is shorthand for ‘Doctor of Education.’ It is a degree aimed at experienced educators who want to start applying for jobs in the highest echelons of educational institutions. For example, many Ed.D. graduates go on to work as school administrators and superintendents.

There is a wide range of jobs available to Ed.D. graduates. Many of these roles are outside the education sector. For example, an Ed.D. can land you a job in a non-profit, a government agency or department, the healthcare industry, or even the military.

This article from Marymount University discusses ‘is an Ed.D worth it’ and goes into more detail about what the Ed.D. course is like and what to expect from it. Students complete their Doctor of Education courses while they work. The Ed.D. is popular with teachers who want to expand their skillset and access higher-paying positions.

How Does It Differ From a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in Education is also often referred to as a ‘Doctor of Education’ degree. This name is accurate, but there are some crucial differences between the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education.

The Ph.D. in Education and the Ed.D. provide graduates with different career paths, albeit in similar fields. The Ed.D. is a practice-based degree, whereas the Ph.D. is more academic. Ph.D. graduates generally go on to work in academia, or they work with research departments within universities.

The Ph.D. is a more theoretical course than the Ed.D., the latter of which involves gathering data and conducting interviews in the field. In doing so, Ed.D. graduates develop problem-solving skills. This training positions Ed.D. graduates to assist in formulating policies in both governmental and private institutions.

On the other hand, a Ph.D. education is a degree for aspiring to work as a postsecondary teacher or academic researcher. The focus of Ph.D. courses is on preparing students to contribute their own research to the existing knowledgebase. Students are focused on producing research and getting it published in academic journals. Ph.D. students are also encouraged to present their findings at conferences and give talks to other academics.

Choosing The Right One

The best of these options for you will depend on your long-term plans and the career you want to pursue. You will need to have experience working in education before you can apply to study for either degree. If you already have a specific career path in mind, you can pick the degree that is best suited to pursuing that particular path.

But if you are still unsure what direction you want to take in the long term, there are several factors that you need to consider when making your decision.

What Are You Passionate About?

Instead of focusing on the nature of the courses themselves, you should focus on your career preferences when deciding which degree to study. Your degree will only last a few years, but your career is a long-term investment.

The Ph.D. is for those that want to teach in a postsecondary setting or as academic researchers. Postsecondary teachers will still have opportunities to get involved in research. When they aren’t in the classroom, postsecondary teachers are often attending conferences and working on their own papers or books. Postsecondary teaching also pays significantly better than education at lower levels.

Academic research pays a similar salary to postsecondary teaching. However, working as an academic researcher means having more control over the research that you are involved in. Academic researchers oversee teams of researchers and can lead their own centers and institutes. Universities and colleges often fund and own these institutes, enabling them to benefit from the research they produce.

An Ed.D. degree arguably offers a wider range of career opportunities than a Ph.D. does. Of course, when it comes to careers, it’s about quality, not quantity. There are numerous administrative roles within schools and other educational institutions that are every bit as important as the frontline teaching roles, even though they don’t receive nearly as much attention.

The Ed.D. is the best degree for anyone who wants to work in the administration of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions. Precisely what this administration work involves will depend on the setting you are doing it is. For postsecondary administrators, the bulk of their job involves overseeing faculty research within colleges and universities.

Outside of educational institutions, Ed.D. graduates often go on to work as executives within private organizations. These senior-level professionals often adopt titles such as “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer.” Their primary responsibility is to assist in the formulation of corporate strategies.

Which Institutions Do You Want To Work For?

If you are going to work in a college or university, it makes sense to choose one whose ethos aligns with your own. There is a wide range of universities throughout the United States. Many have their own distinct personalities and specialties. These are worth taking into account when you are considering your long-term options.

If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in education, the institution you end up working in will determine the academic research you can access. It is good to identify potential future employers as early on as you can when studying for a Ph.D. course.

It is always a good idea to look online for other students’ experiences before making your final choice. Reports from other students will give you the kind of insight that is impossible to find elsewhere. You will learn much more about a university from ex-students than you will from reading about the institution, although both are worth doing.

Ed.D. students tend to have a bit more freedom when completing their course. The Doctor of Education course focuses on practical research in the field, rather than abstract academic research from papers and textbooks. Ed.D. students will also learn how to take what they learn from their practical work and apply it to developing solutions to common educational challenges.

Will You Study Online Or Offline?

Both the Doctor of Education and a Ph.D. in education can be studied online. Studying online offers several advantages to students and has become a popular means of earning a degree in recent years.

First and foremost, studying online gives students more flexibility. Regardless of the course, studying online gives you even more control over your time than most university students. It is also an ideal arrangement for anyone who will be working while they study. The Doctor of Education degree is completed by educators who are already working. Learning online can be a lot more convenient for people in this position.

This flexibility is also a real boon for people who have traditionally found it difficult to access higher education. For example, single parents who have to balance childcare and work commitments find it difficult to add education on top. Fortunately, most online degrees can be studied on a part-time basis, giving students more free time.

Another key selling point of online degrees is cost-savings. Studying an online degree is cheaper than a traditional campus course. Sometimes, the difference in cost can be significant. If you want to keep your education costs as low as possible, something that seems to be getting harder as time goes on, studying online is the best path forward.

If you are going to go with online studying, the Ed.D. is much more accessible. You can study for a Ph.D. in Education online, but only a relatively small range of universities offer it. For most Ph.D. students, a physical university is a better option. By contrast, the Doctor of Education degree is more widely available from universities with an online component.

Research The Dissertation Requirements

The dissertation is the culmination of any doctorate course. It is here that you will demonstrate what you have learned and your ability to apply it to the real world. Both the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. in education require students to present their dissertations. However, exactly what is involved is slightly different for each.

With respect to the Ph.D. in Education, the dissertation requirements will vary between universities and between courses. In any case, they will require students to demonstrate their ability to conduct thorough research into a specific subject, consider topics from multiple angles, and compile their research to synthesize conclusions from it. There is also usually an exam that involves defending your written work after completion.

On the other hand, the dissertation for an Ed.D. reflects the more practice-focused nature of the course. Throughout an Ed.D. program, students will learn about various research methods and how they can define and solve problems in education relating to access and equity of service. Ed.D. students will regularly work alongside a single group of students to test and implement their research under a supervisor’s watch.

Not only are dissertations conducted differently in both courses, but the problems you are asked to solve in your dissertation will often reflect the geographical area that your university is located in.

Should Every Educator Pursue A Doctorate?

Earning either kind of doctorate degree in education will enable you to apply for some of the highest-paying roles open to educators. However, not everyone is suited to these roles, and many teachers will be much more satisfied staying where they are. If your passions lie in classroom teaching at the K12 or elementary levels, there is no need to pursue a doctorate degree.

But if you would like to have at least the option of advancing your career further down the line, or you want to apply for a senior or administrative role with your current employer, both a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. can be viable choices. If frontline teaching and working directly with pupils speak more to you, the Ed. D. is a better degree option.

Teachers who have gained experience in the classroom and now want to apply that experience to academic research should opt for the Ph.D. in Education instead. Studying for a Ph.D. will take you out of the classroom and see you working more behind the scenes. However, you will still have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of pupils, students, and teachers across the country.

Any experienced educator who is passionate about their job should consider studying for a doctorate degree. Whether you go for the Ph. D. or the Ed. D. is up to you. Before you decide, make sure that you understand each degree’s nuances and which career paths they will open to you. Remember, the degree that you study will last just a few years but will decide your long-term career options for decades to come.

Irrespective of which degree you study for, you will command a higher salary after you graduate. Both the private and public sectors have high-paying jobs in education available. These encompass jobs in the classroom and jobs in the administration of schools. You don’t need to be in the classroom to have a positive impact on schools and universities. Of course, there’s no reason that you cannot, for example, earn an Ed. D. degree and then go back to teaching in the classroom after spending time working elsewhere. Both the Ed. D. and the Ph.D. give you options for your future and are worth considering for any passionate teacher.

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