What’s the difference between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Education (EdD)?
Both are advanced degrees that represent the high levels of graduate scholarship. The right degree for you depends on whether you are seeking a job as a researcher/professor or as a leader-practitioner.
PhD Degree:
- Typical duration: 5 years
- Requires a dissertation and successful dissertation defense
- Primary focus is on scholarship and teaching
- For students wanting to work as a college professor and/or to conduct research studies
- Graduates work as faculty at colleges/universities, as industry or nonprofit researchers, or in K-12 school districts
EdD Degree:
- Typical duration: 3 years
- Requires a dissertation-in-practice
- Focus blends practice with research
- For students who seek to become scholar-practitioners
- Graduates work in a variety of leadership roles in PreK-12 education, higher education, nonprofits, and business
Conclusion:
Both are doctorate degrees that represent high levels of scholarship. The PhD degree is ideal for students who see themselves as researchers and scholars; the EdD degree is for students who are seeking leadership positions that blend practice with research.