Difference Between EdD and PhD

Are you planning to pursue your doctoral degree in the field of Education? Then one of the first decisions you have to make is to choose between EdD and PhD. A Doctor of Education Or EdD is a professional degree basically designed for aspirants pursuing educational leadership roles. While a Doctor of Philosophy or PhD prepares students for research and teaching roles. Students often get confused when it comes to a choice between EdD and PhD. Thus, to know more about the difference between EdD and PhD, keep reading this blog and make the right choice.

What is EdD?

A Doctorate in Education is commonly abbreviated as EdD. EdD is a terminal degree that deals with applying research, leadership, education issues, and foundational knowledge to real-world organisations. Moreover, this program helps students in clinical, professional, academic, administrative or research positions in K-12 and higher education, civil service, private organisations or public institutions. Unlike PhD programs that focus on developing new research focusing on developing new research, the EdD program involves decision making using existing research that leads to improved practises within the area(s) of study.

Also Read: What is DPhil?

What is PhD?  

A Doctorate of Philosophy or PhD is earned after completing research to master a subject completely and after extending the body of knowledge of that subject. This degree is mainly designed for aspirants who aspire to a career devoted to research. Moreover, a PhD degree basically is a thorough education in a particular subject and the study of how to approach it. PhD students aspire to change by contributing to the knowledge and understanding of a subject by conducting research, altering political agendas and training the next generation of scholars. 

Also Read: PhD Admission, Courses and Scholarships

Major Difference Between EdD and PhD

Here are some of the major differences between EdD and PhD which will enable you to distinguish between them.

Doctor of Philosophy	Doctor of Education
Student-Researchers	Student-Practitioners
Involves education and research	as an individual for Professional leadership
Dissertation	Dissertation in practice
4-6 years	3 years
Course available full time	Course available part-time

Also Read: Why Study MPhil in Philosophy

Courses 

Another difference between PhD and EdD is about courses or programs you want to choose. Some of the popular courses are :

PhD courses	EdD courses
PhD in Chemistry	Ed.D. in School System Leadership
PhD in Economics	Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
PhD in Finance	Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision
PhD in English	Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
PhD in Physics	Ed.D. in Higher Education
PhD in Mathematics	Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation (Online or Hybrid)
PhD in Psychology	Ed.D. in Educational Studies, Educational Administration
PhD in Business Administration	Ed.D. in Educational Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA)
PhD in Computer Science	Ed.D. in Kinesiology, Physical Education
PhD in Biology	Ed.D. in Science Education

Job profiles 

There are a plethora of job opportunities both from the field of PhD and EdD. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.

PhD	EdD
Earning a PhD degree makes a candidate more efficient for research-oriented jobs. The ability to evaluate research proves to be a beneficial skill and helps in gaining employment.	EdD programs are specially designed to prepare students for senior positions. After completing this degree, students become eligible for leadership roles mainly in the education sector.
After completion of PhD candidates are recruited as Education Director, Policy Researcher, University Professor, Research Scholar etc.	The most common job profiles for director of a research centre development Manager, Curriculum Developer, Superintendent, Dean, University or College President, Principal

Also Read: What are the Different Types of Education?

Salaries and Job Growth 

PhD

EdD

PhD degree holders are employed in college classrooms and administration. The job growth and average salaries for popular job profiles are: Postsecondary Teachers receive an average salary of INR 59,83,795 per annum and this profession is estimated to have 12% growth between 2020 and 2030. Postsecondary Education Administrators receive an average salary of INR 72,42,056 per annum and this profession is estimated to have 8% growth 2020-2030

There are a plethora of career opportunities after completion of a Doctor of Education degree, including Educational Technologists who receives an average basic salary of INR 47,63,044 per annum. Education Policymakers receive an average salary of INR 93,10,684  per year (including all political scientists) and this profession is estimated to have 9% growth 2020-2030School or District Leaders have a Median salary of INR 73,15,590 per year (inclusive of all administrative positions) and this profession is estimated to have 3% to 4% growth 2019-2029

Similarities Between EdD and PhD

• Ph.D. and an Ed.D. are both intended to extend a teacher’s knowledge and ability in education. Both the degrees require research in the field and the defence of a dissertation, capstone project, or other comprehensive final exploration of a topic.
• After completing both the degrees the candidates are referred to as a “doctor”, whether they have a Ph.D. or Ed.D.
• Both EdD and PhD degree holders are employed in schools and colleges.

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