Throughout their time in the field, educators may become very interested in a specific area of study within the education world. Once they realize that they want to become experts in this area of study, they may want to continue their education and begin Ph. D. or Ed.D. programs.

When research universities in the U.S. first began awarding degrees, they initially focused on the sciences and later, the arts. Demand for professional doctoral degrees outside of the ancient fields of law and medicine grew in the late 19th century, leading universities to begin offering Ph.D. programs.

In 1893, the Teachers College at Columbia University awarded the first Ph.D. in the field of education. As educators began seeking advanced degrees in their field, some universities sought to provide these students with a more applied education, as opposed to the more-common research-focused Ph.Ds.

This led to the creation of Ed.D. programs. Harvard University granted the first Ed.D. degrees in 1921. Over the course of the 20^th century, more universities began offering Ed.D. programs, while others continued to award a Ph.D. in education.

Today’s doctoral students can choose between a research-focused Ph.D. and a more practice-focused Ed.D. program.

Similarities Between These Programs

Both Ph.D. in education and Ed.D. programs are designed to provide a rigorous education system and reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the education field. Doctoral students in education will develop a strong knowledge base and learn about the latest developments in education theory, regardless of the type of degree they pursue.

In both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs, students are exposed to a range of research methods. Students might also be required to take a class such as research design that helps them focus on their dissertations. Graduates who earn either degree will have an understanding of the latest research in education and will have developed the skills to analyze these findings.

To earn either degree, doctoral candidates must demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to the study of education. Both Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees are highly respected in the field and open the door to many advancement opportunities.

What is a Ph.D. Degree?

A Ph.D. program in education is a Doctor of Philosophy and the highest academic degree possible. A Ph.D. degree can be obtained across almost all fields of study after completing rigorous coursework.

A Ph.D. program for educators focuses on research, theories, and educational techniques. This program includes coursework on how to become a great researcher, including qualitative and quantitative studies.

A Ph.D. program also includes courses related to ethics, leadership theories, equity and inclusion, and so many more. In addition to those courses, a student will have specialty courses related directly to the program they choose. Educators who decide to get a Ph.D. in special education will have several programs related to that topic. Once, they get to the dissertation phase, their research will be concentrated on an area in special education.

The dissertation is the culmination of any Ph.D. program. This is the original research and findings of the Ph.D. student. The dissertation can take more than a year to complete. Many steps go into completing and defending a dissertation; that is why a person should make sure that they are genuinely passionate about the subject area because they will be digging deep into the research and finding what they can add to the field.

How Does it Differ from an Ed.D?

Depending on an educator’s goal, they may decide that they want to focus on the actual practice rather than the research related to education. If this is the case, they will want to enroll in an Ed.D. degree. An Ed.D is a Doctor of Education. Just like a person with a Ph.D., they will also be referred to as “doctor.”

An Ed.D can typically be completed in about two years, whereas a Ph.D. generally takes four years. Both programs require research, but an Ed.D focuses on implementing theories into practice in the K-12 or college setting.

What are the Benefits of a Ph.D. and Ed.D.?

In addition to becoming an expert in your field by obtaining your Ph.D. or Ed.D., many more benefits will come along once you complete your program. Not only will you now be called “Dr.”, you will open the doors to many new opportunities.

Salary

You may see a salary increase. Some jobs will increase a person’s salary depending on their educational degrees. You may move into a new salary bracket by reaching the highest academic degree possible.

Career/Professional Opportunities

A Ph.D. or Ed.D will provide the educational requirements for specific careers. You can become a superintendent of schools, a director of special education, a provost or vice provost of student services, and the list goes on. You may be asked to write a book based on your research done during the Ph.D. dissertation phase. Before you begin the degree, during, or after, research new jobs and see where your new qualifications might take you.

Professional Development

School districts and universities are always looking to host professional development workshops or series for their employees or outside guests. Having a Ph.D or Ed.D. shows that you are an expert in a particular field.

You will be asked to present and teach others what you have learned or found in your research. These are usually paid opportunities. The more that you present, the higher your compensation will be.

Passion

Finally, deciding to pursue your Ph.D. or Ed.D. will allow you to spend time on a topic you are genuinely passionate about. You will immerse yourself in the research and theories, and become an expert. You will have the time to experiment with your ideas and thoughts in the area. Finally, you will have the opportunity to share your findings with other experts in the field.

Prestige and Credibility

Obtaining your Ph.D. is an amazing goal that not many people in the world reach. You deserve to be proud of yourself and celebrate. You will be looked up to for advice in your field, and you need to recognize yourself as the expert you have become.

Are you interested in pursuing a doctorate in education? Check out our available doctoral graduate programs and take your next step today!

*Updated June 2022

The post Ph.D. vs. Ed.D. for Educators appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

The majority of Ed.D. programs require the completion of comprehensive exams and a summative dissertation that offers an original contribution designed to “fill a gap” within the body of relevant academic research. Ed.D. programs also emphasize building professional competencies and solving problems through active and ongoing research.

Administrative Positions

The Ed.D. in educational leadership is a popular option for individuals serving in K-12 school administrative positions or wish to move into an administrative position because the curricular requirements are centered around improving the effectiveness and competency of instructional leaders. Ed.D. educational leadership candidates will experience courses that address subjects they studied in graduate school and/or administrator preparation programs in greater depth.

Examples of such courses include those focused upon effective management practices, advanced learning theory, and advanced education law. Beyond these practical areas of emphasis, the Ed.D. in educational leadership requires extensive course work in quantitative and qualitative analysis and statistics. Thus, the holder of the degree not only gains valuable practical expertise but also acquires the ability to conduct research both for daily use and for publication.

Given the fact that the field of education has become increasingly litigious and data-driven, a educational leadership program provides an excellent vehicle for preparing school administrators to manage the organizations under their charge in an effective and legal manner while also enabling them to understand assessment data provided by state and private providers and even conduct their own “in-house” research and data analysis.

Additionally, educational leadership Ed.D. programs offered by some institutions allow candidates to earn concentrations within specific subsections of educational leadership such as curriculum and instruction, special education, and administration. Thus, the pursuit of the Ed.D. has the potential to develop school and district-level leaders’ competencies across the spectrum of instructional leadership, management, and legal efficacy.

Ultimately, the educational leadership doctorate is not simply a program that is best suited for school principals and superintendents but also has the potential to prove extremely beneficial for individuals in other roles including Director of Special Education, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Director of Human Resources among others, as well as classroom teachers looking to improve their leadership skills and/or eventually move into administrative positions.

Leadership Positions

The ability for instructional faculty members to assume non-administrative leadership roles is often overlooked in educator preparation programs. Numerous school systems within the United States rely on faculty members to fulfill such roles as academic department leader, head teacher, Dean of Students, instructional coach, and others. These faculty roles often bring with them a significant level of responsibility in working with students and/or staff members in a “para-administrative” manner. An added benefit of these roles is that they generally come with the opportunity to influence the decision-making process of the school system as well as additional financial compensation beyond the faculty member salary level.

Earning an Ed.D. in educational leadership allows faculty members that hold leadership roles to expand their knowledge and hone their skills in order to gain background and experience that can be applied to their responsibilities, thus benefiting the students and faculty members with whom they interact. Additionally, the completion of an Ed.D. in educational leadership demonstrates that professional educators are committed to their own personal and professional growth and development. Even from a non-academic perspective, the completion of a terminal degree in education speaks to the work ethic and character of the individual.

The fact that only around one percent of all public school teachers within the United States hold a doctoral degree is a testament to the level of rigor of such programs and indicates that those who have completed or are pursuing a doctoral degree generally display a level of commitment and dedication to their careers higher than a vast majority of their peers. Therefore, the completion of an Ed.D. sends a signal to supervisors and potential employers that these individuals possess a level of drive and dedication that causes them to stand out among their peers.

Additional Job Opportunities

Beyond the K-12 educational setting, the completion of an Ed.D. in educational leadership has the potential to open doors within other education-related fields. Perhaps the most obvious pathway is that of teaching at the post-secondary level. The majority of colleges and universities require tenure track faculty members to earn a terminal degree. Therefore, the Ed.D. serves as a vehicle not only for improving professional practice but also as a springboard into instruction at the collegiate level.

Another area in which the Ed.D. proves beneficial is within the field of educator professional development. It is a beneficial credential for those wishing to provide training to practicing educators, as it fosters the level of expertise necessary for effective knowledge sharing and instruction for teachers currently in the field. Additionally, many states have county or multi-county level organizations that provide consulting and professional development services to the school systems within their regions. The Ed.D. in educational leadership qualifies individuals to work as facilitators and/or supervisors within this sector as well as in private sector corporate education.

Ready to take the next step and pursue your Ed.D. in educational leadership? Explore our available programs to get started today!

*Updated August, 2020

The post How to Advance Your Career with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.