EdD vs PhD: What’s the Difference? - Masters Degrees Online.
Answer: While Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education programs may cover many similar topics related to education and learning theory, the primary difference between them lies in their overall focus and intended career outcomes.The main difference between pursuing an EdD and PhD is that an EdD is designed for candidates who want to pursue leadership positions with a real-world focus, while a PhD is designed for graduates who are seeking careers in education or research-based roles.EdD means “Doctor of Education,” and PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy.” Although it might seem that a PhD doesn’t deal with education, a PhD is the most advanced degree for a wide range of subjects, not unlike how a Bachelor of Arts can permit specialization in fields other than art.
Although, in the past, an EdD was considered less prestigious than a PhD, the National Science Foundation, (NSF) has come to recognize this degree with an equivalent sense of importance and contributions to the field of psychology. Let’s explore some of differences in these degree programs and highlight the EdD program, in particular.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.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional degree designed for practitioners pursuing educational leadership roles. A PhD in education, on the other hand, is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles.
