A Comparison Between A Doctorate in Education And A Doctorate in Philosophy
As one moves upward in the academic chain, opportunities are presented to pursue terminal degrees such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). As these qualifications can mark the highest level of sophistication in any field, it is crucial to understand that each of them has distinct and somewhat different use cases and career applications. Understanding their distinctions serves as guidance to individuals interested in building a career in academia or professionals pursuing their future degrees.
The main aim of this article is to point out the key differences between the EdD and PhD degrees by focusing on the goals of the two degrees, the content, course structures, the way research is conducted and what kind of careers a graduate has, and, most importantly, who are the students that apply for such degrees.
The Contextual Goals of EdD and PhD
Key Focus of EdD
There are two significant professional doctorates, so to say, related to EdD which is more towards applied research and solving more contemporary real-life issues. The EdD is a hard lifetime career focused on researching real-life problems. The EdD combines theoretical and more practical applications, highlighting the implementation of educational systems where graduates will be able to impact educational systems, resulting in organisational restructuring and impactful bottom line strategies.
- Aim: Education leaders who look to improve political and non-profit sectors together with government circles with the help of research.
- Focus: The ability to utilise research in addressing challenges that would arise in teaching, and other significant areas such as leadership and even the crafting of policies.
Key Focus of PhD
The PhD allows for a variety of options where the primary goal is the exploration of real-world issues along with an academic research component. This is a research degree aimed at enabling people to enter a career in teaching within educational institutions, TPI or research-oriented jobs. This is also true of postgraduate programmes as they enable a person to develop a deep interest in one particular area enabling the person to write and conduct a considerable amount of original research.
- Aim: For the purpose of starting in one area to bring knowledge but undergoing formally structured research.
- Focus: The aim combined with theoretical work together with a conceptual framework aims towards generating and expanding the existing body of works in the scholarly world.
Differences in Curriculum and Structure
One should point out that the curriculum and structure of EdD and PhD programmes shows what they want to achieve.
EdD Curriculum
While the content of an EdD programme might appear deeply engaging, it is particularly tailored for working professionals. Its focus shifts from academic to applicable courses such as education policy and applied research methods. Additional learning materials used in EdD include organisational theory and leadership curriculum. With this in mind, suitable projects as well as the correct amount of literature and editing needs to be in place.
- Key Features:
- Courses revolving around policy, management and leadership.
- Focus on research-based group activities, case studies and hands-on training.
- Many EdD programmes require a curriculum-based project or a dissertation addressing a social issue.
PhD Curriculum
PhD programmes, on the other hand, require phenomenological work involving nonpartisan and in-depth studies about a specific subject. PhD programmes consist of many essential courses including ones related to descriptive studies, research methodologies and other related subject courses as well. In simple terms, PhD programmes focus more on applied or practical work and on quantitative courses.
- Key Features:
- There is a greater focus on qualitative studies, statistical work and quantitative research until the final phase.
- Completing original and informative work on a standard format dissertation right before graduating.
- Completing a greater number of internal publications requiring previously certain specific skills.
Research Approaches: Practical vs. Theoretical
EdD Research
A distinctive feature of the EdD programme is its practical approach towards work. While PhD papers lean more towards structural compositions, EdD papers are quite the opposite with a larger emphasis on programme evaluation, policy analysis or any education-related research projects. An example of this would include formulating a plan to help develop a sustainable growth model for underdeveloped regions.
PhD Research: Contribution to Knowledge
Theories are also the basis of PhD research and it aims to add to the field in an area of his interest for instance, canvassing theoretical questions, validating and proposing new theories. An education PhD candidate can focus on such factors of curriculum development as curriculum theory or can provide new approaches to educational psychology.
Career Paths and Outcomes
There are also different career paths to be followed by the holders of EdD and PhD. This is expected of them as their areas of concentration are quite different.
EdD Career Opportunities
The EdD graduates target the management positions in the education sector, business, or non-governmental organisations. This is because they are trained to lead teams, administer policies, and enact change. The career options include the following:
- Chief executive officers of school districts
- Senior leaders in higher education institutions such as deans and provosts
- Advisors for educational programmes and institutions
- Trainers and experts in organisational development
- Senior officials on policies
PhD Career Opportunities
The PhD holders are more inclined towards the academic and research jobs. This is because they are qualified to teach, write, and go into deep research relevant to their field of expertise. The career options include the following:
- Professors working in universities and colleges
- Practitioners in education and learning
- Analysts specialising in policies
- Researchers in the think tanks
- Writers and specialists in targeted fields
Admission Requirements and Student Profiles
EdD Students
Most learners who apply for EdD programmes are those that are able to demonstrate several years of working in training or leadership positions. This group of professionals have hands-on experience and are looking to sharpen their competencies and make a positive change within their respective organisations. The following are some of the requirements for admission into the programmes:
- A relevant master’s degree (usually in education).
- Work history in the educational, leadership, or policy-making venture.
- Keen interest in real-life problems and research.
PhD Students
People who pursue a PhD are usually those who want to build an academic or research career. They are usually inquisitive people with educational qualifications as well. The following requirements are usually considered for admission:
- A professional master’s degree; however, some institutions only consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree if they are outstanding.
- Good records of academic accomplishments as well as research in some instances.
- Intended specific inquiry to be pursued which is available in the faculty.
Time Commitment and Programme Duration
EdD
Most students enrolled in EdD programmes are working professionals and because of that the courses are designed in a very flexible manner which entails online teaching or weekend classes that enable full-time or part-time attendance. Usually a student can complete the course in 3-5 years depending on their load.
PhD
In contrast with an EdD, the curriculum requirements for a PhD often include research and a dissertation resulting in a longer-term commitment. This is the reason why the course takes from 4-7 years to complete. Moreover, taking part-time courses is discouraged, if not impossible, as a student will have to manage course assignments along with teachings and a research component that is delivered in robust form.
Prestige and Perception
One cannot dispute the fact that both qualifications are quite admirable, albeit they are designed for different audiences.
- EdD: Where practical, leadership positions where implementing change is more important.
- PhD: Where theoretical input, as well as in academia and research, is appreciated.
According to some people, the PhD has an excellent reputation owing to its emphasis on scientific research, while the EdD is gaining recognition for being practical.
EdD vs PhD: Making the Choice
There are differences between a PhD and EdD in terms of career orientation, goals and interests. Some of those aspects are:
Choose EdD if:
- You are planning to work in leadership positions in education, business or non-profit organisations.
- You would like to emphasise problem-solving instead of complex and time-consuming theoretical research.
- You are already an established professional aiming to broaden your role and contribution to the organisation.
Choose PhD if:
- You plan to work in education, conduct research or work in a think tank.
- You think you have something new and helpful to offer to the particular area of work.
- You like engaging with theories, stimulating intellectual debates and meeting scholarly requirements.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it appears there are significant differences in both the programmes and their target audiences.
With this mentality, alongside an appropriate career map, the EdD should widen its outreach. Now, a student with an EdD degree has skills that are much more practical and beneficial for the market than theoretical knowledge. Besides that, they are able to teach students who have either a Master’s degree or a PhD. More extensive and concrete research needs to be conducted on practical applications of these skills.