Ed.D Vs. PhD Programs

Scholars in education can choose between a Ph.D. and an Ed.D.

In most academic disciplines, the doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., is the highest degree a student can obtain. The field of education, however, offers two terminal degrees: the Ph.D. and the doctorate of education, or Ed.D.

History

Harvard University granted the first Ed.D. in 1920 after recognizing a need for more educators to have doctorates. The Ph.D. is based on the German practice of awarding a doctoral degree to students who complete a course of graduate study, culminating in a dissertation of original research.

Theories/Speculation

In theory, the Ph.D. in education focuses more on research, while the Ed.D. emphasizes educational practice.

Features

Universities award Ph.D.s in many academic fields, including education, while the Ed.D. is limited to the discipline of education.

Function

Within the field of education, the Ph.D. emphasizes greater breadth and depth in theory and research methodology. The Ed.D. focuses on educational leadership and the application of research.

Benefits

Research on Ph.D. and Ed.D. dissertations in education found that the former emphasized experimental and quasi-experimental research designs, using statistical methods. Ed.D. dissertations were more descriptive, using surveys and related methods.

References

• Northern Illinois University: Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. - What's the Difference?

Resources

• Bella Online: Ed.D vs. Ph.D.