By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading time: 5 minutes
A doctoral degree in education can help educators at every level – from K–12 to higher education – build the knowledge and skills to influence teaching, learning and leadership. If you’re an educator considering a doctoral degree, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to pursue a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a PhD in Education.
Professionals who earn a PhD or EdD in education often pursue leadership-focused roles in areas such as higher education, K–12 education, instructional design, educational technology and organizational learning. Depending on their interests and experience, they may work in public or private schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits, corporations, consulting organizations or government settings.
Explore how the EdD and PhD differ in purpose, coursework, final project and pathways, so you can choose the program that fits your professional goals.
An EdD is a professional doctorate designed for practicing educators and leaders. Instead of conducting original research, EdD students explore how existing research and theory can address complex problems in schools, districts, colleges or organizations.
EdD coursework typically focuses on applied research to help experienced practitioners build high-level research skills. Students learn how to solve specific organizational problems, improve outcomes and address gaps in the field.
Many EdD programs end with an applied project that addresses a real challenge in a real setting. These are sometimes called doctoral capstones, doctoral projects or dissertations in practice.
A PhD in Education is a research doctorate. Its purpose is to prepare scholars who generate new knowledge about teaching, learning and education systems through original research.
PhD coursework leans heavily on theory and on advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. The degree culminates in a dissertation: an original study that addresses a gap in the existing research, typically written as a multichapter scholarly document and defended before a faculty committee.
In general, a PhD in education is often associated with research, scholarship and the creation of new knowledge, while an EdD is commonly focused on applying research to problems in professional practice. People considering these doctoral paths often compare them based on career goals, preferred learning outcomes and how they want to use research in their work.
A PhD program may be a strong fit for those who want to contribute original research to the field, including in academic or research-centered environments. An EdD program may appeal to working professionals who want to use research to support leadership, decision-making and improvement efforts in educational settings. Both degree paths can help learners strengthen their abilities in analysis, communication, leadership and evidence-based practice.
EdD (Doctor of Education) |
PhD in Education |
|
Degree type |
Professional / applied doctorate |
Research doctorate |
Core question |
How do I solve this problem of practice? |
What new knowledge can I contribute to the field? |
Fit for |
Working educators and leaders who want to advance in practice |
Aspiring researchers and research-focused faculty |
Coursework focus |
Leadership, organizational change, evaluation, applied research |
Theory, research design, advanced statistics and qualitative methods |
Final project |
Applied capstone, doctoral project or dissertation in practice |
Traditional dissertation and oral defense |
Research approach |
Uses existing research to improve a specific setting |
Produces original research that can be generalized |
The final project is often the clearest difference between the two degrees.
At Capella University, EdD learners complete an applied improvement doctoral project at an approved project site. Key deliverables are built into six doctoral project courses throughout the program, and the finished work is presented in a portfolio.
Before you choose, ask yourself: Where do I want to be in five to 10 years? Do I want to study problems or solve them in my workplace? How much flexibility do I need? And is the program offered by an accredited institution?
Capella’s online Doctor of Education (EdD) is designed for experienced practitioners who want to build high-level leadership skills and make a lasting difference in K–12 education, higher education or organizational learning. You can choose from five specializations:
Both the EdD and the PhD in Education are rigorous, respected doctoral degrees. The right choice depends on what you want to do with yours: build new knowledge as a researcher or lead change as a scholarly practitioner
An EdD is a professional practice doctorate that prepares experienced educators to apply research to real problems in schools, colleges and organizations. A PhD in Education is a research doctorate that prepares scholars to create new knowledge through original research and a traditional dissertation.
Yes. An EdD is a terminal doctoral degree, and graduates may use the title “Dr.”
Neither degree is easier – they are rigorous in different ways. A PhD centers on independent, original research. An EdD centers on applying research and leadership skills to a complex problem of practice, often while you continue working.
Yes. Many accredited universities, including Capella University, offer online EdD programs designed for working educators.
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