EdD vs PhD: Choosing Between Doctoral Degrees in Education
Pursuing a doctoral degree represents a major life investment – of one‘s time, money and effort. So whether considering an EdD (Doctor of Education) or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), the decision warrants careful examination from all angles.
This comprehensive guide covers everything potential doctoral candidates need to know from an informed, higher education reform perspective. Beyond just comparing program formats, we‘ll analyse admissions competitiveness, career outcomes, costs and the societal value of terminal degrees.
The Purpose and Evolution of Education Doctorates
First, what do these advanced degrees entail?
The PhD originated at German universities in the 19th century as a certification to teach at the postsecondary level after completing a lengthy original research project – the dissertation.
The EdD emerged at Harvard in the 1920‘s to provide formal leadership training for senior administrators in K-12 and higher education systems. EdD dissertations apply research to solve a complex problem of practice.
Over the past century, US doctoral programs have proliferated across more fields. Education doctorates aim to confer specialized expertise whether for scholarly research or practical management.
This brings us to the present landscape, surrounded by debates over curriculum relevance, program costs and career outcomes for different degree types.
Why Education Doctorates Need Reforming
Critics of current doctoral program models in the US point to issues like:
- Misalignment with workplace needs – Only 29% of PhDs pursue academia, while many EdD holders feel underprepared for data analysis expectations in leadership roles.
- Degree devaluation – As more universities offer doctorates, questions abound over inconsistent program rigor and graduation requirements.
- Student debt burden – PhD funding packages leave over 50% of humanities students debt-financed without promising academic job prospects.
Let‘s analyse relevant enrollment, funding and career placement data.
By the Numbers: PhD vs EdD Participation Trends
PhD programs far outnumber EdDs – over 175,000 students are currently pursuing PhDs while ~15,000 study in EdD programs.
But EdD growth is rising rapidly – the number of Doctor of Education degrees conferred grew 75% from 2009-2019 according to NCES. As this chart shows, business, nursing, health professions and education dominate professional doctorates:
Image credit: DegreeChoices.com
Driving factors likely include strong career opportunities and lower program costs compared to PhDs.
Uneven Funding Landscapes
Most PhD students in STEM or social science fields receive financial support in the form of teaching assistantships, fellowships or research grants.
A recent National Science Foundation study found:
- >50% of PhD candidates depend fully on the university for living costs
- Median debt totals $75,000+ for graduates in humanities/liberal arts programs
Meanwhile, EdD programs rarely provide funding given the emphasis on mid-career professionals.
Without scholarships, the total investment can exceed $100-150,000 when accounting for lost salary – a major barrier limiting program diversity.
Proposed reforms like income share agreements seek to expand access through innovative funding tools.
Career Prospects – Where Graduates Land Jobs
Trends in academia indicate increased struggles securing professorships for PhD holders. Data shows:
- Only 26% of PhDs obtain tenured academic posts within 6 years of graduating
- Humanities scholars face especially bleak job prospects despite specialized training
Inside Higher Ed Journal
Most doctoral recipients, like over 80% of PhDs, pursue alternative careers in:
- Research Institutes
- Government Agencies
- Public Policy Groups
- EdTech Companies
- Executive Leadership
EdD holders gravitate towards high-level administrative occupations:
| EdD Career Outcomes | % of Graduates | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Superintendents | 15% | $143,000 |
| Principals | 25% | $102,000 |
| University Admins | 19% | $146,000 |
| Policy Directors | 12% | $112,000 |
Salaries for both degree types can vary widely across sectors and responsibility levels.
Choosing an Education Doctorate: Key Deciding Factors
With career paths not clearly delineated, it helps to assess personal fit outside earnings potential alone.
Consider PhD programs if you:
- Enjoy scholarly research – analyzing data, contributing novel insights
- Aspire to be an expert in a niche field – publish studies to influence understanding on societal issues
- Love teaching complex subjects – mold future generations in a classroom setting
Pursue an EdD if you:
- Want to pilot impactful programs and reforms – apply evidence to directly enhance student outcomes
- Excel at managing high-performing teams – achieve strategic objectives through people and processes
- Have experience leading complex organizations – leverage managerial expertise to guide executive decisions
sourcing organizational psychology expert Dr. Tara Sinclair, choosing a doctoral path requires self-reflection:
"Examine the moonlight vs sunlight elements of your personality – are you energized by solitary studious tasks or group collaborations driving measurable progress?"
Review program formats, match to your working style and interview graduates to best gauge the experience.
Reforming Education Doctorates – Policy Ideas and Progress
While expanding access remains crucial, education reform advocates also call for:
- Stronger career services preparation – just 27% of PhD students rate guidance useful
- Real-world projects – capstones that solve organization problems vs purely academic papers
- Work experiences woven through coursework – co-ops, client consulting to boost employability
Many leading institutions have begun shifting program designs, including:
- University of Southern California – offers an online EdD integrating field work in local districts
- Carnegie Mellon University – created professional masters and PhD tracks in learning sciences
Hopefully more progress continues, ensuring both EdDs and PhDs provide excellent returns on investment for graduates and society at large.
