For those considering an advanced degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in education and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) are highly respected terminal degrees. Both can deepen expertise and expand career possibilities in education, but they serve very different goals and audiences.
A Ph.D. in education is typically focused on original educational research and theory-building, designed for those who want to glean new knowledge and pursue a career in academia or policy. In contrast, the Ed.D. is a practice-based doctorate tailored for experienced educators who wish to lead change in schools, universities, nonprofits and related settings.
This guide compares the Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. across focus, program format, time commitment, cost considerations and career paths so you can make the right choice for your professional goals. If you are a working educator looking for leadership growth with practical impact, consider enrollment in the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Youngstown State University (YSU).
What Is a PhD in Education?
A Ph.D. in education is a research-intensive doctoral degree focused on generating new knowledge to inform policy, theory and instructional practice. Students partake in rigorous coursework in research design and methodology, which culminates in a dissertation based on original research.
This degree is best suited for those pursuing academic careers or research roles in think tanks, universities or policy organizations. Common specializations in Ph.D. in education programs include:
- Education policy
- Learning sciences
- Curriculum theory
- Measurement and evaluation
- Higher education studies
- Educational psychology
What Is a Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree?
The Ed.D. is a professional doctorate focusing on the practical application of solving complex problems in educational settings, such as leadership issues or systemic challenges. Rather than focus on theory alone, an Ed.D. equips education leaders with the tools to drive change in real-world contexts. Typical features of Ed.D. programs include:
- Applied research projects addressing workplace challenges
- Capstone or consulting projects in place of a dissertation
- Focus on leadership and organizational change
- Emphasis on equity, access, and outcomes in education
- Integration of theory with hands-on practice
- Flexibility for working professionals in education administration
EdD vs. PhD: Key Differences at a Glance
The Ed.D. and Ph.D. in education share the distinction of being terminal doctoral programs, but their structure, intent and audience differ significantly. This table highlights the key differences at a glance:
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EdD vs. PhD |
||
| Category | Ed.D. (practice and leadership) |
Ph.D. (research and scholarship) |
| Primary audience | Working professionals and emerging leaders | Aspiring faculty and researchers |
| Coursework emphasis | Leadership, change, data for decision-making | Theory, advanced methods, research design |
| Culminating work | Applied project or improvement science study | Dissertation with original research |
| Format options | Often online, part-time, cohort-based | Often on-campus, full-time, with residency |
| Time commitment | Two to three years (varies by schedule) | Four to six years (typically full-time) |
| Career opportunities | District leadership, education administrators, chief learning officers | Postsecondary teachers, principal investigators, policy researchers |
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
While both the Ed.D. and Ph.D. prepare graduates for leadership roles, their career pathways tend to have different goals and work environments. Understanding these differences is key before choosing a degree program.
Career options with a Ph.D. in education:
- Postsecondary teachers and faculty
- Academic researchers and research scientists
- Policy analysts and education consultants
- Contributors to think tanks and public policy institutions
Career options with a Doctor of Education:
- Superintendents and K-12 school leaders
- Postsecondary education administrators
- Instructional design and learning development professionals
- Chief learning officers in corporate, nonprofit or healthcare settings
Some overlap is to be expected. For example, Ed.D. graduates may teach in higher education, and Ph.D.s may hold administrative posts. But each path supports different long-term career goals.
Program Structure and Learning Format
Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs have distinct learning models, each reflecting its underlying goals. Most Ph.D. programs are completed on campus, and there are often intensive seminars and close faculty mentorship. Ed.D. programs, by contrast, are usually designed for working professionals. They may be offered in online or hybrid formats with flexible scheduling.
Ed.D. candidates often participate in cohort models. They usually manage online coursework along with some in-person residencies or live sessions. Ph.D. students tend to work full-time in research labs or teaching roles while pursuing their degree.
Common Ed.D. format features:
- Online or hybrid learning
- Cohort-based structure
- Asynchronous coursework with residency or intensive weekends
- Applied or consulting projects in place of dissertations
Typical admissions requirements for both degrees:
- Accredited master’s degree
- Strong GPA and professional experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- GRE requirements vary by program
Why Choose an EdD Program?
For experienced educators looking to expand their leadership capacity and drive meaningful change, Ed.D. programs offer a practice-oriented path that blends scholarship with action. Designed for working professionals, the Doctor of Education degree helps leaders apply research directly to system-level challenges.
Benefits of pursuing an Ed.D. include:
- Leadership preparation rooted in real-world application
- Flexibility for working professionals through online and part-time formats
- Focus on equity-driven and data-informed decision-making
- Applied projects that address live challenges in education systems
- Career mobility into leadership roles across K-12, higher education and nonprofits
- Opportunities to influence policy and practice from inside the system
- Development of executive skills relevant to organizational change
The online Ed.D. program in educational leadership at Youngstown State University supports these outcomes. The program offers flexible scheduling and a strong focus on applied learning so you can inspire system-level change.
How Much Can You Earn With a Doctorate in Education?
Earning a doctorate in education can lead to high annual salaries, especially in leadership positions within schools, colleges and organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary education administrators earn a median salary of around $104,000 per year, while chief learning officers and district leaders can earn more, depending on scope and location.
In contrast, postsecondary teachers, a common role for Ph.D. holders, earn a median salary of about $84,000 annually, per BLS. These figures vary based on institutional type, region, experience, unionization and job responsibilities.
Ed.D. and Ph.D. designations represent a long-term investment in your leadership potential and professional impact. The earnings reflect the level of responsibility and specialization you bring to your role.
Which Doctoral Degree Is Right for You?
Choosing between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. depends on your professional goals, preferred learning style and long-term aspirations. Use the following checklists to guide your decision.
Choose an Ed.D. degree if you…
- Want to lead change within school systems, colleges or nonprofits
- Prefer to apply research to real-world challenges
- Need an online or part-time program designed for working professionals
- Are focused on leadership roles, not academic publishing
- Value collaboration, cohort learning and applied projects
- Seek to develop as a systems-level education leader
Choose a Ph.D. degree if you…
- Aspire to conduct original research and publish scholarly work
- Want a career in academia or public policy research
- Prefer on-campus, full-time learning with direct faculty mentorship
- Are prepared for a longer timeline to completion
- Value theoretical exploration and methodological depth
- Plan to specialize in a specific area of educational inquiry
Explore the Online EdD in Educational Leadership at YSU
While both doctoral paths offer unique strengths, the Ed.D. is designed for experienced educators ready to lead change through practice. YSU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership degree prepares educational leaders through a curriculum focused on data-driven decision making and organizational change.
Graduates are equipped to drive meaningful improvements in educational outcomes. If you’re seeking a flexible, accredited online Ed.D. program that can help you transform your career and your community, an educational leadership online degree from YSU may be the right fit.
Learn more about YSU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program.
