Doctoral Dilemma: Deciding Between an EdD and a PhD in Education
Choosing the right doctoral program in education can feel overwhelming. At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, we often encounter questions from prospective students about the differences between our Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) programs — particularly regarding which degree is better suited for their unique life circumstances or their career aspirations.
Whether your goal is to shape educational policy or contribute to scholarly research, understanding the distinctions between these two advanced degrees is really important in making the choice that aligns with both your personal life and professional objectives. In this article, we aim to share insights to help clarify these differences and illuminate the path toward the program that’s truly best for you.
EdD vs. PhD: Breaking Down the Differences
Before we dig into each topic, the table below provides a quick summary of the key differences between an EdD and a Phd in Education — from academic focus to career outcomes.
| EdD | PhD in Education | |
| Academic Focus | Application + leadership | Theory + research |
| Student Profile | Working professionals | Full-time scholars |
| Program Length | 3-4 years | 4-6 years |
| Final Project | Yes | Yes |
| Career Paths | Higher education administrators, nonprofit leaders, and principals | University professors, scholarly researchers, and policy analysts |
Academic Ambitions: Choosing Your Focus
A doctorate in education, or an EdD program, will typically emphasize leadership, policy, networking, and strategies that directly impact educational institutions or systems. It is most often designed for those looking to implement change and solve practical challenges in education. A PhD in Education, on the other hand, will typically offer a more theoretical and research-oriented approach, and the curriculum will focus on the creation of new knowledge through rigorous inquiry and extensive research.
Pinpointing the Type of Student You Will Be
EdD students are usually working education professionals who want to apply world-class research to solve practical challenges and lead within their organizations. They often study part-time and online, balancing their career and their studies. In contrast, PhD students typically immerse themselves in full-time study, often in-person, and focus on contributing to educational theory and research.
Estimating the Length of Your Academic Journey
The duration of EdD and PhD in Education programs can vary depending on multiple factors, including whether you study part-time or full-time, and your individual pacing through the dissertation or capstone project stages. On average, though, EdD programs are expected to be completed within 3 to 4 years. PhD programs, with their extensive research and dissertation requirements, often take longer, typically ranging from 4 to 6 years.
Capstone or Dissertation? Your Final Project
A dissertation or a capstone project can be a component of either program, though the focus and execution will differ depending on the degree. In EdD programs, for example, the final project will often take the form of a capstone project or applied research aimed at addressing a real-world problem within an educational setting. PhD final projects, on the other hand, will typically require a dissertation involving an original contribution to the academic knowledge base, rigorous research, theoretical framework creation, and extensive analysis.
Beyond Your Degree: Common Career Paths
Graduates of EdD and PhD programs in education will follow distinct career paths based on the content and objectives of their degrees.
EdD graduates often pursue leadership positions where they can apply their knowledge to enact change and improve educational systems, for example:
- Higher education administrators
- Nonprofit leaders
- Principals
PhD graduates, on the other hand, typically gravitate toward careers in academia and research such as:
- University professors
- Scholarly researchers
- Policy analysts
At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, both of these degrees offer new and unique opportunities to help shape the future of education. From neurodiversity to urban leadership, our online EdD program empowers students to apply research-based strategies that effect real change in a particular problem of practice. Equally as innovative, our PhD in Education program provides an immersive experience in the world-class, research-focused tradition of Johns Hopkins University.
For more information about these programs, please visit our Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) webpages. We invite you to delve deeper, make the decision that is best for you, and begin your journey with Johns Hopkins today.
