EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?

Universities award two types of terminal degrees in education: a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education. As the highest-level degrees in education, the programs for both are designed to help educators advance in their careers and develop specialized expertise. But what’s the difference between an EdD and a PhD in Education?

The programs for these two doctoral degrees share some similarities, yet the primary focus of each is different. An EdD program focuses on helping educators strengthen their leadership skills, while a PhD in Education program focuses on research.

These different focuses shape the coursework, graduation requirements and career outcomes for the two programs. For example, 97.9 percent of PhD in Education programs require a traditional dissertation, while only 83.7 percent of EdD programs require a dissertation, according to a 2023 study published in the journal Impacting Education. And many EdD dissertations emphasize applied research rather than the more theoretical emphasis of most PhD dissertations.

Those considering a doctorate in education should consider their intended specialization and professional goals when deciding between an EdD and a PhD in Education.

What Is an EdD?

A Doctor of Education, or EdD, program is mainly focused on helping educators develop their leadership skills. Designed for practicing educators, an EdD program emphasizes professional skills and applied research.

Earning an EdD typically takes three to four years, and incoming doctoral students typically need a master’s degree for admission. EdD students complete coursework, doctoral exams and a dissertation or capstone project.

An EdD program prepares educators for leadership roles at the K-12 school and district level. For example, educators with an EdD often work as school principals or district superintendents. EdD graduates also work in higher education administration, education policy roles and management roles in educational nonprofit organizations.

What Do You Learn in an EdD Program?

Educators enhance their leadership, strategic planning and education policy skills through an EdD program. The exact coursework in an EdD program depends on the program’s focus area. Courses commonly cover topics that include learning theory, educational organization leadership, applied education research and school transformation.

Popular specializations for EdD programs include:

• Educational leadership
• Higher education
• Educational technology
• Curriculum and instruction

EdD students must complete a dissertation or capstone project. The dissertation typically focuses on applied research, and educators often conduct their dissertation research in their current workplace.

What Is a PhD in Education?

A Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, in Education program concentrates on helping professionals develop their research skills. PhD in Education students strengthen their analytic and research abilities with an emphasis on education theory, education policy and student outcomes.

Completing a PhD in Education program typically takes four to six years. PhD in Education students complete coursework, doctoral exams and a dissertation.

PhD in Education graduates often pursue academic and research roles. For example, a PhD in Education can lead to a tenure-track role at a college or university. PhD in Education graduates also work in education research institutes.

What Do You Learn in a PhD in Education Program?

The research focus of a PhD in Education means that doctoral students take classes in educational research, quantitative and qualitative methods, and education theory. Courses in a PhD in Education program may also cover topics that include educational policy, curriculum theory and education technology.

Popular specializations for PhD in Education programs include:

• Education research
• School psychology
• Higher education
• Education policy

PhD in Education students must complete a research-based dissertation. A PhD dissertation often incorporates quantitative and theoretical approaches.

EdD vs. PhD in Education: Key Differences

EdDs and PhDs in Education are doctoral degrees that can help educators advance in their careers. And the programs for these two degrees share some similarities. For example, applicants to both education doctoral programs typically need a master’s degree. However, there are key differences between an EdD and a PhD in Education.

The major difference between an EdD and a PhD in Education include:

• Degree Focus: An EdD program focuses on professional skills for educators interested in leadership roles, including in K-12 schools and higher education. In contrast, a PhD in Education program focuses on research skills for those pursuing academic or research roles.
• Program Length: EdD programs are typically shorter than PhD in Education programs. While doctoral students can complete an EdD program in as little as three years, completing a PhD in Education takes at least four years.
• Graduation Requirements: While both EdD and PhD in Education programs include coursework and doctoral exams, their culminating projects differ. PhD in Education programs require a more traditional research-based dissertation. EdD programs often require an applied dissertation or capstone project.
• Career Outcomes: An EdD generally leads to jobs such as school principle, district superintendent, college administrator or education consultant. A PhD in Education usually leads to jobs such as education professor or education researcher.
• Earning Potential: Professionals with an EdD have a median salary of around $92,000 per year, according to February 2025 Payscale data. Those with a PhD in Education have a median salary of around $87,000 per year, according to Payscale. Individuals’ salaries vary widely depending on their job title, experience and location.

Educators considering enrolling in a doctoral program to prepare to advance into a leadership role benefit from an EdD program. Earning an EdD can also lead to opportunities in educational policy and nonprofit organizations. Those interested in academic or research careers benefit from a PhD in Education.

Earn a Doctor of Education Degree at Augusta University

Doctoral students develop transformative leadership skills in the online Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation program at Augusta University. Designed for working professionals, the EdD program is delivered in a flexible online format.

Students enrolled in the online EdD program develop real-world problem-solving skills. Courses in the education leadership concentration emphasize policy analysis and research-based innovation. Students also complete an applied dissertation project.

If an EdD aligns with your professional interests and goals, reach out to AU Online today to learn more about the doctoral program.

Recommended Readings
4 Leadership Styles in Education
5 Careers for Teachers Outside of Education
7 Types of Education Degrees You Can Pursue to Advance Your Career

Sources:
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, “Differentiating the EdD and the PhD in Higher Education: A Survey of Characteristics and Trends”
Payscale, Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree
Payscale, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Education Degree