If you’re considering advancing your career in education, you’ve probably come across two options for a doctoral degree: the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

Both are highly respected and require a significant investment of your time and money. However, there are key differences in terms of focus, structure, and career outcomes. 

I know it can be overwhelming, weighing the pros and cons of an advanced degree while also defining your potential future career. So, in this article, let’s look at the difference between a EdD and a PhD so you can feel confident in making such an important decision.

EdD vs. PhD: What’s the Core Difference?

At their core, the EdD and the PhD are both terminal degrees that qualify you to teach at the post-secondary level. However, they serve different purposes:

  • EdD: Designed for practicing professionals who want to apply research to real-world problems within an educational setting. EdD programs emphasize practical leadership, management, and organizational change. 
  • PhD: Geared toward academics focused on producing original research. PhD programs prepare you to generate and discover new ideas, often through careers in academia or policy research.

If I had to sum up the differences, it would be this: an EdD prepares you to lead and apply, while a PhD prepares you to research and publish. Both degrees hold prestige in the education world, but they demonstrate different areas of expertise. 

Program Structure and Learning Focus

Both doctoral degrees require a substantial investment and years-long commitment, but their structures differ in important ways:

Coursework

  • EdD: Focuses on practical skills, such as leadership, organizational theory, equity and inclusion, and policy analysis. You might take classes on evaluating educational programming, budgeting for districts, or creating data-driven plans to improve academic outcomes.
  • PhD: Emphasizes educational theory, advanced statistics, and research methodology. You’ll learn how to conduct quantitative and qualitative research, analyze data, construct theory, and publish your findings. 

Capstone or Dissertation

  • EdD: Many programs require a capstone project or other dissertation, aimed at solving a real problem in an actual school, district, or institution. A superintendent might design a plan to improve literacy scores in a district, while a university administrator could study strategies for improving student retention.
  • PhD: A traditional dissertation is required, which must contribute new knowledge to the field of education and publish the findings. For example, a PhD candidate might investigate how a new technology affects learning outcomes across different socioeconomic statuses, then publish their findings in a relevant peer-reviewed journal.

Time to Completion

  • EdD: Typically 3–4 years if pursued part-time while working. Some programs are designed for working professionals and may offer evening, weekend, or online courses.
  • PhD: Often takes 4–6 years due to the depth of research required. Many PhD students enroll full-time and may receive teaching or research assistantships to support themselves while completing the program.

If you want a program that lets you stay in your job while studying, the EdD is more flexible. If you’re ready for intensive study and academic research, the PhD path may be a better fit.

Career Outcomes: Doctor of Education vs. PhD

When it comes to possible career paths, the EdD and PhD prepare you to take on different roles:

Typical EdD Career Paths

  • Superintendent or Principal: Supervise entire school systems, set district-wide policies, and lead large teams of educators.
  • Director of Education Programs: Head up nonprofit or government education initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for specific demographics or populations.
  • Education Policy Leader: Collaborate with policymakers to improve schools by applying research findings and employing practical strategies.
  • Higher Education Administrator: Lead at the post-secondary level in roles like provost, dean, or student affairs director.

Typical PhD Career Paths

  • University Professor: Teach undergraduate and graduate students while publishing original research in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Academic Researcher: Conduct research for universities, nonprofits, or think tanks to expand knowledge in the field.
  • Policy Analyst: Influence education policies at the local, state, or federal levels.
  • Consultant: Advise organizations, institutions, or private companies on best practices based on deep academic expertise.

If you’re drawn to leading schools, districts, or higher education institutions, the EdD sets you up for success. If your passion lies in producing research, teaching at the university level, or shaping policy through research, the PhD might be the better fit.

Salary and Job Market Outlook

By choosing to earn your doctorate in education, you're likely to see a substantial pay increase in your future. It's not uncommon to see salaries in the six-figure range or close to it. 

  • EdD: According to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), K-12 education administrators earned a median annual wage of about $104,070, while postsecondary administrators earned $103,960. Complex districts or institutions in large metropolitan areas typically pay higher. 
  • PhD: Salaries for PhD holders vary widely depending on career track and type of employer. Postsecondary teachers, such as professors, earned a median annual income of $83,980 in 2024. A fully tenured professor may earn $120,000 to $150,000 or more. Education consultants, policy analysts, or think tank researchers can earn even higher salaries, but these roles are often less stable than, for example, a school administrator role. 

Job Market Outlook

Postsecondary administrators are projected to see steady growth of approximately 2% over the next decade, which is slightly slower than the national average, according to 2024 BLS data. There is a slight 2% decline in the number of K-12 education administrators over the next ten years. 

Postsecondary teachers, on the other hand, are projected to grow at a much faster rate of 7%. It is worth noting, however, that the academic job market for EdDs and PhDs has become increasingly competitive, with fewer tenure-track professorships available at universities. 

Opportunities in policymaking, consulting, and nonprofit sectors remain strong for PhD holders but are still competitive. 

If financial stability and education leadership are your goals, an EdD may provide a faster route to high-paying roles. If you’re motivated by academic prestige and long-term contributions to research, the PhD can be incredibly rewarding.

Choosing the Right Path: Which Degree Fits Your Career Goals?

When it comes to choosing the right path for you, it really comes down to how you envision your professional and even personal future.

  • Do you want to lead schools, universities, or organizations and apply research directly? The EdD is designed for that.
  • Do you want to conduct original research, teach at a university, or influence theory and policy? The PhD is an excellent choice.

What's In Your Future: EdD or PhD?

Both the EdD and PhD are prestigious degrees that can elevate your career, but the end goal looks a bit different. Ready to see which career might align with your long-term goals? Get started on your education journey now!