What is the difference between a EdD and a Ph.D?

Answer 1

I have an Ed.D. and did, indeed, have to do empirical research and complete a dissertation. I chose the Ed.D. for a couple of reasons, one of which is that I do teach, another was that it was the type of degree offered at a school convenient for me to attend. I have since looked at several Ph.D. and Ed.D. requirements to see if I could find significant differences -- I can't. I think it is more the "name" game. The biggest differences I see are the egos of those who hold the Ph.D. For some reason they think it makes them far superior to those who hold the Ed.D. degree. I hold an Ed.D. and teach at the university level. I teach doctoral courses and sit on dissertation committees. Harvard only offers EdD in Education.....Hmmmmmm

Answer 2

Both the EdD and PhD are research based degrees in education generally demanding the same level of academic requirements. All PhD programs in education require a dissertation but not all EDD programs. The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) recognize numerous doctoral degrees as equivalent.

Several of the top schools of education in America only offer their doctorates in education as EdDs (e.g., Teachers College, Harvard University, etc.), whereas other top schools of education only offer their doctorates in education as PhDs (Stanford University, UCLA, etc.)

In the United States, the EdD and PhD are both recognized for appointment as a lecturer or professor in a university. Both EdD and PhD are qualified to be educational researchers. They may also be recognized as training for administration positions in education, such as superintendent of schools, human resource director, or principal.

Answer 3

Both the EdD and PhD are research based degrees in education generally demanding the same level of academic requirements. Both require a dissertation. The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) recognize numerous doctoral degrees as equivalent. Several of the top schools of education in America only offer their doctorates in education as EdDs (e.g., Teachers College, Harvard University, etc.), whereas other top schools of education only offer their doctorates in education as PhDs (Stanford University, UCLA, etc.) In the United States, the EdD and PhD are both recognized for appointment as a lecturer or professor in a university. Both EdD and PhD are qualified to be educational researchers. They may also be recognized as training for administration positions in education, such as superintendent of schools, human resource director, or principal.

Answer 4

The basic difference indicated by those within the world of academia, is that the PhD is research oriented, while the EdD is oriented toward educational practice and the application of theory. They have always been viewed as equal in terms of intensity. However, if you speak with colleges and universities, they prefer PhD faculty and for a number of reasons that are really not clear.