Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which is Right for Me?

You might know what the letters stand for and both are terminal degrees for their fields of study. But there are distinctions in how these two doctorates are earned and used that could make a difference in your career plans.

What is a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy degree, is a terminal academic degree in many disciplines. It is generally the highest level of education one can attain in the field and often leads to a career in academia or research.

What is an Ed.D.?

A doctor of education degree, or Ed.D., is similar to a Ph.D. in that it is a terminal degree in the field of education. The main difference is that the Ed.D. is geared to practical application, such as teaching or educational leadership, while the Ph.D. is geared more to theoretical research. A student may also obtain a Ph.D. in education to pursue research, but both degrees are considered the highest level one can attain in the field.

Another difference? The Ed.D. is traditionally earned in a shorter amount of time than the Ph.D. At Sacred Heart University, candidates for the Ed.D. can complete their degree in 3.5 to 4 years.

Is it better to hold a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. in Education?

The answer usually depends on what you plan to do after attaining your degree. If you're interested in pursuing a career in education administration or leadership, then an Ed.D. might be the right choice for you. That degree path is often a good fit for principals, academic administrators, superintendents, curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches and mid-career teacher leaders.

On the other hand, if you are more interested in conducting research and teaching at the college level, then a Ph.D. in education might be a better fit.

How do I earn a Ph.D. or Ed.D.?

Earning a Ph.D. or Ed.D. requires extensive research on a specific topic. Candidates must present and defend their findings and typically contribute new knowledge to the field through their advanced research.

The Ed.D. is often referred to as one of the ‘professional doctorates’ because it focuses on honing practical skills and knowledge. Professional doctorate programs graduate experts in fields such as education, health care, business, law or psychology.

How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. or Ed.D.?

The amount of time spent on either degree depends on a host of factors. A Ph.D. program usually requires about 3-6 years of research and writing, depending on the field, the scope of the research and whether the candidate is working full or part time on the degree.

The length of time to complete an Ed.D. also varies. Some institutions offer full-time programs over two years, while others have part-time opportunities that take 2-5 years. The Ed.D. usually requires a residency, and many who are already in the education field might be able to complete it at their current place of employment.

Are there other terminal degrees?

Some fields do not have Ph.D. options. A studio artist might attain a master of fine arts (MFA). Those who finish medical studies generally earn a doctor of medicine or MD.

In addition to an Ed.D. in educational leadership or higher education leadership, Sacred Heart University offers several other doctorate programs, including:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP-DNP)
• Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Ph.D. in Social Work

What sets SHU’s doctorate programs and terminal degrees apart?

SHU has been named one of the fastest growing private doctoral institutions by U.S. News & World Report. Our dedicated faculty members ensure that our doctorate programs are anything but cookie cutter, guiding students to reach their highest academic and professional potential.

The online Ed.D. in educational leadership focuses on social justice and belonging. Candidates are accepted through a rolling admissions process and complete the program in about 3.5 to 4 years. Ideal for school leaders such as principals and superintendents, the program expands knowledge of leadership principles related to social and emotional learning (SEL).

The Ed.D. in higher education leadership prepares higher education professionals to lead their organizations from a social justice and belonging perspective, and to effectively, ethically lead faculty and staff.  
The Ph.D. in social work allows candidates to earn their degrees part time and online and includes a one-week summer immersion on campus.

At the Welch College of Business & Technology, students in the three-year, low-residency Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in finance program learn quantitative and qualitative applied research methods – usually while continuing to work full time. This prepares them for higher-level roles in their finance corporate position or careers in academia with a finance/business focus.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, named one of the best in CT by U.S. News & World Report, emphasizes clinical decision-making, self-directed learning and real-world experience.

Want to know more about Sacred Heart University’s doctorate programs?

Talk to our team of admissions counselors, each of whom specializes in specific programs. Have a one-on-one conversation with one of our counselors to get all your questions answered either virtually or in person. Email gradstudies@sacredheart.edu, call 203-365-7619 or schedule an appointment today.