Get Your Doctorate in Education and Join the Teaching Elite

Everything you need to know about getting your doctorate in education

Guide to Education Degrees | All Education Articles & Resources | Find Education Schools

If you have completed your master's degree and wish to increase your skills for advanced certification requirements or other professional objectives, completing a doctorate in education will give you access to higher pay and more esteemed job opportunities. The majority of doctoral degree-holding teachers spend their days in school leadership and upper education administration or as researchers or curriculum developers. Doctorate level programs include approximately 15 post-master's degree classes, an exam and a research-based dissertation.

To discover which degrees you will need in order to meet your goals, see our article, "How to Become a Teacher."

Deciding Between Doctorate in Education and Doctor of Philosophy

The two kinds of doctorates available from education schools are the Doctorate in Education degree (EdD) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree (PhD). They are both recognized as equal in academic rigor and standing. However, the EdD tends to be more project based, while the PhD, as the name suggests, is more philosophical or theoretical in nature. Read on to learn more differences and determine which is the best fit for you.

Doctorate in Education Degree (EdD)

If you are a professional practitioner interested in becoming a university professor, superintendent of schools or applied educational researcher, the Doctorate in Education was designed for you. The EdD is likely to be a preferred qualification for many mid-career employees, many of whom will already have master's degrees but wish to pursue studies at the doctoral level. Doctorate in Education degrees are based on research in addition to their application in professional practice.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degree (PhD)

If you are interested in an academic research role, such as policy maker, teacher educator or educational theorist, The PhD may be your degree of choice. Educational PhD programs emphasize the development of educational theory through research efforts that generate new or reformulate existing knowledge. Educational PhD degrees are similar to EdD degrees in requirements, but they tend to emphasize more theoretical research and understanding.