PhD vs. EdD: Choose the Right Education Degree for Your Career

Earning a doctorate in education is often a pivotal moment for professionals aiming to steer the direction of learning organizations. However, choosing between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in education or leadership and a Doctor of Education (EdD) requires a clear understanding of your own professional “why.”

While both degrees represent expertise at the highest academic levels, they are unique in their approach. One seeks to expand the boundaries of what we know; the other transforms how that knowledge is applied to make systems more effective.

Deciding between these paths often comes down to the environment in which you want to operate. Below is a snapshot of how the PhD and EdD differ in focus and purpose.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education is a research-intensive, terminal degree meant to extend the body of knowledge in educational theory, policy, or practice. Students engage in rigorous coursework in quantitative and qualitative methods, ultimately conducting original research under faculty guidance.

Unlike coursework-only graduate degrees, a PhD requires a substantial dissertation—a scholarly project that contributes new insights and is often presented in academic forums. It prepares you to tackle root issues in education and influence how the field evolves.

A PhD in Education is designed for those who are passionate about inquiry, theory development, and shaping education at a systemic level. It prepares you to tackle root issues in education and influence how the field evolves.

Pepperdine GSEP offers a hybrid PhD in Global Leadership and Change, meant for those who aspire to become a visionary leader and agent of change in strategy and policy for nonprofit, government, for-profit, and academic institutions.

A PhD in Education opens doors to influential roles focused on advancing knowledge in learning environments. Examples include:

Employment for PhD holders varies depending on the eventual industry and career you choose to pursue. The table below outlines the average annual salary and the salary for the top earners in a few different roles suited for PhD-holders. Keep in mind that actual pay can vary significantly by institution type, geographic location, administrative rank, research output, and years of experience.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a terminal doctorate for those who want to apply research to real-world challenges. It bridges the gap between theory and applied research to create positive change within institutions.

Rather than centering on theoretical research, this degree takes a hands-on approach to leadership. It prepares candidates to improve programs, guide teams, and strengthen institutions. Students typically complete a “dissertation in practice” or applied capstone, which allows them to apply scholarly research directly to a challenge within their own organization.

Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology offers an online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD) program, designed for aspiring leaders who want to make a positive, lasting impact on their communities.

Having an EdD means translating educational research into practice. Graduates often advance into leadership roles like:

While salaries vary by region, experience, and organization size, EdD graduates often hold leadership roles, which can result in higher-than-average earnings. At the same time, salaries can vary substantially at the highest levels.

Though their approaches differ, the PhD and EdD share a foundation of academic rigor and a mutual commitment to advancing the field of education. As terminal degrees, both represent the highest level of formal education a scholar or practitioner can achieve. Regardless of the path chosen, candidates must be prepared for a multi-year journey defined by critical analysis, mastery of research methodology, and the production of a substantial, original manuscript.

While both the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) represent the highest level of academic achievement, they navigate different paths toward improving educational outcomes.

A PhD in education is inherently research-driven, designed for scholars who aim to conduct original studies and contribute to the theoretical understanding of learning systems. It prioritizes methodological rigor and the discovery of new knowledge.

The EdD is a professional degree oriented toward practice. It is designed for practitioners who want to apply existing research to solve immediate, real-world educational challenges. As educational environments become more complex—impacted by shifting demographics and structural disparities—leaders who can translate data into actionable policy are critical.

In short, the PhD seeks to expand the boundaries of what we know; the EdD transforms that knowledge into a tool for organizational and societal improvement.

Join a community of purpose-driven professionals shaping the future of education. Pepperdine’s online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program blends academic excellence with real-world application, so you can lead with vision, integrity, and impact.

Courses are delivered in a dynamic online format with live classes, expert faculty, and collaborative learning experiences that connect theory to practice. Wherever you are, you’ll gain the skills to create meaningful change in your organization and beyond.

Take the next step toward becoming the kind of leader education needs. Learn more about Pepperdine’s online EdD program today.

• Is an EdD the Same as a PhD?

  expand_more

  No. While both are doctoral-level credentials, the PhD emphasizes theoretical inquiry, while the EdD focuses on leadership and organizational improvement. Both are equally rigorous, but are tailored for separate professional goals.

• How Long Does It Take to Earn an EdD?

  expand_more

  Most EdD programs are designed to be completed in three to four years. Some students may accelerate their progress with transfer credits, while others choose a part-time pace to balance ongoing leadership roles. The Pepperdine online EdD program can be completed in as few as 32 months.

• Can I Work While Earning My EdD?

  expand_more

  Yes. Many EdD programs, including Pepperdine’s, are designed for working professionals. The online format offers flexibility, so students can apply what they learn immediately within their workplace while progressing toward their degree.

• Is an EdD Respected in Academia and Leadership?

  expand_more

  Absolutely. The EdD is a terminal degree that demonstrates advanced expertise in educational leadership, research, and problem-solving. Graduates are well-qualified for senior roles in administration, policy, consulting, and higher education.

• What Is a “Dissertation in Practice?”

  expand_more

  Unlike a traditional dissertation that explores a theoretical gap, a dissertation in practice identifies a specific problem of practice and proposes a researched, evidence-based solution. It allows EdD candidates to apply scholarly research directly to practical challenges within their organization or community.

• How Do I Know if a Doctorate Is Right for Me Versus a Master’s Degree?

  expand_more

  Choosing between a master’s and a doctorate depends on whether you seek specialized practitioner skills or high-level leadership and research expertise. To see a side-by-side breakdown of different educational tracks, you can compare the MSEDU vs. MAT vs. EdD here.