If you’re considering a doctoral degree in education, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between an EdD (Doctor of Education) and a PhD in Educational Leadership.
While both degrees lead to the title of “Doctor,” they are designed for very different career paths, lifestyles, and goals.
This guide will help you determine which path aligns best with your future.
The Core Difference: Practitioner vs Researcher
At its core, the distinction comes down to this:
- EdD (Doctor of Education) → Designed for practitioners and leaders
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) → Designed for researchers and academics
An EdD prepares you to apply research in real-world settings, while a PhD prepares you to produce original research and contribute to academic scholarship.
Who Should Choose an EdD?
An EdD is ideal if you are:
- A working professional in education or a related field
- Looking to advance into leadership roles
- Interested in solving real-world challenges in schools, districts, or organizations
- Seeking to increase your credibility and influence in your field
- Unable or unwilling to pause your career to attend a full-time, in-person program
Many EdD students are:
- School principals or assistant principals
- District-level administrators
- Higher education professionals
- Leaders in state agencies or education-focused organizations
Who Should Choose a PhD?
A PhD may be a better fit if you:
- Want to become a full-time researcher or university faculty member
- Are interested in theoretical and methodological research
- Can commit to a full-time, campus-based program
- Are willing to spend 4–6 years completing your degree
H2: Key Differences at a Glance
| EdD | PhD | |
| Focus | Applied leadership | Research & theory |
| Career Path | Practitioner / leader | Academic / researcher |
| Format | Often online or hybrid | Typically in-person |
| Time to Complete | ~3 years | 4–6 years |
| Dissertation | Practice-based | Research-based |
| Audience | Working professionals | Full-time students |
What Is a “Scholar-Practitioner”?
Many modern EdD programs, including those at Florida State University, are built around the concept of the scholar-practitioner.
This means you will:
- Learn to interpret and apply research
- Conduct research tied to real challenges in your organization
- Develop solutions that create immediate impact
Rather than stepping away from your career, you’ll integrate your doctoral work into it.
Career Outcomes: What Can You Do With an EdD?
Graduates with an EdD often move into roles such as:
District leadership (e.g., director, superintendent pathways)
Executive leadership in schools or universities
Policy and leadership roles in state or national organizations
Senior administrative roles in education systems
For many, the degree serves as a catalyst for advancement—helping them move into positions of greater responsibility, recognition, and influence.
H2: Which Degree Is Right for You?
Choose an EdD if you want to:
- Stay in your current role while earning your doctorate
- Advance your leadership career
- Be taken more seriously in high-level decision-making environments
- Apply what you learn immediately in your organization
Choose a PhD if you want to:
- Conduct academic research
- Teach full-time at the university level
- Build a career in scholarship
Take the Next Step
If your goal is to lead, influence, and advance within education while continuing to work full-time, an EdD may be the right path.
Explore how the Educational Leadership EdD at Florida State University is designed for working professionals ready to take the next step.