As an academic expert in the field of education, I am often asked about the nature of various degrees and their distinctions. One such inquiry pertains to the EdD, or Doctor of Education degree. Let's delve into what this degree entails and how it differs from other doctoral degrees.

The EdD is a professional doctorate, designed primarily for practitioners in the field of education. It is a degree that is granted by a college of education, which is often a specific division within a university. This degree is distinct from the PhD in Education, which is more research-oriented and typically focuses on producing new knowledge in the field through rigorous, scholarly research.

The EdD program is tailored to meet the needs of educators who are looking to enhance their professional practice and leadership skills. It is a degree that is often sought after by individuals who are already working in the education sector and wish to take on roles such as school principals, district superintendents, or other administrative and leadership positions within educational institutions.

One of the key features of the EdD is its applied nature. While it does involve research, the focus is on applied research that is directly relevant to the practical challenges faced by educators. This means that the dissertation or final project for an EdD is often a practical application of research findings to a real-world problem in education.

In contrast, a PhD in Education is a research doctorate that is geared towards individuals who are interested in contributing to the academic field of education. PhD candidates are expected to conduct original research that advances the theoretical understanding of education. This degree is more suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in academia or research.

It is also important to note that at many universities, graduate psychology programs, particularly those focused on counseling, developmental psychology, or educational/learning psychology, are housed within the college of education. This is because these fields intersect significantly with educational practices and theories. However, the degrees awarded within these programs may vary and are not necessarily EdD degrees.

In summary, the EdD is a doctorate degree, but it is a professional doctorate focused on the practical application of knowledge in the field of education. It is not the same as a PhD in Education, which is a research doctorate aimed at producing new scholarly knowledge. The EdD is an excellent choice for educators looking to enhance their leadership and professional practice, while the PhD in Education is more appropriate for those interested in academic or research careers.

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The EdD is a doctorate in education. All this degree means is that your doctorate is granted by a college of education. At many universities (and some professional schools) graduate psychology programs (usually in counseling developmental, or educational/learning psychology) are housed in the college of education.read more >>