Ed.D vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference and Which Doctorate Is Right for You?

Considering a doctorate but confused whether an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. is best for you? In Canada, approximately 8,000 doctoral degrees are awarded annually by different universities, with the majority of those degrees focused on the STEM fields of science and engineering. Education and health-related programs are also options for professionals seeking to transition into leadership-oriented roles or applied research. Still, the real question is about which doctorate is most compatible with both your career direction and your aspirations?

Ed.D. and Ph.D are both prestigious doctoral degrees; however, they serve different purposes! And while the number of people earning doctorates in Canada continues to climb, the real question is: which path best aligns with your professional goals?  The practical leadership of an Ed.D. or the in-depth research of a Ph.D.? Let’s learn more about Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. in Education in this article.

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Ed.D vs Ph.D. in Education: A side-by-side comparison for Canadian professionals

Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) is a practitioner-focused degree that emphasizes the use of research to solve practical problems. Whereas, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) is a research degree focused on creating new knowledge and developing theory by engaging in the research process that leads to original research. PhD degrees are based on research and academic writing, scholarly inquiry, and advanced research methodologies to prepare students not only to become professors and researchers but also for other roles, such as policy analysts and think tank directors.

Here are the key differences between Ed.D. and Ph.D:

Key Feature	Ed.D	Ph.D
Focus	Application of research	Creation of new research
Career Path	Prepares professionals for leadership roles in education, administration, policy-making, and other sectors that require organizational leadership.	Prepares graduates for academic careers, such as research positions, teaching at the university level, and advancing educational theory.
Goals	To leverage educational leadership skills to implement productive changes and solve complex problems within an organization.	To create new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis and publish scholarly work
Dissertation	Applied project or addressed a real-world problem in practice	Traditional dissertation with original contribution to knowledge
Purpose	Prepares leaders to solve practical problems in education and organizations	Trains scholars to conduct original research and advance educational theory.
Program Length	3–4 years (often part-time, flexible for working professionals)	4–6 years (full-time, research-intensive)
Ideal Candidate	Mid-career professionals seeking leadership/administrative roles	Aspiring researchers, academics, or policy experts.
Salary	An Ed.D. salary in Canada can range between CAD 97,000 and CAD 187,000 or more, depending on the job role and years of experience.	A Ph.D. salary in Canada can range from CAD 80,000 to CAD 100,000 or more, depending on the job role and years of experience.
Ed.D. Jobs vs. Ph.D. jobs	School Superintendent, College/University Dean, Principal, Curriculum Director, Chief Learning Officer	University Professor, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Policy Analyst, Software Developer, Biotechnology Researcher

Also read: How to Select the Right Research Topic for Your Ed.D Dissertation in Canada

Key considerations before choosing your doctoral education

Pursuing a doctoral program is a substantial commitment of time, money, and occupational trajectory. Before you decide if you want to pursue an Ed.D. or a Ph.D., consider these aspects:

1. Career Path

Do you envision leading a school, organization, or non-profit, or do you imagine yourself teaching and publishing a body of research work, while influencing and driving educational policy? In the first case, an Ed.D. degree will be suitable, while in the second case, a Ph.D. will be apt. Your end goal is the deciding factor in that direction.

2. Research vs Practice

Ph.D. programs generally require an interest in study design, data analysis, and composing research-based articles/reflections. Ed.D. programs take research a step further by seeking to implement and improve educational outcomes through practical applications.

3. Time 

Ph.D. programs generally last longer (4-6 years, often as a full-time program), while Ed.D. programs are usually shorter (3-4 years and frequently designed for working professionals with part-time/ flexible formats).

4. Costs

Consider tuition fees and potential salary when considering the time required to study full-time. Some Ph.D. programs offer their doctoral students stipends and graduate assistantships, whereas Ed.D. programs do not typically provide stipends or graduate assistantships.

5. Work-Life Balance

Ph.D. programs involve engaging in considerable research as well as scholarly obligations. Whereas Ed.D. programs allow students to work while they study, making them more user-friendly for individuals in mid- or later-level careers.

6. Learning Style

Do you prefer theory-building, independent research, and a heavy emphasis on academic writing offered in a Ph.D? Or do you enjoy collaborating, leadership training, and real-world problem-solving available in an Ed.D.?

7. Long-Term Impact

A Ph.D. program should put you on track to help you achieve advanced researcher or policymaker designations in your career. An Ed.D. program aims to prepare you to become an executive leader, lead education innovators, or serve as an organizational change agent. 

Also read: Career Paths after Completing an Ed.D in Canada.

Take the next step with upGrad’s flexible doctoral programs

Choosing whether to pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D. is critical and depends on your career goals, learning style, and reflections. Whether you want to lead institutions by using practice-based knowledge or influence education’s future with research, you can pursue a doctoral degree to seize opportunities as per your career aspirations. 

With upGrad’s flexible and online degree options, you can begin your academic journey while staying on track with your career obligations. Programs are tailored for busy professionals and designed by faculty from around the world, leveraging their collective experience. These courses help you connect and network with peers and learn through experience, as per your field of choice, to help you attain your goals.

Look for upGrad’s doctoral programs today and find out how you can begin your journey to transform your career. Some relevant programs are: 

• Doctor of Business Administration – Golden Gate University 
• Doctor in Business Administration – Edgewood College
• Dual Degree MBA and DBA – Edgewood College

You may also find these related articles helpful:

• Is an Online Master of Education in Canada Worth It
• M.Ed. or MA in Education: Which Is Better for Careers in Canada?
• Should Canadian Teachers Choose upGrad’s Master’s in Education?
• Full-Time vs. Part-Time M.Ed. in Canada

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