Canada’s changing education landscape has led to an increased demand for professionals with advanced expertise in leadership, policy, and research. Many educators pursue doctoral programs to expand their career opportunities and make a meaningful impact in schools, universities, and organizations. However, deciding between a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a PhD in Education can be confusing, as both degrees offer unique paths to professional growth.
This article explores the career paths that each degree can lead to, helping you determine which doctorate aligns best with your professional goals.
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Understanding the EdD and PhD in Education
While both the Doctor of Education (EdD) and PhD in Education are prestigious qualifications, they serve different professional purposes:
- EdD: Focuses on applying research to solve practical educational challenges. Often pursued by mid-career professionals seeking leadership or policy roles.
- PhD: Focuses on generating new knowledge through original academic research. Typically pursued by aspiring academics and researchers.
| Aspect | Doctor of Education (EdD) | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Apply research to solve real-world educational challenges and drive change | Advance academic research and generate new theories in education |
| Program Length | 3–4 years (part-time or online options for working professionals) | 4–6 years, full-time and research-intensive |
| Curriculum | Leadership, policy implementation, applied research methods | Advanced statistics, theory development, scholarly research |
| Career Paths | School/district administrators, policy advisors, education consultants, corporate trainers, higher education leaders | University professors, education researchers, policy analysts, academic scholars |
| Dissertation/Capstone | Applied dissertation or capstone project addressing a practical problem | Traditional dissertation focused on original theoretical research |
| Flexibility | Part-time and online options for working professionals | Full-time, intensive research programs |
| Salary | CAD 90,000–150,000+ depending on role and experience | CAD 80,000–140,000+ depending on role and experience |
Career Paths for EdD Graduates
EdD programs are designed to prepare professionals for practical leadership roles in education. Graduates often take on positions such as:
- School principals or district administrators
- Policy advisors and educational consultants
- Corporate trainers and instructional designers
- Higher education leaders and program directors
The emphasis on applied research and leadership makes EdD graduates highly sought after in organizational and administrative roles where they can influence systemic change.
Career Paths for PhD Graduates
PhD programs prepare graduates for careers in academia and research, focusing on advancing knowledge in the field of education. Typical roles include:
- University professors and lecturers
- Education researchers in think tanks or academic institutions
- Policy analysts shaping education policy
- Academic scholars publishing and conducting original research
PhD graduates are often engaged in theoretical and research-intensive work, contributing to the development of education as a discipline.
How to Decide Which Path Suits You
When considering your next step, think about:
- Career Goals: Want to lead schools, districts, or education organizations? The EdD is ideal. Want to conduct research or teach at the university level? A PhD is the better fit.
- Professional Experience: Mid-career professionals seeking applied leadership often choose an EdD. Early-career academics may pursue a PhD.
- Work-Life Flexibility: EdD programs are typically more flexible, with part-time or online formats. PhD programs require full-time commitment.
- Research Focus: Choose an EdD if your interest lies in applying research to practice. Choose a PhD if your goal is to create new knowledge and theory.
Advance Your Education Career through upGrad
Take the first big leap into leadership in education with a professional advanced degree in Doctoral in Education on upGrad Canada. Designed to help working professionals and educators make a significant impact in the modern world of education, these online Doctoral degrees in Education are offered in a 100% online format and are professionally accredited by recognized bodies.
Some of the top Ed.D. courses available on the upGrad platform are:
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) by Edgewood University
- Dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree from Edgewood University
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FAQs on Career Paths After an EdD or PhD in Education
Yes, you can complete an EdD or PhD online in Canada. However, the availability of fully online doctoral programs varies by institution and program. upGrad offers online Ed.D. programs for professionals with complete flexibility to advance their careers while maintaining their responsibilities.
Graduates of Ed.D. programs in Canada can earn salaries typically ranging from CAD 55,000 to over CAD 190,000 annually. However, this varies significantly depending on the specific job and experience level. For example, a Director of Education in Canada can earn CAD 118,099 per year.
An Ed.D. in Canada typically takes 3–4 years (for part-time and online programs), while a PhD takes 4–6 years full-time. The PhD emphasizes advanced research and theory, whereas the Ed.D. focuses on practical problem-solving for professionals.
Yes, both Ed.D. and PhD programs in Canada require a dissertation. However, Ed.D. dissertations are usually practice-focused, while PhD dissertations emphasize original theoretical research.
Ed.D. graduates are hired by universities and colleges in higher education and K-12 education, the Government/Public Sector, and non-profit organizations (NGOs).
