PhD vs Ed.D. vs DBA in USA: Key Differences & How to Choose

As a learner looking to progress your career in the competitive market of the United States (US), you must know how to make the right choice between doctoral degrees like the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

It’s crucial to understand that all these degrees are unique in that they serve distinct career goals. They also differ in key areas, including academic research, business strategy, and educational leadership. However, earning all these degrees can help you earn significantly more than you would without them.

For example, as a Chief Learning Officer, you can earn between USD 300,000 and USD 5,500,000 a year.

This blog will focus on the distinctions between DBA, Ed.D., and PhD degrees, providing you with all the information you need to make the right choice. It will also explain in detail what each of these degrees means.

Source: Glassdoor, as of October 10, 2024

PhD vs. Ed.D. vs. DBA in the USA – Key Differences Explained

The following table explains in detail the differences between DBA, Ed.D., and PhD degrees in the US:

Degree	Focus	Ideal For	Career Outcomes	Duration	Typical Format
PhD	Academic research and theory.	Aspiring professors and researchers.	University faculty, policy analysts.	4-7 years.	Full-time, research-intensive.
Ed.D.	Applied leadership in the domain of education.	School leaders and administrators.	Principals, superintendents, and education consultants.	3-5 years.	Online/hybrid, practitioner-focused.
DBA	Executive leadership and applied business theories.	Mid-career professionals and executives.	C-suite roles, consultants, and corporate strategists.	3-6 years.	Online/hybrid professional doctorate.

1. What is a PhD?

PhDs are the most widely recognized among research doctorate programs, and are regarded as terminal degrees in many fields.

They represent the highest levels of academic achievement and are usually pursued following master’s degrees, preceded by bachelor’s degrees.

The core purpose of PhDs is to conduct original research that advances human knowledge.

As such, students produce dissertations that contribute new theories and insights to their discipline by undertaking extensive, independent research.

PhD programs can take anywhere between 4 and 7 years, depending on the field you are working in and the requirements of the university. You will spend most of your time in a PhD working on writing and researching your dissertation.

2. What is an Ed.D.?

Ed.D. programs focus on education and professional practice leadership.

They were initially developed in the US to prepare educators for higher-level roles. These programs combine applied study and research to address real-world challenges across educational systems, leadership, policy, and organizational change.

Consider these to be applied or professional doctorate programs that emphasize solving practical problems in education more than theoretical research. However, candidates in these programs must still complete substantial scholarly work.

These programs are often designed to accommodate working professionals and may include coursework in leadership, policy analysis, and organizational development.

Also Read: PhD in USA without GRE: Top Universities and Eligibility

3. What is a DBA?

DBAs are terminal business degrees that blend applied leadership research with rigorous research.

Traditionally, they are considered to be more professionally oriented than PhDs. However, in the US, major research bodies like the US Department of Education and the National Science Foundation consider PhDs in business administration and DBAs to be equivalent terminal degrees.

DBA programs focus on applying research to solve actual business problems. They also delve into areas like strategic leadership and organizational innovation.

Candidates in these programs typically have extensive professional experience and complete research projects or dissertations that are practically relevant to their field.

Also Read: Top Online DBA Programs for Working Professionals in 2025-26 – Best Schools Ranked

PhD vs. Ed.D. vs. DBA – Which One Should You Choose?

Keep the following factors in mind when you are choosing between Ed.D., DBA, and PhD programs in the US.

1. Aligning with Career Goals

If you want to work in a university faculty or in academic research, you should always choose a PhD. If you aim to work in leadership roles in education systems, you should pursue an Ed.D. If you are a senior business leader seeking executive advancement and applied research, you should pursue a DBA.

2. Evaluating Program Flexibility

PhD programs are mostly research-intensive and full-time programs. DBA and Ed.D. programs are designed for working professionals, offered in part-time, online, and hybrid formats.

3. Considering Financial Investment

PhDs usually offer stipends and funding, whereas in DBAs and Ed.D. programs, you have to fund your studies. However, the latter two offer a more substantial return on investment (ROI) immediately after graduation.

Career Pathways after PhD, Ed.D., and DBA

The following are the top jobs that you can land after a PhD, Ed.D., and DBA in the US and the salaries you can expect in those roles:

PhD

Job Role	Annual Salary Range
Physicist	USD 139,455 – USD 322,547
Computer and Information Research Scientist	USD 73,000 – USD 186,000
University Professor	USD 57,889 – USD 172,076

Sources: Indeed, as of December 28 & 29, 2025; Payscale, as of October 22, 2025

Ed.D.

Job Role	Annual Salary Range
Chief Learning Officer	USD 300,000 – USD 5,500,000
Academic Dean	USD 70,000 – USD 187,000
Training and Development Manager	USD 79,844 – USD 128,590

Sources: Glassdoor, as of October 5, 2021; Payscale, as of October 28, 2025; Indeed, as of December 27, 2025

DBA

Job Role	Annual Salary Range
Chief Operating Officer	USD 136,010 – USD 262,496
Chief Executive Officer	USD 128,837 – USD 220,631
Chief Financial Officer	USD 123,178 – USD 213,651

Sources: Glassdoor, as of October 5, 2021; Indeed, as of December 29, 2025

Also Read: Career Advancement Opportunities With A DBA In The US

Admission Requirements for PhD, EdD, and DBA Programs

For a PhD in the US, you usually need a master’s degree with a high Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5, especially in competitive programs.

Many top universities still require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for PhD programs, but in 2026, more programs are making it optional.

For an Ed.D., you usually need at least 5-10 years’ leadership experience in K-12, corporate training, or higher education.

Almost every Ed.D. program needs a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

For a DBA, you need 5-10 years of professional experience in executive or managerial roles.

Also Read: Is a DBA Degree Worth it in the US in 2026?

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FAQs: Choosing Between PhD, Ed.D., and DBA in the USA

What is the main difference between a PhD and an Ed.D.?

The main difference between a PhD and an Ed.D. is that the former can be pursued in any subject, whereas the latter focuses solely on education.

Is a PhD more prestigious than an Ed.D. or DBA?

Right now, the common consensus dictates that none of these programs is inherently more prestigious in the US.

Can I get a PhD, Ed.D., or DBA online in the US?

Yes, you can get these degrees online in the US.

Which degree is better for becoming a professor in the US?

Right now, a PhD is a better option than a DBA or an Ed.D. for becoming a professor in the US.

Do Ed.D or DBA programs require a dissertation?

Right now, most DBA and Ed.D. programs require a final research project, such as a dissertation.

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