EdD vs. PhD: What’s the Difference?

GCU offers both EdD and PhD programs, each designed for distinct goals in education and research. Explore which path aligns with your purpose in advanced academic and professional work.

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GCE Editorial Team

Published on Mar 4, 2025

An EdD (Doctor of Education) and a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) are both advanced, terminal degrees, but they differ in focus, purpose and the type of research they emphasize. Read this guide to learn more about each degree program, the difference between PhD and EdD degrees and the next steps for pursuing advanced education.

What Is a PhD?

A PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy — a doctoral degree program. This is an example of a terminal degree because it’s the highest level of education a person can achieve in any given discipline. PhD programs are often research-oriented rather than focusing on practical applications.

Some people pursue a PhD because they wish to prepare for potential career advancement. Others earn a PhD because, although it’s an advanced degree, it’s the minimum academic requirement for a role in their field. For example, professors at four-year universities are typically expected to hold a doctoral degree (which may be a PhD or a different doctorate).¹

Read More: Benefits of a PhD
Read More: How Hard Is It To Get a PhD?

What Is an EdD?

An EdD is a Doctor of Education degree — another type of doctoral degree. Like the PhD, it’s a terminal degree. Unlike the PhD, the EdD is a professional doctorate.

As a professional doctorate, the primary focus of the EdD often isn’t on the theoretical research itself, but rather on the practical applications of research. Like the PhD, the EdD typically requires the completion of a doctoral dissertation.

Professionals may decide to earn an EdD for many of the same reasons as others earn a PhD. Either type of doctoral degree can enhance a person’s career qualifications. However, whereas the PhD is ideally suited to those interested in a research-oriented career, the EdD is designed for professionals who want to continue in a hands-on role and find opportunities to apply their research to workplace situations.

Read More: What Is an EdD Degree?
Read More: Is an EdD Worth It?

PhD vs. EdD: Which Is Right for Me?

Now that you’re familiar with the overall difference between an EdD vs. PhD, you'll need to reflect upon your career goals and what you hope to achieve with your degree. Where do you envision yourself working and in what capacity?

Consider the following comparisons as you make your choice:

Focus: A PhD focuses on expanding new theoretical concepts and knowledge in order to solve problems. An EdD focuses on how to apply research to solve problems.
Career aspirations: PhD graduates often go into research and academia, whereas EdD graduates often aspire to leadership and administration positions.

EdD vs. PhD Salary and Career Outcomes

Another factor in determining whether you should choose PhD vs. EdD degree is your intended career outcome. If you want to work primarily in higher education (teaching and research), then a PhD could be an appropriate choice.¹ On the other hand, the EdD degree is a good fit for those who aspire to become K–12 or postsecondary education administrators or to step into similar leadership roles.² However, many EdD graduates teach in higher education, and many PhD graduates apply their research skills to practical situations.

Some graduates with an EdD might aspire to become postsecondary education administrators, for example, while those earning a PhD might plan to pursue teaching careers at universities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the median annual salary for postsecondary education administrators was $102,610 as of May 2023.³ Postsecondary teachers had a median annual salary of $84,380 during this same time, according to the BLS.⁴

There are no guarantees when it comes to EdD and PhD salary outcomes. Salary expectations can vary widely, depending on years of experience, other credentials, geographic location and, of course, the specific job title.

Taking a Look at Specific PhD and EdD Degree Options

Before you make a final decision about whether to pursue an EdD vs. PhD program, you should take a closer look at your specific choices. Grand Canyon University offers numerous PhD and EdD degrees.

EdD Degree Options

The EdD in Organizational Leadership is a program designed to provide learners with a focus on organizational leadership as it is applied to certain areas and aspects of education. EdD programs are intended to help learners apply theories to new environments in hopes of making a change.

The EdD in Organizational Leadership: K–12 Leadership focuses specifically on K–12 schools. It examines core concepts in ethical stewardship and K–12 community-building, along with classroom practices, leadership strategies and professional development within the K–12 niche.

Similarly, the EdD in Organizational Leadership: Special Education explores ethical leadership practices and strategies within K–12 schools but with a sharp focus on special education. Coursework will examine the history and theories of special education, as well as instructional tools and educational standards.

Explore all EdD Programs at GCU.

PhD Degree Options

The PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction is rooted in scholarship, and its aims lie in creating new theories to assist in explaining or inspiring change. This doctoral degree requires original research presented in a dissertation.

Other PhD programs include the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and the PhD in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology. The former degree is designed for counseling professionals pursuing higher education positions that involve teaching future counselors, whereas the latter explores the integration of technology and psychology instruction within learning environments.

View GCU's PhD Programs.

Grand Canyon University strives to foster academic excellence within a supportive learning community. Discover more doctoral degree programs available from the College of Doctoral Studies, such as our EdD degrees and PhDs.

Continue Your Academic Journey

Pursue academic growth at GCU. Apply online to a PhD or EdD degree program today.

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Jan. 21, 2025.
Online EdD Programs. (2024, Feb. 1). Question: What Can I Do With a Doctor of Education (EdD)? Retrieved Jan. 21, 2025.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Education Administrators as of May 2023, retrieved on Jan. 22, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Postsecondary Education Administrators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Teachers as of May 2023, retrieved on Jan. 22, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Postsecondary Teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

Approved and verified accurate by the dean of the College of Doctoral Studies on Feb. 13, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.