EdD vs. PhD: Key Differences and How To Choose
What Type of Doctorates Can You Get?
The main difference between an EdD and a PhD is focus; an EdD is a practice-focused doctorate designed for leaders who want to apply research to real challenges, while a PhD is a research-based doctorate designed for scholars who want to conduct original research and contribute new knowledge to their field.
EdD vs. PhD: At-a-Glance
Take a high-level look at how EdD and PhD programs compare, from career focus and research expectations to the types of professional opportunities each degree may support.
In general, consider choosing an EdD if you want to lead organizations, improve systems, influence policy or apply research in practice. Consider a PhD if you want to conduct original research, publish scholarship or pursue research-intensive academic roles.
Feature
Best for
EdD
Practitioners and leaders
PhD
Researchers and academics
Feature
Research type
EdD
Applied research
PhD
Original scholarly research
Feature
Common settings
EdD
Schools, districts, organizations
PhD
Universities, research institutions
Feature
Final project
EdD
Applied dissertation or dissertation-in-practice
PhD
Traditional research dissertation
Feature
Career alignment
EdD
Leadership, administration, consulting
PhD
Faculty, research, scholarship
Feature
EdD
PhD
Best for
Practitioners and leaders
Researchers and academics
Research type
Applied research
Original scholarly research
Common settings
Schools, districts, organizations
Universities, research institutions
Final project
Applied dissertation or dissertation-in-practice
Traditional research dissertation
Career alignment
Leadership, administration, consulting
Faculty, research, scholarship
PhD and EdD Degree Meaning
If you’re considering either of these degree options, understanding their meanings is an important first step. While both are doctoral-level credentials, they often serve different professional interests and career pathways. Both doctoral degrees can prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions to education and related disciplines.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is designed for professionals who want to apply theory and research to solve critical challenges in schools, organizations and leadership settings.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) emphasizes original research, scholarship and the advancement of knowledge within a field.
Benefits of Pursuing a Doctorate Degree
Expanded Career Opportunities
An EdD degree can support professionals interested in roles related to educational leadership, training, administration and organizational development. Graduates may consider roles that involve influencing policy, improving educational systems and leading initiatives designed to enhance learning outcomes.
Estimated number of job openings per year for postsecondary education administrators from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 1)
Leadership and Professional Skill Development
EdD programs often emphasize strategic leadership, organizational change, communication and evidence-based decision-making. Through doctoral study, students can strengthen the skills needed to lead teams, manage complex initiatives and drive improvement within educational environments.
Courses Designed for Practical Application
Coursework in these programs focuses on applying research to practical problems. Students may explore topics such as educational leadership, organizational effectiveness, policy analysis, curriculum development and data-informed decision-making while examining challenges facing modern institutions.
Hear From Our Students
"I felt very supported throughout this journey at GCU. Total growth all around — professionally, personally, spiritually — which is one of the things that I appreciate most about GCU."
"I felt very supported throughout this journey at GCU. Total growth all around — professionally, personally, spiritually — which is one of the things that I appreciate most about GCU."
Explore Doctoral Programs in Teaching
GCU’s doctoral teaching and education programs help educators, administrators and leaders deepen their expertise and prepare to drive meaningful impact in education.
Benefits of Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Career Opportunities in Research
A PhD degree can prepare professionals to contribute to their field through scholarship, research and knowledge creation. Graduates may pursue opportunities in academia, research organizations, consulting and roles that value advanced analytical expertise.
Percentage of U.S. adults who held a doctoral degree in 2022.(See disclaimer 2)
Build Your Research and Analytical Skills
PhD programs often place strong emphasis on research methodology, critical analysis and scholarly inquiry. Students are taught to investigate complex questions, evaluate evidence and develop research that contributes to academic and professional conversations.
Advanced Study in Theory and Research Methods
These programs typically include advanced coursework in theory, research design, data analysis and scholarly writing. Through these experiences, students can develop the skills needed to conduct rigorous research and communicate findings effectively.
Insight From Doctoral Scholars
"There's an institutional responsibility with having a very rigorous program, and that's providing a scaffolding to be able to help your students achieve. And I felt that I got that scaffolded support to get to this point right here, right now."
"There's an institutional responsibility with having a very rigorous program, and that's providing a scaffolding to be able to help your students achieve. And I felt that I got that scaffolded support to get to this point right here, right now."
What’s the Difference Between PhD and EdD?
The primary difference between a PhD and an EdD is how each degree uses research. A PhD is usually focused on conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to a field. An EdD is usually focused on applying research to practical challenges in education, leadership or organizational settings. Understanding these distinctions can help you determine which pathway aligns best with your professional interests and long-term goals.
Some of these major differences that can help guide your decision include:
Career Focus
EdD programs often emphasize leadership and professional practice, while PhD programs generally focus on research, scholarship and knowledge creation.
Research Approach
Both degrees involve research, but EdD students typically apply research to practical challenges, whereas PhD students often conduct original research that contributes to academic literature.
Dissertation
EdD dissertations frequently address relevant organizational or educational issues, while PhD dissertations are often centered on original scholarly investigation.
Career Potential
EdD graduates may explore leadership positions in educational and organizational settings, while PhD graduates may choose careers in academia, research and advanced scholarship.
Discover Pathways to a Career in Teaching
Explore career paths in teaching, education leadership and instructional support.
Should You Choose an EdD or a PhD?
The best doctoral degree option for you depends on your professional goals, research interests, what you want to study and the type of impact you hope to make within your field.
Consider an EdD if you want to:
Consider a PhD if you want to:
Why Choose GCU for Your PhD or EdD?
Whether you're pursuing an EdD or PhD, we offer doctoral programs designed to help you expand your knowledge, advance your expertise and contribute to your field in a way that is meaningful to you. Through rigorous academics, supportive faculty and a learner-focused environment, you can pursue your educational goals with confidence at GCU.
Investing in a doctoral degree is an important decision. We offer competitive tuition rates along with scholarship opportunities and financial aid options for those who qualify, helping you pursue advanced education with confidence.
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, reflecting our commitment to academic quality, continuous improvement and meaningful educational experiences for students.
A Christian worldview is integrated throughout the learning experience, encouraging you to approach leadership, scholarship and service with purpose, integrity and ethical decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the differences between EdD and PhD programs, including career outcomes, research expectations and how to determine which degree may be right for you.
Which is higher, a PhD or an EdD?
Can you be called a Doctor with an EdD?
Is an EdD still a professional degree?
Can you switch from an EdD to a PhD?
Which degree is better (EdD vs. PhD) for someone to be in a faculty role but not focus heavily on research?
What is the average salary with an EdD vs. PhD?
Advance your expertise, expand your impact and take the next step toward earning a doctoral degree at GCU.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, retrieved June 2026.
- The Institute of Education Sciences. (n.d.) Number and Percentage Distribution of Persons Age 18 and Over, by Highest Level of Educational Attainment, Sex, Race/Ethnicity and Age: 2022. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved July 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Education Administrators, as of May 2024, retrieved June 2026. 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 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 is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. 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.