Completing a doctorate program can help you advance in your career and accomplish your goals. If you’re interested in a doctorate, you may be considering both a Doctor of Education degree (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer EdD in Leadership and Executive EdD in Leadership programs that prepare graduates for leadership positions. Here, we discuss EdD vs. PhD programs so you can determine which is best for you.
Exploring an EdD Degree
A Doctor of Education (EdD) degree is a professional doctorate, which emphasizes practical application. It is a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest level of education available in a specific field. EdDs are geared toward professionals who want to advance their educational leadership skills. It is designed for educators or other professionals whose goals are to transition into a leadership or teaching position.Research EdDs can also be suitable for those who want to research full-time. EdD programs combine both research and application of the research and typically offer flexible learning options. An EdD usually requires the completion of research and a doctoral dissertation.
Examining a PhD Degree
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is the highest level of academic degree. PhDs are available in several fields, including education, engineering, psychology, social work, computer science, and more. The programs are for college graduates who already have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a related field and want to go on to research or teach others. Generally, both EdD and PhD programs are research-intensive and applicable for professionals who plan to teach and research full-time. These comprehensive programs require conducting original research, passing exams, writing a dissertation, and defending the dissertation in front of a panel of experts in the field.
EdDs vs. PhDs: The Differences
Both EdDs and PhDs are advanced degrees that require extensive coursework, writing, and research. However, there are some differences between the degrees that may make one better than the other for you. The differences include:
Focus
The major difference between an EdD and a PhD is the focus of the programs. An EdD is centered on applying knowledge and research to practice, as teachers and other leadership professionals do. Meanwhile, a PhD is more concentrated on research, including finding answers to theoretical concepts to solve problems.
Career Aspirations
Another difference is the career aspirations of individuals who complete each program. An EdD is best for professionals who already have a master’s degree in education or a related field and want to continue in the field through a hands-on leadership role. Individuals with EdDs may work in administrative positions, like an academic dean or chief learning officer, or as education consultants, education policy analysts, and more. They may also pursue leadership roles in business, healthcare, or training. Professionals with degrees in social service, healthcare, criminal justice, and other social service professionals can also benefit from completing an EdD.
A PhD is better suited for individuals who are looking for a research-oriented career in academia or a related field. They can also work as professors, supervisors of other PhDs, data scientists, research analysts, and more.
Completion Time
The completion time of each degree is another difference between them, although the length may be different between programs. EdD programs typically have a completion time between four and five years, while PhDs tend to be completed in four to seven years.
Comparing these differences between EdD and PhD degrees can help you determine the best one for your goals and preferences.
About the EdD Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we’re happy to offer a Doctor of Education in Leadership program that is designed for working professionals. This four-year program is offered completely online and is geared toward those who want to pursue leadership roles in schools, colleges, and other academic settings. Students will complete extensive coursework, including courses in qualitative and quantitative research, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Some topics covered in the EdD program include:
- How to engage in complex critical thinking
- Creating and developing learning organizations
- Engaging others with justice, empathy, compassion, and cultural competence
- Leading appropriate organizational change
- Working in a complex, global environment
- Demonstrating leadership competencies
Throughout the program, students learn from our full-time faculty of experienced practitioners who provide practical and up-to-date knowledge. Students also get to connect with over five hundred program alumni, setting them up for networking opportunities after graduation.
EdD in Leadership Program Requirements
Before applying to the EdD in Leadership program, make sure you meet the admissions requirements. They include:
- Completion of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstration of English language proficiency that is necessary for successful graduate coursework
- Completion of an interview with the program administrators
There is no minimum of professional leadership experience required and applicants may apply for admission to a doctorate program at any time during the year. The application must include:
- A completed application form
- An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s, master’s degrees, and other relevant transcripts
- A personal statement that includes information on the applicant’s background, training, experience, career goals, etc.
- Three letters of recommendation to verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability
- A current résumé listing educational background and work experience
If you meet these requirements, apply to the Doctor of Education in Leadership program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota to get started on advancing your education.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Mary’s EdD in Leadership Program
What types of courses are offered in this program?
Students will take foundational courses in education and leadership, as well as courses like Social Justice in a Global World, Leadership in Literature, Legal Issues in Education, and more. To learn more about the course offerings of our EdD in Leadership program, read through the course catalog.
How does the online learning model work?
The online model features coursework that is completed online during the spring and fall semesters. It is offered mainly through asynchronous learning activities, including live and recorded video meetings, written or video discussions, online group work and discussions, and more. Students are also expected to participate in three annual weekend residencies plus online coursework during the summer semesters. Students can start in new cohorts in either Fall and Spring Semesters.
What credentials will I hold after completion of the program?
Once graduating from the Ed.D. in Leadership program, you’ll receive the credential of a doctorate or doctoral degree. You will be referred to as a Doctor of Education.
What is the comprehensive exam?
The comprehensive examination must be taken after finishing your coursework and before starting your dissertation. It is an integrative experience that requires students to demonstrate mastery of concepts studied during the core courses and how they will apply these concepts to their professions.
What type of support is provided for my research proposal and dissertation?
Students get access to various resources and support throughout this process. They work alongside their chairs to decide on their research questions and methodology before taking the Proposal Development course. During the course, students collaborate with their chairs, course faculty, and peers to emerge with a proposal they are ready to defend. After the proposal has been accepted, the student will gather data on their dissertation, write, and defend it with support from their adviser and committee.
Why Choose Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota?
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private, nonprofit Lasallian Catholic University with an undergraduate campus in Winona, MN, and campuses for adult learners in Minneapolis and Rochester, MN. We also offer a wide range of programs online to make education as accessible as possible. Our programs are taught with faith-based principles in mind, helping to nurture and encourage learners to live ethical lives of service and leadership. Other benefits of attending Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, whether in-person or online, include:
- Supportive faculty and staff who are committed to student success
- Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Financial aid opportunities for students who qualify, including loans, grants, scholarships, and more
- Career services and resources, including interview preparation, resume building, virtual career masterclasses, and more
- Writing centers that offer appointments with professional writing consultants, peer workshops, and more
These are just some of the many reasons to choose Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for your doctorate education.
Pursue an EdD in Leadership at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
If you’re interested in a leadership role, consider applying to the Doctor of Education in Leadership program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. This terminal degree program will help you hone your leadership abilities and put them into practice as an educator or leader in a related field. To learn more about an EdD vs. PhD or our EdD program, request more information and connect with a counselor today.
