If you know you want to pursue (or continue) a career in education leadership, choosing the right doctoral program can play a major role in future career opportunities. You might be asking yourself, what’s the difference between the EdD and a PhD in Leadership Studies?
Though both the PhD in Leadership Studies and EdD can help prepare students for careers in educational leadership, there are some important differences for working professionals to consider. If you’re wondering whether your career goals are better suited to a doctorate in education vs. PhD in leadership, keep reading to learn more about how each doctorate degree is best for you.
What is an EdD?
An EdD, or Doctor of Education degree, is a research and professional doctorate that focuses on preparing candidates for leadership positions in academic, research or professional in the field of education.
The EdD program is generally best suited for experienced educators and mid- to senior-level professionals who want to lead and drive change within their organization or institution. The coursework is focused on practical application and the development of strategies to help clarify or solve specific problems and critical issues facing the workplace.
The curriculum for most EdD programs is practice-based. EdD students conduct research and collect data to construct hypotheses and then leverage that research in ways that influence a community or organization’s decision-making process.
EdD holders focus on solutions and take the necessary steps to solve problems of practice in education. Most often graduates of an EdD program work as superintendents in a school district, university or college presidents, deans or principals.
An EdD might be the right degree for you if:
→ You’re an experienced educator or working professional
→ You want to apply your research in real-world settings
→ You enjoy solving professional challenges
→ You want to have direct impact on the classroom
What is a PhD in Leadership Studies?
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in leadership studies is a multidisciplinary doctorate degree designed to give students the skills, theory and hands-on practice necessary to lead change for the better in organizations and communities.
In general, a PhD in Leadership is more focused on theory and research methodology than practical application. PhD coursework comprises qualitative and quantitative research with the goal of becoming an expert in a field or within academia. A PhD Candidate will contribute new findings to an existing body of knowledge and/or original literature.
PhD students conduct original research and use empirical evidence to enhance their knowledge while driving innovation and change in their field.
But can you effectively use your leadership PhD in higher education? Absolutely! Graduates from a leadership doctoral program are prepared to address the broad challenges facing professionals in the field of higher education in the U.S and around the world, and often work as higher education administrators, researchers, policy makers and faculty.
A PhD might be the right degree for you if:
→ You’re interested in academic research methodology
→ You enjoy qualitative and quantitative research
→ You want to advance theory on a topic
→ You want to work closely with faculty
→ You want a career as a university professor or researcher
The Perfect Mix: USD’s PhD In Leadership Studies
At USD, the PhD in Leadership Studies privileges both practical and theoretical application. The program’s multidisciplinary nature instills graduates with the listening, introspection and critical thinking skills required to be successful leaders in a variety of education settings. Graduates emerge prepared to address common challenges at colleges, universities or K-12 institutions, depending on their chosen specialization.
Candidates in the Leadership Studies PhD program at USD soles can choose to specialize in a variety of industries, or create their own based on their goals and interests. For those who want to focus their PhD in education, SOLES has two existing specializations.
1. Higher Education Leadership
Coursework may focus on student development, administration, policy and the application of leadership in real-world settings. Graduates of this specialization have gone on to work as higher education administrators, researchers, policy-makers, faculty, and more.
2. Educational Leadership for Innovation and Social Justice
Candidates in this specialization are prepared to serve as educational researchers and faculty members, innovators, public and private school district leaders, teacher educators and policy makers in K-12 education. This program deepens leadership capacity and expands professional opportunities to address social justice and the needs of all students.
Regardless of their specialization, students in this PhD program will work closely with faculty to develop the skills needed to both conduct original research and use empirical evidence to drive positive change. These skills help students to improve their practice and lead innovation.
To be a great leader in education, you must effectively communicate with people of all backgrounds and experiences. The Leadership Studies doctoral program at SOLES explores the nuances of leadership across disciplines so that graduates are prepared to be leaders who drive social change and work for the equity and inclusion of all.
If you’re interested in learning more about the PhD in Leadership Studies at USD SOLES and how it can help you become a more inclusive and effective leader in education, download our latest resource today:
