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Considering a PhD in Education? Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: December 17, 2018

For anyone looking to pursue a career in education in academia or research, a Ph.D. in education is the degree to seek. A doctorate degree in education is a terminal degree in the field, which means it is the highest level degree you can get. So the natural next question is, “What can you do with a Ph.D. in education?

Here, we will share Ph.D. in education jobs, as well as answer all your big questions surrounding a doctorate degree in education.

What is a Ph.D. in education?

A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education is a graduate degree that is well-suited for anyone who wants to focus their career on academics or research. Just like a Ph.D. in education is a terminal degree, so is a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.

Although it can be confusing when faced with two terminal degrees in the same field, it helps to clarify when we understand what each of their focus is. An EdD in education is more hands-on and practice-oriented, which means that it’s of use to those who want to work in education, for the government, or in a non-profit organization.

A Ph.D. in education is theoretically-focused and more study-based, in comparison. For this reason, it’s best for anyone looking to work in research or academia at the university level.

There are more differences between the two, including:

• A Ph.D. in education takes four years to complete, while an EdD takes two.
• A Ph.D. requires doing a dissertation, while an EdD doesn’t.
• A Ph.D. focuses on developing new research. EdD students, on the other hand, use existing research to guide decisions about issues within their area of study.
• A Ph.D. requires taking 90 credits, whereas an EdD requires 60.

Why Earn a Ph.D. in Education?

There are many reasons why a Ph.D. in education is valuable and worthy of your effort. Here’s why:

1. It’s one of the most highly respected credentials in education, and as mentioned, it is a terminal degree (which means its the highest level that you can achieve in this field).

2. You’ll use research-based methods to solve problems and identify gaps in your specialization of choice.

Plus, you will have the expertise and credentials to publish in professional journals and/or present your findings at conferences around the world.

3. You’ll be advancing in an area of education in which you’re passionate.

Are you fascinated by childhood development? Or do you have a passion for classroom management? If you have a desire to advance a particular field in education, a Ph.D. is an excellent way to do so.

4. You’ll earn respect in your field and gain personal satisfaction.

Since a Ph.D. in education requires doing a dissertation, that alone is not an easy feat! Accomplishing it will surely give you a rewarding feeling. Plus, being called Doctor isn’t so bad either. Just like any degree, a Ph.D. in education involves a certain skill set . Some learned along the way, and some you may have naturally. These are some skills involved in a Ph.D. in education:

Technical skills:

Analysis and problem-solving, project management and organization, research and information management, and written and oral communication are all important in such a research-based degree.

Soft skills:

Interpersonal and leadership skills, self-management and work habits, concentration, and patience are all important personal skills to have when you’re spending lots of time on one specific topic.

The Doctorate in Education Salaries You Can Expect

Did you know that in America, Ph.D. graduates will earn $1.3 million more than BA holders in their working lifetimes? There are all kinds of career options for Ph.D. education graduates.

Here are some examples of typical careers for Ph.D. in education holders, as well as their average salaries in the US:

• Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: $79,820
• Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $80,56 0
• Survey Researchers: $59,870 
• Sociologists: $86,110
• Training and Development Specialists: $62,700

Many PhD in education graduates want to become professors. Here’s what the average annual salaries look like around the globe for professors in the top-paying countries (in their equivalent USD):

Denmark: $109,600

Switzerland: $185,000

UK: $110,000

US: $102,400

Finland: $95,000

Canada: $93,000

Germany:$92,000

France: $82,000

There are other career options as well, such as school administrator, superintendent, curriculum coordinator, and principal.

What are the Requirements?

Considering that a Ph.D. in education is the highest level you can achieve in education, it means that you will already have a bachelor’s under your belt, and in most cases, a master’s degree, as well. In other words, you probably like being a student. There are lots of years of studying that get dedicated to earning a Ph.D. If you plan on doing a doctorate in education, earning a master’s degree in education can be the right first step.

Another important thing to know is that almost all Ph.D. candidates have background experience in research. So if education is your field of interest, getting a Ph.D. will mean coming to the table with previous research experience from your undergraduate (and potentially graduate) degrees.

Every institution may differ on their prerequisites for enrolling in their Ph.D. in education program. Be sure to consult directly with your school of choice to find out what they are.

Where Can I Earn My Ph.D. in Education?

There are many schools that offer Ph.D. in education programs. Just like most subjects, there are going to be online /on-campus options as well as throughout the world. Some are even fully funded.

Online programs

University of the People has a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degree. This could be a great choice for those of you who may be aiming for a Ph.D. in education but only have a BA. The next step is getting that MA. So, why not choose a tuition-free program ?

Liberty University, Walden University, University of Colorado, and the University of Nebraska are just a few popular universities that offer a Ph.D. in Education. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable online Ph.D. programs.

Studying in Europe

Studying in Europe can be both exciting and low-cost . Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland offer free doctorate tuition for university students, regardless of their nationality! France offers low-cost Ph.D. tuition fees. If you want to see some specific schools in these countries, look at this list.

Fully-funded Programs

Fully-funded sounds wonderful, and it is! But, it doesn’t mean there are no costs associated. Fully-funded actually means that your tuition is covered, but you’ll still have to cover costs for textbooks and supplies, living expenses, and other fees.  no cost. That said, it’s still an awesome option. One condition: it has to be on campus. Why? Because you need to pay with your time — by teaching and performing research.

University of Michigan School of Education, Vanderbilt Peabody College, and Steinhardt School at NYU all offer tuition-free on-campus Ph.D. in education programs.

Online vs On-campus

You might be wondering what it’s like to get your Ph.D. online, as compared to on-campus institutions. Like all degrees, there are advantages and disadvantages to earning your degree entirely online. In regards to a Ph.D. in education, you will need to consider a few things.

Online Ph.D. programs are best suited to students who work better solo. They are also great for those who have worked in the field for some time and want to advance in their area of study. And, of course, it’s the best option for those who work and are raising families. On the other hand, you aren’t in the presence of peers and professors that can be a valuable resource in the research-driven program of a Ph.D.

Earning a Ph.D. on-campus has its pros and cons, too.. While they’re generally more expensive than online programs, on-campus Ph.D. programs allow you to communicate face-to-face with your professors, supervisors, and other students.

What You Can Expect to Study in a Ph.D. in Education

Completing a Ph.D. means doing your dissertation, or research thesis. Naturally, it is going to be based on the field of study that you are most interested in. You can specialize in a certain area. Some common specialization options for a Ph.D. in education are:

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Adult Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Educational Psychology

Aside from the research involved in planning and executing your thesis, you will also have professional development activities and coursework relevant to your area of study. They’re designed to help give you the skills needed to succeed in your research and your future career in education.

While the curriculum is going to vary according to your specialization, there are some general core courses that most PhDs in education involve. You will likely take the following: group psychology, leadership, learning models, ethics, education and globalization, and analytics courses as part of your curriculum.

Is a Ph.D. in Education for Me?

If you choose to study for a Ph.D. in education, chances are you’re passionate about teaching and learning, and everything in between. Even if you’re not looking to stand in front of a lecture hall and teach, you may wish to improve upon the field of education as a whole through research and other means. With a Ph.D. in Education, you open the door to that possibility and many more.

How you choose to earn your degree is up to you. Whether you conclude upon enrolling online or on-campus, prepare yourself for lots of reading, writing, researching, and communicating. Whatever you chose, we’re sure you’ll give it your best shot. Here’s to reaching the top in the field of education!

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Should You Earn A Ph.D. In Higher Education? What To Know

Updated: Dec 8, 2023, 12:31pm

Are you serious about learning and making a difference? Are you passionate about impacting the future of academia? Do you aspire to tackle the most pressing issues in higher education, including maintaining educational standards, keeping costs low and improving student success?

A Ph.D. in higher education prepares students for all of the above. Learners leave higher education Ph.D. programs ready to improve university efficiency, aid in student success and lead at higher learning institutions. This degree can qualify graduates for abundant career options, including in-demand jobs that pay higher-than-average wages.

Use our guide to learn whether a Ph.D. in higher education is right for you.

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What Is a Ph.D. in Higher Education?

A Ph.D. in higher education is an academic credential that prepares students for careers in senior leadership at colleges and universities. Learners develop the skills to manage academic departments, conduct education-related research and manage other academic professionals. The degree is terminal, meaning it is the most advanced educational credential in the field.

Students can typically complete a higher education doctoral program in three to five years, with programs usually requiring between 60 and 72 credits. Coursework concentrations may include integrated studies, higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning and the economics of higher education.

In addition to classes, higher education Ph.D. candidates complete a dissertation. This process involves several project milestones, like crafting a research proposal and completing a dissertation defense. Dissertation topics in this field explore a diverse array of higher education-related issues.

For example, recent graduates at Harvard University conducted research about the characteristics of dual-language learners in the U.S. and the experiences of first-generation undocumented immigrant university students.

Graduates of these programs work in various higher education careers , including at all levels of college and university administration. They find jobs as professors, provosts, assistant deans, education consultants and policy advisors. They often write monographs, book chapters and journal articles.

People with a higher education Ph.D. may fundraise for their institutions, present research at professional conferences and sit on editorial boards of academic publications.

Coursework teaches learners about research design and data analysis. Classes also build skills like resource management, data analysis and communication—all marketable outside of academia.

While enrolled, Ph.D. students can work as research assistants and collaborate with their advisors. Unlike master’s programs in higher education , doctoral degrees in this field often allow more individualized curricula and self-directed learning.

Career growth projections are positive for graduates of Ph.D. in higher education programs. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for college administrators and professors will grow 4% and 8%, respectively, from 2022 to 2032.

Admission Requirements for a Doctorate in Higher Education

Specific admission requirements vary by program, but many schools ask for similar materials, which we explore below. Though standardized test scores were once a common application requirement, fewer schools ask for them now.

• Application and fee: Prospective students usually complete an online application. Schools often charge application fees of $50 or more.
• Résumé and work experience: Applicants must provide a current résumé or CV containing work and education history. Programs may require several years of professional or research experience and a master’s degree.
• Letters of recommendation: Prospective students usually need two to three letters of recommendation. These documents should come from people who can speak to applicants’ professional and academic qualifications—students should not ask family members or friends.
• Personal statement: Learners applying to higher education Ph.D. programs often submit a personal statement. This statement usually addresses subjects like academic interests, professional goals and life experiences relevant to the program.
• Admissions interview: Finalists in the application process often complete an interview with admissions committee members or a program director.

Common Courses in a Higher Education Ph.D. Program

Though exact course offerings vary among schools, you might see the following courses in a higher education Ph.D. program.

History and Philosophy of Higher Education

This class examines the development of higher education in the United States. Coursework covers cultural forces, important events and schools of thought that shape higher ed. Students analyze the implications of these movements and consider the future of academia.

Policy Studies in Higher Education

This course covers the development, implementation and enforcement of policies in higher education. Learners study the various layers of policymaking, including state governing boards and the federal government. Coursework explores how policy impacts student outcomes and institutional management.

Organization and Administration of Higher Education

Students in this class learn the theoretical principles of leadership, organizational behavior and institutional culture. Coursework also examines the administrator roles in higher ed.

Legal Aspects of Higher Education

This course explores the legal issues that affect higher ed institutions and their administrators. Topics include civil rights, notable court decisions and procedural and substantive due process.

Ph.D. in Higher Education vs. Ed.D. in Higher Education: What’s the Difference?

Though a Ph.D. in higher education is somewhat similar to an Ed.D. ( doctor of education ) in higher education, each program prepares graduates for different careers.

Ph.D. programs generally have a more academic focus, so graduates often pursue teaching and research positions rather than administrative roles. Ed.D. in higher education programs usually offer a more practical focus, so graduates typically pursue leadership positions in academia, government and nonprofit organizations.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Higher Education?

Workers with a Ph.D. in higher education can qualify for various careers, including some jobs outside of the university setting. We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale in December 2023.

Median Annual Salary: $80,840 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate; master’s degree in education or a related field may suffice Job Overview: College professors teach students in higher education institutions, including community colleges, professional schools and four-year institutions. They develop lesson plans and assess student progress. In addition to teaching, professors conduct research and publish their findings in academic journals. To learn more, see our guide on how to become a professor .

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Median Annual Salary: $99,940 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in education administration or a related field Job Overview: Postsecondary administrators manage various functions of colleges and universities, like student services, admissions, registration, athletics, student housing and multicultural services.

Education Researcher

Average Annual Salary: $67,375 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s in education or a related field Job Overview: Education researchers assess instructional systems, curriculum and academic evaluation strategies. They analyze academic departments to help institutions run more efficiently and effectively. Education researchers develop instructional methods through qualitative and quantitative classroom research with students and teachers. They frequently coordinate with instructors, university officials and fellow researchers.

College President

Average Annual Salary: $156,616 Minimum Required Education: N/A Job Overview: College presidents are the top administrative officials at higher learning institutions. They plan initiatives, lead schools and participate in fundraising. They also set goals, manage budgets, meet with various stakeholders—often outside regular business hours—and represent the institution at events.

Chief Learning Officer

Average Annual Salary: $156,339 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Chief learning officers (CLOs) oversee the training and development of organizations’ employees. They assist with onboarding new staff members and update training materials. Many CLOs work at corporations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ph.D. in Higher Education Programs

What does a ph.d. in higher education do.

A Ph.D. in higher education prepares a person for leadership positions in higher education. It is the highest degree a person can receive in this field. People with this credential often teach, perform research on effective teaching methods and act as consultants to nonprofits, governmental organizations and private companies.

How long is a Ph.D. in higher education?

The length of a Ph.D. in higher education depends on students’ enrollment status—full- or part-time—and the specific institution’s degree requirements. Learners typically complete coursework in two to three years, then spend another two to three years conducting research and completing their dissertation.

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Garrett Andrews is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science at Portland Community College where he teaches State and Local Government.

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The Doctorate in Education: Is it Worth It?

At some point along their career track, many educational professionals eventually weigh the decision to earn a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education.

In our last blog post , we examined the differences between the Ph.D. and Ed.D. and the benefits an Ed.D. can offer those pursuing leadership roles in education—as well as positions in nonprofit and government agencies and private sectors. We also surveyed the differences among Ed.D. programs, how to choose a college or university, and what to expect from the curriculum.

But what about time and cost? After you complete your Ed.D. will you see an increase in career opportunities and salary? In other words, is the juice really worth the squeeze?

Let’s take a look.

How Long Will It Take To Earn a Ed.D.?

If you’re considering earning your Ed.D. in education , you’ve most likely already completed your M.A. or M.A.Ed. Like a master’s degree, a doctorate takes a significant time commitment and a high level of personal dedication. It’s not easy.

While it’s possible to earn the degree in as little as two years of full-time study, most students don’t take this route. Unlike Ph.D. candidates, most Ed.D. candidates are employed full-time in the education field and choose to continue their jobs alongside their studies.

Depending on the course load and the design of the dissertation or capstone project, the degree can take four, five, or up to seven years at most.

How Much Does an Ed.D. Cost?

While the length of time you’ll spend working on your Ed.D. is important, it’s also essential to weigh the financial commitment of the degree. Here are some points to keep in mind when estimating the investment you will need to make to earn an Ed.D.:

• Tuition Costs. A typical Ed.D. program will require 60-66 credits. Tuition costs per credit can range from $350 to $775, resulting in a final price tag of $21,000 to $55,000 for the degree. Also look into any additional fees and the cost of attending orientation and conferences, and any professional memberships or certification programs that may be required.

• Program Location and Cost of Living. If you plan to enroll in a program in another city or state, what will the cost of relocating be? Will there be a change in your overall cost of living in the new location? Will you be able to keep your current job if you move, and if not, will your salary take a hit? More and more schools are now offering Ed.D. degrees entirely online, which can be a great option if there are no good programs in your geographic area and you don’t want to quit your day job.
• Employment Status. If you maintain a full-time job while earning your degree you won’t have to sacrifice your income, healthcare, or 401K savings to go to school.
• Tuition Reimbursement. Many employers offer financial incentives to current employees to advance their education, especially in a field relevant to their job duties. Check to see if your company or organization participates in a tuition reimbursement program. If so, do your research to make sure that the course of study you decide on will qualify.  

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.  

How can an ed.d. impact earning potential.

While an Ed.D. can grow your skill set, it can also have a significant impact on your annual earnings. Most senior positions in education and educational administration require an Ed.D., which is one of the main reasons that education professionals choose to pursue the degree. Having an Ed.D. under your belt allows you to advance within your current organization or to acquire a highly sought job at a school or university.

Here’s a look at the top senior education positions and what you can expect to make from each:

The focus of your coursework can also impact your future earnings. Most programs that lead to positions in private schools and companies will likely yield a higher salary than those that lead to nonprofits or public institutions. And a specialization in higher education administration and management will often yield a higher salary than a specialization in early childhood education.

5 Reasons To Earn Your Ed.D. That Have Nothing To Do With an Income Boost

Deciding to pursue an Ed.D. is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. As we’ve seen, it requires a significant commitment of both time and money. However, if you’re looking to advance your career and maximize your earning potential, the degree can open up a range of new possibilities.

Here are the top 5 reasons to earn your Ed.D.:

• You will gain the skills needed to effect change in your organization. An Ed.D. will help you hone your communication, assessment and management skills—skills that are in great demand in today’s educational institutions. If you are interested in taking the wheel, an Ed.D. will prepare you to advance and expand in your school or organization.
• You will develop the tools you need to become a better administrator in today’s educational environments. Education is a rapidly changing field; advanced study into current education trends, including digital literacy and collaborative learning will allow you to apply your knowledge and experience to solve problems and fix gaps in the educational systems around you.
• You can add clout to your résumé to give your new career search a boost. Are you looking to pursue new opportunities in the educational field? Whether you’re hoping to land a job in public education, government or the private sector, an Ed.D. degree will help your résumé stand out from the rest. Many programs offer specializations such as curriculum, instruction and assessment or higher education leadership, allowing you to gain specific skill sets and build your professional network within the area.
• You can learn how to better leverage technology to teach future generations. Educational technology is evolving in new and exciting ways. Learning how to incorporate technology into instructional design will allow you learning challenges in classrooms and training rooms in new ways.
• You will be qualified for senior educational leadership positions. Many elite, well-paying jobs—including superintendent, dean, and college president—require a doctorate. And, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, post-secondary college administration positions will experience faster than average growth in the coming decade.a

Tips on Getting Started

By now you may be 100 percent sure you’re ready to pursue an Ed.D.. Now what? What should you look at when researching programs and an estimating a graduation date? Consider the following factors to help determine a realistic timeline for the degree:

• Transfer Credit. Ed.D. programs typically transfer academic credits earned from any previous doctoral coursework . The amount of credits you can transfer will vary from one university to another. Reaching out to admissions counselors at different schools will help you find the best fit.
• Course Load and Schedule. Whether you will be studying in a classroom or remotely, you’ll need to decide how many classes you will be able to handle per term. This will vary based on the demands of your day job and family commitments, as well as your competence and background in the subject matter. If you are working on an academic schedule you should also look into which programs offer classes during the summer (when you may have more time to commit to your studies).
• Dissertation or Capstone Project. Most Ed.D. programs conclude with a final practicum, where you take what you have learned over the course of your classes and apply it to a real-world problem. The requirements of the dissertation or capstone project will depend on the college or university. If you are able to design your project to focus on your current place of employment, you will likely be able finish in less time than someone who cannot.

If you are a mid-career education professional looking to advance your career, raise your salary, and impact real change, then the answer is: Yes, it’s worth getting the degree. An Ed.D. requires a significant investment of both time and money—and it isn’t for everyone. But by doing the research and making the investment in the right way, you can position yourself to grow your career in a meaningful, financially rewarding way.

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PhD vs. EdD in Education: Nine expert tips to help you choose [with infographic]

If you want to elevate your career in education, an advanced degree can open the door to more job opportunities. Many schools offer graduate programs in education, but before you go down a rabbit hole of research, first decide if you want to get a PhD or EdD degree.

A PhD and EdD in education are both doctoral degrees. The one you choose will have a significant impact on your graduate school experience, and your career as well. (Already know what you want? Visit our Admission and Deadlines and Requirements pages for more information.)

For a quick overview of differences between the two degrees, view the infographic below or download it here .

Before we explore tips to guide your decision, let’s review important context for each degree.

What is a PhD in Education?

A PhD is a doctorate in philosophy. Historically, it was the first degree offered to students in the field of education and is perhaps more well-known than the EdD.

The PhD in Education is ideal for students who are excited by a career in research. Programs train you to interpret existing theory on a subject, identify opportunities for exploration, and advance theory through critical analysis. It is not necessarily a degree that prepares you for an administrative or leadership role.

With a PhD in Education, you will become an authority on a particular topic or range of topics, and make recommendations on how practitioners should approach or implement them. Examples of research topics might include teaching practices, the effect of learning environments on student outcomes, and inequity in education.

What is an EdD in Education?

An EdD is a doctorate in education, and prepares you for a career in educational leadership. Like the PhD degree, you will learn to interpret research. However, EdD programs train you to apply the research in real-world settings.

While pursuing your EdD degree, you will study critical theory and determine how you can implement it to drive change in K–12 classrooms, universities, community colleges and other organizations. You will also reflect on your role as a leader. Top EdD programs encourage you to analyze your relationship to your research topics and work environments. The goal is to ensure that your leadership is fair and equitable for all people.

PhD vs. EdD: What are the main differences?

The table below summarizes the key differences between a PhD and EdD in education:

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PhD vs. EdD: How to choose

To help you figure out which doctorate in education is right for you, check out these nine helpful tips:

1. Follow your passion

Rather than focusing on the title of the degree, think about what motivates you. Why did you get into education in the first place? Do you want to have a direct impact on classrooms or pursue big-picture change behind the scenes? You may assume that one degree is more prestigious than another, but it’s important to choose a path that will bring you personal satisfaction that is consistent with your career goals.

2. Picture your day-to-day

PhD and EdD programs are a significant time investment. If you’re struggling to decide because both degrees sound rewarding, try picturing what your daily life might look like in each program.

A PhD in Education is decidedly more research-heavy. A majority of your study will include—but is not limited to—investigating theory and research methodologies. By contrast, EdD programs include the application of your research. Much of your time will be spent using your knowledge to solve professional challenges.

3. Explore career options with a PhD in Education

Earning your PhD in education will make you a more desirable candidate for a range of research-oriented positions. Your ability to evaluate research and make recommendations will be a valuable skill to many organizations.

Many people with PhD in education degrees secure jobs as:

• University professor
• Research scholar
• Education director
• Policy researcher

Want specific examples? For a list of positions held by recent graduates from USC Rossier’s PhD in Urban Education program (PhD), check out our Benefits and Career Paths page.

4. Explore career options with an EdD in Education

EdD programs prepare you for different kinds of senior positions. You will be eligible for leadership roles primarily in education administration, however your high-level skill-set will be desirable to certain nonprofits and businesses as well.

Position titles for professionals with an EdD degree may include:

• Superintendent
• University or college president
• Director of a research center
• Development manager
• Curriculum developer

5. Compare PhD vs. EdD coursework

Doctor in education programs are rigorous and challenging, and while both are rooted in research, their paths diverge. Coursework in PhD programs highlights qualitative and quantitative research methods, and gives you the tools needed to perform your own research. You will also work on your dissertation, and be required to take oral and written exams.

Additionally, PhD students typically have the chance to work one-on-one with a research faculty member on their research. As you narrow your search for a graduate school, remember to review faculty and consider opportunities for collaboration.

EdD courses in educational leadership train you to view common problems in education from multiple perspectives. Courses early in the program urge you to use research as a tool that can provide practical solutions that promote equity. As you progress, you will then take actionable steps to address a problem of practice.

6. Review PhD vs. EdD specializations at different schools

You want to choose a university that aligns with your personal interests. Start by reviewing schools’ mission statements. Do they seem principle-driven or focused on ushering you through the program?  You also want to check out the concentrations offered by each program. Select a program that is going to let you explore issues and challenges that matter to you.

Concentrations vary by university. For example, some concentrations may include educational leadership in K–12 schools, educational psychology or higher education. Expect universities located in or near cities to offer concentrations exploring urban education settings as well.

7. Consider PhD and EdD online programs

If you’re a working professional and don’t want to commute to a physical campus while you earn a degree, an online doctor of education program may be right for you. Online programs cover the same information as their in-person counterparts, but offer a little more flexibility for students.

However, classes such as those included in USC Rossier’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online program are held live, meaning you are required to attend the online class at a specific day and time.Note: It may be easier to find online options for EdD than PhD programs.

8. Research PhD vs. EdD dissertation requirements

A traditional part of a PhD in education is the dissertation. Dissertation requirements vary by program and school, but generally include thorough investigation of a topic from multiple angles, copious research, and an exam to defend your written work once it’s completed.

By contrast, some EdD programs require you to complete a dissertation in practice. Using research methods learned in the program, you will attempt to resolve a problem in education dealing with equity and access. You may also have the chance to work alongside a group of students and an advisor to tackle the problem. In addition to the different requirements of PhD and EdD dissertations, individual schools may want you to explore issues that fall within their philosophical focus.

9. Estimate your time commitment

Before committing to a doctorate in education program, make sure you understand how much time it will take. A PhD in Education typically requires four to six years to complete, while EdD programs take three years, and may be completed while you work.

Additionally, some PhD programs are full-time commitments. Because of the workload, you can’t work a full-time schedule. However, your tuition is covered by a graduate assistantship. A Master’s degree may also not be necessary for acceptance into a PhD program.

USC Rossier resources

If you’re still unsure about which doctorate in education is right for you, we’re happy to provide personalized guidance .

You can also use USC Rossier’s simple career survey tool.

Curious about the requirements for our doctoral programs ? Check out the list of program comparisons. As a school that has offered doctoral degrees for 100 years, USC Rossier is uniquely positioned to provide insight and expertise on doctoral programs in education

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Should I get a Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree?

Written by Michael Feder

Reviewed by Pamela M. Roggeman , EdD, Dean, College of Education

In this article

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in education, what careers can i choose with an edd.

• Salary and job outlook information
• Learn more about earning a doctorate in education.

Most doctorates take several years to complete, and earning a doctorate in education is no different. You should be prepared to spend  an average of three to four years  working on your doctorate. However, the time it will take you to finish the program depends on several factors.

Credit hours

Most doctoral education programs require students to complete 40 to 60 credit hours of coursework. For example, doctoral candidates at University of Phoenix have to finish 54 credit hours before they are awarded their EdD. How many credit hours you choose to take in a semester will impact the time it takes to earn your degree. Whether or not you have a master’s degree or transfer credits from another institution can also affect your time frame. To plan for your future, you will have to decide whether to attend part time or full time.

Many doctoral education programs  have an on-site, online or hybrid residency requirement , which can also influence the time it takes to complete your EdD. Some programs require a full-time on-campus residency, while others require an in-person residency for only a few weeks or weekends a year. Are you planning on working while earning your degree? Are you a parent concerned about  managing your family and your education ? You’ll need to decide what type of residency is the best fit for your life and career goals. 

Dissertation

Most doctorate-level education degrees require candidates to  complete a dissertation  to graduate. A dissertation is a robust, research-based study that doctoral candidates conduct to demonstrate a deep understanding of their field of study.

Sometimes students do not complete their dissertation before they finish their program, which can add on a few months or even years. You don’t have to know what your dissertation will cover before you apply to doctoral programs, but it can be helpful to have a general idea within the first year. For example, EdD students at University of Phoenix start their dissertations in their third course, which makes it easier for them to finish their research when they complete their doctoral coursework.

Some terminal degree programs require applicants to take the  Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)  before applying. Those doctoral programs may also require specific scores for their application process. If you select a university that requires testing, consider factoring in space to take these tests multiple times so you can submit the best possible score. Since  you can take the GRE only once every 21 days , it can significantly impact the time it takes to be accepted into a program.

How much does it cost to earn an EdD?

There are a lot of factors in choosing the right doctoral program, and cost is certainly a big one for many people. According to the Education Data Initiative, tuition for a Doctor of Education can cost an   average of $111,900 . However, that price tag may not include some additional costs.

The blog College Ave Student Loans points out that some of the  most often overlooked costs  are:

• Books, which can cost $1,200 or more each year
• Application fees, which can range from $60 to over $100 
• Computers, which can cost from $400 to over $1,000, depending on your needs
• Remote studies equipment, such as webcams and internet service
• Testing for the GRE, GMAT and other tests, which often cost $200 or more 

Another commonly neglected financial consideration is the cost of living. You may find an excellent in-person residency EdD program, but if you have to relocate to a city with a high cost of living, you could be looking at  additional expenses in rent, transportation, child care, healthcare, food and more .

University of Phoenix (UOPX) can help doctoral students save on their terminal degree. UOPX locks in tuition from the start to finish of your program with its Tuition Guarantee. Candidates for the UOPX EdD should expect to pay $810 per credit for approximately 54 credits. 

Does earning an EdD affect how much I'll make?

A variety of variables affect a person’s earning power, including but not limited to their education level, experience, employer and employment location. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that possessing an advanced education degree has a positive impact on both earnings and employment.

According to its 2023 “education pays” data , BLS shows that full-time employees older than 25 with a doctoral degree had median weekly earnings of $2,109 compared to $1,737 for those with a master’s-level degree. Doctoral degree holders also had an unemployment rate of 1.6% compared with 2.0% for master’s holders.

Salary ranges are general and don’t take into consideration things like specialization, years of experience, additional benefits and cost of living. Keep in mind an instructional coordinator living in a part of the country with a greater cost of living may have a higher salary than someone with the same degree working in a different geographical area.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Doctoral graduates in education  have many potential avenues to find meaningful work in educational leadership in the K-12 field, higher education and more. An EdD can prepare you for a career in education as a school administrator, superintendent, principal and more. 

School administrator

Overview: School administrators are responsible for overseeing student instruction as well as research and education activities at postsecondary education institutions — such as universities, community colleges and junior colleges — or at kindergartens, elementary schools or secondary schools.

This role is broad and can encompass many student support responsibilities ranging from helping students register for classes to overseeing admissions to leading faculty research. Often, the duties of a school administrator depend on the size of the institution. Some common job titles for school administrators include superintendent, provost, academic dean, chief education officer, admissions officer and registrar.

A master’s degree is typically required to become a school administrator, but roles within higher-level positions at a college, such as provost or dean, often require a doctoral degree .

Salary: The salary range for school administrators will depend on the academic level and size of the college, as well as professional factors like the institution and the candidate’s experience and education. Below is a breakdown of earnings by academic level, according to BLS.

• School administrators : As of May 2023, these professionals earned between $49,470 and $158,200, with a median wage of $88,460, according to BLS.
• Kindergarten through secondary education administrators : As of May 2023, these professionals earned between $70,050 and $163,010 , with a median wage of $103,460, according to BLS.
• Postsecondary education administrators : As of May 2023, these professionals earned between $62,970 and $209,870 , with a median wage of $102,610, according to BLS.

Job outlook: BLS only provides occupation outlook data for postsecondary education administrators. Employment for those roles is projected to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032 .

Overview: Principals work in elementary, middle and high schools and are responsible for overseeing all daily school activities and operations . Responsibilities may include developing curriculum standards, providing a safe learning environment, managing staff, evaluating faculty performance and counseling students.  Principals typically need a master’s degree, but some schools may require a doctorate. Advanced education may also be required for principals who seek education administration roles, like superintendent.

Salary: As of May 2023, school principals earned between $70,050 and  $163,010 , with a median wage of $103,460, according to BLS.

Job outlook: BLS projects this profession will show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Careers with an EdD outside of academia

Professionals with an EdD don’t just work in education. They may also discover fulfilling work in nonprofits, the government sector and the corporate world. That’s why it’s important to find a doctoral program that offers career services, which not only connect graduates with career opportunities, but also help align the  graduate program curriculum with real-world careers and industry needs and trends.

An EdD is considered an advanced practitioner degree, which means graduates are drawn toward careers where they can apply their knowledge and expertise to make an impact on education systems. However, since an EdD is a terminal degree, many professionals can also conduct research and teach in tenured academic positions. 

What are the top reasons to earn an EdD?

Many people begin their journey to an EdD motivated by advancing their career as an educator and the entire field of education. This career path is an opportunity to effect real change in a system that can improve the lives of individuals and entire communities. Still, there are many additional reasons to earn an EdD, such as:

• Learning strategies for advancing education amid social and technological challenges
• Exploring and expanding your interests and expertise with a professional, publishable dissertation
• Remaining professionally competitive in the ever-changing world of education
• Enhancing your resumé and expanding job opportunities into leadership, administration and public policy
• Positioning yourself as a strong thought leader, communicator and critical thinker, skills that can be applied to various careers within the education sector and beyond

Finding the right career path  can take time and doesn’t need to be rushed. For educators interested in  professional development  and discovering new avenues for educational leadership, an EdD is one of many options that may prepare students for a fulfilling and meaningful career. 

Earn a Doctor of Education from University of Phoenix

If you are looking to pursue educational leadership roles, a Doctor of Education degree can help. University of Phoenix offers an EdD that teaches students how to use analytical, critical and innovative thinking to solve complex educational issues. Students also learn how to support an academic institution or organization with practical, research-based tools.

Doctoral programs can be earned completely online and are taught by faculty with an average of 28 years of academic experience. Visit phoenix.edu to learn more about education degrees from UOPX !

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

As dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education, Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

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EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?

Career Advice & Advancement Industry Advice Education

If you’re interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Should I apply for a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education?

The decision between these two culminating degrees can be career-defining as each serves a very different purpose despite being equivalent in level. In order to ensure you choose the path that best aligns with your future goals and career path, it’s important to take the time to first understand the differences in program curriculum and future career opportunities that relate to each degree.

Read on to learn about the defining qualities and key differences of an EdD and a PhD in Education to determine which program is the right fit for you.

EdD vs. PhD in Education

A Doctor of Education  is a professional degree designed for practitioners pursuing educational leadership roles. A Doctor of Philosophy in Education , on the other hand, is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles.

“With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis,” says Joseph McNabb , a professor of practice in Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education . “Conversely, an EdD student starts with a problem of practice and [works to learn] the skills it will take to resolve that complex problem of practice.”

What is an EdD degree?

An EdD, or Doctor of Education , is a professional doctorate best suited for experienced educators and mid- to senior-level working professionals who want to lead and implement change within their organization.

EdD candidates work in a broad range of fields ranging from K-12 and higher education to nonprofits, government, healthcare, and the military. What each share is a desire to transform their everyday environment and apply the lessons learned through their doctorate to a complex, critical issue facing their workplace. 

The EdD is practice-based. Students in an EdD program don’t want to just research their area of interest, but leverage that research in ways that could positively influence their community or organization’s decision-making process.

Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration

Those who pursue an EdD focus on qualitative, exploratory research. Students collect data and conduct individual interviews, observations, or focus groups to construct hypotheses and develop strategies that can help solve or clarify a specific problem of practice, such as how to support student veterans transitioning to civilian life or how to foster more female leaders in higher education—two dissertation topics recently explored through Northeastern’s EdD program .

What can you do with an EdD Degree?

While an EdD can be applied to a variety of industries and career options—such as K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, or civic service—there are several job titles you’ll likely come across within your cohort of classmates. They include:

• Postsecondary education administrators: Postsecondary education administrators work in colleges or universities, and typically oversee faculty research, academics, admissions, or student affairs. Some job titles that fall under this category include president, vice president, provost, and dean. The average annual salary for a postsecondary education administrator rings in at $102,610 .
• Elementary and secondary school education administrators: Superintendents, who are the top executives of a school district, fall under this category. They manage academic programs, spending, and the staffing of all educational facilities within their district, and typically earn an average of $111,020 per year .
• Top executives : In education, a top executive could be a “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer”—senior-level professionals who drive and develop strategies that help their organization meet critical business goals. Top executives make an average of $103,840 per year .
• Instructional coordinators : Instructional coordinators create and manage school curricula and other educational materials. They help teachers implement effective classroom learning strategies and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how. The average annual salary for instructional coordinators is $74,620 .

These are just a few of the many career opportunities available to EdD graduates.

Learn More: 8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education

What is a PhD in Education?

A PhD in Education is a terminal degree best suited for individuals who want to pursue a career in academia or research at the university level.

Students in PhD or doctoral programs take a more theoretical, study-based approach to learning. In most cases, their goal is to master a specific subject or add their unique findings to a body of existing literature. PhD candidates conduct original research in the hopes of driving change in their field or inspiring others to make change based on their work.

A PhD is the degree most popular amongst those who aspire to become a professor or obtain a tenure position. Through these programs, students tend to focus on getting published in well-respected journals, presenting at national conferences, and learning how to teach future educators.

What can you do with a PhD in Education?

While some of the above roles can also be earned through a PhD program, the most common job titles for PhD-holders include:

• Postsecondary teachers: Postsecondary teachers instruct students at a college or university. When they’re not in the classroom, they’re often focused on conducting research, attending conferences, and publishing scholarly papers and books. Postsecondary teachers earn an average $84,380 per year .
• Academic researcher : Researchers often have the opportunity to create their own centers or institutes, hire staff to help carry out their work, and secure funding for that work. Salaries often vary by subject area, but a general academic researcher typically earns an average of $85,234 per year .

EdD or PhD: Which is better for you?

Once you’ve explored the differences between an EdD and PhD in Education, the most relevant question to consider will be: What’s the next step I want to take in my career, and which degree can help me achieve my professional goals? The answer to this question will determine which degree program you ultimately pursue.

Earning your doctorate can pay off no matter which path you choose. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average of $109,668 a year —far more than master’s degree holders. Similarly, doctoral degree holders see an unemployment rate of only 1.6% compared to the national unemployment rate of 2%.

Regardless of which degree you ultimately pursue, there is enormous potential for you to advance your career in the field of education. Evaluating your needs and values will help you understand whether an EdD or PhD in Education is best suited to your personal and professional goals.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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About scott w. o'connor, related articles, 5 tips for choosing your edd concentration.

What to Expect from an EdD Program

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EdD vs. PhD in Education: Why Choose an EdD?

EdD or PhD? This is one of the first decisions aspiring education leaders face when exploring options for advanced degrees. The need for leaders in the field has never been greater. Integrating new educational methods and technology, addressing diversity and other social issues, and managing growing requirements for remote learning—these are just a few of the issues currently challenging educators. Taking a step toward earning an EdD or a PhD requires that prospective students first explore the differences between them to determine which track best serves their interests and aspirations.

Both degrees prepare graduates for rewarding careers and leadership roles in the education field , but they vary significantly in terms of study focus and typical career paths. Future education leaders wondering why to get an EdD or a PhD should understand the differences between the two degrees before they choose to pursue one.

What Is a Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree?

An EdD is an advanced degree in the education field that prepares graduates to succeed in leadership roles in higher education. EdD curricula incorporate heavy coursework in education policy, research methods, current social and political issues impacting students and teachers, developing teams and procedures, collaborating with internal and external partners, and managing and planning budgets.

EdD programs provide a solid foundation in modern education system operations, as well as extensive tools to create strategies and implement solutions to help schools and educational organizations succeed. Someone who has an EdD can teach or serve as an educator, but the degree program is more focused on helping graduates become leaders of educational organizations.

What Is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree?

A PhD is an advanced degree that individuals and professionals can typically earn after attaining a master’s degree. A PhD can be attained in several academic subjects, including education, and often prepares students for careers in more research-oriented positions, as well as university and college instructor roles. The curriculum for a PhD in education can vary by school, but it often includes coursework in educational research and evaluation, teaching methods, and a larger dissertation on topics or subjects in the education field.

Job Outlook

In broad terms, EdD programs help graduates gain a deep understanding of education as a field and profession, developing leadership expertise for various educational settings. The PhD track is more research oriented, helping graduates prepare for both the classroom and research aspects of teaching at a postsecondary institution. A closer look at career paths, salary projections, and growth outlooks can help differentiate the programs further.

EdD vs. PhD: Common Career Paths

When considering why to get an EdD or a PhD, it’s important to look at what happens after graduation. EdD and PhD programs’ different areas of focus mean each program best prepares graduates for different career options. The most common path for PhD recipients is to go right back into postsecondary education, with the hope of becoming tenured professors at a college or university. Gaining an EdD opens a variety of doors in the education sector.

Professional Options with an EdD

EdD graduates will have some research background, for example, in examining the implementation of a new curriculum and student response. EdD graduates also benefit from classes focused on leadership and strategic planning, which provide a more business-oriented viewpoint of education and illustrate how policies can impact education at all levels.

Educators who earn an EdD can choose to pursue any of a variety of paths throughout education. Most commonly, they go into elementary, secondary, or postsecondary administration, serving in such roles as college dean or school district superintendent. EdD graduates from a school such as American University can also become college professors or run education-based nonprofit organizations.

Professional Options with a PhD

PhD programs place greater emphasis on research, and graduates commonly work in academia or pursue academic research. Experts in their specific area of focus, they may choose to continue their research with students or other professors.

A person who holds a PhD in education can serve as a professor at a university, a consultant, or a researcher in a government education agency or organization, as well as in a larger leadership role in school or university administration.

EdD vs. PhD: Salary Comparison

Many education leadership roles can be filled by professionals who have earned either an EdD or a PhD, so their respective earning potential is difficult to define precisely. Salaries largely depend upon experience and geographic location. Salary ranges for postsecondary educators, for example, vary widely depending on whether an educator is working at the associate or assistant level or has attained a full professorship. 

According to Payscale, the median annual salary for professionals with a PhD in education is approximately $80,000. Payscale notes that assistant professors of postsecondary/higher education have a median annual salary of roughly $69,000. 

Doctoral degree holders who attain advanced roles in academia earn higher salaries:  Deans with the degree have a median salary of around $93,000 annually, according to Payscale. 

The median annual salary for EdD degree holders is around $80,000 in June 2022, according to Payscale. Salaries for EdD professionals can vary significantly by role. For example, Payscale reports the median annual salary of associate professors working in postsecondary/higher education is around $71,000, while EdD professionals serving in an executive director role have a median salary of around $104,000 per year.

Growth Outlook for EdD vs. PhD

The bright career outlook for degree holders is another reason to get an EdD or PhD. Advanced leadership roles for education professionals generally have a positive growth outlook. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for postsecondary teachers will grow by 12 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than the average 8 percent growth the BLS projects for all professions. The BLS estimates that over the same period, postsecondary education administrator positions will grow by 8 percent, which is on par with the national job growth average projected by the BLS.

Differences Between EdD and PhD 

EdDs and PhDs are valuable to professionals seeking to become leaders in education. Both require significant commitments—a doctoral-level degree can take three years or more to complete. While there’s overlap between the coursework and career options for EdD and PhD programs, a review of the differences can help determine a good fit for prospective students.

The curricula for the degrees themselves prepare students for different career paths after they graduate. There are generally more options and specialties for PhD programs than there are for EdD programs. An EdD primarily prepares graduates to become leaders and strategists in the education field—for example, as superintendents, deans, provosts, and school district officials—while a PhD is more tailored to preparing graduates for instructional and research roles in education and higher education, for example, as professors and researchers.

This doesn’t mean that an EdD degree holder can’t serve as a professor or an instructor in a university environment or that a PhD in education degree holder can’t succeed as a superintendent or a dean. EdD programs just focus on the larger scope and strategy of an educational organization or institution, while PhD programs are more tightly focused on academic research.

EdD candidates learn about different educational and leadership styles and how education fits into the larger world. They explore policy at the local, state, national, and international levels. Ultimately they discover how to spearhead change throughout the educational system. EdD graduates can learn how to make strategic partnerships and forge meaningful relationships in the professional world.

PhD students focus much more on research methods and data collection. They typically explore a more narrowly focused dissertation than that of EdD students. PhD students often choose their specific area of research and then spend much of their time collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data so that they can draw informed conclusions. While EdD work looks at systemic progress and trends, PhD work typically examines education theory and methods, with the end goal of having them applied directly in the classroom.

Ultimately both degrees are associated with professionals who’ve earned leadership roles in education, and both degrees enable degree holders to make a positive impact on students’ lives and on educational communities.

Why Get an EdD?

One of the main reasons to get an EdD is that it can prepare graduates to take on leadership roles in different aspects of education. These are more commonly operational roles in academia, such as a higher education administrator. However, an EdD education can also lead to roles in a classroom setting, such as a professor.

The process of earning an EdD degree helps individuals gain expertise in concepts such as leadership, academic policy, and resource management. While these skills are often useful in administration, policy development and implication, and leadership contexts, an EdD can also give degree holders the foundational knowledge to conduct academic research. 

Choosing an EdD Program

No two EdD programs are alike. Exploring their differences can help prospective students determine the program that’s the right fit for them. EdD programs may offer varying specializations, for example, education policy and leadership or school administration. Programs can also differ in delivery options, such as online versus in-person coursework. 

Benefits of an Online EdD

Individuals who opt to pursue their EdD through an online program can benefit in several ways. A significant advantage is the flexibility of an online program, as its structure makes it possible for students to build their studies and coursework around their existing schedule.

Another benefit of an online EdD program is that students who are concurrently working full-time can immediately apply what they’ve learned to their job. Additionally, the flexibility of an online program fosters discipline, such as good time management, which is essential for professional success.

Become an Education Leader  

As society continues to evolve, effective leadership will be needed to guide educational institutions toward a brighter future. Earning an EdD can prepare an individual to guide others confidently as an academic leader, either in the classroom or in an administrative role. Being fully able to lead this charge can make earning an EdD an immensely satisfying achievement.

American University’s online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership program offers students a flexible option to participate in an innovative EdD program from one of the nation’s leading universities. Because the program is online, professionals have the ability to pursue their educational leadership goals and connect with established thought leaders and decision makers, all while still being able to balance their other responsibilities. 

Explore American University’s innovative program to learn more about how the EdD in Education Policy and Leadership program can help educators advance in their field and change lives.

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EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?

By Scott W. O’Connor

If you’re interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education, one of the first questions you’ll face is:  Should I apply for a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education?

The decision between these two culminating degrees can be career-defining as each serves a very different purpose despite being equivalent in level. In order to ensure you choose the path that best aligns with your future career goals, it’s important to take the time to first understand the differences in program curriculum and future career opportunities that relate to each degree.

Read on to learn about the defining qualities of an EdD and a PhD in Education, and determine which program is the right fit for you.

EdD vs. PhD in Education

A  Doctor of Education (EdD)  is a professional degree designed for practitioners pursuing educational leadership roles. A  PhD in education , on the other hand, is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles.

“With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis,”  Joseph McNabb , a professor of practice in Northeastern’s  Graduate School of Education , explains. “Conversely, an EdD student starts with a problem of practice and [works to learn] the skills it will take to resolve that complex problem of practice.”

What is an EdD Degree?

An  EdD, or Doctor of Education , is a  professional doctorate  best suited for experienced educators and mid- to senior-level working professionals who want to lead and implement change within their organization.

EdD candidates work in a broad range of fields ranging from K-12 and higher education to nonprofits, government, healthcare, and the military. What each share is a desire to transform their everyday environment and apply the lessons learned through their doctorate to a complex, critical issue facing their workplace. 

The EdD is practice-based. Students in an EdD program don’t want to just research their area of interest, but leverage that research in ways that could positively influence their community or organization’s decision-making process.

Learn More:   5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration

Those who pursue an EdD focus on qualitative, exploratory research. Students collect data and conduct individual interviews, observations, or focus groups to construct hypotheses and develop strategies that can help solve or clarify a specific problem of practice, such as how to support student veterans transitioning to civilian life or how to foster more female leaders in higher education—two  dissertation topics  recently explored through  Northeastern’s EdD program .

What Can You Do with an EdD Degree?

While an EdD can be applied to a variety of industries—such as K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, or civic service—there are several job titles you’ll likely come across within your cohort of classmates. They include:

• Postsecondary Education Administrators:  Postsecondary education administrators work in colleges or universities, and typically oversee faculty research, academics, admissions, or student affairs. Some job titles that fall under this category include president, vice president, provost, and dean. The average annual salary for a postsecondary education administrator rings in at  $94,340 .
• Elementary and Secondary School Education Administrators:  Superintendents, who are the top executives of a school district, fall under this category. They manage academic programs, spending, and the staffing of all educational facilities within their district, and typically earn  an average of $98,880 per year .
• Top Executives : In education, a top executive could be a “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer”—senior-level professionals who drive and develop strategies that help their organization meet critical business goals. Top executives make an average of approximately  $104,980 per year .
• Instructional Coordinators : Instructional coordinators create and manage school curricula and other educational materials. They help teachers implement effective classroom learning strategies and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how. The average annual salary for instructional coordinators is roughly  $64,450 .

These are just a few of the many career opportunities available to EdD graduates.

Learn More:   Top Careers with a Doctorate in Education

What is a PhD in Education?

A  PhD in Education  is a terminal degree best suited for individuals who want to pursue a career in academia or research at the university level.

Students in a PhD program take a more theoretical, study-based approach to learning. In most cases, their goal is to master a specific subject or add their unique findings to a body of existing literature. PhD candidates conduct original research in the hopes of driving change in their field or inspiring others to make change based off their work.

A PhD is the degree most popular amongst those who aspire to become a professor or obtain a tenure position. Through these programs, students tend to focus on getting published in well-respected journals, presenting at national conferences, and learning how to teach future educators.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Education?

While some of the above roles can also be earned through a PhD program, the most common job titles for PhD-holders include:

• Postsecondary Teachers:  Postsecondary teachers instruct students at a college or university. When they’re not in the classroom, they’re often focused on conducting research, attending conferences, and publishing scholarly papers and books. Postsecondary teachers earn  an average $78,470 per year .
• Academic Researcher : Researchers often have the opportunity to create their own centers or institutes, hire staff to help carry out their work, and secure funding for that work. Salaries often vary by subject area, but a general academic researcher typically earns an average  $76,273 per year .

Taking the Next Step

Once you’ve explored the differences between an EdD and PhD in Education, the most relevant question to consider will be:  What’s the next step I want to take in my career, and which degree can help me achieve my professional goals?  The answer to this question will determine which degree you ultimately pursue.

Earning your doctorate can pay off no matter which path you choose. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average  $3.65 million  over their lifetime—nearly one million dollars more than master’s degree holders. Similarly, doctoral degree holders see an unemployment rate of only  1.5 percent  compared to the national unemployment rate of 3.6 percent.

Regardless of which degree you ultimately pursue, there is enormous potential for you to advance your career in the field of education. Evaluating your needs and values will help you understand whether an EdD or PhD in Education is best suited to your personal and professional goals.

About Scott W. O’Connor

Scott W. O’Connor is a writer and SEO specialist for Northeastern University. He has been writing for both print and online publications for over 10 years and specializes in the higher education sector.

“With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis. Conversely, an EdD student starts with a problem of practice and [works to learn] the skills it will take to resolve that complex problem of practice.” Joseph McNabb Professor of practice in Northeastern’s  Graduate School of Education

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EdD vs PhD: Which Education Degree Should You Get?

Teachers that are looking to use their leadership skills to create change in policy, curriculum, and research can use a doctorate degree to get roles in research, postsecondary schools, and K-12 education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary education jobs are projected to grow  12%  between 2020-2030.

However, teachers wanting to earn a high-level degree must choose between a doctor of education (EdD) or a doctor of philosophy in education (PhD) degree. While both are excellent options, the two degrees lead to very different coursework, requirements, and career outcomes.

What Are EdD and PhD In Education Degrees For?

A doctorate degree in education gives people a variety of career paths. The  different  programs can lead to private and public sector jobs including: 

• Administrator
• Superintendent
• Policy maker
• Postsecondary teacher
• College president
• Education director

The EdD and PhD are both terminal degrees that make teachers and educators experts in their fields. A good job outlook and growth projections make a doctorate degree worth the time and money. 

Picking Between an EdD or PhD In Education Program

The curriculum and job prospects of an EdD and PhD program are different. You should consider your interests and career goals when deciding which type of degree to obtain.

• A PhD program  is rooted in research and theory and students learn to interpret research.
• And EdD program  is rooted in leadership and application and students are taught how to apply the research to a real-world setting.

The EdD degree is available to professionals who already hold a master’s degree and want to advance their career and receive a boost in income. 

The EdD program prepares students to apply research to real-world settings and to find work in educational leadership. This degree  rewards  students with the skill set and ability to create change in their professional environment by:

• Develop the tools to become a better administrator
• Résumé credibility and expanded career search
• Learn the latest technology in instructional design
• Qualify for senior educational leadership positions

The overall goal of getting an EdD degree is to become a good leader and transfer knowledge to an education environment to create positive change. 

Coursework  includes a focus on professional leadership, solutions, and solving problems in practice. 

Teachers and administrators  are best suited for an EdD. Many programs are geared towards the working professional and are offered online or in a hybrid model. 

Those who complete an EdD degree often choose to work in a K-12 setting or in college administration.

On average, an EdD degree takes  three years  to complete including a dissertation. This timeframe can be dependent on: 

• Previous education
• Online vs. in-person programs
• Part-time vs. full-time study

Since obtaining an EdD degree is both time-consuming and a financial commitment, finding a program that meets a person’s career goals, work-life balance, and interests is critical.

EdD Career Outcomes And Salaries

Careers in education are growing and the job outlook for this profession is positive. Someone with an EdD degree can expect an increase in income and responsibility. 

A few examples of careers available to people with an EdD degree are highlighted below. 

• Median Salary: $80,560 
• Career Outlook: +912% (2020-2030)

Postsecondary teachers instruct students beyond high school. They are typically referred to as faculty or professors and may write books, conduct research, and publish papers. 

• Median Salary: $97,500 
• Career Outlook: +8% (2020-2030)

A postsecondary education administrator works in the college setting usually in student services, student affairs, admission, registrar’s office, or oversees faculty, research, and academics.

• Median Salary: $107,680 

Top executives are usually in charge of the organization’s big picture. They create strategies and policies to meet goals. 

• Median Salary: $98,490 

School principals oversee all aspects of the school setting including managing staff, curriculum, and the health and safety of the students. 

A PhD in education prepares people to  critically analyze and interpret  research. 

Those that hold a PhD become experts in a given field of education such as teaching practices, inequity in education, and how learning environments shape student outcomes. 

Coursework  includes a focus on education, quantitative and qualitative research, and a close collaboration with faculty. 

A PhD  dissertation  focuses on creating new research in a particular field whereas a dissertation in an EdD program focuses on solving a particular problem found in a school setting. 

People who have a passion for new research and advanced theory along with the desire to become an expert in a particular education field are best suited for a PhD in education. 

Career options  for those that hold a PhD in education include:

• University professor
• Research scholar
• Policy researcher

PhD of education students will enjoy using their skill set to shape new research and create best practices that will affect teaching and learning for years to come.

On average, a PhD in education degree takes  4-6 years  to complete including an original research dissertation.  

Unlike the EdD degree, the PhD program is a full-time commitment and not well suited for the working professional. Not many schools offer an online PhD in Education program. 

Program timeline may be dependent on:

• Student funding 
• Dissertation complexity

Since obtaining a PhD degree is both time-consuming and a financial commitment, finding a program that meets a person’s career goals, work-life balance, and interests is critical.

PhD In Education Career Outcomes And Salaries

As with EdD careers, careers for PhD graduates are projected to see significant job growth. Someone with a PhD degree can expect an increase in income and responsibility. 

While EdD professionals seek to obtain roles as superintendents, deans, principals, and other education administrative positions, PhD professionals seek roles as professors, scholars, and researchers. 

• Career Outlook: +12% (2020-2030)

Postsecondary professors instruct students beyond high school. They may also be referred to as faculty. Professors often write books, conduct research, and publish papers.

Postsecondary education administrators who hold a PhD may oversee faculty research, or work in student affairs, attendance, and academics.

• Median Salary: $59,870 
• Career Outlook: +4% (2020-2030)

Survey researchers conduct qualitative research and analyze the data for trends that can influence education policy and help shape education decisions and plans.

Doctor Of Education (EdD) vs Educational Specialist (EdS)

Another option for career advancement in education is the educational specialist (EdS). An EdS is a postgraduate degree for those that already have a master’s degree, but don’t want to pursue a doctorate. This program is designed for the working professional who wants to add to their skill set but in half the time it takes to complete an EdD program. 

The EdS is a  graduate certificate  that does not require a dissertation or capstone project to complete and is geared towards those that work in the K-12 setting. However, this option is not designed for people who want to work in higher education or organizational leadership.

What To Look For In Educational Doctoral Degree Programs

When comparing different EdD and PhD programs, you should also consider factors outside of career outcomes such as online flexibility and accreditation. 

Online vs. On-Campus Learning

While most PhD programs are full-time and conducted in person, online EdD programs are becoming more abundant, and many schools offer the option to complete the degree on a part-time or full-time basis to accommodate busy schedules and the working professional. The biggest benefits of online learning include:

• Flexibility and self-paced learning
• Better time management
• Improved virtual and communication and collaboration
• Faster graduation times
• Ability to work from anywhere

Accreditation

Accreditation is critical for any educational institute. It certifies that the school and its curriculum meet the appropriate standards and qualifications outlined by the  U.S. Department of Education  and/or the  Council for Higher Education  accreditation. 

Choosing a school that is accredited is extremely important and it gives degrees credibility and validity and will be valued by employers. 

Many programs and departments within a school may have a separate accreditation called programmatic accreditation. This accreditation elevates the credibility of the program and shows that the department has designed a program that meets a standard of excellence. 

Programmatic accreditation also ensures that students will receive the appropriate training and knowledge to be successful in their given fields. 

Applying To Education Doctoral Programs

Admissions requirements for education doctoral programs depend on the type of school, degree, and program modality desired. A master’s degree, letters of recommendation, GRE score, work experience, and prior grades are a few examples of typical education doctoral application requirements.

Admission Requirements For EdD and PhD Programs

Admission requirements for an  EdD program  typically include:

• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 units of upper-division courses taken
• Passing GRE score
• Three academic or professional letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• Essay on an assigned topic
• Master’s or specialist degree in education 
• Three years practical experience
• Currently employed as a full-time educator
• Application fee

Admission requirements for a  PhD program  typically include:

• Statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation 
• College and university transcripts

EdD vs PhD in Education FAQ

• One degree is not considered “better” than the other. Both the PhD and EdD pathways end in a terminal doctorate degree and both programs are designed for different career goals and interests.
• An EdD is a terminal doctorate degree that is designed for the working educational professional (teacher or administrator) who wants to advance their career and apply research in a real-life setting.
• An EdD program is typically three years in length, while a PhD program typically takes four to six years to complete. 
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that doctoral degrees in education are a growing profession that offers both rewarding and healthy salaries for those who pursue them.
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
• https://rossier.usc.edu/phd-vs-edd-in-education-nine-expert-tips-to-help-you-choose-with-infographic/
• https://www.franklin.edu/blog/is-a-doctorate-in-education-worth-it
• https://www.eddprograms.org/resources/is-an-edd-worth-it/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm
• https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/education/resource/how-to-tell-if-i-want-an-edd-or-a-phd-in-education
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/survey-researchers.htm
• https://www.onlineeddprograms.com/faqs/edd-vs-eds-degree
• https://education.ufl.edu/curriculum-teaching/edd/admissions-requirements/
• https://ed.stanford.edu/admissions/application-reqs/phd

• Jul 22, 2022
• 11 min read

Is a PhD Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Getting a Doctorate

To get a PhD or not to get a PhD? That is the question.

Valerie David

Lifestyle and Career Expert

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

Entering the job market for the first time can be a stressful experience, especially if you don't feel completely prepared. When deciding how to take those first steps toward your ultimate career , and how to give yourself a chance at the best jobs, you may find yourself asking: “Should I do a PhD?”.

While academics looking forward to a life of learning may consider this a no-brainer, there are important factors for everyone to consider. Finances, job prospects and quality of life issues can greatly affect the success of furthering your education.

To help you decide if the time and effort of a PhD is worth it, here are the major benefits and disadvantages of getting that doctorate.

After four or more years of intellectual pursuits, adding a PhD may seem like overkill. Before you make your choice, let's look at all the benefits that are exclusive to earning the most advanced degree.

1. You can contribute new knowledge to the world

Embarking on a PhD programme means delving into your preferred subject in a much deeper way than you have in any of your previous studies. The beauty of this advanced degree is that it allows you to sail in uncharted waters. Your goal is to find new information, draw new conclusions and, hopefully, make a significant contribution to your field.

Your intensive research, travel, collaboration and study will lead you on an unpredictable path to telling a story that no one has heard before. For some students, this pursuit of knowledge and discovery is enough to make all the hard work of earning a PhD worth it.

2. You'll have access to more prestigious jobs

One of the key benefits of a PhD is that it opens doors to careers at the highest levels. This can include leadership positions in science and engineering, government roles in economics and political science, and prestigious teaching posts for English and arts majors. Even if an advanced degree isn't required for the job you want, that PhD can give you an extra air of authority in your field and an edge over other candidates.

Another obvious upside to continuing your postgraduate studies is that landing these powerful positions can lead to large financial rewards. Some areas of study, like medicine and the law, tend to be more lucrative, but it can also depend on the type of job. For example, a university professor or researcher post can pay well for a wide variety of disciplines. Check out sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Careers Service to investigate potential salaries.

3. Employers look for candidates with your superior writing skills

A study arranged by the National Commission on Writing discovered that blue-chip businesses (long-standing companies with stable stock growth) are spending more than $3 billion a year on remedial writing course for current employees. This includes staff with undergraduate degrees.

So, when a hiring manager peruses your résumé and sees that you've earned a PhD, they'll know immediately that you've spent years honing your skills at compiling research, organizing mountains of data and writing about your results in a cohesive and persuasive way. This will clearly set you apart from your competition, while landing your dream job will prove that pursuing that advanced degree was worth it.

4. You'll improve on all your soft skills

While pursuing your undergraduate degree, you likely noticed that you were learning more than just the subject matter taught in each class. Completing your studies also required time management skills , focus and problem solving .

Getting a doctorate degree requires even more of the soft skills that employers look for in applicants . Your intensive study and finished thesis should lead to improvements in your problem solving, critical thinking , patience and adaptability . These desirable skills won't just help you land a job but also excel in whatever career you choose to pursue .

5. You'll collect an extensive network of professional colleagues

When weighing the pros and cons of earning a PhD, consider all the professional contacts you'll make during the course of your studies. Working closely with professors, department heads, experts in your field, as well as fellow researchers, helps you develop an important resource. This network of colleagues can provide continual assistance with references, job leads, career advice and collaboration.

6. You can wait for a more favorable job market

Job prospects may not look that promising when you've completed your undergraduate degree, or even after you've been in the workforce for a few years. While there's no guarantee things will improve after a delay, some students may appreciate the benefit of a steady graduate assistant salary while they work on enhancing their résumé with a doctorate.

If you couldn't get a good internship during or after your undergrad studies, the PhD work also gives you the time to build that professional network . These contacts could prove to be the key to breaking into a specialized or highly competitive field.

You may still be thinking about all that time and commitment and wondering, “Is a PhD worth it?”. While there are always positive results from improving your education, there are some downsides to getting your doctorate.

1. It's expensive

This is a substantial factor for many students when weighing the merits of pursuing a PhD versus entering the job market right away. If you already have student loans , continuing your education will just increase your burden and add substantial pressure when you eventually begin your job search.

If cost is a concern, investigate graduate assistant jobs that help with expenses. Some programmes offer tuition assistance in return for teaching or research work. For those who already work full time and are hoping a PhD will help them advance in their career, consider keeping that job and pursuing your studies on a part-time basis.

2. Getting a PhD can be a lonely experience

Despite your interactions with professors and other students, pursuing a doctoral degree is ultimately a solitary pursuit. Your thesis topic is unique to you, and you'll spend a lot of time alone doing research and writing. Your social life can suffer, especially if you're also working in addition to your studies.

Career experts often talk about the necessity of work-life balance for physical and mental health, and this is just as important for PhD students as anyone else. It may take you a little longer to complete your degree, but it's worth taking the time to visit family and hang out with your friends. These positive interactions can help you stay motivated through the most tedious parts of your work.

3. You'll experience extreme stress and frustration

Pursuing a PhD may seem like a noble and interesting endeavor, and extended life as a student can appear more attractive than wading into the job market. You must be aware, however, that getting a doctorate can be a very stressful and frustrating experience.

A topic that seemed intriguing at first may not live up to years of scrutiny, causing boredom at best or requiring a complete thesis change at worst. Not all programmes are well-run, either, and you may have a supervisor who is too critical, offers poor advice or is just unavailable and unhelpful.

The difficulties of a PhD programme lead to rather substantial dropout rates. In the US alone, only 57% of PhD students obtained their degree within a decade of enrolling. If you want to be in the successful half of those stats, take extra time to review your choice of supervisor and topic focus. Ask every professor you have for advice on making the right decisions and talk with current graduate students to see what their experience has been.

4. There may be limited job openings

While getting a PhD can qualify you for better and higher-paying jobs , it can also put you in a position where you're competing for an extremely limited number of job openings. This is especially true of university jobs, where the number of advanced degree graduates far outpaces the need for full-time instructors, researchers and administrators.

Earning your PhD with a very obscure thesis in a niche speciality can also limit your options. When there are only a handful of jobs that suit your expertise, and they're already occupied, it can make you feel that your doctorate was a waste of time. Consider the job market before you make decisions about getting another degree. If you're determined to study in a niche area, think ahead of time about related fields or industries where your knowledge and skills will also prove useful to employers.

5. There may be little to no financial reward

While most studies concur that having a PhD increases your income potential substantially over the lifetime of your career, it's not a guarantee of job security or a financial windfall. A study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that 5 years after earning their doctorates , 45% of grads in Germany were still on temporary contracts and 13% ended up in lowly occupations.

Other European countries, including Slovakia, Belgium and Spain, had similar results. In the US, in fields like engineering, the difference in pay scales between employees with a master's degree and a PhD was a mere 7%. When that small bump in salary is weighed against the amount of debt taken on in order to get your degree, you may decide it's not worth it.

6. You could lose out on valuable job experience

New forms of technology continue to change how organizations operate, and those changes can happen fast. If you've already spent several years in school, toiling away in solitary study of obscure subjects can cause you to fall further behind in learning the skills you'll actually need for a future career.

Before you invest in getting a PhD, research your chosen field and learn which type of degree will give you the most value. Many scientific, financial and computing careers rely more on skills acquired on the job, rather than in coursework that can quickly become outdated.

Questions to ask yourself

You’ve listed out the pros and cons, but that still may not be enough to help make your decision. When it comes to a life-altering change like getting a doctorate, it’s okay to take enough time to ask yourself specific questions to ensure you’re making the right move. Consider asking yourself the following:

• Why do I want to get a PhD?
• Do I have the pre-requisites to move forward to a PhD?
• What are my strengths and limitations?
• Am I financially prepared?
• Am I mentally prepared?
• How will this affect my relationship with my family or friends?
• Where will I study?
• What am I trying to achieve?
• What jobs will be available to me after I get my PhD?
• Are there other options or avenues to consider?

Unfortunately, you may not have the answer to every one of these questions, because let’s face it, you don’t know what you don’t know. You might not know how it will affect your relationship with family or friends, but why not ask them? Reach out to those closest to you and see how you pursuing this degree could trickle down to them and allow that to play into your decision. Evaluate the answers to these questions and use it to help you make an educated decision on your future moving forward.

The best PhD degrees

If you’ve weighed out the pros and cons, asked all the important questions, and now you’re set on getting your PhD, congratulations! To help you along the way, let’s look at a list of the most valuable PhD programs to start you on your way to this degree.

• Criminal Justice
• Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Business Administration

These fields are rapidly growing and are among the highest-paying doctorate degrees in 2022 , so they might be worth considering as you start your journey.

Key takeaways

Pursuing your PhD requires an incredible amount of commitment, and it's important to take the necessary time to make the decision. As you’re evaluating a doctorate degree, remember the following:

• Evaluate the pros and cons list right from the beginning to ensure you’re weighing out both sides of the coin.
• Ask yourself the necessary questions. A doctorate degree commitment can affect more than just you, so be sure you’re factoring that into your decision.
• Review specifically which PhD would be best for you and your field progression.
• Research your chosen field carefully and evaluate the job market before you finalize your degree choice.
• Once you’ve selected your degree, stay focused and stay driven. It’s going to be a hard few years, but it will be worth the work!

Who knows, this may prompt you to move on to postgraduate study — never stop achieving!

Have you decided to pursue your PhD, or are you still considering your options? Join us in the comments below and let us know what’s stopping or encouraging you from getting a PhD.

Originally published on July 24, 2019. Updated by Shalie Reich.

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9 things you should consider before embarking on a PhD

June 23, 2021 | 15 min read

By Andy Greenspon

The ideal research program you envision is not what it appears to be

Editor's Note:  When Andy Greenspon wrote this article, he was a first-year student in Applied Physics at Harvard. Now he has completed his PhD. — Alison Bert, June 23, 2021

If you are planning to apply for a PhD program, you're probably getting advice from dozens of students, professors, administrators your parents and the Internet. Sometimes it's hard to know which advice to focus on and what will make the biggest difference in the long-run. So before you go back to daydreaming about the day you accept that Nobel Prize, here are nine things you should give serious thought to. One or more of these tips may save you from anguish and help you make better decisions as you embark on that path to a PhD.

1. Actively seek out information about PhD programs.

Depending on your undergraduate institution, there may be more or less support to guide you in selecting a PhD program – but there is generally much less than when you applied to college.

On the website of my physics department, I found a page written by one of my professors, which listed graduate school options in physics and engineering along with resources to consult. As far as I know, my career center did not send out much information about PhD programs. Only after applying to programs did I find out that my undergraduate website had a link providing general information applicable to most PhD programs. This is the kind of information that is available all over the Internet.

So don't wait for your career center or department to lay out a plan for you. Actively seek it out from your career center counselors, your professors, the Internet — and especially from alumni from your department who are in or graduated from your desired PhD program. First-hand experiences will almost always trump the knowledge you get second-hand.

2. A PhD program is not simply a continuation of your undergraduate program.

Many students don't internalize this idea until they have jumped head-first into a PhD program. The goal is not to complete an assigned set of courses as in an undergraduate program, but to develop significant and original research in your area of expertise. You will have required courses to take, especially if you do not have a master's degree yet, but these are designed merely to compliment your research and provide a broad and deep knowledge base to support you in your research endeavors.

At the end of your PhD program, you will be judged on your research, not on how well you did in your courses. Grades are not critical as long as you maintain the minimum GPA requirement, and you should not spend too much time on courses at the expense of research projects. Graduate courses tend to be designed to allow you to take away what you will find useful to your research more than to drill a rigid set of facts and techniques into your brain.

3. Take a break between your undergraduate education and a PhD program.

You are beginning your senior year of college, and your classmates are asking you if you are applying to graduate school. You think to yourself, "Well, I like studying this topic and the associated research, and I am going to need a PhD if I want to be a professor or do independent research, so I might as well get it done as soon as possible." But are you certain about the type of research you want to do? Do you know where you want to live for the next five years? Are you prepared to stay in an academic environment for nine years straight?

Many people burn out or end up trudging through their PhD program without a thought about what lies outside of or beyond it. A break of a year or two or even more may be necessary to gain perspective. If all you know is an academic environment, how can you compare it to anything else? Many people take a job for five or more years before going back to get their PhD. It is true though that the longer you stay out of school, the harder it is to go back to an academic environment with lower pay and a lack of set work hours. A one-year break will give you six months or so after graduation before PhD applications are due. A two-year gap might be ideal to provide time to identify your priorities in life and explore different areas of research without having school work or a thesis competing for your attention.

Getting research experience outside of a degree program can help focus your interests and give you a leg up on the competition when you finally decide to apply. It can also help you determine whether you will enjoy full-time research or if you might prefer an alternative career path that still incorporates science, for example, in policy, consulting or business — or a hybrid research job that combines scientific and non-scientific skills.

I will be forever grateful that I chose to do research in a non-academic environment for a year between my undergraduate and PhD programs. It gave me the chance to get a feel for doing nothing but research for a full year. Working at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in the Space Division, I was the manager of an optics lab, performing spectroscopic experiments on rocks and minerals placed in a vacuum chamber. While my boss determined the overall experimental design, I was able to make my own suggestions for experiments and use my own discretion in how to perform them. I presented this research at two national conferences as well — a first for me. I was also able to learn about other research being performed there, determine which projects excited me the most, and thus narrow down my criteria for a PhD program.

4. Your current area of study does not dictate what you have to study in graduate school.

You might be studying the function and regulation of membrane proteins or doing a computational analysis of the conductivity of different battery designs, but that doesn't mean your PhD project must revolve around similar projects. The transition between college or another research job to a PhD program is one of the main transitions in your life when it is perfectly acceptable to completely change research areas.

If you are doing computation, you may want to switch to lab-based work or vice versa. If you are working in biology but have always had an interest in photonics research, now is the time to try it out. You may find that you love the alternative research and devote your PhD to it, you might hate it and fall back on your previous area of study — or you may even discover a unique topic that incorporates both subjects.

One of the best aspects of the PhD program is that you can make the research your own. Remember, the answer to the question "Why are you doing this research?" should not be "Well, because it's what I've been working on for the past few years already."While my undergraduate research was in atomic physics, I easily transitioned into applied physics and materials science for my PhD program and was able to apply much of what I learned as an undergraduate to my current research. If you are moving from the sciences to a non-STEM field such as social sciences or humanities, this advice can still apply, though the transition is a bit more difficult and more of a permanent commitment.

5. Make sure the PhD program has a variety of research options, and learn about as many research groups as possible in your first year.

Even if you believe you are committed to one research area, you may find that five years of such work is not quite what you expected. As such, you should find a PhD program where the professors are not all working in the same narrowly focused research area. Make sure there are at least three professors working on an array of topics you could imagine yourself working on.

In many graduate programs, you are supposed to pick a research advisor before even starting. But such arrangements often do not work out, and you may be seeking a new advisor before you know it. That's why many programs give students one or two semesters to explore different research areas before choosing a permanent research advisor.

In your first year, you should explore the research of a diverse set of groups. After touring their labs, talking to the students, or sitting in on group meetings, you may find that this group is the right one for you.

In addition, consider the importance of who your research advisor will be. This will be the person you interact with regularly for five straight years and who will have a crucial influence on your research. Do you like their advising style? Does their personality mesh with yours? Can you get along? Of course, the research your advisor works on is critical, but if you have large disagreements at every meeting or do not get helpful advice on how to proceed with your research, you may not be able to succeed. At the very least, you must be able to handle your advisor's management of the lab and advising style if you are going to be productive in your work. The Harvard program I enrolled in has professors working on research spanning from nanophotonics to energy materials and biophysics, covering my wide range of interests. By spending time in labs and offices informally chatting with graduate students, I found an advisor whose personality and research interests meshed very well with me. Their genuine enthusiasm for this advisor and their excitement when talking about their research was the best input I could have received.

6. Location is more important than you think — but name recognition is not.

The first consideration in choosing a PhD program should be, "Is there research at this university that I am passionate about?" After all, you will have to study this topic in detail for four or more years. But when considering the location of a university, your first thought should not be, "I'm going to be in the lab all the time, so what does it matter if I'm by the beach, in a city, or in the middle of nowhere." Contrary to popular belief, you will have a life outside of the lab, and you will have to be able to live with it for four or more years. Unlike when you were an undergraduate, your social and extracurricular life will revolve less around the university community, so the environment of the surrounding area is important. Do you need a city atmosphere to be productive? Or is your ideal location surrounded by forests and mountains or by a beach? Is being close to your family important? Imagine what it will be like living in the area during the times you are not doing research; consider what activities will you do and how often will you want to visit family.

While many of the PhD programs that accepted me had research that truly excited me, the only place I could envision living for five or more years was Boston, as the city I grew up near and whose environment and culture I love, and to be close to my family.

While location is more important than you think, the reputation and prestige of the university is not. In graduate school, the reputation of the individual department you are joining — and sometimes even the specific research group you work in — are more important. There, you will develop research collaborations and professional connections that will be crucial during your program and beyond. When searching for a job after graduation, other scientists will look at your specific department, the people you have worked with and the research you have done.

At the Asgard Irish Pub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Andy Greenspon talks with fellow graduate students from Harvard and MIT at an Ask for Evidence workshop organized by Sense About Science. He grew up near Boston and chose to go to graduate school there.

7. Those time management skills you developed in college? Develop them further.

After surviving college, you may think you have mastered the ability to squeeze in your coursework, extracurricular activities and even some sleep. In a PhD program, time management reaches a whole new level. You will not only have lectures to attend and homework to do. You will have to make time for your research, which will include spending extended periods of time in the lab, analyzing data, and scheduling time with other students to collaborate on research.

Also, you will most likely have to teach for a number of semesters, and you will want to attend any seminar that may be related to your research or that just peaks your interest. To top it all off, you will still want to do many of those extracurricular activities you did as an undergraduate. While in the abstract, it may seem simple enough to put this all into your calendar and stay organized, you will find quickly enough that the one hour you scheduled for a task might take two or three hours, putting you behind on everything else for the rest of the day or forcing you to cut other planned events. Be prepared for schedules to go awry, and be willing to sacrifice certain activities. For some, this might be sleep; for others, it might be an extracurricular activity or a few seminars they were hoping to attend. In short, don't panic when things don't go according to plan; anticipate possible delays and be ready to adapt.

8. Expect to learn research skills on the fly – or take advantage of the training your department or career center offers.

This may be the first time you will have to write fellowship or grant proposals, write scientific papers, attend conferences, present your research to others, or even peer-review scientific manuscripts. From my experience, very few college students or even PhD students receive formal training on how to perform any of these tasks. Usually people follow by example. But this is not always easy and can be quite aggravating sometimes. So seek out talks or interactive programs offered by your department or career center. The effort will be well worth it when you realize you've become quite adept at quickly and clearly explaining your research to others and at outlining scientific papers and grant proposals. Alternatively, ask a more experienced graduate student or your advisor for advice on these topics. In addition, be prepared for a learning curve when learning all the procedures and processes of the group you end up working in. There may be many new protocols to master, whether they involve synthesizing chemicals, growing bacterial cells, or aligning mirrors on an optical table. In addition, the group may use programming languages or data analysis software you are unfamiliar with. Don't get discouraged but plan to spend extra effort getting used to these procedures and systems. After working with them regularly, they will soon become second nature. When I first started my job at Johns Hopkins, I felt overwhelmed by all the intricacies of the experiment and definitely made a few mistakes, including breaking a number of optical elements. But by the end of my year there, I had written an updated protocol manual for the modifications I had made to the experimental procedures and was the "master" passing on my knowledge to the next person taking the job.

9. There are no real breaks.

In a stereotypical "9-to-5" job, when the workday is over or the weekend arrives, you can generally forget about your work. And a vacation provides an even longer respite. But in a PhD program, your schedule becomes "whenever you find time to get your work done." You might be in the lab during regular work hours or you might be working until 10 p.m. or later to finish an experiment. And the only time you might have available to analyze data might be at 1 a.m. Expect to work during part of the weekend, too. Graduate students do go on vacations but might still have to do some data analysis or a literature search while away.

As a PhD student, it might be hard to stop thinking about the next step in an experiment or that data sitting on your computer or that paper you were meaning to start. While I imagine some students can bifurcate their mind between graduate school life and everything else, that's quite hard for many of us to do. No matter what, my research lies somewhere in the back of my head. In short, your schedule is much more flexible as a PhD student, but as a result, you never truly take a break from your work.

While this may seem like a downer, remember that you should have passion for the research you work on (most of the time), so you should be excited to think up new experiments or different ways to consider that data you have collected. Even when I'm lying in bed about to fall asleep, I am sometimes ruminating about aspects of my experiment I could modify or what information I could do a literature search on to gain new insights. A PhD program is quite the commitment and rarely lives up to expectations – but it is well worth the time and effort you will spend for something that truly excites you.

Contributor

Andy greenspon.