ED.D VS PH.D are their limitations?

Discussion in 'Online & DL Teaching' started by Denaelesmom, Jun 27, 2014.

Loading...
  1. Denaelesmom

    Denaelesmom New Member

    I have not fully explored the Ed.D mostly because I have always had my heart set on the Ph.D. I just wanted to know if their are any limitations such as not being able to get university positions and such? How is the Ed.D seen amongst professionals?
     
  2. Denaelesmom

    Denaelesmom New Member

  3. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    The single biggest limitation that I have seen regarding EdDs and university professors is that often the EdD (unless the professor actually teaches in the field of Education) is not in the professor's subject matter.

    For instance, lets say that you have a biology professor with an MS in Biology. Getting a EdD in "education and leadership" will not be looked on nearly as strongly as getting a PhD in Biology.

    I have seen the progression in several lower tier state schools with regards to tenure track positions.
    The bar moved from masters degree, to a doctorate in any subject, to a doctorate in your specific field (or one directly related), to a research doctorate (i.e. PhD) in your field.

    Denaelesmom, what field do you plan on teaching in?
     
  4. Hadashi no Gen

    Hadashi no Gen New Member

    "there"...
     
  5. novadar

    novadar Member

    How about: soko そこ
     
  6. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    It depends upon your discipline. As mcjon77's example rightly points out, if you wish to teach (particularly in graduate school), a terminal degree in the discipline will be easier for the institution to justify that a degree in education. However, if your teaching field IS in education (i.e. administration, educational psychology, instructional technology, counseling and guidance, research & evaluation, curriculum and instruction, special education, etc., etc.), then the Ph.D. versus Ed.D. will most likely not matter. there are thousands of professors with Ed.D.s (and DBAs for that matter). Teaching experience and a history of scholarship and service are much more critical for achieving a faculty position than whether you possess a doctor of philosophy or doctor of education degree. I have beaten out many Ph.D.s for my past positions.
     
  7. Garp

    Garp Well-Known Member

    From what I have observed most EdD's are geared less towards the professional practitioner model and more towards a research academic degree on par with a PhD (i.e. little difference). There are probably some Doctor of Education programs that are more oriented towards the professional doctorate.

    For better or for worse in people's minds the Ph.D is the top of the pyramid and garners the most respect. If you had a choice between degrees and all things were equal, I would suggest choosing the PhD (for prestige). There will likely be so much more in your choice than that simple factor and in terms of employment it may make no difference.
     

Share This Page