A Doctorate in Education, also known as an EdD, is the highest level professional degree in the field of Education. While both PhDs in Education and EdDs require in-depth scholarly research, EdDs differ from PhDs in that the emphasis is placed on the application of existing research, rather than the generation of original research. EdDs prepare doctoral students for high-level careers in educational leadership, government, administration and other institutional roles.
The first EdD was granted in the United States in 1921. Since then, the degree has been adopted by several other countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, India, and Australia. In South Africa, EdDs are awarded as Doctor Educationis (DEd), following the Latin conventions of academic degrees. In countries that offer EdD degrees, the award is generally equal to that of a PhD, though candidates may be required to hold professional experience prior to beginning an EdD or have different thesis requirements. For instance, in the UK EdD theses are often shorter than those required for PhDs because EdD candidates complete coursework alongside their independent research requirements. EdDs are not offered at every university, and some universities choose to issue only EdDs, only PhDs or both degrees.
In most countries, EdD programs are designed to prepare candidates for administrative and leadership positions. EdDs are often specialized in areas like psychology, policy, curriculum, and leadership. Students who complete an EdD can expect to work in positions related to education policy, and will be expected to use their expertise to solve problems and design initiatives. EdD holders work in schools, colleges and universities, government agencies, private organizations and non-profit firms.
Are you an education student who would like to advance to a leadership position or work directly on policy and directives that shape education? If so, an EdD may be the best degree for your future.
Consider the EdDs listed below. Click on ‘Read More’ to find out about each program and use the contact form to get more information about individual EdD degrees.
The Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) prepares education scholars and leaders for the 21st century. The Ed.D. is focused on the development of educational environments and aims to train doctoral students with a broad and solid multidisciplinary foundation, to understand the problem of creating and implementing new learning systems combining different kinds of learning deliveries. [+]
The ELAP program prepares leaders in public & private (K-12) education to create and sustain powerful learning communities. This program offers a dynamic curriculum focusing on action research, continuous improvement and developing culture. [+]
This programme is intended for professionals and practitioners in management and diverse fields of practice who are able to draw on their professional work experience as a part of their Ph.D. qualification. [+]
The Ed.D. in International and Multicultural Education (IME) is dedicated to understanding formal and informal education within diverse sociocultural, linguistic, political and economic contexts. [+]
The program's primary focus is the preparation of leaders who are reflective professionals developing a vision and acquiring skills to reform, renew, and improve schools and school systems that cultivate democratic learning communities that value social justice and equity. [+]
The Doctorate of Education degree is aimed at experienced educational professionals and sets out to place you at the leading edge of your professional field in terms of knowledge, awareness, and understanding. [+]
Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning degree is designed for learners interested in andragogy scholarship and teaching master’s and doctoral programs to other educators. [+]
The Doctoral Program in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership serves the purpose of developing professionals with the theoretical and practical knowledge that allow the application of the organizational processes and the theories of leadership that promote the development of strategies, mental habits, and values for creative and highly effective leadership in the educational enterprise. [+]
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law will prepare professional educators to be part of a vanguard through the twenty-first century. These educators will be provided with: the necessary knowledge of their subject; an understanding of our diverse culture; technological skills; critical thinking skills required to make informed decisions and implement change; and the ability to provide a just and ethical, accurate, and meaningful education for their students. [+]
The course has a broadband character, being the specialization obtained in the doctoral thesis. Its main objective is the production of knowledge through the realization of original research in the area of Educational Sciences, from a fundamental or applied perspective. [+]
Our Doctorate in Education is an ideal development opportunity if you’re a senior education professional seeking to enhance and utilise your research expertise. Whatever your area of education – from schools, colleges and universities to professional, work-based and lifelong learning, or policy development – earning a Professional Doctorate will position you as a leader in your field. [+]
The Doctorate in Education is a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to gain a practice-focused higher degree. The EdD engages with education in its broadest sense across the age range from early years to adulthood. It is relevant to all educational settings and students come from a range of backgrounds beyond traditional education, such as the charity sector, prison, and social work. [+]
The Doctor of Education is designed to meet the needs of practitioners and professionals who wish to research some aspect of their field of practice. Candidates embark on high-level, practice-based research into one of the areas of research strength in UTS: Education. [+]
The Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service provides advanced study in leadership that prepares graduates to make significant contributions to their organizations and communities. [+]
The Doctor of Education in Human and Organizational Learning (HOL) at The George Washington University (GW) is designed to provide professionals with a foundation in relevant theories, concepts, and practices, focusing on the inter-relationships among people, organizations, and learning. The Program prepares learners to challenge assumptions through critical reflection, and foster group and self-directed learning. Theory, research, and practice are balanced throughout the curriculum. The HOL Department is a two-time recipient of the Academy of Human Resource Development's "Outstanding Program" Award. It is the first program in this multidisciplinary field in the United States, having been established in 1958. [+]
