Differences between EdD and PhD Programs: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

The goal of this concurrent, equal status mixed methods study was to investigate the potential differences between EdD and PhD programs in the United States with the following overarching research question: Are there differences in EdD and PhD programs in schools that have both programs? Data were collected from 34 university websites where both a PhD and an EdD degree in leadership were available through a school of education. Results indicated statistically significant differences were found between EdD and PhD programs in regard to Total Credits t(66) = -2.05, p = 0.022, d = -0.5; Research Credits, t(50.38) = -5.38, p < .001, d = -1.32, and Culminating Projects, t(63) = -1.79, p = 0.039, d = -0.44. Qualitative analyses revealed similarities and differences between the programs. This study reinforces the concept of a practitioner degree for the EdD and the research / faculty degree for PhD.