Doctoral degrees in education equip students to work in prestigious leadership, research and academic roles, but each degree provides different opportunities. Choosing between a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education program influences your professional trajectory. Knowing what each program offers helps you choose the right fit.
The online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs from St. Thomas University (STU) support the needs of students and working professionals as they advance their careers and professional goals. This guide explores specializations available in STU’s educational leadership doctorate programs and the key differences between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D., including the purpose, structure and outcomes of each, to help you choose the path that best aligns with your goals.
What Is an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership?
A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a post-graduate degree focused on practical skills and knowledge for professionals in educational fields. An Ed.D. prepares graduates to lead and improve educational systems through coursework that emphasizes practical leadership development, organizational performance and applied research.
Students in these programs typically develop skills in strategic planning, ethical decision-making and policy analysis. Most Ed.D. programs culminate in a dissertation or a final project that aims to improve institutional or organizational practices.
An Ed.D. equips professionals to work across K-12 schools, higher education institutions, nonprofits and other sectors. Ideal candidates for Ed.D. programs include the following:
- Professionals seeking to lead organizational change
- Individuals who are more interested in practical application rather than academic research
- Problem-solvers who are motivated to improve systems and outcomes
- Working adults who want to change or advance their careers
Specialization Options
STU offers online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs with three specialization tracks. Each of the following specializations prepares students to work in specific areas:
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Sports Administration: The sports administration specialization develops leadership in athletics management, facility operations and legal considerations.
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Digital Instruction and Distance Learning: Students develop expertise in digital pedagogy, instructional safety and multimedia curricula design.
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Administration: This specialization focuses on the development of public policy, ethical leadership and performance management.
What Is a Ph.D. in Education?
A Ph.D. in education is a typical post-graduate degree path for individuals pursuing careers in academia or research. While an Ed.D. focuses on practical application, a Ph.D. in education emphasizes theory and prepares students to complete original research and scholarly contributions. Students complete coursework in their chosen area of study, gaining advanced knowledge and skills in research methods and theoretical constructs of education. A Ph.D. in education is well-suited for those students with the following interests and goals:
- Aim to contribute to scholarly literature and academic discourse
- Prefer research and theoretical analysis over applied leadership
- Want to develop expertise in research methodologies, data interpretation and educational theory
- Plan to pursue a career in academia or a research organization
Ph.D. students complete courses in statistical methods, educational psychology and philosophy of education. Programs typically require students to complete a dissertation that presents original research.
Career Paths for Each Degree
Both an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. prepare graduates for advanced roles, but career opportunities and working environments vary between these degrees. An Ed.D. provides pathways to applied leadership across schools, institutions and organizations, while high-level academic and research careers often require candidates to hold Ph.D. degrees.
Educational Leadership Career Paths With an Ed.D.
Graduates with an Ed.D. often move into leadership and management roles that involve strategic planning, policy implementation and enhancing individual or team outcomes. Common careers include:
- Elementary, middle or high school principal
- Superintendent
- Curriculum designer or director
- Post-secondary education administrator
- Organizational development director
- Chief learning officer
Careers With a Ph.D. in Education
A Ph.D. in education prepares graduates to work in universities, research institutions, nonprofits and government agencies. In these settings, they work as academics and administrators, leading or supporting research studies, educating future professionals and contributing to scholarly work. Potential careers include:
- University professor
- Dean or academic department chair
- Education policy researcher
- Curriculum researcher
- Research director
Which Degree or Specialization Is Right for You?
The decision between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. and the choice of specialization depends on your long-term goals and how you want to influence the field of education. Consider your career goals when choosing an educational path. If your goals involve leading teams and driving change across schools, departments or organizations, an Ed.D. may be the ideal option, since it focuses on implementation. In comparison, a Ph.D. is more investigative and may be more appropriate if your interests lie in research, theoretical development, post-secondary instruction and academic publishing.
Factor in the time and financial commitment required for your program options. For instance, the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs at STU offer a flexible structure and accelerated format for working professionals. Students can complete these programs in 40 months, and applicants with a second master’s degree may transfer up to 18 of the required 60 credit hours. Ph.D. programs tend to be more time-intensive and less compatible with full-time employment, as dissertation work, teaching roles and research positions require more immersive participation.
Use these questions to help clarify your decision:
- Do I want to make an impact through leadership or research?
- Which degree better aligns with the requirements for the roles I plan to pursue?
- What level of flexibility and time commitment can I realistically manage over the next few years?
- How does an online learning environment support my success?
Inside the Online Ed.D. Programs at STU
STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs combine academic rigor with professional application. With coursework that focuses on ethical leadership, organizational strategy and policy development, students gain the knowledge to advance their education without pausing their careers.
STU faculty have real-world experience in their subject matter and support students with practical insight and mentorship. With coursework 100% online, the Ed.D. programs attract professionals from a range of industries, including education, healthcare and business settings, who need flexible learning formats that support full-time work. With multiple program start dates per year, students have abundant options for when they would like to begin their education.
Advance Your Career With STU’s Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership
STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs offer a direct path to careers that require the personal drive for change in institutions and organizations, as well as the advanced knowledge to achieve your goals. With multiple concentrations to choose from, a three-year timeline and multiple entry points per year, the program supports professionals who need flexibility without compromising academic rigor.
Choose a degree that matches your goals and the way you want to lead. If you’re ready to advance your education and career, explore STU’s online Doctor of Education programs or apply today.
