How Hard Is a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) Program?

An Ed.D. degree helps educators land jobs as principals, school superintendents, and college administrators. But how hard is it to get a doctorate in education?

As the highest academic degree, a doctorate challenges learners. An Ed.D. pushes doctoral students to apply research in educational settings, analyze complex data, and strengthen leadership skills. Before applying to doctorate in education programs, ensure you’re ready for the rigors of doctoral-level study.

As Mark J. Drozdowski Ed.D., puts it, “Earning a doctorate is challenging because much of it is self-driven and doesn’t follow a prescribed progression. Unlike law school or business school, where the roadmap is clearly laid out before you, the path toward an Ed.D. is less defined.”

Is it easier to get an Ed.D. than a Ph.D.? The two doctoral degrees emphasize different skills. While an Ed.D. focuses on leadership in educational settings, a Ph.D. emphasizes research and theory. Both doctoral programs challenge learners to build on their master’s training.

Some educators find a Ph.D. more challenging than an Ed.D. because Ph.D. programs emphasize quantitative research, policy, and theory more heavily than an Ed.D.

Graduates with a Ph.D. typically pursue academic or research roles, while an Ed.D. leads to professional roles in education.

“’Easier’ is a relative term, of course, so it’s hard to generalize. Plus, degree requirements vary from one program to the next, making some more stringent than others. Some Ph.D. programs require students to pass proficiency exams in two languages, for example, and most Ed.D. programs don’t. Depending on your academic preferences, you might find one “easier” than the other,” says Drozdowski.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below

Earning a doctorate is hard in any field. But what makes an Ed.D. challenging? With its unique blend of research and practice, an Ed.D. requires diverse skills. Doctoral students should be prepared for a challenging curriculum, field requirements, and a dissertation.

The doctor of education curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles in education. As a result, the curriculum covers a range of challenging topics.

During an Ed.D. program, doctoral students strengthen their qualitative and quantitative research skills. They examine education theory and explore applied research.

Doctoral students in education often complete fieldwork to gain hands-on experience. Learners work with their advisors to choose their fieldwork sites and meet graduation requirements. Depending on the program, students may also complete a practicum or internship.

Most Ed.D. programs require a dissertation. Doctoral candidates typically conduct research through surveys, interviews, case studies, and data analysis.

Some programs use a doctoral capstone project rather than a dissertation. Both options require intensive research and writing.

What courses do doctoral students take during an Ed.D. program? Ed.D. classes vary depending on the program’s focus area.

In an educational leadership specialization, learners take courses on school administration, organizational change, and budgeting. A higher education focus includes courses on postsecondary leadership and college financing.

Other popular concentrations include education technology, curriculum and instruction, and adult education.

Most Ed.D. programs require three years for full-time students. Part-time learners generally spend four or more years earning their degree.

Some universities offer accelerated Ed.D. programs that take as little as two years to complete. Educators can also earn an Ed.D. online. These programs appeal to working professionals.

Are you ready for an Ed.D. program? If you have a master’s degree in education or a related field, plus several years of experience, you meet the admission requirements.

But being ready for a doctoral program requires something extra: You need a clear professional goal, time for coursework, and doctoral-level skills.

If you’re considering an Ed.D. program, reach out to professors from your master’s program and meet with your supervisor. Network with Ed.D. students and recent graduates. Ask for advice on preparing for an Ed.D. and choosing the right program.

Drozdowski elaborates on this advice saying, “Consider your intended career path and whether the program offers the academic focus you wish to explore. Also, bear in mind the faculty research in your chosen field, the practicums and job placements it opens doors to, the doctoral completion rates, the amount of scholarship funding available, any opportunities for student teaching it might offer, and the availability of online or hybrid options.”

By investing in your academic and professional development, you’ll gain valuable skills for an Ed.D. program. The process will also help you make the right decision for your unique circumstances.