What is an EdD degree: Everything you need to know

Key takeaways about EdD degrees

• An EdD degree is a doctorate focused on solving real problems in education and helping leaders create meaningful change.
• It’s a strong choice for people who want to guide teams, improve learning systems, or move into higher-level leadership roles.
• Most EdD programs take three to four years and offer flexible formats that support working professionals.
• Career paths range from school or district leadership to higher education, policy, consulting, and organizational development.
• You can fund an EdD degree with scholarships, grants, employer support, and federal or private loans.

An EdD degree can help you lead change in schools, colleges, or education-focused organizations. If you want to make learning better for students and communities, this guide will walk you through what an EdD degree is, why people choose it, and how it can shape your career.

What is an EdD degree?

An EdD degree, or Doctor of Education, is a doctoral program that teaches you how to use research and leadership skills to solve real issues in education. Instead of focusing on academic theory, the EdD helps you apply ideas in schools, districts, colleges, nonprofits, and other learning spaces.

The goal of an EdD is simple: prepare leaders who can improve how people learn and work. You’ll explore topics like equity, policy, organizational change, and instructional design. You’ll also learn how to guide teams, manage programs, and make decisions grounded in data.

What does EdD stand for?

EdD stands for Doctor of Education. This degree is designed for people who want to take on leadership roles and move into positions where they can influence learning environments. You’ll focus on practical strategies that support students, teachers, and communities.

The EdD is common among school administrators, district leaders, college staff members, and professionals who support learning in nonprofit, business, or government settings. It offers a hands-on way to turn good ideas into real results.

Is an EdD a doctorate degree?

Yes—an EdD is a full doctorate degree. It sits at the same academic level as a PhD, and both require advanced coursework and a major final project. The difference comes from how each degree is used.

The EdD centers on leadership and applied problem-solving. Many students choose it because they want a degree they can use right away in their current roles. If you want a program that helps you solve real challenges from the start and lead teams, the EdD fits that path well.

EdD vs PhD: What are the key differences?

Choosing between an EdD degree and a PhD can feel confusing, but the differences are clear once you understand the purpose of each degree. Both are respected doctorates, but they support different types of careers and day-to-day work.

An EdD degree focuses on applied leadership. You learn how to solve problems that show up in schools, districts, and learning organizations. A PhD focuses on research. You study theories, design studies, and work to expand what the field knows about learning.

Purpose

• EdD: Prepares leaders to apply research in practice.
• PhD: Prepares scholars to conduct original research.

Career paths

• EdD: Superintendent, dean, education consultant.
• PhD: University professor, researcher, policy analyst.

Dissertation

• EdD: Often a problem-solving project.
• PhD: Traditional research dissertation.

One is not “better” than the other. They simply help you grow in different directions based on your goals.

Who should pursue an EdD?

You may be a great fit for an EdD program if you want to lead people, improve systems, and create positive change. This degree works well for professionals who enjoy big-picture thinking but also care about the day-to-day experience of students and educators.

An EdD degree is especially helpful if you:

• Want to guide teams or manage programs at a school, district, or college
• Hope to shape education policy or help your community solve learning challenges
• Prefer applied problem-solving instead of theory-heavy academic research
• Want a program that supports full-time professionals through online or part-time paths

If you want to grow as a leader while supporting meaningful outcomes for students or communities, the EdD could be a strong next step.

Career paths with an EdD degree

An EdD degree prepares you for roles where you guide teams and improve systems. Many graduates work in K–12 schools, higher education, or education-focused organizations. The degree helps you build skills in leadership, planning, and problem-solving.

Here are common roles for EdD graduates:

• School leader, such as principal or curriculum director
• District administrator, such as superintendent or equity officer
• Higher-education leader, including dean or student affairs director
• Education policy analyst or government specialist
• Learning and development manager in companies or nonprofits
• Instructor in education programs
• Consultant for schools or learning organizations

These roles give you space to make decisions, shape strategy, and support communities.

How long does it take to earn an EdD?

Most EdD programs take three to four years to complete. Many schools design these programs so working professionals can balance classes, family commitments, and full-time jobs. This makes the EdD a flexible option for people already active in education.

Your timeline will vary based on a few factors. These include whether you study full-time or part-time, the number of credits required by your program, and how long you spend on your dissertation or capstone project. Many online programs also allow you to move through courses at a steady pace that works for your schedule.

What are costs and funding options for EdD programs?

EdD programs usually cost between $30,000 and $80,000 in total tuition, depending on the school and program format. For many students, that works out to roughly $10,000 to $20,000 per year over three to four years, with lower-cost public or online programs closer to $7,000 to $12,000 per year. higher-cost private or big-name programs at $25,000+ per year in tuition alone. Plan to budget more once you factor in fees, books, and living expenses.

Ways to pay for your EdD program

Paying for your EdD can seem overwhelming, but you have options. Start with free money you won't have to pay back, like federal aid, scholarships and grants. Look into tuition assistance from your employer and assistantships at your school. To qualify for most need based financial aid, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).

Here are a few Sallie scholarship resources that can help you unlock free money:

• Scholly Scholarships: Use our free tool to match with scholarships based on your field of study, background, and more.
• $2K No Essay Scholarship: Enter each month for a chance to win $2,000 for school.
• Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships: Apply to multiple scholarships with one quick application.
• Scholarships for graduate students: Explore opportunities for students in different types of grad programs.

Consider student loan options

Many graduate students use student loans help bridge the gap between their financial aid and the cost of attendance. Start with federal student loans, which may offer more flexibility with payments. Then, compare private student loans if you still have costs to cover.

What are the top EdD specializations?

EdD programs often let you choose a specialization so you can focus on the part of education that matters most to you. These tracks help you build skills that match your career goals.

Popular EdD specializations include:

• Educational leadership
• Higher-education administration
• Curriculum and instruction
• Education policy
• Organizational leadership
• Student affairs
• Special education leadership
• Learning design and technology

Each specialization gives you tools to support students, guide teams, and grow in your field.

Final thoughts on the EdD degree

Earning an EdD degree is a big decision, but it can open doors to meaningful leadership roles. If you want to guide teams, support students, and make learning stronger for your community, the EdD can help you take that next step with confidence. With the right support and a solid plan for funding your studies, you can build a career that creates real and lasting change.