what does a doctorate in education mean

EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?

Industry Advice Education

If you’re interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Should I apply for a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education?

The decision between these two culminating degrees can be career-defining as each serves a very different purpose despite being equivalent in level. In order to ensure you choose the path that best aligns with your future goals and career path, it’s important to take the time to first understand the differences in program curriculum and future career opportunities that relate to each degree.

Read on to learn about the defining qualities and key differences of an EdD and a PhD in Education to determine which program is the right fit for you.

EdD vs. PhD in Education

A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional degree designed for practitioners pursuing educational leadership roles. A PhD in education , on the other hand, is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles.

“With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis,” Joseph McNabb , a professor of practice in Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education , explains. “Conversely, an EdD student starts with a problem of practice and [works to learn] the skills it will take to resolve that complex problem of practice.”

What is an EdD Degree?

An EdD, or Doctor of Education , is a professional doctorate best suited for experienced educators and mid- to senior-level working professionals who want to lead and implement change within their organization.

EdD candidates work in a broad range of fields ranging from K-12 and higher education to nonprofits, government, healthcare, and the military. What each share is a desire to transform their everyday environment and apply the lessons learned through their doctorate to a complex, critical issue facing their workplace. 

The EdD is practice-based. Students in an EdD program don’t want to just research their area of interest, but leverage that research in ways that could positively influence their community or organization’s decision-making process.

Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration

Those who pursue an EdD focus on qualitative, exploratory research. Students collect data and conduct individual interviews, observations, or focus groups to construct hypotheses and develop strategies that can help solve or clarify a specific problem of practice, such as how to support student veterans transitioning to civilian life or how to foster more female leaders in higher education—two dissertation topics recently explored through Northeastern’s EdD program .

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What Can You Do with an EdD Degree?

While an EdD can be applied to a variety of industries and career options—such as K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, or civic service—there are several job titles you’ll likely come across within your cohort of classmates. They include:

• Postsecondary Education Administrators: Postsecondary education administrators work in colleges or universities, and typically oversee faculty research, academics, admissions, or student affairs. Some job titles that fall under this category include president, vice president, provost, and dean. The average annual salary for a postsecondary education administrator rings in at $99,940 .
• Elementary and Secondary School Education Administrators: Superintendents, who are the top executives of a school district, fall under this category. They manage academic programs, spending, and the staffing of all educational facilities within their district, and typically earn an average of $106,850 per year .
• Top Executives : In education, a top executive could be a “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer”—senior-level professionals who drive and develop strategies that help their organization meet critical business goals. Top executives make an average of approximately $100,090 per year .
• Instructional Coordinators : Instructional coordinators create and manage school curricula and other educational materials. They help teachers implement effective classroom learning strategies and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how. The average annual salary for instructional coordinators is roughly $66,490 .

These are just a few of the many career opportunities available to EdD graduates.

Learn More: Top Careers with a Doctorate in Education

What is a PhD in Education?

A PhD in Education is a terminal degree best suited for individuals who want to pursue a career in academia or research at the university level.

Students in PhD or doctoral programs take a more theoretical, study-based approach to learning. In most cases, their goal is to master a specific subject or add their unique findings to a body of existing literature. PhD candidates conduct original research in the hopes of driving change in their field or inspiring others to make change based on their work.

A PhD is the degree most popular amongst those who aspire to become a professor or obtain a tenure position. Through these programs, students tend to focus on getting published in well-respected journals, presenting at national conferences, and learning how to teach future educators.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Education?

While some of the above roles can also be earned through a PhD program, the most common job titles for PhD-holders include:

• Postsecondary Teachers: Postsecondary teachers instruct students at a college or university. When they’re not in the classroom, they’re often focused on conducting research, attending conferences, and publishing scholarly papers and books. Postsecondary teachers earn an average $80,840 per year .
• Academic Researcher : Researchers often have the opportunity to create their own centers or institutes, hire staff to help carry out their work, and secure funding for that work. Salaries often vary by subject area, but a general academic researcher typically earns an average $83,971 per year .

EdD or PhD: Which is Better For You?

Once you’ve explored the differences between an EdD and PhD in Education, the most relevant question to consider will be: What’s the next step I want to take in my career, and which degree can help me achieve my professional goals? The answer to this question will determine which degree program you ultimately pursue.

Earning your doctorate can pay off no matter which path you choose. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average $98,000 a year —nearly $20,000 more a year than master’s degree holders. Similarly, doctoral degree holders see an unemployment rate of only one percent compared to the national unemployment rate of two percent.

Regardless of which degree you ultimately pursue, there is enormous potential for you to advance your career in the field of education. Evaluating your needs and values will help you understand whether an EdD or PhD in Education is best suited to your personal and professional goals.

This article was originally published in July 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. in Education: What is the Difference?

If you’re considering advancing your career in education, you’ve likely considered choosing between a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) vs. a Ph.D. in Education. Or, at the very least, you’ve probably wondered what the difference between a Doctorate in Education and a Ph.D. is.

While these are both advanced doctoral programs, choosing one of these degree paths over another can ultimately define the direction in which your career goes.

A Doctorate in Education is a professional degree program for those who want to become leaders. The Ph.D. in Education, on the other hand, is designed for those who wish to continue teaching or who desire to conduct research that will add to the breadth of knowledge surrounding the field of education. And as such, the content of these degree programs is different.

This article will explore these doctoral programs to help you decide which program is right for you and your career goals.

Ed.D. — An Introduction to a Doctorate of Education

What is a doctorate of education degree and its purpose.

A Doctorate in Education, or Ed.D., is a terminal degree that prepares students for academic and administrative roles in K-12 and higher education.

A Program for School Leaders

Students in this doctoral program gain the skills and experience they need to become influential leaders, policymakers, and researchers with a focus on education in an increasingly global world.

Graduates of this program use existing research to help improve practices in the field of education and develop new research.

Prerequisites and Qualifications

Every college and university will have different prerequisites and qualifications for students to earn acceptance into their Educational Leadership degree program.

At University of Bridgeport, our Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) degree requirements include the following:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Certificate of advanced studies, education specialist (Ed.S.), or a sixth-year degree

Additionally, Ed.D. candidates will need the following required materials:

• Application
• Official transcripts for the last degree earned
• One letter from a colleague and one letter from a supervisor
• The reasons for wanting to undertake doctoral studies
• The most significant personal and professional accomplishments
• The extent to which your personal and professional responsibilities will allow you to devote the necessary time and effort to the program
• A detailed description of your potential research topic
• Writing sample (ex: Master’s thesis, published or submitted journal article, scholarly paper)
• Official TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers

Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) Curriculum

A Doctorate in Education prepares students to take active leadership careers upon graduation.

Thus, the Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) program curriculum comprises courses in educational leadership, research and analysis, international education, and dissertation.

Students can expect to take hybrid Ed.D. courses such as:

• Public School Finance Workshop in Curriculum Development
• Constitutional Law
• Intro to Research
• Action Research
• Literature Review
• Organization Management
• Education Leadership
• Urban Leadership
• Postsecondary Teaching or Leadership Experience
• Comparative Education
• Dissertation Proposals

Expected Length of Program

An Ed.D. generally takes between three and four years to be completed. However, with a focus on career advancement and leadership, this degree can be completed more quickly than a Ph.D.

At University of Bridgeport, our students enroll in a hybrid (primarily online) program and earn their degree in as few as three years. Students will complete all their classes online except for two one-week doctoral residences in person during the first two summers of the program.

Throughout these three years, candidates collaborate and communicate with peers worldwide and our expert faculty through online discussion boards and collaborative assignments. In the third year of the Ed.D. program, students dedicate their time to writing and defending their dissertations.

Ed.D. Career Goals and Outcomes

The primary goal for many Doctorate of Education graduates is to become a leader in their school or school district. However, an Ed.D. prepares candidates for various Ed.D. career opportunities , including school leadership. Here are just a few of the jobs that an Ed.D. can prepare you for after graduation:

• Higher Education Administrator
• Academic Dean
• College Professor
• Curriculum Specialist
• Education Consultant
• Leadership in K-12 educational settings
• Policymaker
• A leader of independent/private schools worldwide

Advantages of Earning a Doctorate in Education

Pursuing a Doctorate in Education comes with many benefits. Not only can you serve as a leader in education, but you can also rest assured knowing that these programs are designed with the working teacher in mind.

Many Ed.D. programs offer asynchronous learning options or the ability to take a lower course load while still being considered a “full-time” student. Additionally, some programs require fewer years of study to be completed, allowing working educators to begin their careers as school leaders all the more quickly.

Plus, there are even online Ed.D. programs available for students who require even more flexibility in their doctorate program.

Ready to become a more experienced leader in your organization?

Take the next step in your career and learn more about university of bridgeport’s online ed.d. program, ph.d. — introduction to ph.d. in education, what is a ph.d. in education.

A Ph.D. in Education is typically research-oriented and prepares students for intellectual leadership roles.

An Academic Degree for Researchers and Professors

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Education often pursue careers conducting research, curriculum analysis and development, or educating future teachers.

If interested in leadership roles, Ph.D. graduates are more likely to find positions as college or university administrators than as K-12 administrators.

Admission requirements, prerequisites, and qualifications for Ph.D. in Education programs will vary depending on the institution. For example, while many programs require a master’s degree in a related field, others might only require a bachelor’s degree.

That said, typical requirements for Ph.D. in Education programs include the following:

• Qualifying GRE or GMAT scores
• Postsecondary transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation

Students should be aware that nearly all Ph.D. candidates have prior experience in research. Therefore, coming to the table with previous research experience from their undergraduate and graduate studies can help set students apart from other applicants.

Ultimately, research the Ph.D. programs you are interested in to ensure you meet all the admission prerequisites and requirements.

Ph.D. in Education Curriculum

Ph.D. programs focus on the development of strong foundational knowledge in theory. And like a Doctorate in Education program, a Ph.D. in Education will focus on research and analysis topics.

Coursework involves qualitative and quantitative research and is marked by close collaboration with faculty. Students might also learn how to publish their research in academic journals, present research findings at educational conferences, and secure grant funding as future faculty.

A Ph.D. in Education typically consists of ninety credits. Some courses that students in Ph.D. programs may take include:

• Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Educational Research
• Design Research in Education
• Educational Policy Analysis
• Foundations of Teaching and Learning
• Professional Seminar in Administration
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar

Additionally, students must pass a cumulative exam and submit a dissertation before earning their Ph.D. in Education.

Both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs have similar curriculums. They both cover various research topics to provide students with the skills in research and analysis needed for upper-level careers in education.

However, Ed.D. courses go beyond these research topics by covering educational leadership, international education, and dissertation preparation. This prepares students for a variety of career outcomes.

Length of Program

Unlike an Ed.D., the Ph.D. can last between four and six years. And a student may sometimes take even longer to complete their research and dissertation.

As such, a Ph.D. is not typically the best program for professionals who wish to continue working while pursuing their doctorate.

Ph.D. in Education Career Goals and Outcomes

While a Ph.D. certainly offers graduates exciting job opportunities, it is heavily geared towards preparing graduates for a career in academia.

Some career opportunities that Ph.D. graduates can look forward to include:

• University professor
• College President
• Sociologists
• Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists
• Training and development specialists

Reasons to Pursue a Ph.D. in Education

For students who are highly motivated to add knowledge to the field of education, the Ph.D. is an excellent choice. It is primarily earned based on intensive, individual research that will eventually be used to create their dissertation.

For example, a Ph.D. fellow might make their dissertation about a specific approach to studying education by focusing on educational policy and how it impacts children.

Additionally, students in Ph.D. in Education programs are often passionate about teaching, learning, and improving education as a whole through research. If you enjoy reading, writing, researching, and communicating, a Ph.D. is the right choice.

Ed.D vs. Ph.D. — What’s the Difference?

Ed.d. vs. ph.d. in education key differences.

Despite the Doctorate in Education and Ph.D. in Education being advanced doctoral degrees and having some curriculum overlap, their outcomes and career goals differ.

Let’s review the key differences between these two programs:

• Average credits: sixty
• Time to complete: three to four years
• Focus: practical application of research
• Ph.D. in Education
• Average credits: ninety
• Time to complete: five to seven years
• Focus: Original research and academic scholarship
• Career outcomes: professor, academic researcher, educational consultant

Career Path Direction

Deciding which degree is right for you will largely depend on the above factors and what you hope to achieve during and after the degree.

If you want a career in administration, policymaking, leadership, and higher education, you should enroll in a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) program. Graduates have careers as school superintendents, curriculum directors, and educational policymakers.

On the other hand, students interested in teaching at the collegiate level or careers in research, consulting, and government should enroll in a Ph.D. in Education program. They will then be qualified to pursue jobs as professors, academic researchers, and educational consultants.

Skill Set Emphasis

Candidates in Doctorate in Education programs have proven leadership experience and the ability to recognize the problems facing districts or business organizations. They then use their education and training to create and manage education curriculums, help implement effective learning strategies, and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how.

Conversely, Ph.D. in Education candidates prefer to use theoretical and study-based approaches to learning to add their unique findings to the existing field of education. Candidates should be proficient writers and speakers as they focus on being published in well-respected journals and presenting at national conferences.

Program Format and Completion Length

Most colleges and universities offer Ed.D. programs in flexible part-time and online options so that students can continue to work and pursue this advanced degree. However, these programs typically take between three to four years to complete.

Ph.D. in Education programs are primarily in-person, and it is challenging for candidates to work and attend class full-time. They typically take between five to seven years to complete.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

No matter which advanced doctoral degree you choose, both will further your education career and expand your abilities to influence how students learn.

If you want to impact what students learn directly, consider a Ph.D. in Education. However, a Doctorate in Education is the right choice if you want to pursue leadership roles in PreK-12 or higher education and have even more career opportunities.

Take the next step in your career as an education leader by applying to University of Bridgeport’s Ed.D. program today!

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Home / Online Doctorate Degree Programs / Online Doctor of Education (EdD) — Higher Education Leadership / Doctor of Education – Higher Education Leadership Resources / What is a Doctor of Education (EdD) Program

What Is an EdD? Understanding the Doctorate of Education Program What Is an EdD? Understanding the Doctorate of Education Program What Is an EdD? Understanding the Doctorate of Education Program

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Higher education institutions comprise many different departments, each with their own focus, goals, and needs. Professionals who hold a Doctor of Education (EdD) have the option to move into various leadership roles in each of these different departments. They can work in admissions, as an academic dean, or as an academic officer, to name a few. Those with EdD degrees should have a passion for higher education and want to hold positions in which they deal with the daily challenges and administrative duties of higher education.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of an EdD degree, how to earn one, what career options are open to those who have one, and what makes it unique.

EdD Benefits

Professionals looking to earn a doctorate and pursue a career in higher education administration are a perfect fit for an EdD program. An EdD is practice-based. It allows students to research their areas of interest and also leverage the results of their research to influence the decision-making process of an institution or organization.

Pursuing an EdD means a student will focus on identifying problems and developing strategies that can help clarify or even solve those problems. As such, an EdD program prepares students with skills in conducting qualitative research, collecting data, conducting interviews, making observations, and participating in focus groups.

It’s also valuable to note that for professionals interested in putting an advanced degree to work in as little time as possible, an EdD takes less time to earn than a PhD. On average, a PhD takes five to six years to complete, with some studies showing that students regularly take as many as eight years. On the other hand, earning an EdD generally takes between three and four years.

EdD Curriculum and Instruction

EdD students usually take courses covering a wide range of topics designed to prepare them for a career in higher education administration. They’ll learn about the workings of the academic community, including the student experience and the competitive nature of academia. They’ll learn about gathering and analyzing data and implementing strategic change in an institution.

Because graduates will be pursuing administrative careers, a course in leadership in higher education is required. This course will provide a general overview of many aspects of leadership roles, including theories, the concept of a multiple frames approach, strategic planning, and different decision-making processes and models.

EdD graduates enter a field in constant evolution. Future academic leaders must be prepared to understand, manage, and implement new ideas to evolve with the industry. Therefore, students will take a course in strategic change and innovation as part of their requirements. This course focuses on change models, barriers and resistance to change, and innovation and how that looks for the future of higher education.

EdD Careers

An EdD degree helps to prepare graduates for a range of professions in the higher learning sphere. EdD graduates learn leadership and decision-making competencies. These skills, coupled with their research and doctoral study experience, make them ideal candidates for college administration positions, such as chief academic officer (CAO) and academic dean.

CAOs are responsible for providing direction to an institution’s faculty and staff, monitoring programs, and ensuring adherence to rules and regulations. They create curricula and academic programs and are often involved in creating and implementing budgets and financial plans. CAOs ensure that their institutions are creating the best-possible environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Their hefty responsibility is reflected in a generous salary. In 2017, a CAO’s average annual salary was around $138,000, according to PayScale. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts the profession will continue to grow steadily over the next decade.

Academic deans are responsible for managing all aspects of their respective departments, including hiring, firing, and providing budgetary oversight. Academic deans work closely with professors and other faculty members to create plans of action, execute those plans, and evaluate the results. They’re responsible for setting department and performance standards and ensuring that faculty and staff meet those standards.

According to the BLS, academic deans earned a median annual salary of $94,340 in 2018.

EdD vs. PhD in Education

An EdD is a terminal degree. It’s unique in that it’s, generally speaking, a practice-based degree rather than a research-based degree. EdD students tend to be experienced education professionals who are interested in expanding and advancing their careers in a specific direction. An EdD program is often structured to be flexible and part time to accommodate the lifestyles of already working professionals.

Professionals who plan to devote their careers mostly to research pursue the better-known PhD. The EdD better suits the needs of individuals who want to take on leadership roles in their areas of focus.

In choosing between a PhD and an EdD, it’s helpful to explore your career aims. Do you want to spend your time researching new methods and developing theoretical models focused on topics ranging from equity in education to environmental impacts on student outcomes? Or are you inclined to transform the research into solutions that can drive change in real-world academic settings and improve the lives of students?

The EdD program entails coursework that aims to prepare students with the essential knowledge to deliver practical solutions to help address some of the most critical challenges in education. Graduates can serve in leadership roles by developing the skills needed to work in higher education as teacher educators; academic advisers; or administrators, such as department deans and even college presidents.

If an EdD degree sounds as if it could be right for you, you may want to check out  Maryville University’s online Doctor of Education program .

Now that you know what a doctorate in education is all about, take the next step to learn more about potential  careers you can pursue with an EdD degree .

Recommended Reading

Tips on Landing the Job in Higher Education Administration

Trends in Higher Education

3 Solutions to Challenges in Higher Education

College Recruiter, “5 Career Trajectories for Graduates Who Earn Doctoral Degrees in Education”

Inside Higher Ed, “Ph.D. vs. Ed.D.”

Learn.org, Doctor of Education: Salary and Career Facts

Maryville University, Online Doctor of Education – Higher Education Leadership

PayScale, Average Chief Academic Officer Salary

Teach.com, EdD vs. PhD Degrees

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators

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What’s the Difference Between a PhD and EdD in Education?

What Is an Ed.D. Degree?

What is a ph.d. in education, ed.d. vs ph.d. in education: key differences.

• Ed.D. vs Ph.D. in Education: Which is Right for You?

An Ed.D. degree is a doctoral degree in education focused on educational leadership. The abbreviation stands for Educationis Doctor, and the degree indicates that the person holding it has advanced leadership knowledge in teaching, administration, and education research. According to the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, the Ed.D. “prepares educators for the application of appropriate and specific practices, the generation of new knowledge, and for the stewardship of the profession.” (Source: https://www.cpedinitiative.org/page/framework)

Ed.D. degrees emphasize transformational leadership skills—that is, leadership that can change systems to better serve students and their communities, rather than leadership that merely manages efforts within the existing system. In the modern educational environment, where educators seek to provide an excellent education to students from an ever more diverse range of background and abilities, transformational leadership is in demand.

By completing an Ed.D. program, experienced educators can develop executive-level leadership skills, advanced education policy knowledge, pedagogical skills, and research capabilities to innovatively solve problems for the schools and students they serve.

Who Is a Good Fit for an Ed.D. Degree?

Ed.D. degrees are aimed at current education professionals working directly in their organizations outside of academia. These professionals may include:

• Pre-K-12 teachers, counselors, curriculum advisors, and other classroom personnel
• School principals and other administrators
• School district officials
• Administrators within government education departments
• College administrators
• Mid-career executives in educational consultancies or private businesses such as textbook publishers

Essentially, Ed.D. programs are ideal for experienced education professionals who hold a master’s degree and who do not want to work mostly within academic education research. While Ed.D. programs can also teach advanced classroom teaching skills, the primary role of an Ed.D. degree vs. a Ph.D. is to empower the professionals who are shaping and leading today’s schools and colleges.

Ed.D. Career Options

Ed.D. career options will vary depending on your previous work experience and your master’s degree field of study. However, the degree is designed to equip you for senior leadership roles.

• School District Administrator or Superintendent - An Ed.D. degree can equip you to lead in public school districts, either as an upper-level administrator or as the superintendent (in some larger cities known as the Chief Executive Officer). According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a school superintendent in the U.S. is currently $117,216. *Source  
• Academic Dean - Usually found in colleges and universities but sometimes also in larger private K-12 schools, deans oversee a specific academic department or area of operations (e.g. student affairs). They manage instructors, analyze student performance data, help set curriculum plans, etc. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for an academic dean is $90,236. *Source  
• Provost - A provost or vice president is a senior academic administrator who acts as deputy to a college president. Provosts are primarily responsible for directing the academic programs at a college or university and have authority over deans. Payscale.com currently estimates the average annual salary for provosts at $147,730. *Source  
• College President - Earning your Ed.D. could prepare you to become the CEO or president of a college or university, ultimately responsible for setting the academic and social direction of your school, as well as ensuring it has the budgetary resources to change and expand with the times. Pay for college presidents can vary widely depending on the size and type of their institution, but in 2016, the median take-home pay for public university presidents was $431,000. *Source  
• Company Executive - The skills you learn in an Ed.D. program can also apply to careers in private industry, particularly companies within the education sector such as textbook publishers or educational technology companies. However, the Ed.D. can also equip you to lead training efforts within large corporations unrelated to education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for top executives in 2017 was $104,700 per year. * Source

Benefits of an Ed.D. Program

What are the benefits of an Ed.D. program? Aside from expanded pay potential and the opportunity for more responsibility, there are several.

• Advanced research with practical outcomes: In an Ed.D. program, you’ll be required to conduct research into an educational problem, and thanks to the program’s more practical focus, you can dive deep into an area which is of pressing concern to you at your current place of work.
• Raise your relevance: Earning your doctorate in education can help you stay up to date on policy, technology, and pedagogical ideas that are changing the field.
• Fill in skill and knowledge gaps: Most educators spend their time focused on one aspect of teaching or leadership. By completing your Ed.D., you can round out your knowledge and expertise with advanced course content in teaching methods, building community relationships, education law, etc.
• Time to completion: In general, an Ed.D. degree requires 60 credits of work beyond the master’s degree and a dissertation or capstone project. They usually take less time to complete than a Ph.D.—in some cases, depending on the program, as few as three years.
• Study while continuing to work: Because the Ed.D. is aimed more at administrators and practitioners, institutions often structure the program to accommodate working schedules, meaning you can “earn while you learn”.

A Ph.D. in Education is a research-intensive academic degree focused on producing leaders who can nurture new educators, either within college classrooms or as leaders within educational institutions. Ph.D. programs in education emphasize the production of scholarship-- the research and analysis which describes for practitioners and policy makers what works in education, what doesn’t work, and why that is.

Typically, Ph.D. in Education degrees aim to produce researchers who can also teach at the university level, ensuring that new teachers get off to a strong start in their careers and that mid-career teachers gain the advanced skills they need to serve students even more effectively, whether as master teachers, administrators, or school counselors. Education Ph.D. graduates may also serve as administrators, whether at the K-12 level, in higher education, or in government departments and private companies which serve education.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Ph.D. in Education?

While current teachers and administrators can make a good fit for Ph.D. in education programs, they should already have a demonstrated focus on research in their careers before applying. Other potential good fits for education Ph.D.s are academics from other fields who are interested in investigating specific problems within the field of education.

These may include:

• Sociologists
• Counselors or people with psychology degrees
• Child social workers

Ph.D. in Education Career Options

There is some overlap between the careers you can pursue with an Ed.D. and the careers you can pursue with a Ph.D. in Education. Your ability to pursue administrative roles will vary depending on your previous experience managing others within an education setting. Other roles may include:

• College Professor   – Ph.D. graduates in education can often obtain work teaching in education programs at colleges and universities. They may work with new undergraduates, experienced teachers, administrators, or public policy students. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median 2017 salary for postsecondary teachers of all types was $76,000. *Source  
• Sociologist   – As a graduate of a Ph.D. in Education program, you could work in sociological research related to education, conducting surveys, analyzing data, and working to identify the impact of educational policies on schools and students. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for sociologists in 2017 was $79,650. *Source  
• Training and Development Manager   – Private companies need skilled educational professionals who can help them develop effective training programs for employees and executives. As a training and development manager, you can put the knowledge gained in your education Ph.D. program to work researching and designing corporate training plans. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that training and development managers earned a median salary of $108,250 in 2017. *Source  
• Public Policy Director   – With your Ph.D. in Education, you may also qualify to lead policy creation and advocacy efforts within non-profit organizations or government departments. You would apply your research and analysis skills to this role, along with managerial skills as you direct the work of junior policy analysts and researchers. Payscale.com reports that the average annual salary for this role is $76,486. *Source

Benefits of a Ph.D. in Education Program

With its emphasis on research and teaching, the Ph.D. in Education demands full-time commitment, can take longer to complete than an Ed.D. and can be difficult to complete while continuing to work. However, it has its own benefits for those who truly want to follow a scholarly career path.

• More common degree: There are more Ph.D. programs in education available than there are Ed.D. programs. This means you will have more options when it comes to finding a college that suits you. It also means you will have more options in terms of choosing a specialization program.
• Funding is more available: Many colleges and universities provide funding for Ph.D. students to pay their tuition and some living costs while they study. In exchange, Ph.D. students assist their supervisors in research, perform graduate assistant teaching duties, and represent the university at conferences and other professional events. These are all excellent activities for building a resume in academia—and you could get paid to do them.
• Learn widely applicable research skills: The research methodologies you learn in a Ph.D. program go beyond those taught in an Ed.D. program and can apply to many career paths after graduation. This is especially true if you work with research involving large data sets and analysis software. Many companies are looking for data analysts, no matter what field of study their degree was in. *Source

The two doctoral degrees in education overlap in many ways, but also feature key differences in terms of their intended student prospects, aims, goals, and formats.

Career Path Direction

When it comes to deciding on a Ph.D. vs. Ed.D., consider where you’ve come from and where you want to go. If you are an established classroom teacher or administrator and want advanced skills to continue solving complex problems as a leader in that area, choose an Ed.D. If you have a more academic background and want to investigate major issues around education through research or want to contribute to the profession by training new teachers in colleges, choose the Ph.D.

Skill Set Emphasis

Related to the differing career path goals of a Ph.D. vs. Ed.D., the skills emphasized in each degree do vary. Ed.D. students will focus primarily on hands-on, transformational leadership skills within education settings at any level. Ph.D. students will cover many courses in research methodologies, spend more time producing a dissertation and other scholarly publications, and focus on teaching and mentoring college students.

Research Goals

Both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs teach advanced research skills, including statistics, data analysis, and qualitative and quantitative methodologies such as surveys and other investigation tools. However, the research aims in each degree differ.

Ed.D. programs teach research skills to help students employ those processes to solve very specific problems through the application of evidence to practical solutions.

Ph.D. programs teach more open-ended academic inquiry skills, designed to contribute to the wider body of scholarship which informs education practice and policy.

Program Format and Completion Length

The final difference between Ed.D. programs vs. Ph.D. programs is the way the formats are commonly structured by colleges and universities. Because of its more practical, hands-on focus, the Ed.D. is usually a credit-based program that can be delivered via online study as well as on-campus study (or with some combination of the two). In addition, Ed.D. programs are often designed to accommodate working education professionals, whether they are teachers, curriculum designers, or administrators.

Finally, Ed.D. degree programs are typically shorter than other doctoral degrees in education, with programs lasting anywhere from two to four years in length. Ph.D. in Education programs are more likely to be full-time residential programs which require students to leave full-time jobs to pursue. While some Ph.D. programs focused on educational leadership may be structured for people who need to keep working, they are less common in other specialization areas. Ph.D. degrees are also competency-based, meaning whether you earn the degree or not depends on the defense of your dissertation. Because of this requirement, they are more likely to take in the region of 5-7 years to finish.

Ed.D. vs Ph.D. in Education: Which Is Right for You?

In summary, the chief difference between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. is about the long-term career goals of the student. Which one is right for you will depend on where you’ve come from in your career to this point and where you want to go. Dedicated to solving problems in education through hands-on, transformational leadership? An Ed.D. program is likely to be the best bet for you. Passionate about scholarly research and policy development within academic settings? You may be ideal for a Ph.D. program. We hope this guide has helped you understand the differences between an   Ed.D. in Education Leadership   and a Ph.D. program in education with more clarity. Good luck with your career in education, no matter which degree you choose!

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Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference?

Reviewed by Jon Konen, District Superintendent

In essence, the primary difference between a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is that an Ed.D. focuses on practical skills, while a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focuses on theory and research.

Those pursuing an Ed.D. typically want to work in education leadership roles, so they perform hands-on work while pursuing their degrees. Ph.D. candidates usually hope to work in educational research and high-level education, so they perform a lot of literature reviews and other types of academic study. However, both involve practical and theory-based work.

Do you want to earn a doctorate in education but can’t decide which type of program to choose? Then, look no further for the answers to your questions.

Here, we’ll discuss the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D., including the careers they’re both geared toward, what their respective course schedules look like, how long they take to get, and more.

What Is an Ed.D.?

If you are working towards your Ed.D., your curriculum will likely be geared towards solving on-the-ground problems in the educational system.

Projects for Ed.D. programs often include participating in workshops and research in the community, up to implementing a program in a classroom and reporting the findings. Specific coursework is determined by the area you specialize in. For instance, if you’re focusing on creating best practices for special education, you’ll likely spend time working in various special education rooms.

What Can I Do With an Ed.D.?

Those with Ed.D. degrees often seek positions in administration or community or district-wide leadership, seeking to improve schools and other educational resources in their communities.

If you choose to pursue the Ed.D. route, you may also choose to specialize in different leadership tracks such as:

• Educational Technology : Instructional technologists help create programs for classrooms, teach district leaders and educators how to best implement digital resources, and more.
• Education Policy : Education policy jobs involve helping officials to create policies that further and benefit education at the local through national levels.
• School or District Leadership : Principals and superintendents aren’t generally required to have doctorates, but the degrees can make them stand out among the crowd.

Salaries and Job Growth for Common Ed.D. Careers

There are many possible careers with Doctor of Education degrees, but salaries for the most common include:

• Educational Technologists: Average base salary of $64,125 per year ; growth unavailable
• Education Policymakers: Median salary of $125,350 per year (inclusive of all political scientists); 9% growth 2020-2030
• School or District Leaders: Median salary of $98,490 per year (inclusive of all administrative positions); 3% to 4% growth 2019-2029

What is a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in education focuses on conducting research that enhances the profession and educational system. Most people with this doctorate spend some time working as a professor or postsecondary administrator.

Ph.D. in education programs generally require courses in research, independent study, and best practices, culminating in a dissertation.

That said, teaching-related internships and research are often needed.

What Can I Do With a Ph.D. in Education?

With a Ph.D. in education, you will usually seek employment as a college professor or educational researcher. This means you should want to teach and conduct research at the collegiate level. While some people can ultimately focus their efforts on research, being asked to teach is common.

While both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs allow many of the same specialties, some more common with Ph.D. programs are:

• Adult Education : Adult education can mean college professors in the traditional sense or working with nontraditional learners on earning their GEDs.
• School Psychology: This program may be offered through a college’s education department or psychology department. It allows you to provide in-depth psychological services to students and families.
• Specific Subjects: You can focus on an academic subject you like most, such as math , language arts , history , special education, or even art and physical education , allowing you to create best practices for teachers, teach college students in the subject, research the psychology behind best practices, and work as a K-12 classroom teacher or teacher leader.

Salaries and Job Growth for Common Ph.D. in Education Careers

No matter the specialty, many Ph.D. holders work in college classrooms and administration. The salaries and job growth estimates for those areas are:

• Postsecondary Teachers: Median salary of $80,560 per year ; 12% growth between 2020 and 2030
• Postsecondary Education Administrators: Median salary of $97,500 per year ; 8% growth 2020-2030

Similarities Between Ed.D. and Ph.D. Degrees

Both a Ph.D. in education and an Ed.D. are intended to extend a teacher’s knowledge and ability in education. Each requires research in your intended field and the defense of a dissertation, capstone project, or other comprehensive final exploration of a topic.

You can refer to yourself as “doctor” whether you have a Ph.D. or Ed.D. However, you should be aware of the context in which you’re using it since almost everyone associates the term with medical doctors. In your classroom? Go ahead! In a place where it could be confusing? Consider leaving your title at home.

While common career paths were named under both the Ed.D. and Ph.D. sections above, you aren’t barred from entering those careers with the other doctorate. While it’s more common, for instance, for someone with an Ed.D. to work hands-on in the schools, someone with a Ph.D. can definitely do that too.

Some doctoral programs allow you to pick an area to specialize in, while others only enroll students for specific types of specialties. It’s rare for a student not to specialize—to work as a doctor in education, you need to have a particular area you’re passionate enough about to want to focus your studies on it.

Common specialization tracks for both degree types can include:

• Adult Education
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning
• Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Special Education (SPED)
• Teacher Leadership

While you can have other degrees in all those specializations, doctoral degrees allow you to make bigger picture decisions.

For instance, someone with a master’s in ECE may serve as a consultant or manager of an ECE center, while someone with a doctorate is more likely to work at the policy level to ensure a community’s early childhood education goals are met. (If you want to teach ECE and not work in those levels, consider an associate or bachelor’s degree in the field, as those are typically all you need.)

Is Getting a Doctoral Degree in Education Worth It?

Getting a Ph.D. in education or an Ed.D. is worthwhile for some people and not for others. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding to pursue a doctoral degree in education:

Doctoral Degrees in Education: Pros

• Prestige: Getting a doctorate impresses many people.
• Additional Career Opportunities: Some careers that education-focused doctors can have are open to those with master’s degrees, but many (such as professors at major universities) often require doctorates.
• Research: Doctoral candidates and doctors in education often have more resources for researching their chosen field.

Doctoral Degrees in Education: Cons

• Potentially Harder to Get Some Jobs: If you want to work as a teacher in a K-12 school, you’ll likely be at the high end of the pay scale. If you decide to switch to a new school or district, you could find it hard to gain employment since you’re more expensive to hire.
• According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the most recent data on the cost of a graduate education at a public university shows the average to be $11,926 per year.
• At a private university, you’re looking at an average of $25,442 per year.
• You May Not Need One: Before committing the time and money to a doctoral degree in education, be sure you need one. In some cases, the costs outweigh the benefits.

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which is Right for Me?

Both doctoral degrees in education can lead to professional advancement. The two primary factors to consider are how much time you have to spend in school and what your careers goals are:

• Time in School: You should generally expect your D. in education to take between four and six years, depending on a few factors that will play out after you get started. An Ed.D. usually takes approximately three years.
• Career Goals: An Ed.D. involves more of a practical application of what you’re learning. You learn by doing and should want a career where you’re actively involved in education. Meanwhile, a D. in educationinvolves more theoretical and research-based work. You should favor jobs in research and development but also be comfortable teaching in a postsecondary environment.

Your Path to a Doctorate in Education

If you’re beginning to explore careers in education , you may have made it to this page as part of figuring out the path to your ideal career in the field. Remember: No matter what, you need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to pursue a doctorate in education. Depending on the requirements of the programs that might be offered at your school of choice, you may also need a master’s degree .

However, if you’re getting ready to enter a specific job that requires a doctorate, it’s time to explore doctoral programs in your state or online.

Whether you choose an Ed.D., Ph.D., or choose to remain at the bachelor’s or master’s degree levels, a career in education—even one that seems a bit outside the box —means you’re likely to change lives. We at EducationDegree are here to help with our wealth of articles and other resources to set you up for success.

(Salary data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2020 for teachers and administrators . Figures represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed October 2021.)

Academic Degrees , Education Degree News

Considering a PhD in Education? Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated: February 13, 2024

Published: December 17, 2018

For anyone looking to pursue a career in education in academia or research, a Ph.D. in education is the degree to seek. A doctorate degree in education is a terminal degree in the field, which means it is the highest level degree you can get. So the natural next question is, “What can you do with a Ph.D. in education?

Here, we will share Ph.D. in education jobs, as well as answer all your big questions surrounding a doctorate degree in education.

What is a Ph.D. in education?

A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education is a graduate degree that is well-suited for anyone who wants to focus their career on academics or research. Just like a Ph.D. in education is a terminal degree, so is a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.

Although it can be confusing when faced with two terminal degrees in the same field, it helps to clarify when we understand what each of their focus is. An EdD in education is more hands-on and practice-oriented, which means that it’s of use to those who want to work in education, for the government, or in a non-profit organization.

A Ph.D. in education is theoretically-focused and more study-based, in comparison. For this reason, it’s best for anyone looking to work in research or academia at the university level.

There are more differences between the two, including:

• A Ph.D. in education takes four years to complete, while an EdD takes two.
• A Ph.D. requires doing a dissertation, while an EdD doesn’t.
• A Ph.D. focuses on developing new research. EdD students, on the other hand, use existing research to guide decisions about issues within their area of study.
• A Ph.D. requires taking 90 credits, whereas an EdD requires 60.

Why Earn a Ph.D. in Education?

There are many reasons why a Ph.D. in education is valuable and worthy of your effort. Here’s why:

1. It’s one of the most highly respected credentials in education, and as mentioned, it is a terminal degree (which means its the highest level that you can achieve in this field).

2. You’ll use research-based methods to solve problems and identify gaps in your specialization of choice.

Plus, you will have the expertise and credentials to publish in professional journals and/or present your findings at conferences around the world.

3. You’ll be advancing in an area of education in which you’re passionate.

Are you fascinated by childhood development? Or do you have a passion for classroom management? If you have a desire to advance a particular field in education, a Ph.D. is an excellent way to do so.

4. You’ll earn respect in your field and gain personal satisfaction.

Since a Ph.D. in education requires doing a dissertation, that alone is not an easy feat! Accomplishing it will surely give you a rewarding feeling. Plus, being called Doctor isn’t so bad either. Just like any degree, a Ph.D. in education involves a certain skill set . Some learned along the way, and some you may have naturally. These are some skills involved in a Ph.D. in education:

Technical skills:

Analysis and problem-solving, project management and organization, research and information management, and written and oral communication are all important in such a research-based degree.

Soft skills:

Interpersonal and leadership skills, self-management and work habits, concentration, and patience are all important personal skills to have when you’re spending lots of time on one specific topic.

The Doctorate in Education Salaries You Can Expect

Did you know that in America, Ph.D. graduates will earn $1.3 million more than BA holders in their working lifetimes? There are all kinds of career options for Ph.D. education graduates.

Here are some examples of typical careers for Ph.D. in education holders, as well as their average salaries in the US:

• Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: $79,820
• Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $80,56 0
• Survey Researchers: $59,870 
• Sociologists: $86,110
• Training and Development Specialists: $62,700

Many PhD in education graduates want to become professors. Here’s what the average annual salaries look like around the globe for professors in the top-paying countries (in their equivalent USD):

Denmark: $109,600

Switzerland: $185,000

UK: $110,000

US: $102,400

Finland: $95,000

Canada: $93,000

Germany:$92,000

France: $82,000

There are other career options as well, such as school administrator, superintendent, curriculum coordinator, and principal.

What are the Requirements?

Considering that a Ph.D. in education is the highest level you can achieve in education, it means that you will already have a bachelor’s under your belt, and in most cases, a master’s degree, as well. In other words, you probably like being a student. There are lots of years of studying that get dedicated to earning a Ph.D. If you plan on doing a doctorate in education, earning a master’s degree in education can be the right first step.

Another important thing to know is that almost all Ph.D. candidates have background experience in research. So if education is your field of interest, getting a Ph.D. will mean coming to the table with previous research experience from your undergraduate (and potentially graduate) degrees.

Every institution may differ on their prerequisites for enrolling in their Ph.D. in education program. Be sure to consult directly with your school of choice to find out what they are.

Where Can I Earn My Ph.D. in Education?

There are many schools that offer Ph.D. in education programs. Just like most subjects, there are going to be online /on-campus options as well as throughout the world. Some are even fully funded.

Online programs

University of the People has a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degree. This could be a great choice for those of you who may be aiming for a Ph.D. in education but only have a BA. The next step is getting that MA. So, why not choose a tuition-free program ?

Liberty University, Walden University, University of Colorado, and the University of Nebraska are just a few popular universities that offer a Ph.D. in Education. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable online Ph.D. programs.

Studying in Europe

Studying in Europe can be both exciting and low-cost . Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland offer free doctorate tuition for university students, regardless of their nationality! France offers low-cost Ph.D. tuition fees. If you want to see some specific schools in these countries, look at this list.

Fully-funded Programs

Fully-funded sounds wonderful, and it is! But, it doesn’t mean there are no costs associated. Fully-funded actually means that your tuition is covered, but you’ll still have to cover costs for textbooks and supplies, living expenses, and other fees.  no cost. That said, it’s still an awesome option. One condition: it has to be on campus. Why? Because you need to pay with your time — by teaching and performing research.

University of Michigan School of Education, Vanderbilt Peabody College, and Steinhardt School at NYU all offer tuition-free on-campus Ph.D. in education programs.

Online vs On-campus

You might be wondering what it’s like to get your Ph.D. online, as compared to on-campus institutions. Like all degrees, there are advantages and disadvantages to earning your degree entirely online. In regards to a Ph.D. in education, you will need to consider a few things.

Online Ph.D. programs are best suited to students who work better solo. They are also great for those who have worked in the field for some time and want to advance in their area of study. And, of course, it’s the best option for those who work and are raising families. On the other hand, you aren’t in the presence of peers and professors that can be a valuable resource in the research-driven program of a Ph.D.

Earning a Ph.D. on-campus has its pros and cons, too.. While they’re generally more expensive than online programs, on-campus Ph.D. programs allow you to communicate face-to-face with your professors, supervisors, and other students.

What You Can Expect to Study in a Ph.D. in Education

Completing a Ph.D. means doing your dissertation, or research thesis. Naturally, it is going to be based on the field of study that you are most interested in. You can specialize in a certain area. Some common specialization options for a Ph.D. in education are:

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Adult Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Educational Psychology

Aside from the research involved in planning and executing your thesis, you will also have professional development activities and coursework relevant to your area of study. They’re designed to help give you the skills needed to succeed in your research and your future career in education.

While the curriculum is going to vary according to your specialization, there are some general core courses that most PhDs in education involve. You will likely take the following: group psychology, leadership, learning models, ethics, education and globalization, and analytics courses as part of your curriculum.

Is a Ph.D. in Education for Me?

If you choose to study for a Ph.D. in education, chances are you’re passionate about teaching and learning, and everything in between. Even if you’re not looking to stand in front of a lecture hall and teach, you may wish to improve upon the field of education as a whole through research and other means. With a Ph.D. in Education, you open the door to that possibility and many more.

How you choose to earn your degree is up to you. Whether you conclude upon enrolling online or on-campus, prepare yourself for lots of reading, writing, researching, and communicating. Whatever you chose, we’re sure you’ll give it your best shot. Here’s to reaching the top in the field of education!

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What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Education?

America’s education system is continually in need of leaders equipped with the right knowledge and skills to effect change. From increased classroom size and decreased funding to high-stakes testing and a growing need for technology in the classroom, today’s educators face many – and often have to do so with fewer resources at their disposal. Working at the ground level can be a great way to make an impact. Teachers get to work one-on-one with students, allowing them the opportunity to make a difference in individual lives. But for some educators, the right career path – and the best way to implement change – is through executive leadership in system-level roles.

If you’re an educator looking to move into educational leadership or high-level administration, going back for your doctorate could be the right move. Earning a doctorate in education can help open careers at the top level of the education industry. You might be out of the classroom, but the possibility to impact education is greater than ever. With an education leadership doctorate you can help develop education policy, set curriculum and even conduct research that can help further education in this country.

Of course, going back for an advanced degree is a big decision – and one that may require a commitment of both time and money. If you’re considering going back to school for your doctorate, let us help you gather the facts and explore the career possibilities before you decide.

EdD vs. PhD: Types of Doctorate Degrees in Education

If you’re going back for your doctorate in education, you have two choices of degree:

Doctor of Education (EdD) : This doctoral degree will help educators develop the skills and strategies required to manage an organization, lead faculty and staff, and address educational issues in the workplace. 1 This degree focuses on practical application in real-world environments. An EdD program will help equip you to work closely with teachers and students to help shape an organization and its educational policy.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD ): This educator preparation doctoral program is ideal for those who want to conduct and publish education research. A PhD in Education focuses on theoretical application. If your goal is to become a university professor, a PhD is usually the more appropriate degree to pursue.

Careers in Education for Doctorate Degree Holders

What can you do with a doctorate in education? Earning a doctorate in education can open up career possibilities in a variety of settings. Whether you want to work in a traditional school setting, a university or even outside academia, a doctorate degree in education will help qualify you for a number of different positions.

School Systems

If you want to stay in the traditional setting of a public school system, several career options are available, most notably as a school principal or superintendent. Both positions carry great responsibility, as decisions made by these roles affect a large number of students.

• School Principals - Principals help create and implement professional development programs and work closely with teachers to make sure the school is meeting its overall educational goals. They also review learning materials and make decisions on school-wide curriculum.
• School Superintendents - Superintendents manage school districts and serve as the chief executive officer and educational advisor to a public school board. They help develop and implement educational policy for the district, manage top-level personnel, monitor budgets and work with school board members, politicians and financial advisors to create a thriving, competitive environment for students. 2
• College Presidents - They are the highest-ranking officials in their respective institutions.  Their duties include creating and executing the school’s vision-mission; managing all academic, operational, and financial aspects; and supervising staff and faculty. College presidents build relationships with government officials, alumni, donors, and the local community. They are accountable to the Board of Trustees. 

College or University

A variety of career paths in a collegiate setting are available to those with a doctorate in education. You can work as a professor, college admissions director, department chair, dean or provost. These higher education leadership positions carry great responsibility, and the decisions you make as an educational leader can affect the institution for years. For example, as an admissions director, it's your job to accept the right number of qualified applicants to balance funding, tuition costs and the quality of the student experience. A department chair handles all aspects of staffing, scheduling and coordination.

• Academic Deans - Academic deans are responsible for the management of their respective academic departments. They play a crucial role in designing programs, recruiting staff, managing finances, and representing their department in college-wide meetings. Typically, academic deans are accomplished professors who possess school leadership skills, administrative expertise and deep knowledge in their area of specialization.
• Provosts - The provost holds the position of the highest-ranking academic officer. They have direct authority over academic deans and are typically regarded as the second in command after the college president. They recruit and appoint deans, play a role in faculty hiring decisions, and oversee instructional planning and delivery as well as research activities. They may also work with or supervise academic support services.
• Instructional coordinators - They develop and implement academic instruction in their respective schools. One of their many primary responsibilities is to do research methods and design education program plans that meet the needs of students. They also analyze student data to determine their progress and identify areas for improvement. By doing so, they can create customized instructional plans that cater to the needs of their students.

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Non-Traditional Settings

With a doctorate in education, career possibilities aren’t limited to only academic settings. The research, communication and professional development skills you build in an EdD program translate well to other fields, including nonprofit organizations and state and federal government agencies. You may even work in business environments as a corporate trainer, helping businesses educate their employees on best practices for their particular industry. 3

• Chief Learning Officer - The role of a CLO involves overseeing the training and professional growth of all employees within a corporation or organization. This includes developing training plans that are in line with the organization's overall objectives, assessing the results of such training, and exploring innovative techniques and technologies for cultivating employee and executive talent. The reason it's a sought-after job for EdD graduates or those with an EdD degree is because of their advanced understanding in human development, teaching, and learning as well as statistics, technology, and other relevant fields. 

Alliant’s Doctoral Programs in Education

At Alliant International University, we offer several doctorate in education degree programs.

• Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Management
• PsyD in Educational Psychology

Our EdD in Educational Leadership and Management helps prepare educators who want to pursue educational administration and executive leadership roles. The EdD in Educational Leadership and Management degree is offered as a hybrid program, allowing busy professionals to advance their knowledge and develop a network of professional colleagues. To learn more about our doctorate degrees in education, contact us.

• “Edd vs. PhD Degrees,” Teach, accessed November 24, 2021, https://teach.com/online-ed/education-degrees/edd-vs-phd/ .
• “School/District Administrators,” National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE), accessed November 24, 2021, https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/training-technical-assistance/rol… .
• “Career Options & Opportunities with an EdD Degree: Resilient Educator,” ResilientEducator.com, accessed November 24, 2021, https://resilienteducator.com/degrees/career-options-edd-degree/ .

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Dean of the California School of Education for Alliant International University in San Diego, California. In addition to her leadership...

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Education Level Meaning: What Does Each Level Of Education Mean?

Understanding formal educational journey can be like exploring a vast, multi-layered map, with each level of education marking a distinct territory of knowledge, skills and abilities.

From the initial steps taken in elementary education to the specialised heights reached in doctoral studies, understanding the meaning behind each educational level is crucial.

This article aims to explore these levels and the significance they hold in an individual’s academic and professional journey. By unraveling the essence of each educational stage, we provide a clearer path for learners to chart their course through the world of academia and beyond.

Elementary Education

Elementary education is the foundational stage in the formal education system, typically covering kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade, depending on the country and region.

Completing this level equips students with basic skills in:

• writing, and
• mathematics.

Students also have an introduction to sciences, social studies, and often a second language. This phase is crucial as it lays the groundwork for all future learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities from a young age. 

In the U.S., for instance, a strong emphasis is placed on creating a supportive learning environment that caters to the developmental needs of children.

Successfully completing elementary education means a child is prepared to transition to secondary education, where they will build on this foundational knowledge.

It signifies the end of the initial compulsory phase of schooling, setting the stage for more specialised and advanced learning in high school and beyond.

Secondary Education

Secondary education, often spanning from sixth or seventh to twelfth grade, bridges the gap between elementary schooling and higher education. Completing this level means you’ve acquired a high school diploma, a key milestone in formal education.

This stage introduces more specialised subjects, often allowing students to choose electives based on their interests. These may include subjects like:

• advanced sciences,
• mathematics,
• literature, and
• social studies

For many, it’s a time to explore potential career paths, with schools offering vocational training alongside traditional academic courses.

In the U.S., for instance, secondary education includes various programs like AP courses or dual enrollment options, which can earn college credit.

Successfully graduating from high school prepares students for the next steps in their educational journey, whether it’s:

• enrolling in a college or university for an undergraduate degree,
• entering a vocational program, or
• jumping straight into the workforce.

It signifies a level of education that equips individuals with both the academic and social skills needed to navigate the complexities of adult life and the professional world.

Undergraduate / Bachelor Degree

An undergraduate degree marks a significant milestone in higher education, typically following secondary education. It’s the first level of university education, leading to a bachelor’s degree.

This achievement indicates that you’ve successfully completed a program of study in a specific field, like science, arts, or engineering, at a college or university.

For many, it’s a passport to professional careers or a stepping stone to advanced degrees.

In the U.S., obtaining an undergraduate degree usually involves a mix of general education courses and major-specific classes. This structure ensures a well-rounded education while allowing deep dives into areas of interest.

For example, a bachelor’s in science might require courses in:

• physics, and
• electives in humanities or social sciences.

Completing this level of education means you’ve developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialized knowledge in your field.

The journey to an undergraduate degree varies, typically taking four years, but can extend depending on the program or if you’re pursuing a double major.

Graduating with this degree opens doors to various career paths, qualifies you for certain professional certifications, or can be the prerequisite for entering graduate programs, such as a master’s or doctoral degree.

It’s a significant step that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world or further academic pursuits.

Masters Degree

A master’s degree represents an advanced level of education that follows an undergraduate degree. It signifies a deeper specialization in a particular field, whether it’s in the arts, sciences, business, or another area.

Completing this degree means you’ve engaged in intensive study and possibly research, culminating in a thesis or comprehensive examination.

For instance, someone with a bachelor’s in psychology might pursue a Master of Science (M.Sc.) to specialize in clinical psychology. This path typically involves:

• coursework,
• practical training, and
• a research project or thesis that contributes new insights to the field.

Similarly, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) prepares graduates for leadership roles in business, combining theoretical knowledge with practical business skills.

Earning a master’s degree can change your career trajectory, opening doors to higher-level positions, increased earning potential, and in some cases, a prerequisite for doctoral studies.

It usually takes one to two years to complete, but this can vary depending on the program and whether you study full-time or part-time.

Graduating with a master’s degree not only enhances your expertise but also demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development. It’s a significant achievement that sets you apart in the job market, equipping you with advanced knowledge and skills in your chosen field.

Doctoral Degree – Highest Level Of Education

Achieving a doctoral degree is the pinnacle of academic success, representing the highest level of education in various fields, from science to humanities.

This degree signifies not just years of study but a significant contribution to your field through original research.

Completing a doctorate means you’ve conducted a comprehensive study, culminating in a dissertation that presents new knowledge or insights, capable of influencing future research and practice.

For instance, in the U.S., a doctoral candidate in environmental science might spend years studying the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems, contributing valuable data and strategies for conservation.

Similarly, a doctoral program in education could lead to groundbreaking methodologies in teaching and learning, shaping future educational practices.

Earning a doctoral degree is a rigorous process, typically involving:

• examinations, and
• a lengthy dissertation process.

It requires a deep commitment to research and scholarship, often under the guidance of experienced mentors and advisors. This journey not only hones your expertise in a specific area but also develops a wide range of skills, from critical thinking to problem-solving.

Graduates with a doctoral degree often pursue careers in academia, research, or high-level industry positions, where they can continue to influence and innovate within their fields.

Completing this degree opens doors to opportunities for leadership, teaching, and advanced research, making it a transformative step in both personal and professional development.

Education Level Meaning Explained

Each level of education serves as a building block in the vast architecture of learning, marking significant milestones in an individual’s academic and professional journey.

From the foundational knowledge gained in elementary education to the specialised skills acquired through secondary schooling, and the advanced insights developed during undergraduate and postgraduate studies, each stage prepares learners for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Understanding the meaning and significance of these educational levels not only helps in appreciating the journey but also in making informed decisions about one’s career path and life goals, ultimately shaping a more informed, skilled, and adaptable society.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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PhD: so what does it really stand for?

Recently, during some particularly thorough literature research, I stumbled on a list of alternative interpretations of the acronym PhD. Most were funny: protein has degraded, parents have doubts. But one froze my face in a bittersweet grimace: paid half of what I deserve.

When I was still a rookie PhD student, I read with outrage an Economist article entitled the disposable academic , which argued that doing a PhD is mostly needless. Lately, I've come to think of the PhD as more of a heavily spicy meal. It doesn't matter how much you enjoy the process, once you're done, you still have half of the pain ahead.

The years of academic slog to work your way up to a full tenure slot (professorship? ha – dream on!) are not much different from the work of a PhD in terms of relentless benchwork (pipetting hand disease) and unceasing literature research (pound head on desk), served on a fixed menu with professional uncertainty (please hire: desperate). All of which result in, if not professorship, then potential heavy drinking.

PhD students and postdocs are the working class of academic research and paid accordingly. Although postgraduates are crucial to the generation, discussion and dissemination of knowledge, 50% pay (i.e half of what they deserve) is standard for PhDs in natural sciences and not even guaranteed in the arts and humanities. It's depressing to think that the overall salary of a PhD candidate is less than the cost of much lab equipment. Lab devices are meant to last years – but, hell, what about the work of PhD students in a system where knowledge is incremental?

There could be several reasons for this discrepancy. Equipment and consumables are costly and have a substantial impact on future budget setting. The number of PhDs, meanwhile, is inflated and international competition is fierce. PhD candidates are earning a degree, which shouldn't come for free, and demands motivation and not a little self-denial – including financially.

PhD candidates are at their infancy in science and being trained to do something different from their education to date – lessons in theory combined with practical labwork – as they move into more independent, innovative research. And contributing to the advancement of knowledge requires a certain naive idealism, right? But does this mean it's okay to exploit highly educated individuals ( probably heavily in debt )? No.

The possible solutions are simple. The most obvious is: raise the salary of PhD students. A remedy for the resulting scarcity of resources would be stricter selection so that only the best candidates started a PhD. Realistically though, this is never going to happen. It's not because policymakers are greedy but because it would mean a reduction of PhDs and thus a slowdown of science.

A second option wouldn't hinder research, and might even enhance it: cut the salary of professors by half. If there are solid reasons for PhDs being paid half of what they deserve, then the same hold good for professors. They too are doing something different from their previous jobs. After tenure, natural scientists move out of the lab and into an office from where they supervise the research of their team members. The knowledge acquired before (both theoretical and practical) still counts, but the job looks quite different.

Political and managerial skills are equally essential, and nurtured for the sake of tenure, not science. Top-tier staff write proposals, manage funds and coordinate subaltern research units and are sometimes scarcely involved with the generation, presentation and discussion of results which is the core purpose of science. Some department chairs merely take note of advancements generated from the institutes they preside over, but co-author papers nonetheless.

Wages of these academic administrators, then, don't deserve to sit even at 50%. And however grim this may sound to today's professors and those postdocs close to a permanent role, the benefits might appeal to future professors much more. Reduction in salaries for tenured staff will create new professorial appointments and reduce the imbalance between the number of temporary researchers and professors, while smaller research units will favour better supervision of PhD candidates and reduce fixed costs.

Today's professors probably already earn too little, after so many years of being underpaid. As one reader wrote in response to that Economist article: "The PhD student is someone who forgoes current income in order to forgo future income." But if some of the surplus resulting from a slash in professorial salaries flowed down to PhDs and postdocs, then entry level professors would be put in a better financial position.

In this light, cuts to science funding (like those we have seen recently in the US) could be an opportunity. Will they slow down scientific advancement? Most probably, yes. But here is a chance for the elite to rethink the way science is done and stop placing merit only on the levels of grant money they gain, the papers they publish, and the prestige they acquire, but instead taking a closer look at the predicament of those who prop this community up.

Advocates of competition see it as a positive outcome of the current shortage of funding and resources. But to defend job insecurity as the main incentive to scientific advancement is offensive. Science would benefit more from a harmonious coexistence of its members than by favouring ruthless competition.

Jorge Cham, creator of the wittily depressing PhD Comics series, revealed that a major motivation for his sketches was to give solace to fellow PhDs struggling as he did through their postgraduate years. He interprets the acronym as piled higher and deeper. You might think of the paper bulk on your desk, but I believe he had something else in mind.

PhD actually stands for philosophiae doctor , or doctor of philosophy. As we say in my native Italian: prendila con filosofia (take it easy, take it as it comes). And waiting for a change in the current system, or for a global PhD manifesto to emerge, one cannot take it any other way.

This blog was written by a current PhD student in Italy

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Is a Doctorate Degree Worth It?

Know before you read At SNHU, we want to make sure you have the information you need to make decisions about your education and your future—no matter where you choose to go to school. That's why our informational articles may reference careers for which we do not offer academic programs, along with salary data for those careers. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Earning a doctorate takes time, money and discipline. Like many things worth doing, the process is challenging but also rewarding. Becoming an expert in your subject area and immersing yourself in your chosen area of study makes the process of earning a doctorate important to many people. Certain professions require or value a doctorate for promotion potential.

In fact, career advancement, love of the subject matter and personal satisfaction are three of the top reasons why Dr. Bridgitte Kiprop '23 , Dr. Jennifer Barry ’23 and Dr. Torialyn Draper Crook earned their doctorates.

• For Kiprop '23, part of her motivation for earning a doctorate in International Business was setting an example for her six children.
• For Barry, ’23, who earned a doctor of education degree in educational leadership, part of her motivation was to prepare for success in meeting her long-term career goal to become a university president.
• And for Crook, earning her doctorate in education was a commitment that she undertook to honor her family’s legacy of valuing education.

How Difficult is Earning a Doctorate?

For Kiprop, time management was her key to success. With six children, she had to make the most of any time in the day that she could find. “If I had … five minutes, I would use the five minutes,” she said. “Other times, I was luckier (and had) two hours.”

Despite the time-management  challenges of earning an advanced degree while raising her family, Kiprop feels that the process of earning that degree was a way to inspire her children to work hard to meet their own goals.

“I really hope that my children will ... know that whatever it is they feel called to do, whatever their ambitions, their goals are achievable,” she said.

To manage the challenge of advanced studies, having the right people around you as you work on your degree is essential, according to Crook. “Surround yourself with family, friends, colleagues and mentors who can provide encouragement during challenging times,” she said.

Crook stresses that everyone’s journey to earning their doctorate is unique. She recommends being prepared for the unexpected, and remaining flexible in adjusting your path as you work toward completing your degree.

How Long Does a Doctorate Take?

Students may have family commitments, health challenges or need to work full or part-time while attending school . Many students face all of these circumstances. Crook managed to complete her doctorate in 5 years, though it wasn't easy for her. She faced a significant personal health challenge and was raising two children while also attending school.

For Barry, earning her doctoral degree is part of an educational path that started with her bachelor’s degree at SNHU (formerly New Hampshire College) in 2000. She then continued her education to earn a master's degree throughout several jobs and geographic moves.

Barry views her entire educational journey as part of the process that led to meeting her ultimate goal of earning a doctorate.

What Skills Are Needed to Earn a Doctorate?

While every academic program is different, Crook finds certain skills and competencies necessary for success, regardless of field. These skills include:

• Building relationships
• Organizational skills
• Self-motivation
• Writing skills

Crook finds building relationships particularly important. While working on her degree, the strong relationship that she developed with her dissertation chairperson proved essential. She also built positive relationships with other doctoral students, which led to a strong peer support network throughout her program.

Kiprop echoes the importance of building relationships in her field as well. For her, building new relationships is a way to open your mind to new experiences and opportunities.

Find Your Program

What types of jobs can you get with a doctorate.

While a doctorate is helpful for working in leadership roles at colleges and universities, there are many opportunities for doctoral degree holders to work at the highest levels in their profession outside of higher education as well.

Some of the top professions that require a doctoral or professional degree and have a faster-than-average predicted growth rate, according to the BLS, are:

• Astronomers* (SNHU does not currently offer graduate degrees in astronomy or physics)
• Biochemists and biophysicists* (SNHU does not currently offer graduate degrees in biochemistry or biophysics)
• Clinical and counseling psychologists* (SNHU does not currently offer doctorates in psychology, but you could start with a bachelor's in psychology , followed by a master's in psychology )
• Higher education teachers and professors — particularly business, computer science and engineering teachers*

Two more examples of areas where a doctorate can help prepare you for advancement in your career are educational leadership and international business.

A doctorate in educational leadership can be a Doctor of Philosophy degree, known as a PhD, or a Doctor of Education degree, known as an EdD. The PhD in Education Leadership  typically leads to higher education roles in teaching and research. The EdD in Educational Leadership , which Barry earned, typically leads to leadership and strategy roles in an education setting that may be at the higher education or secondary school level.

A PhD in International Business  may include addressing a gap in an existing body of knowledge by conducting research. Kiprop, who earned her doctorate at SNHU, plans to use her degree to research entrepreneurship in small business finance.

Motivated by being from a developing country — Kenya — she has a personal interest in helping grow small businesses in similar developing areas. “I can also use that same knowledge at the New Hampshire level because the issues there perhaps are different but still … relevant,” she said.

Regardless of your program field, the process of earning a doctorate can help you explore ways of applying your newfound and existing knowledge that you may not have considered prior to starting your program.

Is it Better to Have a Master’s or Doctorate?

Both a master’s degree  and a doctorate offer opportunities for career advancement. Choosing which to earn, or whether to earn both, is a highly personal decision based on your personal and professional goals and aspirations, according to Crook.

Before deciding which degree is right for you, consider your goals. Speaking with a career counselor  or graduate admissions counselor to learn about career options and pathways toward earning the degree can be a helpful step toward making this decision.

In many fields, a master’s degree is enough  to move forward in your career. But, earning a doctorate is an opportunity to take your career a step further, according to Crook. That step “gives one the opportunity to direct their career trajectory specifically through research and other specialized skills and knowledge,” she said.

How Valuable is a Doctorate?

A doctorate isn’t for everyone, but it can be right for you depending on your chosen field and career path.

For many people, earning a doctorate is just as important as a personal accomplishment as it is a professional one. “I (always) understood the significance of progressing in my career and staying connected to my field of higher education,” Crook said. “My doctoral journey was worthwhile as it aligned with my career goals  and personal aspirations,” she said.

For Barry, the doctorate was worth it because she believes strongly in the power of education . “You see how (education) transforms people’s lives and … gives people opportunities that they didn’t see before,” she said.

She has seen many people earn degrees only for their family members to then continue in their footsteps. “I just think that generationally, (education) is creating pathways for people,” she said.

Deciding whether to pursue a doctorate is ultimately a very personal decision, but one that can lead you to build new relationships and a new knowledge base while helping you reach or exceed your career goals.

A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU doctorate degree  that can best help you meet your goals.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill. 

A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli  is a career educator and writer. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

Explore more content like this article

Is a Bachelor's Degree Worth It?

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

Is an Associate Degree Worth It?

About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

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What to know about Biden’s latest attempt at student loan cancellation

President Joe Biden says student loan relief will empower Americans to pursue their dreams without the burden of debt. Visiting Wisconsin, Biden announced details of a new plan to help more than 30 million people.

President Joe Biden speaks at an event about canceling student debt, at the Madison Area Technical College Truax campus on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

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President Joe Biden departs after delivering remarks on student loan debt at Madison College, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on student loan debt at Madison College, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is taking another shot at student loan cancellation, hoping to deliver on a key campaign promise that he has so far failed to fulfill.

In a visit to Wisconsin on Monday, Biden detailed a proposal that would cancel at least some debt for more than 30 million Americans. It’s been in the works for months after the Supreme Court rejected Biden’s first try at mass cancellation.

Biden called the court’s decision a “mistake” but ordered the Education Department to craft a new plan using a different legal authority. The latest proposal is more targeted than his original plan, focusing on those for whom student debt is a major obstacle.

Here’s what to know about the new plan:

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM BIDEN’S FIRST PLAN?

Biden’s first attempt at widespread student loan cancellation would have erased $10,000 for borrowers with yearly incomes of up to $125,000, plus an additional $10,000 if they received federal Pell grants for low-income students. It was estimated to cost $400 billion and cancel at least some student debt for more than 40 million people.

The Supreme Court rejected that plan last year, saying Biden overstepped his authority.

The new plan uses a different legal justification — the Higher Education Act, which allows the secretary of education to waive student loan debt in certain cases. The Education Department has been going through a federal rulemaking process to clarify how the secretary can invoke that authority.

The new plan targets five categories of borrowers, focusing on those believed to be in the greatest need of help. It would provide relief to an estimated 30 million borrowers. The administration has not said how much the plan would cost.

WHO’S ELIGIBLE?

Biden’s new proposal would offer cancellation to five categories of borrowers.

The widest-reaching provision aims to reset student loan balances for borrowers who have seen their debt grow because of unpaid interest. It would cancel up to $20,000 in interest for Americans who now owe more than they originally borrowed. That cap wouldn’t apply for individuals who make less than $120,000 a year or couples who earn less than $240,000 and also are enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan.

The Education Department says 25 million people would be eligible for that relief, including 23 million who would get their interest erased entirely.

Borrowers who are eligible for other federal forgiveness programs but haven’t applied would also get their loans canceled under the new proposal. It applies to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and income-driven repayment plans, among others. It’s meant to help people who missed out on forgiveness because of complex paperwork, bad advice or other obstacles. An estimated 2 million people would be eligible for that help.

All debt would be canceled for borrowers who have been repaying undergraduate loans for 20 years or more, or 25 years for those with graduate school debt. The Biden administration says it would erase loans for more than 2 million people.

Those who attended college programs of “low financial value” would be eligible for forgiveness. The plan would cancel debt for borrowers who went to institutions that lost eligibility for federal education funding because they cheated students. It would also cancel loans for people who went to college programs that left graduates with low incomes compared to their student loans.

A final category would cancel loans for Americans facing hardship that prevents them from repaying their student loans. The rule would allow the Education Department to cancel debt for borrowers who are considered highly likely to default on their loans, and it would create an application system for individuals to detail other forms of hardship.

DO I NEED TO APPLY?

Most of the cancellation would be done automatically with no need to apply. That would be the case for the interest cancellation, borrowers with older loans, those that attended low-value programs, and those eligible for other cancellation programs.

There’s one exception: If borrowers want to make a case that they face some sort of hardship that merits cancellation, they would need to apply individually.

WHEN WILL I GET RELIEF?

The Biden administration says some debt could be canceled as soon as this fall, including interest that has snowballed on top of borrowers’ loans.

That timeline would require some maneuvering. The Education Department said it plans to release a formal proposal in the “coming months.” That would usually be followed by a public comment period of 60 days. Then if the rule is finalized by Nov. 1, it would usually take effect the following July — in this case, July 2025.

But the Higher Education Act authorizes the education secretary to fast-track rules for “early implementation” in some cases. The Biden administration recently used that power to accelerate student loan cancellation offered through a new federal repayment plan. Invoking that authority could allow Biden to start canceling debt later this year.

IS THIS A SURE THING?

Anything but. The Biden administration says it’s confident that the plan is allowed by the Higher Education Act. But loan cancellation of this type is uncharted territory, and conservative opponents are expected to challenge Biden’s plan in court.

Republicans have repeatedly fought Biden’s plan for student loan cancellation, saying it’s an unfair benefit shouldered by taxpayers who repaid their loans or didn’t go to college. Opponents say the Supreme Court was clear that widespread loan cancellation must come from Congress.

If Biden’s plan faces a lawsuit, courts could order the administration to halt cancellation until legal questions are sorted out. That scenario could leave the plan on hold beyond the November presidential election. Even if it survives legal challenges, a Donald Trump victory would spell almost certain doom for Biden’s plan.

CAN CANCELLATION BE REVERSED?

If Biden’s plan is overturned after the administration starts canceling loans, it would present a thorny question: Can forgiven student loans be unforgiven?

Technically, there are ways that canceled student debt can be reinstated. But doing it on such a large scale could be difficult and costly, requiring heavy work from loan servicers contracted to work for the Education Department.

It could also be politically fraught to reinstate debt after it’s been forgiven. Ultimately it could be up to the courts to decide how to handle debt that’s already been canceled.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .

Legal expert says Arizona abortion ban will lead to 'chaos' in courts. Here's what we know

The Arizona Supreme Court ruling that reinstituted a 160-year-old ban on almost all abortions sent shock waves across the state and nation on Tuesday, but most say it will not immediately impact abortion access.

The ruling is subject to further litigation at a county court and could spark action by the Arizona Legislature to repeal the ban.

But barring those developments, the ruling will eventually cut off Arizonans' ability to obtain abortions and stop the limited number of medical providers in the state from performing abortions or prescribing abortion pills.

Here's what we know — and what is uncertain — about the ruling.

What does the Arizona abortion law mean?

The court said a law dating back to 1864 — before Arizona became a state — can be enforced. The law subjects anyone who "provides, supplies or administers" an abortion at any stage of a pregnancy to two to five years in prison, unless it is to save the life of the mother.

The court was asked to consider two conflicting laws, the 1864 ban and a 2022 law that limited abortions to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy, and ruled that the 1864 ban prevailed.

As the court wrote in the 4-2 decision: "Physicians are now on notice that all abortions, except those necessary to save a woman’s life, are illegal."

What's next on Arizona abortion ban?

The court said no enforcement of the ban could take place in the 14 days after its decision. It left open that window so that Planned Parenthood could pursue any unfinished legal challenges to the ban.

Planned Parenthood sued over the ban in 1971, saying Arizona's abortion law was unconstitutional. But that case was effectively made unnecessary and put on hold when the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade in 1973. Roe v. Wade held that abortions were legal across the nation up to viability, when a fetus can likely survive outside the womb.

The Arizona Supreme Court this week gave Planned Parenthood the 14-day period to renew any arguments it made in the original case but did not pursue because of Roe and its legal implications.

Those arguments could include whether the 1864 law is constitutional.

When does the Arizona abortion ban take effect?

It's up for some debate and will likely be sorted out by future court decisions.

It will be at least 14 days before enforcement could begin, according to the Arizona Supreme Court ruling. One abortion provider in Phoenix said she would provide abortions through that period, and possibly longer , subject to legal advice.

But a group of strange bedfellows — abortion rights advocates and abortion opponents — also agreed that a separate Maricopa County Superior Court case provides a longer window that will allow abortions to continue through May . This group includes Planned Parenthood, a provider, and those who support restricting abortion access, like Republican leaders in the Legislature and the conservative Center for Arizona Policy.

In a separate lawsuit filed in October 2022 on behalf of a Phoenix doctor and the Arizona Medical Association, the Maricopa County Superior Court entered an  order  that bars the state from enforcing the near-total abortion ban until 45 days after the Arizona Supreme Court issues its final mandate in the case that it ruled on Tuesday. That final mandate could come in 15 days .

"I think that this situation, unsurprisingly, just winds up in a ton of more litigation," said Jennifer Piatt, research scholar and co-director of the Center for Public Health Law and Policy at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. "When the Dobbs decision came out, the U.S. Supreme Court said we're getting courts out of the abortion business. And clearly that's not happened."

The 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned abortion rights was called Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

Typically, a county court decision would not take precedence over any ruling from the Arizona Supreme Court, the state's top court. But Piatt said the existence of the Maricopa County Superior Court ruling, which documents an agreement not to enforce the pre-statehood ban, provides legal cover for abortion providers.

Will the Arizona abortion ban be enforced?

Whether to prosecute cases under the ban is a decision that falls to Arizona's 15 county attorneys, who immediately following the ruling were mostly unreachable by The Arizona Republic or declined to comment . Those county attorneys could try to bring a criminal case under the provisions of the near-total ban.

But if they did so, the case may end up back in an Arizona courtroom for a different reason.

Here's why: Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, issued an executive order last year consolidating prosecutions of abortion cases with the Arizona Attorney General's Office. Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat and staunch abortion rights defender, said then and recommitted on Tuesday that she would never prosecute an abortion case, seemingly nullifying any threat of county prosecutors pursuing such cases.

But there have been objections to the legal basis for Hobbs' and Mayes' power play, including from county prosecutors themselves. The county attorneys said they are elected officials and their authority cannot be usurped by the governor . Lawsuits to settle the issue were threatened last year, but never actually filed.

So it's possible that any criminal prosecution of an abortion case would lead first to a lawsuit against Hobbs' executive order, which could delay the criminal case or prompt another stay of enforcement of the ban, Piatt said.

“It's going to be a lot of chaos" in the courts, Piatt said. 

That chaos and confusion would likely extend to providers as they work to understand and comply with those possible court orders. That could potentially lead to a period of uncertainty about whether abortions are legal, just as what followed the Dobbs decision.

Hobbs on Tuesday stood firm that her executive order would withstand any legal challenge.

"I say bring it on,” Hobbs said when asked about a possible lawsuit. “I would not have issued the executive order if I did not think it was legally sound.” 

Could clarity come from legal challenges?

Yes, but this could take some time.

Abortion rights advocates could ask for a stay of the Arizona Supreme Court's ruling in the next two weeks as they pursue constitutional challenges.

The Supreme Court opinion explicitly acknowledged this possibility, writing that Planned Parenthood could "request further stay relief at the trial court’s discretion."

But on Wednesday, just more than 24 hours after the court's ruling, no decisions had been made about legal next steps. Planned Parenthood and Mayes were weighing their options about how to proceed in court.

Could clarity on Arizona's abortion ban come from the Legislature?

The Arizona Legislature is controlled by Republicans who in recent years have made abortion harder to access in the state. But in the wake of the Arizona Supreme Court ruling, several Republican lawmakers said they would support repealing the pre-statehood ban .

That would likely leave behind an Arizona law enacted in 2022 that bans abortions after 15 weeks except to save the mother's life. The law does not allow abortions after 15 weeks of gestation in cases of rape or incest.

But repealing the near-total ban on abortions isn't a sure thing, even with newfound GOP support. A repeal attempt in the Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday was shut down by Republicans , who called to immediately adjourn instead.

Where is abortion legal? Here's what to know about laws in Arizona's neighboring states

Republic reporter Stephanie Innes contributed to this article.

Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at   [email protected]  or 480-416-5669 .

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News Update

What does an a grade mean.

Wednesday April 10, 2024 9:30 am

State board of education, november 11, 2020.

Karen D'Souza

A few years back, officials at Palo Alto Unified realized that one district high school was giving out far fewer D’s and F’s than previously, instead giving out second chances for a better grade. However, they were disproportionately giving it to white and Asian American students while black and brown students were still getting D’s and F’s, as the San Francisco Chronicle reported. 

“It was glaring,” said Superintendent Don Austin. “That really spoke to who was getting the opportunity for more time and second chances.”

It was unacceptable and indefensible, he said, and the district set out to rectify the issue, starting a wider discussion over what grading means to students, teachers and parents, as well as college admission officers. 

Given concerns over grade inflation, racial inequities on report cards and whether an A should mean mastery of the material, this has become a national debate over grading and standards.

“The most consistent thing about grading is inconsistency,” Austin said, as the San Francisco Chronicle reported. One of the biggest issues in grading at Palo Alto Unified is that teachers dole out A’s so generously that it constitutes 70% of all grades on high school student report cards. 

Read more from EdSource: Why some California school districts are changing how students earn grades

Latest updates:

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APIDA Heritage Month: Q&A With Filipino Doctoral Candidate, Tony DelaRosa

As we recognize APIDA Heritage Month, we are centering the thoughts and voices of APIDA faculty and staff in the UW–Madison campus community. We caught up with Tony DelaRosa, a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership & Policy Analysis, to learn his perspective on the observance and APIDA heritage.

Note: Responses have been edited for clarity

What does APIDA Heritage Month mean to you? 

APIDA is a very broad term. How can we celebrate APIDA Heritage while also recognizing and celebrating the broad spectrum of identities that fall within the APIDA umbrella? 

Having 48 countries and 2300+ languages, how can we do our community justice? It is recognizing that a month is not enough time to celebrate the beauty and complexity of the  APIDA community, and committing to amplify APIDA narratives and histories 365 days per year. 

One of the best strategies in honoring APIDA narratives is to ensure that we amplify local stories. For Wisconsin, according to the 2018 AAPI Data report, “the largest AAPI ethnic groups in Wisconsin include Hmong (56,447), Chinese (30,331) , Indian (30,278), Filipino (15,853), Korean (15,664), and Japanese (7,585).” 

With this data in mind, how can we amplify the histories and stories of these communities, especially that of the Hmong community which has fought for over 20 years to pass Hmong and Asian American education in the state? Also, to complicate this data, how are we looking at stereotyped narratives, and providing counterstories that challenge the stereotypes about these communities? Localizing how you tell APIDA stories and sharing counterstories are two ways that we can celebrate and honor our community. 

What do you want the community to learn about APIDA Heritage Month? 

I want people to know that APIDA people observe this month in different ways. Some people celebrate by showcasing their culture and history in festivals, food, poetry, and art, and others like myself choose this month to teach people about the APIDA resistance movements that have contributed to the fight for Asian American studies. For me, APIDA Heritage Month is a practice of maintaining and sharpening my ethnic memory, which I lost through the assimilation processes. Revisiting the 1960s Ethnic Studies and my Filipino history of anti-martial law every year around this time reminds me that there is always something to learn about movements. The revisiting helps expand my own identity as an Asian American freedom fighter and unveils how time opens up doors for new lenses. 

Are there any APIDA leaders, past or present, you admire? Why?  

I admire Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales. She is an Ethnic Studies Professor and Practitioner at San Francisco State University, where Ethnic Studies began. I met her through following her work whileteaching and coaching teachers. Because of her, I’m finding ways to explore decolonization, self-determination, and cross-ethnoracial solidarity building. I admire how she creates scholarship, tools, and opportunities that are community-responsive – which is why I started my path into becoming a professor. The world needs healing, and her work contributes to that in both small and large ways. 

What Does the Gag Order Mean in Trump's Hush Money Case?

What Does the Gag Order Mean in Trump's Hush Money Case?

FILE PHOTO: A combination photo shows adult film actress Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels speaking in New York City, and then- U.S. President Donald Trump speaking in Washington, Michigan, U.S. on April 16, 2018 and April 28, 2018 respectively. . REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (L) REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The gag order imposed on Donald Trump by a judge in next week's New York criminal trial bars the former U.S. president from talking publicly about certain people involved in the case and their families. 

Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment before the 2016 election to stop porn star Stormy Daniels from talking about a sexual encounter she says she and Trump had in 2006. Trump denies an encounter. 

Here's why Justice Juan Merchan imposed the gag order and what it bars the Republican presidential candidate from doing: 

WHAT DOES THE GAG ORDER DO?

The March 26 order prevents Trump from making public statements about witnesses concerning their potential testimony and about prosecutors, court staff and their family members if those statements are meant to interfere with the case. 

On April 1, Merchan extended the gag order to cover his own family members and family members of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office charged Trump. The order does not restrict Trump's statements about Merchan and Bragg.

WHAT HAPPENS IF TRUMP VIOLATES THE GAG ORDER? 

Trump could face fines or jail time if he violates the order. 

WHY DID THE JUDGE IMPOSE THE GAG ORDER? 

Prosecutors sought the order because they said Trump had a long history of verbally attacking people involved in legal proceedings. 

Merchan agreed that some of Trump's statements had been threatening and inflammatory and said there was a risk such comments could derail the proceedings. 

The judge expanded the order to cover his family after Trump disparaged his daughter online, calling her a "Rabid Trump Hater" due to her work for a political consultancy firm with Democratic clients. 

WHAT DOES TRUMP SAY ABOUT THE ORDER?

Trump's lawyers had urged Merchan not to impose the gag order, arguing his political opponents had attacked him based on the case and that he should have a right to respond. 

After the order was imposed, his campaign said in a statement that it violated his right to free speech. 

"Plenty of people have gagged me recently because when I talk in New York I explain to the people and they understand these cases are all rigged," Trump said in a video posted on Thursday to his Truth Social website. "It sounds fair, doesn't it, to be gagged? But it's not." 

DOES THE ORDER PREVENT TRUMP FROM TALKING ABOUT THE CASE? 

No. Merchan wrote that Trump has a constitutional right to speak to voters freely and to defend himself publicly. The order only applies to statements about specific individuals. 

HAS TRUMP COMPLIED WITH THE ORDER? 

So far, neither prosecutors nor the judge have accused Trump of violating the gag order. Before the March 26 order, Trump repeatedly criticized one of the prosecutors - Matthew Colangelo - by name in a press conference and on social media. Trump has not mentioned him since the order was imposed.

He has not made additional comments about Merchan's daughter since the order was expanded, but also has not deleted the March 28 post on his Truth Social media platform where he refers to her by name. 

HAS TRUMP FACED OTHER GAG ORDERS? 

Yes. Merchan's gag order is similar to restrictions a federal judge imposed last year in a criminal case over Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. 

Trump has pleaded not guilty in that case as well.

In a separate, civil fraud case over Trump's business practices, another New York state judge fined him $15,000 last year for twice violating a gag order against publicly commenting about court staff. Trump is appealing a $454.2 million judgment in that case.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Howard Goller)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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