Ed.D. vs. Ed.S.: Which Degree Option is Right for You

Choosing between an Ed.D. vs. Ed.S. can be confusing, especially if you are not sure what each degree means. Both are advanced education degrees, but they lead to different career paths. While one may help you lead schools, the other can build your skills without a full doctorate.

Knowing the difference is important for your future. In this article, we discuss Ed.D. vs. Ed.S. to help you make the right choice.

Why Get an Ed.D. Degree?

An Ed. D. degree, called a Doctorate of Education, is for people who want to lead in education, such as becoming school principals or education policymakers. In 2020, Ed.D. degrees made up nearly 1% of all research doctorates. This degree teaches you how to lead teams and improve systems to create a better learning environment.

This degree is also respected in government, nonprofits, and universities. If you aim to influence education on a larger scale, you should get an Ed.D. degree.

Why Get an Ed.S. Degree?

An Ed.S., which is an Education Specialist degree, is for educators who want to grow their skills without spending years on a doctorate and specialize in a particular subject, like an Ed.S. in School Psychology: Florida. School counselors and curriculum specialists mainly choose it.

The program is shorter and more focused than an Ed.D. It's a smart choice if you want career advancement with less time and cost than a full doctoral program.

How to Choose Between Ed.D. vs. Ed.S.

Many people are stressed about what to choose between Ed.D. vs. Ed.S. and worry about making the wrong decision. Here is how you can think through your options and choose the right path:

Know Your Career Goals

Your career goals should guide your decision. Nearly 63% of adults with a bachelor's or higher believe they must continue learning to grow in their careers. If you are also one of them, you can choose a doctorate degree between the Ed.D. vs. Ed.S. options. Just think about what kind of roles you want and pick the degree that gives you the right skills and can open doors to such jobs.

Consider the Time Commitment

Time is an important factor when choosing a degree. Ed.S. programs usually take 1 to 2 years and are often completed faster than Ed.D. programs.

Ed.D. degrees usually take three or more years to complete, but they do offer more flexibility. However, some universities, such as National Louis University, offer a fully online Ed.D. in programs like Higher Education Leadership. So, consider the university and minimum completion time when deciding which to choose.

Think About the Cost

Cost is another factor you should think of, as Ed.S. programs are shorter and less expensive than Ed.D. programs. Since Ed.D. takes more time and includes research work, it mostly costs more in the overall Ed.D. vs. Ed.S. comparison. So, you should look at your budget and long-term goals before deciding which path is for you.

Decide if You Need the Title "Doctor"

Over half of college graduates in the U.S.are working in roles that don't actually require their degrees or use the skills they learned. The same idea applies here: If your career does not require a doctoral title or the advanced training that comes with it, an Ed.S. may be the better option.

FAQs

Are Ed.S. called doctors?

No, Ed.S stands for Education Specialist and does not come with the title "Doctor." It is a post-master's degree program, but not a doctoral-level program. Only those with an Ed.D or Ph.D. can formally use the title "Doctor."

What profession is Ed.D.?

An Ed. D. is a Doctor of Education, mainly for educational leadership roles. People with this degree usually become school administrators, college deans, principals, or education policy leaders. It focuses on applying research to solve problems in education settings.

How do I know which degree is better for my career?

You should start by thinking about your long-term goals, the kind of role you want, and the qualifications they require. You should also consider the time and effort you are willing to invest in further study. Research the degrees carefully and see which one aligns more with your goals.

Conclusion

Choosing between an Ed.D. vs. Ed.S. depends on your career goals, time, and need for a doctoral title. Both degrees offer unique benefits in education leadership and growth. Learn more about National Louis University programsavailable both online and on-campus to find the right path for your future.