Many individuals looking to advance their careers and qualify for higher-level positions in the world of education often pursue either their Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) or their Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree.
Both degrees provide students with higher-level knowledge and skills, cover similar topics, and are typically pursued after a master’s degree.
But, they also have distinct differences regarding the intent for the degree, the requirements, and an individual’s goals and objectives.
This article will examine both a Doctor of Education and an Education Specialist degree for candidates to determine which degree suits them and their career goals best.
What is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree?
A Doctorate of Education is a doctoral degree designed for working professionals desiring to assume the highest leadership roles in educational settings in and outside of the classroom.
This degree focuses on professional leadership and applied research so graduates can obtain professional, academic, administrative, research, and clinical positions in preK-12, higher education, private institutions, and civil service settings.
These programs also allow students to concentrate in various areas, including higher education leadership, PK/K-12 educational administration, early childhood education, curriculum and instruction, special education, and more.
What Courses Do Students Take in a Doctor of Education Program?
While each college or university differs, most Doctorate of Education Ed.D. programs consist of sixty to sixty-five post-masters credit hours incorporating educational leadership, research and analysis, international education, and dissertations.
Additionally, the curriculum can also vary depending on the concentration. At University of Bridgeport, some of the Ed.D. courses required for students in our Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership program include:
- Introduction to Education Leadership
- Curricula Theory
- Grant Writing
- Constitutional Law
- Literature Review
- International Education Concepts and Theories
- Dissertation Proposals
Learn more about the skills you’ll master in UB’s Ed.D. program!
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Doctor of Education Degree?
Designed for the working educational professional, Doctorates of Education are full doctoral and terminal degrees and often require a substantial amount of time and dedication to complete.
These programs typically last at least two and a half years, if not more, depending on whether a student is enrolled full- or part-time.
Our full-time students fast-track their career advancement by completing their sixty-two credits in as little as three years in our online, hybrid program. Students complete all of their courses online except for two one-week doctoral residencies that will be done in person during the first two summers in the program.
The first two years will focus on collaborating and communicating with fellow students and faculty through online discussion boards and collaborative assignments. Then, our students dedicate their third year to writing and defending their dissertations.
What is an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree?
An Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is a postgraduate degree designed for educators with a master’s degree who want to gain advanced proficiency and skill sets in their chosen field and for a specific position, like a principal or superintendent.
While it is not a doctorate, this intermediate degree between a master’s and the Doctorate of Education enables students to qualify for pay increases, leadership positions, and earn specific licenses, certifications, and endorsements.
Furthermore, students in these degree programs often do not pursue their doctoral degrees because they are not interested in research and dissertation requirements, the time commitment required, or the cost involved.
What Courses Do Students Take in an Educational Specialist Program?
Educational Specialist degrees generally consist of thirty credit hours and also offer study in a number of specializations, such as:
- Educational Leadership or Administration
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Technology
- School Psychology
- Special Education
Upon selecting a specialty, most of the coursework will solely cover that one topic as the focus is on specialist knowledge. And unlike doctoral programs, no dissertation is required, and there is no strong emphasis on applied research.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Education Specialist Program?
Given the coursework is almost half the amount of a Doctorate in Education, students earning their Education Specialist degree can complete these programs in one or two years of study, saving them time and money.
For this reason, many students interested in advancing their careers, gaining new skills, and qualifying for better pay in a relatively short amount of time pursue Ed.S. programs.
Keep in mind, however, that Education Specialists often do not qualify candidates for the top roles in the field of education.
Doctorate of Education vs. Education Specialist: Which Degree is Right for Me?
Choosing between these two degrees and programs is an extremely personal decision that will depend on one’s career interests and goals.
Students should consider the time commitment and cost associated with these degrees, as a doctoral degree will take longer and thus cost more. However, by earning a doctorate-level degree, students will gain prestige and recognition and can make a broader impact on the field of education in various roles and settings.
Students interested in earning specific educator licenses and career-focused qualifications in a short time should likely enroll in an Education Specialist degree program.
Students interested in obtaining top-level educational leadership and administrative positions and gaining real-world problem-solving skills to excel in those positions should likely pursue their Doctor of Education degree.
No matter which path you choose, you can rest assured knowing that the education field will always seek qualified, skilled, and passionate educators. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that overall employment in education, training, and library occupations will grow seven percent and result in 658,200 jobs by 2031.
Need help to decide which career path is right? Contact our admissions counselors and take advantage of our comprehensive support services.
Our mission is to get you through college and take the next step into your great career as an educator. Start your future today at University of Bridgeport!