Is an education specialist degree a doctorate?
Here we will take a close comparison between Ed.D. and EdS degrees. If you’re reading this, you probably have the same questions as many that border around the distinctions between the two.
What does EdS stand for in education?
You’ll find all the information you need as we take a close look at each and how you can leverage either.
Eds Vs. Ed.D. Degree
Degree designations can sometimes be confusing due to slight similarities, amongst other things. There may also be similarities in some aspects of the program.
While that is true, providing clear distinctions is essential to understanding these programs better.
To begin with, it’s necessary to offer basic definitions of what each of these degrees is about.
Ed.D. Degree Meaning
A Doctor of Education, specially designated as an Ed.D., is an academic program for experienced educators holding mid-to-senior level professional roles.
Under the Ed.D. program, candidates choose their preferred areas of specialization.
This practice-based study allows you to impact your community or organization’s decision-making process positively.
With an Ed.D. degree, you can occupy various positions, including elementary & secondary school education administrator and post-secondary administrator.
You can also become an instructional coordinator or a top executive in education.
EdS Degree Meaning
What is an EdS Degree?
EdS programs, on the other hand, stand for Education Specialist Degree. As a teacher seeking to gain critical skills or proficiency while working, an EdS degree will be in order.
Here, you get to communicate better with diverse audiences about educational theories.
Other educational outcomes from obtaining an EdS degree include the ability to analyze theories, current research, and instructional practices. What more?
You can apply evidence-based solutions to help resolve societal, educational, and organizational problems.
Specializations in Ed.D. and EdS Degrees
There are multiple specializations within each of these degrees.
By making this comparison, you can figure out what to go with. Having this knowledge gives you an edge in picking your preferred degree.
Let’s look at specializations within each of these, shall we?
i. Specializations in Ed.D. Programs
There are several specializations under the Ed.D. program.
These include community college leadership, adult education, and diversity & multiculturalism. More specializations include curriculum development & instruction, education policy, and early childhood education.
You may be interested in other Ed.D. specializations,s include educational leadership & administration, education technology, e-learning, healthcare professions, entrepreneurship in education, K-12 leadership, higher education leadership, special education, and organizational leadership.
ii. Specializations in EdS Programs
You’ll need to consider the different specializations to know if an EdS degree is right for you.
These include reading, educational leadership & administration, school counseling, school leadership (principal licensure), instructional technology, and superintendency.
More EdS program specializations you may find engaging include special education and curriculum & instruction.
From these specializations, it’s evident that these are designed with specific goals to help educators improve educational programs and outcomes.
Unlike Ed.D. programs, students enrolled in EdS specializations are exclusively from academic backgrounds or settings. To be more specific, these are mainly in the K-12 area.
Key Differences between Ed.D. and EdS Degrees
So far, our discussion has highlighted areas of similarity and differences between both degree types (Ed.D. and EdS). This section identifies the critical areas of difference you’ll need to know as an applicant.
One of the fundamental differences between these degrees or programs is areas of focus and length or duration. It will take a significant amount of time to complete an Ed.D. degree.
You will require about three or more years to be entirely through.
As a full doctoral degree, it’s not surprising for Ed.D. programs to last that long. You’ll need to complete an original dissertation project to earn this degree. This applies to all Ed.D. specializations.
On the other hand, an EdS is considered a post-master degree.
In other words, it’s not a doctorate as an Ed.D. program. The requirements tend to be limited, with dissertations not required like in Ed.D. degrees.
An EdS degree takes a shorter time to complete than an Ed.D.
Whether you engage in full or part-time study, you should be through in about a year or two. There are areas of similarity between these degrees.
Such commonalities are most evident in the topics being studied.
You’ll find multiple topics being covered under both degrees. This goes as far as certain positions held. You’ll find positions like a superintended amongst others being held by students of programs.
In a nutshell, an EdS degree isn’t as advanced as an Ed.D. degree. With the latter, you can do more such as taking up significant roles at the university level, including teaching.
That said, you can make your pick based on the details supplied.
What Can I Do with Either Degree?
How proper a degree is, is determined by how much one can do with it.
Here, we’re talking about popular careers for graduates of either degree program. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduates can pursue successful careers as chief learning officers and college presidents.
Other promising careers you can pursue with an Ed.D. degree include school superintendent, provost, elementary, middle, and high school principal, academic dean, professor, and executive director of education.
With an EdS degree, the career options are also varied. As stated earlier, some of these careers are shared by graduates from both programs.
These include the school superintendent, principal, post-secondary classroom teacher, educational technology specialist, school counselor, etc.
Which is best for me?
You decide! When choosing what degree to go for, you’ll need to weigh both through comparison, as we’ve done here.
The decision you make is determined by what your preferences are. However, if you want a more advanced degree, you may wish to get an Ed.D. over an EdS.
These are the basic comparisons between Ed.D. and EdS. We’ve seen both the scope of the study and the opportunities presented by both.
With this information, you can better decide what course to study.