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Applied vs. PhD Degrees and Other Nuggets of Wisdom

Dr. Rebecca Wardlow has her EDD in educational leadership and spent over 20 years as a K-12 educator, first, starting out in the classroom as a first-grade bilingual teacher working her way through administration roles, all the way up to being a principal. She then completed her doctorate and is now mentoring graduate students through the doctoral process.  

Applied vs. PhD

How they are the same

·       Terminal degree (you can’t go any further)

·       Result in a “doctorate” so both lead to the title “Dr.”

·       Equally rigorous

How they are different

·       PhD is a Doctorate of Philosophy (and then you specialize in a field – like Education, Psychology, Business, etc.). It has a more RESEARCH / THEORY / often STATISITICAL focus. 

·       An applied degree (EDD, PsyD, DBA, etc.) is focused on APPLICATION.

Examples
Education: PhD in Education vs. EDD (applied – Doctorate of Education)
Psychology: PhD in Psychology vs. PsyD (applied – Doctorate of Psychology)
Business: PhD in Business vs. DBA (applied – Doctorate of Business Administration)

Think of it like two sides of the same coin. We need each other. One is not better than the other (please read that twice; bonus points if you say it out loud).

Please take time to ensure you are pursuing the program that is the best fit for YOU and YOUR GOALS.

Tips for becoming a doctor

1.     Make sure you even want and need this degree - more on that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8169838

2.     Ensure you are in the program that aligns with your goals (applied vs. PhD)

3.     Pick your general topic early on and research, read, and write in that area as you progress through your program

4.     Start focusing around year 3 – brainstorm with faculty (pick a topic that aligns with your goals, but isn’t too close to home)

5.     Be open to massive amounts of feedback  - more on that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8063165

6.     Read, read, read to become an expert so you can identify an area for further research – more on that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/7455607

7.     Always maintain a scholarly voice, free from bias (remember: you are not set out to prove anything, but design and implement a research-based study/project).

8.     Be flexible 

9.     Ask questions

10.  Don’t forget “It’s 5:00 somewhere!” Relax and have fun taking it one bit at a time. 

 Get the article: The Doctoral Journey - 12 Things You Should Know (that th

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