Ed.D in Psychology

What is an Ed.D in Psychology?

Of the three Doctoral-level degrees in the field of psychology (PhD, PsyD, Ed.D), the Ed.D is probably the least common, and usually leads to the narrowest range of careers. That said, it is an extremely targeted degree, and so if you are confident that you want to pursue a career in which you use your knowledge of applied psychology in an educational context, the Ed.D in Psychology is an ideal degree. Those who complete an Ed.D in Psychology generally go on to work as school counselors, teachers, and educational administrators. The process of completing the Ed.D involves studying the role of human behavioral and psychological processes in an educational context – how do we learn and grow, what teaching techniques are most effective for students of a given age and disposition, and what sorts of environments are most conducive to learning? These are the sort of questions you will ask as you work toward attaining your Ed.D in Psychology.

Like all Doctoral degrees, the Ed.D in Psychology is an extremely rigorous degree requiring many years of intensive study. It is, however, the shortest of the Doctoral degrees in psychology (roughly 3 to 5 years, compared with 5 to 7 for a PhD), and usually involves an internship or field placement rather than a thesis or dissertation. This, of course, varies according to the program (some programs will require thesis research in addition to applied work), but in general the Ed.D in Psychology is a highly practice-oriented degree, and all research will be undertaken with the express purpose of improving your ability to use your knowledge of psychology in real-world settings.

How do I get into an Ed.D program?

In order to get into a program leading to an Ed.D in Psychology, you will need at the very least a Bachelor’s degree. Most applicants for the Ed.D will also have a Master’s Degree in either psychology or education, as well as some significant work experience, before they apply.

Many programs require applicants for an Ed.D in Psychology to take the GRE General Test, and some require the Subject Test in Psychology as well. In most cases, applicants will have taken these tests already when they applied for their Master’s Degree, but since GRE scores expire after 5 years, it may be necessary to take them again. Check with the admissions offices at your schools of choice to determine their testing requirements and find out what their average and/or minimum scores for admission are.

Although GRE scores are often important, the most crucial part of your application packet is probably going to be your letters of recommendation. Because Ed.D will be preparing for careers in practical educational psychology, it is helpful to have letters from both professors and supervisors who can speak to your knowledge of psychology as well as your ability to work effectively in an educational setting. For the same reason, undergraduate students interested in the Ed.D in Psychology should try to complete internships, field placement, or entry-level jobs in a related field before they apply. It is also extremely helpful, if possible, to get your teaching credentials before or shortly after you graduate from college. This will improve your job prospects in two ways: first, by demonstrating your familiarity with the education system and your ability to relate to both students and faculty; and second, by broadening the range of jobs for which you are qualified to apply.

Completing Your Degree Online

Depending on your specific career goals, completing an Ed.D online may be something to think twice about. Because the Ed.D in Psychology is a prestigious degree leading to highly desirable (and therefore competitive!) upper-level positions in education, you may want to consider the fact that online degrees are generally looked at as less valuable than degrees completed at more traditional universities. In addition, the networking that a Doctoral student can do in the on-campus setting of a traditional program is a serious career advantage.

That said, an Ed.D completed online is still a degree with weight and value. Because the degree is so specialized and especially because so few students have this degree (compared with, for example, the PhD), it will still give you a definite edge in competing for certain jobs. This, coupled with the individualized nature of all online degrees and your ability to set your own schedule, makes an online Ed.D in Psychology the ideal degree for many working adults.

Advice for Prospective Students

The Ed.D in Psychology is an ideal degree for students with very specific career interests. If you want to use your knowledge of psychology in a leadership position at a school or other educational institution, there are few degrees more targeted for your goals. If, however, your interest in psychology is more general or if you want to pursue a career in research, academia, or private practice, then you might want to look at the PsyD or PhD instead. It is also important to consider whether you are ready for Doctoral-level studies in psychology. Most Ed.D students have a fair amount of career experience under the belt before they apply – if you feel unsure about what path is right for you, consider spending a few years working in education or completing a Master’s Degree before you apply. Finally, always remember to research individual programs before applying, since programs can vary quite a lot even on a degree as specialized as the Ed.D in Psychology.