Job Discussion Forums

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

I think it may be worth noting that EdD degrees are sort of new, and that may be a big chunk of why relatively few people have them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Education

[Drizzt]

A lot of good ideas out there. Thanks Ursula, that was particularly useful advice.

[Zzonkmiles]

Unless you are 100% certain that you wish to enter academia as an administrator, I would recommend against getting an EdD. The PhD is more research-focused and is more applicable to more areas of employment. The PhD is what most universities are looking for, at least in the US.

Don't get me wrong. The EdD is a good degree to have, but here's the problem: Perception-wise, a PhD can do what an EdD can, but an EdD can't necessarily do what a PhD can. It's kinda like "an apple is a fruit, but a fruit is not always an apple." The PhD is a degree based on extensive research. It suggests you want to contribute to advancing knowledge by creating new knowledge based on your own research. The EdD is more of a specialty degree that focuses more on the practical applications of how to present knowledge to others.

Now, to contradict myself, in the context of teaching at a Japanese university, your EdD in TESOL will give you a serious edge compared to other job applicants who have an MA in TESOL. You would have a doctorate, and they wouldn't. On your resume, I would refer to your EdD as a "Doctor of Education." While a J-employer might not know what an "EdD" is, that person would certainly know what "Doctor" means. And since you are sure you want to stay in Japan for the long haul and since there are few other options for obtaining a doctorate in Japan, the EdD is probably the best you can do for yourself, although its usefulness would diminish if you tried to teach something other than English or if you sought a non-administration position elsewhere.