Doctoral degrees were first introduced to academic systems beginning in the Middle Ages, and were especially prominent in European academies. In the United States, Yale awarded the first Ph.D. in 1861. In 1920, Harvard University established the first Ed.D. degree program in the United States, introducing a practitioner-based degree in education.
The doctor of education is a terminal degree originally conceived of as equal in rigor, but different in substance to the Ph.D. The Ed.D. curriculum emphasizes a broad scope of knowledge and skills related to understanding the context of educational organizations. Some graduates may assume positions in higher education institutions with a primary focus on teaching and the development of educational institutions.
The doctor of philosophy is a terminal degree in higher education. The Ph.D. curriculum places more emphasis in theoretical foundations and research methodology than the Ed.D. Also emphasized is deeper knowledge in various disciplines, such as law or medicine, in which students anticipate developing a long-term research or a teaching interest. Candidates will be prepared for positions in higher education institutions with research as a primary focus. This degree is more versatile for professional fields in arts and sciences either inside or outside of academia. For example, a university may offer a Ph.D. in English or Psychology while an Ed.D. is not available in these fields.
The coursework for the Ed.D. and Ph.D. generally require two to three years of full-time coursework and research amounting to a required amount of credits. A candidate for the doctorate must submit a thesis as a final requirement toward the degree, which can take an additional two or more years to complete. This dissertation reflects the candidate's professional qualification to present research and findings in the selected field of study. The duration to complete the thesis varies upon the specific field and program requirements.