As a business professional looking to elevate your career, deciding what advanced degree is right for you can be hard. Terminal degrees are the highest academic credentials you can obtain, symbolizing expertise in your field.
For those in leadership roles, pursuing a terminal degree—such as a PhD, DBA, or EdD—can be instrumental in helping you achieve career advancement, master specialized knowledge and even gain recognition as an authority in your domain. But which one is best for you?
It's important to define a terminal degree before examining your options. We’ll compare three common terminal degrees: the PhD in Leadership, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership. Before we get into the details of each degree, let’s find out what a terminal degree is and why they are valuable for aspiring leaders.
What is a Terminal Degree?
A terminal degree is the highest academic credential in a particular field of study, signifying a person’s advanced understanding of the subject matter. Earning a terminal degree often involves extensive research and applying advanced theories and practices. It can take many years, but it undoubtedly marks you as an expert in your industry.
Why Pursue a Terminal Degree in Leadership?
Professionals across various sectors pursue terminal degrees like a doctorate in leadership for a few compelling reasons including:
- Career Advancement: Holding a terminal degree can significantly enhance your career prospects, opening doors to senior-level positions, increased responsibilities and more significant influence within your organization.
- Expertise Development: Doctoral programs provide in-depth knowledge and specialized skills essential for effective leadership, strategic decision-making and innovation within one’s field that go far beyond the expected learning in master’s programs.
- Research Opportunities: For those interested in contributing to their field through research, terminal degrees allow you to engage in rigorous academic study and publish influential findings. Many programs require a dissertation that can further display your expertise in a given topic.
- Professional Credibility: Earning a terminal degree adds to one’s professional reputation and credibility, establishing them as thought leaders and experts in their discipline. With a doctorate-level degree, you’ll stand out among others in your field.
Comparing PhD vs. DBA vs. EdD
Many professionals like you are torn between three primary options in terminal degrees: the PhD in Leadership, the DBA and the EdD in Leadership. These advanced degrees serve a distinct purpose and cater to varying career goals and educational preferences. If you’re unsure what is best for you and your career, let’s look at each terminal degree in detail.
What is a PhD in Leadership?
A PhD in Leadership is designed for those who aspire to delve deeply into the theoretical and empirical aspects of leadership. This doctorate-level program focuses on advanced concepts in leadership theory and research methodologies and applies these principles in various contexts.
You can expect to engage in extensive research that aims to contribute new insights and theoretical perspectives to the field of leadership. You’ll complete coursework in advanced leadership theories, qualitative and quantitative research methods, organizational behavior and strategic leadership.
Program Length and Cost
PhD programs generally require four to seven years to complete. However, this depends on the structure of the program, the institution and how efficiently you complete coursework. The cost of PhD programs varies widely, but the average is $40,000 per year.
Who This Program Is Best For
A PhD in Leadership is best for those who enjoy conducting rigorous academic research and are interested in contributing to their fields. This degree is perfect for those aspiring to careers in academia, research institutions, or high-level consultancy roles where strong analytical skills and theoretical knowledge are paramount.
What is a DBA?
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is tailored for experienced business professionals seeking to address real-world business challenges through applied research. A DBA program emphasizes practical and actionable research, aiming to develop advanced problem-solving skills and strategic insights relevant to contemporary business environments. If you pursue a DBA, you’ll typically study strategic management, business ethics, organizational development and executive leadership.
Program Length and Cost
DBA programs typically last three to five years, depending on your progress and the program's structure. The cost of DBA programs depends on the institution’s tuition and format but can range from $40,000 to over $120,000.
Who This Program Is Best For
The DBA is a fantastic choice for seasoned business professionals who want to deepen their understanding of business practices and develop their leadership skills. This terminal degree is best for those in senior management or executive roles who aim to tackle complex business issues through applied research and strategic decision-making without going into academia.
What is an EdD?
A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership focuses on practical leadership and the application of research to improve practices within educational, organizational, or community settings. This program bridges the gap between theory and practical application, preparing you to lead transformational change and implement practical solutions to real-world challenges by learning more about educational leadership, organizational theory, policy analysis and program evaluation.
Program Length and Cost
EdD programs usually span three to five years with accelerated options completed in as little as two years. Program cost varies but typically falls between $30,000 and $90,000, depending on the institution and format.
Who This Program Is Best For
An EdD is best for professionals who want to develop practical leadership skills and apply research to drive organizational improvements. This degree is ideal if you are in educational administration or organizational leadership and aim to lead transformational change across various sectors, including education, corporate and non-profit environments.
|
Degree |
Summary |
Typical Length |
Ideal Outcome |
|
PhD in Leadership |
Rigorous research and theoretical contribution |
4-7 years |
Academia, research, high-level consultancy |
|
DBA |
Applied research solving real-world business challenges |
3-5 years |
Senior management, executive roles, applied research |
|
EdD in Leadership |
Practical leadership and application of research |
2-5 years |
Educational administration, organizational leadership, transformational change |
Why Spalding’s Online EdD in Leadership Could Be Right For You
Spalding University offers an innovative Online EdD in Leadership for those interested in leading change within organizations. This program equips professionals with practical leadership skills applicable across various industries. Degree requirements integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, preparing you to tackle the dynamic challenges of modern leadership roles.
Here are some of the benefits of pursuing an EdD in Leadership at Spalding:
- Flexible Learning: The online format allows you to balance your studies with professional and other personal commitments, making it accessible for working professionals to complete the program virtually in two years.
- Practical Curriculum: Courses are designed to address real-world leadership challenges, pairing both practical and applied learning that prepares you for interdisciplinary work in the future.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced educators and industry leaders dedicated to your academic and professional success. Their work with future leaders is part of why Spalding was certified as a Compassionate College in the Charter for Compassion.
- Diversified Outcomes: You will be prepared for leadership roles in educational institutions, corporations, non-profits and more, equipped with the skills to drive transformational change no matter what industry you work in.
Apply Now to Earn Your EdD in Leadership to Amplify Your Influence
Pursuing a terminal degree in leadership—be it a PhD, DBA, or EdD—offers significant benefits for business professionals like you seeking to enhance their expertise, advance their careers and gain professional credibility. Getting your EdD in leadership from Spalding can help you inspire change in your workplace and your community. Amplify your influence across all industries and roles with our Online EdD in Leadership. Connect with an enrollment advisor to get started today!
