University of Phoenix



University of Phoenix MaterialDistinguishing Degree Programs: EdD, EdS, and PhDThere are distinct differences between the practitioner EdD and EdS degree programs and the PhD degree programs. As doctoral-level students, to understand and articulate the differences between degrees is important. The following conceptual framework helps in distinguishing EDD, EdS and PhD programs.University of Phoenix doctoral programs are divided into two generalized categories: practitioner doctoral degree programs—DBA, DHA, DM, and EdD—and PhD programs. In addition, the University offers an Education Specialist (EdS) degree. The University applies different governing models for the different types of degree programs. These models provide a philosophical overlay for the overarching goals of each program. For practitioner programs, the scholar-practitioner-leader model serves as the governing mode to articulate clearly three dispositions graduates are expected to utilize in addressing organizational issues. Advanced study focuses on excellence in professional practice with an emphasis on leadership, discipline-based knowledge, and practical workplace application. Similar to the practitioner degree, the EdS degree leverages the scholar-practitioner-leader to focus on excellence in educational careers. In contrast, the PhD programs are governed by the model of the PhD, both in historical embodiment and in recent augmentations, and most notably stewardship as described by the Carnegie Foundation (Golde & Walker, 2006; Walker, Golde, Jones, Bueschel, & Hutchings, 2008). The following table details University of Phoenix’s expected differences between practitioner doctoral and PhD programs.Degree Comparison TablePractitioner ProgramPhD ProgramEdSPhilosophyAdvanced study focused on excellence in professional practice; emphasis on leadership, discipline-based knowledge, and practical workplace application.Advanced study focused on research and scholarship; emphasis on expanding theories or methods through empirical data.Advanced study focused on excellence in professional practice; emphasis on leadership, discipline-based knowledge, and practical workplace application.Research ExpectationsResearchers focus on applied uses of research and engage in professional, community, or discipline-based research connected to an organization.Researchers focus on the development of new knowledge that can be applied to scholarship or theories related to a discipline of study.Researchers focus on the ability to read, understand, and apply current professional literature in the field.ScholarshipResearchers publish and present peer-reviewed principles, practices, and studies related to their field to specific organizations, communities, or groups. Often, such studies highly align to action research.Researchers publish and present predominantly peer-reviewed studies that extend new knowledge and test new theories in a narrow discipline. The intent is to produce primary researchResearchers are not necessarily engaged in production of new knowledge, however they need to be up to date with current literature to apply to their field.Dissertation ExpectationsMethodologicalContributions are not expected; practitioner programs utilize existing designs, with minor, if any, modification.Contributions can occur; however, most students use existing methodological schema for enhancement of empirical and theoretical outcomes.EdS students do not write a dissertation. EdS students create a capstone project to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired in their course of study in their practice.EmpiricalThere is little contribution beyond the application of a particular method to a different population than those evidenced in the literature.Strong empirical contributions can be expected, as these programs are grounded in rigorous and systematic empirical research approaches.ApplicationApplication is the main emphasis of the practitioner doctorate dissertation; the study, from conceptualization to analysis, is conducted in the context of organizational practice and leadership.Application of the research is a concern of the PhD program, but not a focal point; studies can describe their potential benefit to practice, but are not explicitly designed to that end.TheoreticalContributions are not expected; theoretical elements are used to frame the study.Existing theory is rigorously evaluated and compared to empirical findings; novel theoretical contributions and augmentations can be an emphasis of the erning ModelThe scholar-practitioner-leader model is a framework for utilizing doctoral-level skills toward applied organizational problems.This emphasizes the scholarship and stewardship of the academic field. ................
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