Actually my comment has nothing to do with ignorance or higher than thou views. It was purely pragmatic and based on the experiences of 4 of my colleagues with EdDs. Only 1 of them found a job in aquatic science, as an extension agent. The reason? Most prospective employers have no real idea what an EdD is and would therefore prefer a candidate who might be less skilled but has the more familiar Ph.D. degree. The problem is that the unfamiliarity with the EdD degree leads many employers to consider it "inferior" to a PhD.
What happened to my other 3 colleagues with EdD degrees? One went back and got a PhD and now has a good job as a fisheries biologist. The other 2 are now a bartender and a real estate agent - hence my comment. Wrong as it may be, there is a public perception that a PhD is the "be-all and end-all" degree, and that an EdD is something less. If Jay specifically wanted a job in aquatic science extension or outreach, an EdD may serve him well, but if he wants to be a professional aquatic biologist and do original research, I think his chances are probably quite a bit higher with a PhD. If I was a young scientist looking for employment, especially if a had a family to feed, I would go for the PhD. Scientists love to be idealists, but we have bills to pay like everyone else. Mark Tupper -----Original Message----- From: Voisine, Matthew NAN02 [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 8:49 PM To: [email protected] Cc: Tupper, Mark (WorldFish) Subject: RE: EdD vs PhD WOW. For people with advanced degrees you sure have an uneducated and higher than thou do view of EdDs. Matthew Voisine -----Original Message----- From: Tupper, Mark (WorldFish) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:42 PM Subject: Re: EdD vs PhD I'd beg to differ with that. If you want "opportunities" and "placement" in aquatic biology and fisheries (i.e. a real job after university), get a Ph.D. Get an Ed.D. if you want to be a bartender or make money in real estate. Mark Tupper -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Wayne Tyson Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 6:07 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] EdD vs PhD EdD is a BS degree in makeup, and is for those who want "opportunities" and "placement." PhD is for the passionate. WT ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jay Beugly" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 11:18 AM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] EdD vs PhD > My name is Jayson Beugly. I am currently pursuing an EdD in science > (aquatic > biology and fisheries)and an opportunity to switch to a PhD has come up. I > am searching for advice on the pros and cons of the PhD vs EdD. There > seems > to be a bit of confusion regarding place and opportunities available for > recipients of these respective degrees. > > > > Thank You ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.10/1995 - Release Date: 03/11/09 08:28:00
