Dave, Sorry, libel or even criticism of an EdD degree was not my intention. I realize that it certainly seems that way because I failed to provide the context for my frustration with the EdD degree. I do not feel that an EdD is an inferior degree, but the problem is that the general public, including many potential employers, do not see it as the equivalent of a PhD. The Wikipedia EdD page cites a couple of studies that suggest there is no difference in the quality or quantity of work involved in EdD or PhD degrees. That page also suggests that the EdD might be particularly useful in preparing students for consultancy work. Unfortunately, the majority of employers in aquatic science do not appear to feel the same.
I actually was going to enroll in an EdD program back in the 90's but backed out after I saw several of my friends who earned EdDs repeatedly get turned down for jobs that went to PhDs (see my other email). At the time I was interested in combining fisheries research and extension, but as soon as I said the word "research", prospective supervisors or employers wanted to see a PhD. I'm not sure how universities can educate the general public, and particularly the science sector, about the relative roles and values of an EdD and a PhD. Until they can, people who want a job in science will (in general) be better off getting a PhD if they want to maximize their chances of getting a position. I apologize to the list for a knee-jerk reaction caused by a bad experience from my past, but I wonder if the prospects for finding employment with an EdD (other than in specialized positions that would really suit the EdD) have improved much in the last 15 years. Cheers, Mark -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ecolo...@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of David M. Lawrence Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 10:39 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] EdD vs PhD It's nice to see the enlightened opinion here -- i.e., tripe -- but until someone comes up with a substantive difference between the two types of degrees, all I can conclude is that the critics of Ph.D.s are bigoted jerks better suited to wearing white sheets and burning crosses than scientists who dispassionately pursue the evidence no matter where it leads. Put up, or shut up. Comments like Tupper's and Tyson's, given that they are in print, amount to libel of anyone with an Ed.D. If you're going to criticize it in such terms, you better have evidence to back your statement up. So, what is it? Dave Tupper, Mark (WorldFish) wrote: > 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:ecolo...@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of Wayne Tyson > Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 6:07 AM > To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU > 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" <jsbeu...@bsu.edu> > To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU> > 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 -- ------------------------------------------------------ David M. Lawrence | Home: (804) 559-9786 7471 Brook Way Court | Fax: (804) 559-9787 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | Email: d...@fuzzo.com USA | http: http://fuzzo.com ------------------------------------------------------ "We have met the enemy and he is us." -- Pogo "No trespassing 4/17 of a haiku" -- Richard Brautigan
