Ed.D vs. PhD ?

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Hi

I am considering my next steps after i complete my MEd next spring.

From what i understand, an EdD involves more practical applications of theory, and PhD would be all theory and writing.

both sound good as i would be concentrating in special education, but taking my own Aspie needs into account, i don't want to get too overwhelmed with social expectations.

Any others in higher ed have opinions about pursuing doctorate level work as an Aspie?

Thanks in advance!

Hi, Georgia! I am currently working on my dissertation in special education. (My topic involves Asperger's.) You are correct about the Ed.D. = practical and Ph.D. = theoretical.
The big question is "What do you want to do with your career after you finish your doctorate?" If you are hoping to teach on the college level and continue researching, you would be better served by a Ph.D. People with Ed.D.s tend to become administrators such as principals, deans, and department heads. I think the Ed.D. would lead to a career that involved more social skills.
As far as the actual research, and without getting into a quagmire of doctoral info, there are research methods that can accommodate a variety of social needs and preferences. For example, I can tell you a bit about my own topic. I am using a design known as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). One of the main "rules" of IPA is to treat the participants (in my case, people with Asperger's) as the experts. The participants become co-researchers and are offered the opportunity to check my work for accuracy. I am using online interviews through the private messaging feature here at WrongPlanet. The people who have been kind enough to share with me are not subjected to face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, or instant messaging interviews. I chose this method of interviewing in hopes of making the experience as comfortable as possible for my participants. (Of course, if a participant prefers telephone communication, I would be willing to accommodate that preference.)
If you have any other questions, or just want to talk doctoral studies in special education, feel free to PM me.

How much real world experience do you have?

I see it everyday, people with Masters degrees getting rejected because they have no real world experience.

Idea! This thread could go into the new sticky, Highly Educated Aspies http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt200144.html

Anyway, I'll be finished my PhD by autumn 2013 (neuroscience). But about your question: I think an earned doctoral degree is malleable; you can then pursue your own path as you see fit. Do you know of Dr. Stephen Shore? Doctor of Education and professor. All the best Georgia!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zbm37ko7ao[/youtube]

Hi! Thanks for all of the replies!

I worked for 3 years in public schools with kids from 3 to 7. I enjoyed the kids, and really connected well with them, but the adults were much harder. team meetings were really draining as i could never project enough confidence in my point of view to feel like a valued member of the team. Actually telling anyone that I was probably Aspie (i am not officially diagnosed) would not have helped me much.

So going to school has been validating so far (4.0 GPA so far -- whoo hoo!) and i want to keep going. I actually got to hear Dr. Shore lecture once; he was very inspiring. Getting the degree-- whichever one-- and then carving my own path with it is very good advice.

thanks all

Sending in my application to the PhD program this week!
I got three professors plus one work reference to write letters of recommendation.
All that's left is the GRE.

QUESTION:

What kind of financing packages were you offered when you were accepted? I'm hoping that my GRE scores will be enough for me to get a graduate assistantship or a graduate teaching assistantship. I get the impression that if you are likely to add to the university in some way through your research that they will want you on board. Is this correct?

Trying to get a feel for how this all works. Thanks in advance!

All I was able to get was a Guaranteed Student Loan. I chose a private institution because I can complete the coursework completely online, something I needed so I could be home with my Aspie. The bill is scary, but I should be able to pay it off in about six years with the increased salary I will earn with the Ph.D.