Please refer to the \\"Comparing the PHEL Ed.D. and Ph.D. Qualifiers\\" matrix on our main page that lists several key qualifiers for both Ph.D. and Ed.D. students. Please note these are only a starting point to distinguish candidates and are not mandatory. The Executive Ed.D. will develop the skills necessary for higher education professionals to lead change and build consensus in their organization and make policy. The Ph.D. program develops faculty and researchers who expand the body of knowledge from which the practitioner draws insights. You should choose the program that better meets your career aspirations. Students pursue the Executive Ed.D. because they aspire to higher levels of administrative authority and the Executive Ed.D. provides the skills to be a successful leader. Students pursue a Ph.D. because they aspire to join academia.