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Doctoral programs.

The goal of the GSE PhD in Education is to prepare the next generation of leading education researchers. The cornerstone of the doctoral experience at the Stanford Graduate School of Education is the research apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well.

In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a multi-year funding package that consists of opportunities each quarter to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the courses they take as part of their program, students are prepared over an approximately five-year period to excel as university teachers and education researchers.

The doctoral degree in Education at the GSE includes doctoral program requirements as well as a specialization, as listed below, overseen by a faculty committee from one of the GSE's three academic areas.

Doctoral programs by academic area

Curriculum studies and teacher education (cte).

• ‌ Elementary Education
• ‌ History/Social Science Education
• ‌ Learning Sciences and Technology Design
• ‌ Literacy, Language, and English Education
• ‌ Mathematics Education
• ‌ Science, Engineering and Technology Education
• ‌ Race, Inequality, and Language in Education
• ‌ Teacher Education

Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS)

• ‌ Developmental and Psychological Sciences

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS)

• ‌ Anthropology of Education
• ‌ Economics of Education
• ‌ Education Data Science
• ‌ ‌Educational Linguistics
• ‌ Educational Policy
• ‌ Higher Education
• ‌ History of Education
• ‌ International Comparative Education
• ‌ Organizational Studies
• ‌ Philosophy of Education
• ‌ Sociology of Education

Cross-area specializations

Learning sciences and technology design (lstd).

LSTD allows doctoral students to study learning sciences and technology design within the context of their primary program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Race, Inequality, and Language in Education (RILE)

RILE trains students to become national leaders in conducting research on how race, inequality, and language intersect to make both ineffective and effective educational opportunities. RILE allows students to specialize within their program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Other academic opportunities

• ‌ Concentration in Education and Jewish Studies
• ‌ PhD Minor in Education
• ‌ Stanford Doctoral Training Program in Leadership for System-wide Inclusive Education (LSIE)
• ‌ Certificate Program in Partnership Research in Education
• ‌ Public Scholarship Collaborative

“I came to Stanford to work with faculty who value learning in informal settings and who are working to understand and design for it.”

Doctoral graduates were employed within four months of graduation

of those employed worked in organizations or roles related to education

For more information about GSE admissions and to see upcoming events and appointments:

To learn more about the Office of Academic Affairs:

Stanford Graduate School of Education

482 Galvez Mall Stanford, CA 94305-3096 Tel: (650) 723-2109

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PhD Pathways in Education Technology

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Educational technology, commonly known as EdTech, refers to tools that facilitate active learning through collaboration, allowing educators to create interactive digital textbooks, gamify lessons, and more. Digital devices have increased education’s reach, enabling learning in remote areas and continuity through disruptions like pandemics.

Learn more about Ed Tech industry

• Check out EdSurge , the Ed Tech industry news source
• Overview of Education Technology
• Stanford Report: How technology is reinventing education?
• TED talks by Luis von Ahn (Duolingo’s CEO)

Key Career Opportunities

• Career Development in Education Technology, ISTE
• Job Board -EdSurge

Get Involved and Gain Experience

• Teaching Online at Yale-Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning
• Participate in Tsai CITY programs to learn skills in innovation and entrepreneurship
• Digital Humanities Lab
• Go on information interviews with Yale alumni

Office of Career Strategy

Visiting yale.

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Phd, educational communication and technology.

This research-oriented doctoral degree prepares you for academic and leadership positions in research and development across contexts including academia, government, and industry. The program’s coursework and research opportunities focus on theoretical, design, and methodological issues related to supporting and understanding learning. You will draw on areas including cognitive sciences, learning sciences, learning analytics, user experience, game studies, design-based research, and more, to conduct original research on how innovative and emerging technologies can support learning.

The program offers opportunities for hands-on research and design experiences through project-based coursework in informal and formal learning settings, collaboration on interdisciplinary project teams, mentorship from  preeminent scholars in the field , participation in academic conferences, and in internationally recognized research centers.

Ultimately, you will develop the theoretical and methodological skills and the scholarly community necessary to address the research questions that interest you.

Core Course Sequence 

Students in the ECT program take foundational courses in the Learning Sciences, Cognitive Sciences, and research methods, as well as electives based on their research interests, which may include learning analytics, game studies, psychology, computer science, or other specialized education or methods courses.

With your faculty adviser, you will develop a course plan that best aligns with your personal goals and interests.

Curricular Requirements

Program requirements, research requirements and benchmarks.

The PhD requires the completion of 36-54 credits. The 54-credit curriculum is designed for students who do not have a master's degree in a related field of study prior to matriculation. Students entering the PhD program with a field-appropriate master’s degree may receive advanced standing for up to 15 credits in Instructional Design and 3 credits in Research courses and complete the program in 36 credits. Instructional design courses and a research or statistics course are typically required in related master’s degree curricula, including NYU’s own master’s degree programs in this same field. Students with partially relevant master’s degrees may be advised to take some core Instructional Design courses and will complete the program for 36-54 credits based on transcript and syllabus review.

 The Coordinator of the doctoral program and faculty academic advisers assist students in making course selections and planning course sequences relevant to students' individuals goals and interests (all ECT faculty serve as academic advisers to doctoral students). All courses taken must be at the graduate level.

As doctoral students advance through their coursework and develop expertise in a particular area of inquiry, they begin to formulate the questions that will define their research process.  This process consists of a series of benchmarks.

• The candidacy paper
• Candidacy approval Admission to degree candidacy
• Appointment of dissertation committee
• The dissertation proposal Application to University Committee on Activities Involving Human Subjects The dissertation proposal review
• Dissertation research and writing Final oral examination Final dissertation approval

The first benchmark is the candidacy paper, a written, scholarly examination of a critical issue or problem at the intersection of learning, media and technology. With the guidance of an ECT faculty adviser, students review relevant theory and studies previously conducted concerning this issue or problem, with a view toward establishing important directions to pursue in their own dissertation research.

After admission to candidacy, the next benchmarks include developing the dissertation proposal and the appointment of a dissertation committee. These steps typically interact, as students make progress on the proposal while identifying appropriate committee members who, in turn, as selected, contribute to students' progress. During this period, students have the benefit of additional support in the Dissertation Proposal Seminar required of all doctoral students. Depending on the types of studies students plan, this phase might also involve applying for approval to conduct their studies from the University Committee on Activities Involving Human Subjects.

The dissertation proposal, once approved by the students' committee, is formally reviewed by an advisory panel of faculty with relevant expertise. When approved, students begin the longer process of conducting their studies with the continued guidance and support of committee members. The last benchmark is the final oral examination of the completed dissertation, conducted by the dissertation committee and two outside readers.

Sample Plan of Study

Comprehensive and culminating elements include: conference papers; candidacy paper preparation and presentation, dissertation prospectus preparation and presentation, dissertation defense.

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation ( MAINT-GE 4747 ) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The Johns Hopkins School of Education’s full-time PhD program offers an individually tailored learning experience based on a student’s interest in finding solutions to pressing education problems. Select applicants receive full tuition and a stipend.

The School of Education will pause admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) program for the 2025-26 academic year while we add several programmatic improvements. The next intake for admission to the PhD program will be for students who want to matriculate in the Fall 2026 semester. The online application will open in August 2025 to begin accepting submissions, and the application completion deadline will be December 16, 2025. Please complete our Request for Information Form to receive updates and announcements for the next admission period.

The program provides rigorous interdisciplinary training that develops students’ abilities to conduct evidence-based research on real-world educational challenges. Instruction and mentorship emphasizes the development and evaluation of policies and practices that address real-world educational problems.

Students benefit from a one-to-one apprenticeship model that pairs exceptional interdisciplinary candidates with nationally acclaimed faculty mentors, along with engaging coursework, sophisticated methodological training, and cohort-based learning.

Questions? Please reach out and we’ll be in touch soon.

Learn about our PhD students.

Upcoming Admissions Events

Have questions about our degree programs, the application, or financial aid and costs? Join us for an inside look at a graduate experience defined by innovation and driven by evidence-based research. Learn more about your area of interest or career path, meet some of our faculty, and connect to the Johns Hopkins School of Education community. Check out our admissions events and register for a virtual information session today.

Education Policy Info Session

Doctor of Education Info Session

TeachingWell Info Session

Core Faculty

Jennifer adams, phd.

Associate Professor Director, International Teaching and Global Leadership

Affiliation

Innovative Teaching & Leadership

International Teaching & Global Leadership

Robert Balfanz, PhD

Professor Co-Director, Center for Social Organization of Schools

Center for Social Organization of Schools, SOE Leadership

Education Policy & Politics, Research, Evaluation & Assessment, Social Context of Education

Ashley Rogers Berner, PhD

Associate Professor Director, Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy

Institute for Education Policy, SOE Leadership

Curriculum Studies, Education Policy & Politics, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

Rebecca Cruz, PhD

Assistant Professor

Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, Innovative Teaching & Leadership

Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education, Special Education

Marcia Davis, PhD

Associate Professor (Research) Co-Director, Center for Social Organization of Schools Director of Research, Baltimore Education Research Consortium

Learning & Instruction, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

Norma L. Day-Vines, PhD

Counseling & Educational Studies

Counseling & Human Development

Hunter Gehlbach, PhD

Professor Faculty Lead, PhD Program

Advanced Studies in Education

Learning & Instruction, Measurement & Research Methodologies

Odis Johnson, Jr., PhD

Bloomberg Distinguished Professor Executive Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools Director, Institute in Critical Quantitative, Computational, and Mixed Methodologies

Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, SOE Leadership

Education Policy & Politics, Measurement & Research Methodologies, Social Context of Education

Richard Lofton, PhD

Center for Safe and Healthy Schools

Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education

Douglas J. Mac Iver, PhD

Center for Social Organization of Schools

Curriculum Studies, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

Martha Abele Mac Iver, PhD

Associate Professor Associate Dean of Research

Research, Evaluation & Assessment

Olivia Marcucci, PhD

Advanced Studies in Education, Center for Safe and Healthy Schools

Social Context of Education

Ebony McGee, PhD

Counseling & Human Development, Postsecondary Education, Social Context of Education, Urban Education

Stephen Morgan, PhD

Bloomberg Distinguished Professor

Measurement & Research Methodologies, Social Context of Education

Jonathan Plucker, PhD

Research Professor Faculty Lead, Master of Science in Education Policy

Education Policy & Politics, Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction

Eric Rice, PhD

Social Context of Education, Urban Education

Joshua C. Schuschke, PhD

Educational Technology

Alexandra Shelton, PhD

Learning & Instruction, Special Education

Angela R. Watson, PhD

Assistant Research Professor

Institute for Education Policy

Education Policy & Politics

Program Overview

With its goal of pursuing big ideas and sharing knowledge to address real-world challenges, Johns Hopkins University takes pride in its founding mission as the U.S.’s first research university. The full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education at the Johns Hopkins School of Education embraces that tradition. We offer a world-class, research-focused program that prepares exceptional scholars to investigate and develop policies and practices that improve educational outcomes from pre-K through secondary school and beyond.

Students draw insights from different disciplines (e.g., educational psychology, learning sciences, sociology of education), synthesizing their knowledge to craft multidisciplinary, evidence-based approaches to address educational policies and practices — particularly those that can improve outcomes for historically underserved populations. Immersion in modern research methods — advanced statistical techniques, open science approaches, and data science — facilitates students’ capacities to argue for research-based educational reforms.

Students benefit from the mentorship of nationally acclaimed researchers in an apprenticeship model as well as collaborative learning opportunities from courses, research groups, and their cohort. Our graduates go on to careers in higher education as professors, policymakers, and influential scholars at research-intensive universities, institutes, and centers.

All PhD students at the School of Education are eligible for a fellowship for up to four years. The fellowship includes a yearly stipend and will cover tuition and fees. The fellowship also covers individual health, dental, and vision insurance. All PhD students must be registered full time and be in good academic standing every semester to continue to be eligible for their fellowship.

Through our PhD program, students acquire cutting-edge research skills that position them for tenure-track faculty positions in higher education, policymaking roles with state agencies or school systems, and leadership positions in educational research organizations.

• Research and Post Secondary Teaching
• University Professor
• University Researcher
• Policy Analyst

“ What set my experience apart was the chance to work with remarkable mentors who are not only impactful researchers in the field, but also genuinely care about me as a person.

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Teaching, learning, and teacher education, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a doctoral program preparing education researchers, teacher educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders..

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers and teacher educators in universities and colleges. Focal areas include teaching and learning, research and practice in teacher education, mathematics education, science education, and the study of urban education and urban contexts. 

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers in education. The program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars.  The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

Fall: 3; Spring: 3

Culminating experience Dissertation

Coursework and research experiences address a range of practice-based and theoretical problems in schools and community settings from sociopolitical, cultural, philosophical, psychological, and historical perspectives. Taking an interdisciplinary stance, faculty and students explore issues of equity, social justice, and educational change in a range of formal and informal educational settings. You will build a program of study that includes courses in teaching and learning, social foundations, and research methods.  Applicants interested in the focal area of literacy are encouraged to consider the doctoral program in Literacy Studies .

Field-based research and collaborative projects with practitioners in schools or other educational settings are key components of the program. The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

As a full-time Ph.D. student, you are expected to be in residence and participate in practicum activities, courses, and other academic experiences throughout the first two years, where you will be enrolled in 3 course units per semester. Coursework and experiences are arranged around three areas or strands, including specialization courses, research methods courses, and electives/professional experiences, as well as a set of core courses. For more information about courses and requirements, visit the  Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC)

The RAC is part of the Professional Experiences strand and is designed to assist you in developing, conducting, and presenting your own original research. The course focuses on the research interests of the students and requires participation in the scheduling of activities, presentations, and directing part of the RAC agenda as it pertains to the collective needs of the group. Students from the different stages of the doctoral program will serve as mentors to one another, with faculty oversight. You will participate in the RAC beginning in the spring of your first year and continue participation until the completion of your dissertation.

Annual Self-Evaluation : Each year, doctoral students complete a Professional Self-Evaluation that is used as part of the ongoing evaluation and planning process. You are introduced to the evaluation form in the proseminar and will work on it in the spring Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC). The deadline for the Professional Self-evaluation falls in mid-autumn or mid-spring.

Qualifying Examination : The Qualifying Examination is taken by all doctoral students, most often at the end of the first year. Passing this exam is an important step in being admitted to program candidacy. In order to take the qualifying exam, you need to have completed the Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course.

Program Candidacy : You are assessed for program candidacy after successfully completing the  Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course, and passing the Qualifying Examination. You must be in good academic standing to receive program candidacy.

Preliminary Examination : The Preliminary Examination is taken after you have completed all courses and before you begin work on your dissertation. Passing the Preliminary Exam allows you to be admitted to doctoral candidacy. You may submit a Preliminary Exam from the start of the fall semester through April 1. A description of the Preliminary Exam is available from the Division Coordinator. 

Dissertation : To complete the Ph.D., you must design and undertake an original research study under the direction of your dissertation committee. Students should see Penn GSE and Penn-wide policies and speak with their advisor about the requirements of the dissertation.

Our Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Ryan S. Baker Professor Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

Bodong Chen Associate Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

Matthew Duvall Lecturer Ph.D., Drexel University

L. Michael Golden Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships, Catalyst @ Penn GSE Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Zachary Herrmann Adjunct Assistant Professor Ed.L.D., Harvard University

Charlotte E. Jacobs Director, Independent School Teaching Residency Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Yasmin B. Kafai Lori and Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor Ed.D., Harvard University

Andrea M. Kane Professor of Practice, Education Leadership Ph.D., Northcentral University

Rand Quinn Associate Professor Ph.D., Stanford University

Sharon M. Ravitch Professor of Practice Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Susan A. Yoon Graduate School of Education Presidential Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

"Penn taught me, Penn GSE especially, that if you have the right combination of ingredients—commitment from the structure, mentors, and colleagues—then risk-taking, innovation, and progress will for sure ignite."

Justice Toshiba Walker

Our graduates.

Our graduates are prepared for research and academic careers in education, psychology, and related human services fields.

Alumni Careers

• Adjunct Professor, Moore College of Art and Design
• Assistant Professor of Special Education, Villanova University
• Assistant Professor, Montclair State University
• Assistant Professor, Utah State University
• Director, Out of School Time Resource Center
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Temple University

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Noemí Fernández Program Manager [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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Collaboratory for Teacher Education

The Collaboratory for Teacher Education at Penn GSE is a laboratory for the design, implementation, and study of experimental approaches to teacher education.

Core Practice Consortium

The Core Practice Consortium brings together teacher educators from across institutions, disciplines, and theoretical perspectives to grapple with questions about how better to prepare novice teachers. 

Our Students

Current students in the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program are researching a range of topics including mathematical practices, teacher education, maker-based project education, culturally responsive pedagogy, science education, and media making. 

View Doctoral Student Profiles

You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ed.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ph.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ed.D.
• Learning Sciences and Technologies M.S.Ed.
• Teaching, Learning, and Leadership M.S.Ed.
• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D.

Related Topics

• 19 Best Online Doctorates in Educational Technology

By TED Staff November 2021

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of educational technology is projected to grow at a rate of 10% between now and 2030 — a much faster rate than average for other occupations in the field of education. That makes this an ideal time to upgrade your master’s degree to a doctorate!

Currently, opportunities abound in the following areas: web-based learning manager, multimedia designer, web instructor, course  developer or designer, director of distance learning, online teacher, virtual reality specialist, coordinator of a computer learning lab, and educational software consultant, to name just a few.

Even without a degree in the field, if you teach, train, work as a human resource specialist, write or consult (and you have the appropriate educational background), it might be desirable to take a sideways journey into educational technology and put your skills to use in an innovative way.

Making such a change would likely be very lucrative since the salary of a technologist is often higher than that of a typical teacher. In fact, the field of educational technology earns some of the highest pay among educators. According to Payscale, the following average salaries were reported in 2020:

• Administrative Assistant: $40,294
• Learning and Development Specialist: $62,439
• Corporate Trainer: $57,056
• Director of Operations: $93,051

An educational technology specialist is in demand across many sectors of the economy–whether in the K-12 school system or inside corporations as trainers, consultants, and coordinators.

If attending classrooms full time is not possible for you at this time–because of work or other responsibilities–an online education is a wonderful solution. You can work and study at your own pace, and you can stay inside your own comfortable environment. The professors for your curriculum will be the same as those in traditional institutions. And, best of all, your degree will be authentic and exactly the same in appearance as if you had sat inside a brick-and-mortar classroom all those years.

Top Education Degrees has compiled a list of excellent online programs for doctorates in educational technology, with schools ranked by the criteria shown below. In cases of a tie, the advantage goes to the program with the lower tuition rate.

Annual Graduate Tuition:

Under $10,000: 5 points Under $20,000: 4 points Under $30,000: 3 points Under $40,000: 2 points Under $50,000: 1 point

US News & World Report  Best Graduate Education Ranking (2022):

Top 5: 5 points Top 10: 4 points Top 25: 3 points Top 50: 2 points Top 100: 1 point

Graduation Rate:

Above 95%: 5 points Above 90%: 4 points Above 80%: 3 points Above 65%: 2 points Above 50%: 1 point

20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):

Above 9%+: 5 points 7%-8%: 4 points 5%-6%: 3 points 3%-4%: 2 points 1%-2%: 1 point

Indiana University, Bloomington Online Doctor of Education in Instructional Systems Technology 

Bloomington, Indiana Annual Tuition: $9,786 (Indiana residents), $31,932 (out-of-state) Total Points: 8

Graduate students earning Indiana University’s online Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology have the same resources and support as traditional, on-campus students. Consisting of 60 credit hours, IU’s Doctor of Education degree covers the acquisition of knowledge and the best practices for augmenting this process in an educational setting. Uniquely, admission to this online degree program does not require a GRE score, though students are required to complete both a dissertation and a 9-12 credit complementary minor.

University of South Carolina Online Doctorate of Education in Education Systems Improvement 

Columbia, South Carolina Annual Tuition: $13,737 (South Carolina residents), $29,760 (out-of-state) Total Points: 9

The University of South Carolina online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, educational technology specialization is also fully online and 60 instructional hours in duration. The program offers a discounted rate of tuition of $515 per hour for certified teachers who reside in the Palmetto State. Students in the University of South Carolina EdD in curriculum and instruction, educational technology specialization online can expect to be asked for: proof of a master’s degree; two letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s ability to operate at the doctoral level; a letter of intent that meets the guidelines spelled out at the above website; and a GRE or MAT score.

University of Florida Online Doctorate in Education in Curriculum & Instruction w/ emphasis on Educational Technology

Gainesville, Florida Annual Tuition: $10,770 (Florida residents), $27,335 (out-of-state) Total Points: 10

University of Florida offers an online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis on educational technology. The 54-credit degree program follows the cohort model, and new cohorts begin every two years (the next cohort begins in fall 2022). Prospective doctoral students at University of Florida are able to transfer in a maximum of 15 credit hours from other accredited doctoral-level programs. Besides a master’s degree, admission to this doctoral educational technology degree program requires a recent GRE score, a statement of purpose, and multiple letters of recommendation.

Michigan State University Online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology

East Lansing, Michigan Annual Tuition: $18,858 (Michigan residents), $37,056 (out-of-state) Total Points: 11

GRE scores are a required part of the admission process for the Michigan State University doctor of philosophy in educational technology online. Completed over five years, the 63 credit hour degree is comprised of coursework; preliminary and comprehensive examinations; annual reviews; and the dissertation process. Michigan State University’s online PhD in educational technology also asks for three letters of recommendation, a professional statement of goals, a writing sample, and a current resume or CV as part of the admissions packet.

Texas A&M University Online Ph.D. in Learning Design & Technology

College Station, Texas Annual Tuition: $6,775 (Texas residents), $19,048 (out-of-state) Total Points: 11

Texas A&M offers a Ph.D. in Learning Design & Technology which can be completed entirely online. Earning the doctoral degree requires completing 64 credit hours of specialization coursework and a series of educational psychology classes. A dissertation and a component on research design and methodology must also be completed before graduation. To apply, you will need to submit three letters of recommendation, a recent GRE score, and a statement of purpose.

Sam Houston State University Online Doctorate of Education in Instructional Systems Design and Technology

Huntsville, Texas Annual Tuition: $5,765 (Texas residents), $13,127 (out-of-state) Total Points: 11

The Sam Houston State University doctor of education in instructional design systems and technology online’s 60 units are offered 100% online with no on-campus component. The program follows a cohort model and asks a significant devotion of time, or the student will not progress. Sam Houston State University’s online EdD in instructional design systems and technology is looking for applicants who can provide evidence of: a master’s degree in IDT or a related field; a recent GRE score; a professional (preferably published) writing sample; three years of teaching experience; and three letters of recommendation as part of the admissions process.

Central Michigan University Online Doctorate of Educational Technology

Mount Pleasant, Michigan Annual Tuition: Total Points:

Central Michigan University online doctor of educational technology’s 54 credits are experienced by the student as two classes per semester, three terms per year, for two years, and then the dissertation process. The program operates with a cohort model and runs two cohorts per year. The Central Michigan University doctor of educational technology online offers a GRE or MAT waiver for qualified applicants and also requires three letters of recommendation and an essay to go with the other more traditional admissions requirements.

Old Dominion University Online Ph.D. in Education in Instructional Design and Technology

Norfolk, Virginia Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The Old Dominion University doctor of philosophy in education in instructional design and technology online requires a master’s degree, but not in any specified field. The 60 unit program assumes prior coursework in the field and in statistics. Old Dominion University’s online PhD in education in instructional design and technology is on the lookout for applicants with an acceptable GRE score, three recommendations, a 500-word essay on the degree’s necessity in the achievement of your professional goals, and a phone or Skype interview with faculty.

New Jersey City University Online Doctorate in Education in Educational Technology Leadership

Jersey City, New Jersey Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The New Jersey City University doctor of education in educational technology leadership online’s 60 credits are pursued with six credits in the spring, six credits in the fall, and 8 credits in the summer (plus a one-week on-campus session each summer) every year for three years. This cohort model program starts every summer. New Jersey City University’s online EdD in educational technology leadership wants a minimum one thousand word essay on the student’s professional goals, three letters of recommendation, an acceptable LSAT/GRE/MAT score, and a current CV or resume.

Johns Hopkins University Online Doctorate in Education in Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning

Baltimore, Maryland Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The Johns Hopkins University online doctor of education in technology integration in K-16 education requires 90 quarter graduate units of study. This is a four course specialization of the EdD and it runs on the cohort model. Applicants to the Johns Hopkins University EdD in technology integration in K-16 education online should be prepared to provide a graduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, a resume, a personal statement, and three signed letters of recommendation with their admissions materials.

University of West Florida Online Doctorate in Education in Instructional Design and Technology

Pensacola, Florida Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The University of West Florida offers an online doctor of education specializing in instructional design and technology degree that is 45 credit hours. The program’s focus is on learning how to use technology to improve productivity and performance in the workplace and to design and develop distance learning programs for an organization. All students in the University of West Florida’s online EdD specializing in instructional design and technology degree program complete a common core of foundational knowledge, in addition to electives. The dissertation is your final step, an 18 semester undertaking in which you’ll work independently but under the guidance of the dissertation committee.

University of North Texas Online Ph.D. in Learning Technologies 

Denton, Texas Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The University of North Texas offers a 60-69 credit hour, online doctor of philosophy in learning technology degree that equips graduates to be proficient in both content and process and prepares them to work at organizations or universities/colleges. New cohort classes start each summer semester, and classes run in 8-week formats with students taking 1-2 courses at a time. Program objectives of the University of North Texas’s online PhD in learning technology degree are six-fold: synthesize knowledge; create knowledge; communicate knowledge; think creatively and reflectively; engage in professional development, and participate actively in one’s profession.

Morehead State University Online Doctor of Education in Educational Technology Leadership 

Morehead, Kentucky Annual Tuition: Total Points:

Candidates for the online doctor of education in educational technology degree at Morehead State University must successfully complete and defend both a qualifying exam and their doctoral capstone. The 60 credit hour program devotes 18 core hours to the following courses: principles of leadership; understanding and conducting research; action research and grant writing; analysis and thesis; educational change; and legal and ethical issues and the exercise of judgment in education. Admission to Morehead State University’s online EdD in educational technology degree calls for a resume/c.v., goals statement, three letters of recommendation, and GRE/MAT/GMAT scores.

University of Memphis Online Doctor of Education in Instructional Design and Technology 

Memphis, Tennessee Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The University of Memphis offers a 54 credit hour,100% online doctor of education in instructional design and technology degree that is designed to produce scholars and researchers who will work in academic environments. Students must commit to studying with a cohort, and the course-rotation schedule is available well in advance so you can make plans. The University of Memphis’s online EdD in instructional design and technology degree will prepare you for several careers, including the following: instructional designer; corporate trainer; professor of higher education; director of professional development; researcher; director of human resource training; and director of curriculum and instruction.

Duquesne University Online Doctor of Education in Educational Technology

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The online doctor of education in instructional technology and leadership degree offered by Duquesne University is a 54 credit, three year program whose graduates will be able to hold positions in the higher reaches of education and business. First-year students must attend a two-day orientation on campus at the beginning of the fall semester. Three advanced level seminars are required to guide the dissertation student in the EdD in instructional technology and leadership online program. A Catholic university in the Spiritan tradition, Duquesne University maintains a very admirable student to faculty ratio of 14:1.

Kennesaw State University Online Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology

Carrollton, Georgia Annual Tuition: Total Points:

Kennesaw State University offers a 66 credit hour, online doctor of education in instructional technology online that has two tracks, initial or advanced. The initial track is for educators who wish to integrate technology into classrooms and to coach other educators. The advanced track is for educators who currently hold or aspire to hold a technology leadership position at the school, district, or state level. Both tracks of Kennesaw State University’s online EdD in instructional technology degree program require a 9 credit hour dissertation. Please visit the school’s state authorization site to make sure the online degree is available in your state.

Liberty University Online Ph.D. in Education in Instructional Design & Technology

Lynchburg, Virginia Annual Tuition: Total Points:

Liberty University examines relevant topics and current events in light of a Christian worldview. Their 60 credit hour, online doctor of philosophy in education, specialization in instructional design and technology, is delivered in 8-week courses and will take up to 3 years to complete. You’ll study core curriculum critical to leadership in K-12 and higher education settings. Liberty University’s online Ph.D. in education includes the following courses in the specialization in instructional design and technology: principles of human performance technology; and models for instructional design and technology. A dissertation is required, and up to 15 credit hours may be transferred in.

Boise State University Online Doctor of Education in Educational Technology

Boise, Idaho Annual Tuition: Total Points:

Boise State University offers a fully online doctor of education in educational technology degree that is 66 credit hours. No campus visits are required, and all courses are online, available at your pace, but in some cases they are synchronous, requiring attendance. Students will engage in research in various facets of educational technology, including learning analytics, games and simulations, professional development, online learning, mobile technologies, and data mining. Check out scholarship opportunities from the College of Education. The online EdD in educational technology degree at Boise State University features several graduate student resources, such as writing coaches, formatting labs, and dissertation help.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Educational Technology

Edinburg, Texas Annual Tuition: Total Points:

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has a 60 credit hour, 100% online doctoral specialization in educational technology degree that is created to enable students to design, develop, and teach courses through Web-based instruction. You will be prepared to teach in colleges and universities. The cohort model courses in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s online doctoral specialization in educational technology program include the following: theories and practices in effective online pedagogy; advanced instructional design; evaluation and assessment in instructional technology; course management and instructional systems in K-16; and trends in educational technology K-16.

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Education, PhD

School of education.

The School of Education will pause admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) program for the 2025-26 academic year while we add several programmatic improvements. The next intake for admission to the PhD program will be for students who want to matriculate in the Fall 2026 semester. The online application will open in August 2025 to begin accepting submissions, and the application completion deadline will be December 16, 2025.

The overarching goal of the School of Education’s PhD in Education program is to develop scholars who will have advanced research skills for improving education practice, with specific emphases on policy analysis and education improvement. The program strives to prepare candidates that are equipped to:

• meet the myriad challenges associated with systemic education change;
• apply exceptional content area expertise contextualized within a comprehensive multidisciplinary frame of reference;
• successfully bridge the theory and research to evidence-based practice gap;
• be actively involved in public policy development and evaluation;
• conduct research on complex databases linking educational practices to student outcomes, or lead laboratory- or school-based research programs that inform efforts to improve educational practices and student outcomes; and
• develop national models of educational practice that guide curriculum development and educator preparation.

For Program updates and more information, please visit the website .

Admission Requirements

At minimum, applicants to the PhD program should hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Previous degrees must document outstanding academic achievement in an area of study closely associated with the objectives of the program. Applicants must submit the online admission application form, application fee, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. If the earned degree or credit is from an educational institution abroad, the candidate’s academic record must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency before consideration for admission. Applicants are required to earn superior scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (taken within the past five years), present acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores (if an international student), and demonstrate potential to become top scholars. Additionally, applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae, a personal statement (outlining professional plans, goals, and expectations related to the PhD program), dispositions survey, and three letters of reference affirming the applicant’s qualifications for advanced graduate study and potential for professional development in the field. Selected applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be invited to interview with the doctoral admissions committee.

Program Requirements

Program structure and requirements.

Program requirements include earning a minimum of 72 graduate credits taken at the doctoral level at Johns Hopkins University. While the program will be tailored to the specific learning needs of each student, it includes the following coursework components:

• ED.855.725 Research Landscape*
• ED.883.812 Data Workflow*
• ED.883.601  Basic and Inferential Statistics*
• *indicates a required course
• ED.855.815 Science of Learning*
• ED.855.764 Schools in Society*
• ED.855.835 Socio-Cultural Perspectives*
• ED.855.723 Education Policy Practicum*
• ED.855.855  Research Proseminar^
• ED.855.854 Practice Proseminar
• ED.855.852 Research Practicum^
• ED.883.723 Hierarchical Linear Models^
• ED.883.711  Qualitative Research Methodology^
• ED.855.853 Savvy Surveys^
• ED.855.704 Economics of Education
• ED.855.701 Introduction to Causal Inference^
• ED.855.702 Casual Inference When Regression Fails^
• ED.855.840 Doctoral Research
• ^indicates a research elective
• Dissertation Research (18 credit hours)

In addition to successfully completing all the coursework requirements, candidates must also satisfy the following program benchmarks:

• Research progress
• Written and oral comprehensive examinations
• Dissertation proposal oral examination
• Graduate Board oral examination
• Final dissertation exam

Each student will receive an annual written evaluation from the School of Education’s Doctoral Studies Committee detailing their progress in meeting the required benchmarks at the end of each spring semester.

All School of Education PhD students will devote at least four years to full-time study and research as a resident student. This period of time will provide opportunity for full engagement and participation in the academic community and allow students to develop and demonstrate the scholarly capabilities required of the degree. The typical program of study is eight semesters, with six semesters devoted to coursework and research/teaching intensive experiences and two semesters devoted primarily to independent dissertation research. Students will typically enroll in 12 hours per semester for the first three years of their program and 9 hours per semester during the fourth year of their program, for a total of 90 credit hours. All students are expected to maintain enrollment as full-time graduate students over the course of the program. With the approval of their major adviser and director of the PhD program, students may transfer up to 12 credit hours of previously completed graduate-level coursework to substitute for selected required courses in the program.

Typically, each year four-to-eight PhD students will be admitted each year to begin classes in the fall semester. The majority of required courses will be delivered on the Baltimore Homewood campus in a face-to-face format, although students may (with approval) enroll in selected elective courses in divisions throughout the university.

Students must complete qualifying exams after completing two years of study. The successful completion of the written documents and oral defense of those documents allows the student to proceed to the dissertation proposal.

Dissertation

The program is designed as an apprenticeship model leading to a traditional research dissertation. The expectation is that students will be developing the skills and background knowledge throughout the program required to pursue a traditional research dissertation. Although the dissertation is not part of the formal coursework, the program is designed to put a student on track to develop an area of expertise as the foundation for an independent research project directed by the adviser. Students are expected to complete and defend a dissertation proposal by the end of the third year of study and use the final year of the program to complete and defend the dissertation. The dissertation is expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature and scholarship in the collection and interpretation of data. The work should be appropriate for publication in high impact journals in the student’s area of expertise. The dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before the student’s Dissertation Advisory Committee.

Note: Full tuition assistance and annual stipends are available to support selected outstanding candidates . For more information about the PhD program, please visit the website .    

Please see Academic Standards .

Learning Outcomes

Program goals.

Graduates will be prepared to fill faculty and research scientist positions at research-intensive universities or secure positions at research institutes and centers that conduct and manage large-scale education-based evaluations. Upon successful program completion we expect that graduates will:

• Be prepared for employment in research/faculty positions at top-tier research institutions.
• Contribute to the interdisciplinary public discourse on education improvement.
• Engage in and promote evidence-based practices through the application of rigorous methodology.
• Link education research to policy and practice.
• Provide leadership in the field by developing an independent line of ethical and culturally responsive research.
• Contribute to development of the next generation of scholars.
• Be able to influence school policy and reform.

Ph.D. in Education: Instructional Design and Technology Pioneer New Instructional Strategies

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Become a Creative Leader in Education with a Doctorate in Instructional Design and Technology

Technology is a part of our everyday lives, making it an integral part of online and in-class education. Students from kindergarten through college rely on technology to complete assignments and learn critical skills needed for academic success.

Liberty University’s 100% online PhD in Education – Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) degree program will expand your knowledge, skills, and training in instructional design. You will complete advanced course content and in-depth research. You will study cognitive development, evaluation and assessment, and the design and implementation of distance learning programs and job aids.

You will examine the design, development, and implementation of new learning processes and products designed for student success. Throughout our online PhD in instructional design and technology, you can learn how to effectively communicate. You can learn to create effective and engaging learning programs for school administrators, teachers, and students through various mediums. Through research and innovative use of today’s educational technology, you can enhance your skills and market your abilities in this growing field.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Educational Technology Online?

Liberty’s educational technology doctoral program online is designed to provide advanced training to instructional design specialists. This degree is for those who are seeking promotions, new opportunities, or a career change. In whatever capacity you plan to develop innovative learning management systems (LMS), our program can help you reach your career goals.

We designed our PhD in Instructional Design and Technology to be 100% online. This means you are not required to attend courses on campus at any time as you pursue your degree. We are committed to helping you obtain your degree in a way that is most convenient for you.

Liberty University’s mission is Training Champions for Christ . You will also receive training and instruction from professors who are grounded in their Christian faith.

What Will You Study in Liberty’s Instructional Design PhD Program?

Liberty University’s IDT courses enhance your knowledge of instructional design. This will allow you to develop support products and processes that enhance and increase the efficiency of learning. Our instructional design and technology courses provide training in the development of web-based courses as well as printed educational aids.

As you begin your PhD in instructional design and technology, you will improve your knowledge of the various styles of learning. You will also learn how instructional design and technology play a part in reaching the unique needs of students and teachers. From there, you can learn advanced techniques using existing technologies for web-based learning. You will also study new developments in technology and their possible implications for the future.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Director of e-learning
• Distance learning senior director
• Educational technology director
• Military education specialist
• Professor (higher education)
• Researcher (IDT)
• Senior instructional designer
• Senior training specialist

Featured Courses

• EDUC 730 – Issues and Trends in Learning Technologies
• EDUC 731 – Instructional Design Theory
• EDUC 732 – Principles of Human Performance Technology
• EDUC 733 – Instructional Systems Design

Degree Information

• This program falls under our School of Education .
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• Students in the educational technology program can complete optional on-campus intensives . Most intensives are offered in a week-long course format, with a few being offered in a weekend format.
• An extensive final dissertation project is required for the doctor of education and instructional design.

Degree Completion Plan

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online PhD in Learning Design and Technology

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree do you need for instructional design.

Whether you want career advancement or are just getting started in the field, you are probably wondering which instructional design program you should pursue. If you want to work in management or administration and be at the height of your education career, then consider a doctorate program.

We believe that Liberty offers one of the best instructional design PhD programs available. Here’s why:

• Flexibility to complete your doctorate 100% online
• Courses grounded in a biblical worldview to help you become a leader who values ethics and integrity
• Professors with doctorates and years of experiences who are excited to mentor you

Does this degree require any culminating project?

Our instructional design PhD program online includes an integrated dissertation process allowing you to work toward your final research project while completing your coursework. Completing your PhD gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

Does this PhD have any campus requirements?

No, but you can meet your peers and professors in the PhD in instructional technology online program during optional on-campus intensives on our campus in Central Virginia.

What are the benefits of pursuing a program like this?

Our PhD in educational technology online will allow you to develop educational management skills and foster leadership in teachers and students. You can learn how to create and administer effective education environments.

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Educational Technology, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Teacher, approved for STEM-OPT extension, classroom, computers, design, edupltpe, teachers college

ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program. Prospective students might consider the Learning Design and Technologies, MEd .

The focus of the PhD program in educational technology is on the design, development and evaluation of instructional systems and on educational technology applications that support learning. The doctoral program emphasizes research using educational technology in applied settings.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Courses (24 credit hours) EDP 540 Learning Theories and Instructional Strategies (3) EDP 552 Multiple Regression and Correlation Methods (3) EDP 554 Analysis-of-Variance Methods (3) LDT 501 Foundations of Learning Design and Technologies (3) LDT 502 Design and Development of Instruction (3) LDT 503 Design of Effective Communications (3) LDT 504 Modalities of Learning (3) LDT 506 Evaluation of Learning Systems (3) EDT 701 Research in Educational Technology (3)

Elective Courses (30 credit hours) Students select a minimum of 30 credit hours of elective coursework in consultation with a faculty advisor or doctoral committee chair.

Practicum Hours (6 credit hours and research) Students must earn at least 18 credit hours for practicum courses. Students complete three different practica while in the program: instructional design (typically EDT 780 Practicum for three credit hours), teaching (typically EDT 680 Practicum for three credit hours), and a research practicum.

Research (12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) EDT 799 Dissertation (12)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• three email addresses for professional recommendations
• personal statement
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College requires a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT.

Scores of 500 or above on the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE are required, as well as a score of four or greater on the analytical writing section of the GRE. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

The program prepares students for a variety of professional positions. Graduates are employed as faculty, educational technologists or instructional designers in universities, community colleges and schools, or as training managers in corporate settings.

Educational Leadership & Innovation, Division | ED 118 [email protected] 480-965-5555

2024-2025 Catalog

Doctoral degrees.

The University of Idaho awards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of high achievement in scholarly and research activity. The degree of Doctor of Education is granted for high scholarly attainment and in recognition of the completion of academic preparation for professional practice. See the "Ph.D. and Ed.D. Procedures" tab for more details. The Doctor of Athletic Training is offered through the College of Education and the Department of Movement Sciences (see the "DAT Procedures" tab for more details).

The major professor and program offering a particular doctoral program indicate the general philosophy of the degree program, the objectives of courses and seminars, the research specialties available, and requirements unique to the department. Admission to the doctoral program is granted only to those who have a recognized potential for completing the degree.

Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Credit requirements.

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D., a minimum of 78 credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required.; At least 52 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 33 of the 78 credits must be in courses other than 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation). A maximum of 45 research credits in 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation) including 6 credits of 599 (Non-thesis Research) or 500 (Master's Research and Thesis) may be in the 45 research credits used toward the degree. For the D.A.T., a minimum of 66 credits is required and follows a prescribed set of courses set by the program.

Courses numbered below 300 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a doctoral degree; courses numbered 300-399 may be used only in supporting areas and are not to be used to make up deficiencies. Individual programs may require additional course work. Applicants having a doctoral degree may obtain a second doctoral degree subject to the approval of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council will establish the requirements for the second degree.

Credit Limitations for Transfer, Correspondence Study, and Non-degree

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees, a student must complete at least 39 of the 78 required credits at the University of Idaho (U of I) while matriculated in the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred to U of I with the consent of the student's major professor, the committee (if required by the program), the program's administrator, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred only if the institution from which the credits are being transferred has a graduate program in the course's discipline. All credits used toward graduate degrees must be from regionally accredited American institutions or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries. Transfer credits are subject to all other College of Graduate Studies rules and regulations. Correspondence study courses may be applied to the degree only with the prior written approval of the College of Graduate Studies. Courses used toward an undergraduate degree, professional development courses, and courses on a professional development transcript are not available to be used toward a doctoral degree.

Time Limits

Of the credits submitted to satisfy the requirements for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree, a maximum of 30 may be more than eight years old when the degree is conferred, provided the student's committee and program administrator determine that the student has kept current in the subjects concerned. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their preliminary or general examination. These time limitations can be extended only on recommendation of the committee and approval by the Graduate Council.

Awarding Doctoral Degrees to Members of the Faculty

Regulations are outlined in Section 4920 of the Faculty-Staff Handbook.

Particular Requirements for the Ed.D. Degree

A period of professional practice is required for the Doctor of Education degree; the period involved is determined by the student's supervisory committee. While the Ed.D. is a College of Education degree, you should consult with the departments in the College of Education to learn of specific emphasis requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education Degrees

Appointment of major professor and committee.

Refer to " Appointment of Major Professor and Committee for All Degree Seeking Graduate Students " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section. In addition, a doctoral supervisory committee consists of at least four people: the major professor as chair and at least one additional UI faculty member from the program, the balance of the committee may be made up of faculty members from a minor or supporting area, and faculty members from a discipline outside the major. If the committee has a co-chair, the minimum number of committee members is five.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is a program option and serves to assess the background of the student in both the major and supporting fields and to provide partially the basis for preparation of the student's study program. A particular program may or may not require a master's degree as a prerequisite for the qualifying evaluation. As soon as the program's qualifications are met, a supervisory committee is appointed.

Preparation of Study Plan

Refer to " Preparation and Submission of Study Plan " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section.

Preliminary Examination for Ph.D. Degree

The preliminary examination should be scheduled only after the student has completed the majority of the courses on their study plan. The student is required to be registered during the semester the preliminary examination is taken. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the preliminary examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the preliminary examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the preliminary examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified enrollment status and is no longer in the degree program.

General Examination for Ed.D . Degree

When the student approaches the end of their course work, has completed the professional experience requirement, and has outlined the dissertation subject in detail, the supervisory committee approves the holding of the general examination. The student is required to be registered during the semester the general examination is taken. The examination is both written and oral and is intended to assess progress toward degree objectives. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the general examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the general examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the general examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified status and is no longer in the degree program.

See the General Graduate Regulations section regarding application for advanced degree, registration requirements, final defense and dissertation requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Athletic Training

The culminating clinical project.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.) will engage in research projects during the curricular phase of the program. These project(s) will lead to at least two publication ready manuscripts, and all students must meet professional authorship requirements (regardless of order). See the  Department of Movement Sciences and Doctor of Athletic Training webpages for more information.

The Team (Committee)

All D.A.T. project team committees will have at least four committee members: two members of the athletic training faculty (all with graduate faculty status), the student's attending clinician (who is the student's on-site mentor during the student's residency), and an expert in the student's chosen area of clinical research. The athletic training faculty members will always chair the CCP, provide research guidance, and serve as the experts in the development of advanced practice in Athletic Training. A situation may arise in which one or both of the members of the committee that are outside of the AT program faculty may have a degree less than that of which the student is seeking; however, the intent of the third and fourth D.A.T. committee membership is to provide outside validation of the student's progress toward advanced practice and clinical utility of action research studies.

Culminating Clinical Project Hours

These dissertation hours may be used in instances when the CCP has not been successfully completed and the curricular phase of program has been completed.

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College of Graduate Studies

Physical Address: Morrill Hall Room 104

Mailing Address: College of Graduate Studies University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3017 Moscow, ID 83844-3017

Phone: 208-885-2647

Email: [email protected]

Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs List

The University of Idaho’s online graduate degrees reflect our mission of making education accessible across the state and nation and responding to changing employment demands. Delivering the quality instruction expected of a research university, our online master’s and doctoral programs are taught by our esteemed faculty members and build upon our century-old reputation as an educational leader in the Northwest. 

Online graduate students can earn a degree from one of our top-ranked national programs around their existing obligations and have access to the same opportunities and resources, including the on-campus library, research projects, scholarships, and teaching assistantships. If you’ve thought about returning to school but require more flexibility due to your full-time job and raising a family, advance your career with any of the programs listed here.

Available via online or distance learning: 

• Climate Change , P.S.M.
• Geographic Information Skills, Mapping, and Monitoring , P.S.M.
• Precision Nutrition for Human and Animal Health , P.S.M.
• Scientific Communication and Leadership , Certificate
• Sustainable Soil and Land Systems , P.S.M.
• Water Resources , P.S.M.

College of Business and Economics

• Online Master of Business Administration , M.B.A.
• Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership , M.S.
• Educational Leadership , M.Ed.
• Curriculum and Instruction , M.Ed.
• Physical Education , M.Ed.
• Special Education , M.Ed.
• Education , Ed.D., Ph.D. (may vary from all to mostly online)

Engineering

• Advanced Semiconductor Design
• Civil Engineering , M.Engr.
• Computer Engineering , M.S., M.Engr.
• Computer Science , M.S.
• Cybersecurity , M.S.
• Electrical Engineering , M.S., M.Engr.
• Engineering Management , M.Engr.
• Geological Engineering, , M.S.
• High-Speed Circuits and Systems , Certificate
• Mechanical Engineering , M.Engr.
• Power System Protection and Relaying, Certificate
• Secure and Dependable Computing Systems, Certificate
• Smart Grid Cybersecurity
• Technology Management , M.S.

Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

• Criminology , M.S.
• Emerging Media , M.A.
• Music , M.Mus.
• Media Production , Certificate
• Public Administration , M.P.A.
• Psychology: Human Factors , M.S.
• Theatre Arts , MFA
• Strategic Media Management , Certificate

Natural Resources and Environmental Science

• Environmental Science, M.S.
• Environmental Education and Science Communication, Certificate
• Master of Natural Resources, M.N.R.
• Fire Ecology, Management and Technology , Certificate
• Remote Sensing of the Environment, Certificate
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Aspects of Sustainable Planning Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Habitat Assessment Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Intelligence Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geotechnician Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: GIS Programming Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Natural Hazards and Emergency Planning Application , M.S.
• Statistical Science , M.S. 
• Teaching Mathematics , M.A.T.

The University of Idaho General Catalog is available online.

Distance Learning Versus Online Graduate Degrees

U of I’s online graduate degrees utilize two distinct formats. Online learning uses pre-recorded, or asynchronous, lectures that students can then review on their own time. Distance learning simulates a real-time virtual classroom. Wherever an online student is located, they have direct access to a traditional classroom environment where they can interact and participate in discussions with their fellow students and instructors.

The Benefits of U of I’s Online Graduate Programs 

Whichever online degree you begin, being an online learning student at U of I comes with a host of benefits.

• Flexibility: We design our online master’s and doctoral programs around the schedules of working adults, allowing you to maintain existing employment, family, and seasonal commitments without altering your schedule or taking a hit in income.
• Quality: We’re one of the region’s most respected research universities. Whether the class is pre-recorded or virtual, our leading faculty members deliver the same depth and detail of instruction that you expect in an on-campus classroom.
• Place-Based Degrees: Especially where research is concerned, our faculty members partner with regional organizations to support our online graduate students as they complete a place-based thesis or non-thesis research project. You, in turn, can conduct guided research relevant to your geographic region without ever setting foot on campus and may even be able to do so through your existing employer.
• Scholarships: Many erroneously believe that scholarships are off the table to online graduate students. Supporting your endeavors and professional growth, the University of Idaho has opened up teaching assistant opportunities and place-based scholarships to online students.
• Affordability: No matter where you are in the country or world, all online courses for master’s and doctoral programs are charged at our in-state rate. 
• Ahead of the Curve: The University of Idaho championed distance learning ahead of everyone else with our innovative Engineering Outreach program. We introduced these degrees over 35 years ago, and while we’ve adjusted delivery methods to available technologies, our commitment toward advancing your career through quality education has not wavered.

Learn More About U of I’s Online Graduate Degrees

Thinking about enrolling in an online graduate degree program? To get your questions answered, reach out to the College of Graduate Studies by email or by phone at 208-885-2647, or request additional information today .

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Students in our pioneering PEN program gain state-of-the-art Cognitive Neuroscience training in how humans learn, with a special strength in the neuroplasticity of visually guided learning processes. While Cognitive Neuroscience includes studies of learning and higher cognitive processes across the lifespan, its sister discipline, Educational Neuroscience, includes intensive study of five core domains that are crucial in early childhood learning, including language and bilingualism, reading and literacy, math and numeracy, science and critical thinking (higher cognition), social and emotional learning, and includes study of action and visual processing. PEN students become expert in one of the world’s cutting-edge neuroimaging methods in the discipline of Cognitive Neuroscience (e.g., fNIRS, EEG, fMRI, and beyond), study Neuroethics, gain strong critical analysis and reasoning skills in science, and develop expertise in one of the core content areas of learning identified above. While becoming experts in both contemporary neuroimaging and behavioral experimental science, students also learn powerful, meaningful, and principled ways that science can be translated for the benefit of education and society today.

This doctoral program is a research-focused program where students develop a specific research focus, conducting supervised research within their mentor’s lab as well as developing their own lines of research through independent research projects. Students accepted into the program receive four years of funding as follows: tuition scholarship for up to the domestic rate + $25,200 annual stipend + health insurance option.

Students benefit from access to in-house, research-dedicated neuroimaging facilities where students can also choose to become certified in fNIRS (functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy), one of the world’s most advanced neuroimaging technologies. Students graduate from the program prepared to become groundbreaking scientists!

The PEN program opened its doors to the first class of Ph.D. students in Fall 2013. This is Gallaudet’s first interdisciplinary Ph.D. program and has its administrative home in Gallaudet University’s National Science Foundation Science of Learning Center, Visual Language and Visual Learning, VL2. Learn more about VL2 and its cognitive neuroscience and translational labs, all of which provide PEN students with unparalleled lab research experience and opportunities.

Deadline to apply for this program: February 15, 2023 (Early applications will be considered)

The Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN) was founded at Gallaudet University by Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto (Chair, PEN Steering Committee) and Dr. Melissa Herzig (Assistant Program Director, PEN). Students in...

July 11, 2024

Math conference on campus highlights the benefits of focusing on accessibility

July 9, 2024

Graduate students bring cognitive science to deaf K-12 classrooms and beyond

April 17, 2024

Gallaudet receives NSF funding to emphasize accessibility during international conference

May 16, 2022

Dr. SaraBeth Sullivan and Carly Leannah honored with 2022 PEN distinguished awards

February 15, 2022

PEN student invited to prestigious summer institute

November 23, 2021

Dr. Sullivan successfully defends dissertation, graduates from PEN

Action & brain lab, cognitive and affective neuroscience lab (can), motion light lab (ml2), numeracy and educational neuroscience lab (nens), petitto brain and language center for neuroimaging (bl2).

PEN students benefit from Gallaudet University’s local university consortium, which provides students access to courses taught in the Washington, D.C. area. PEN students also have access to a national network of more than 20 cognitive neuroscience labs throughout the world, through formal Memoranda of Understanding.

In the BL2, students can choose to become certified in one of the world's most advanced neuroimaging technologies that is suited for the study of young children and individuals across the lifespan, fNIRS (functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy).

Students in PEN will spend a large portion of their time learning about current neuroscience research and conducting their own research. The Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning supervises and aids students in research. Students may join efforts in any of our Research hubs listed above.

Ilaria Berteletti

Associate Professor

Rachel Pizzie

Assistant Professor

Lorna Quandt

Crystal padilla.

Research Services Coordinator

Melissa Malzkuhn

Director, Motion Light Lab

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