Doctorate Programs - Ph.D. in Learning and Technology

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in Learning and Technology is designed to enable students to become independent scholars, who are able to make significant contributions to knowledge in the discipline of educational psychology and the field of educational technology. The focus of the program is on the assessment and understanding of learning outcomes and processes in technology-rich learning environments and in modifying those environments in ways that promote more effective learning.

The program will prepare students for a variety of professional careers related to teaching and research in both academic and non-academic settings. For example, students will be prepared to fill faculty or research and development positions at academic institutions, such as universities, community colleges, and K-12 school districts. In addition, students will be prepared to work in non-academic state and federal agencies that deal with issues related to learning and technology as well as in the private sector.

Students will be required to take core courses in three specialty areas: (1) research methods and statistics, (2) learning and (3) technology. Students may specialize in either learning or technology, or a combination of both. However, all students will be required to actively participate in research and research-related activities throughout their program of study. By the end of the fourth semester, each student must satisfy a scholarly product requirement. This requirement can be met in one of two ways: students could submit a research study to a refereed journal; or submit a proposal for a presentation at an annual conference of a national organization.

The Ph.D. in Learning and Technology consists of 67 credits beyond the Master degree. Of the 67 credits, 37 are required courses, 18 are electives, and 12 are directed toward dissertation completion. Individual programs of study may exceed the minimum requirements and specific coursework will vary depending on particular area of emphasis.