A PhD in Educational Technology is a terminal degree that combines education theories and philosophies with learning technologies. This degree path helps prepare professionals for leadership positions in education.
This doctoral program is research oriented, and it involves the study of educational technology trends and how technology can improve student learning and success.
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You might consider this degree path if you want to contribute to the field of education by applying creative and innovative strategies to foster positive learning environments. A PhD can also help you qualify for positions in research and higher education.
Online PhD in Educational Technology Programs
Educational technology doctoral programs online offer a flexible way for education professionals to advance in their careers and qualify for leadership and research positions in education.
This type of PhD program includes coursework that focuses on the study of educational theory and the practical application of learning technologies to enhance student learning. A PhD program will also likely include a dissertation requirement, enabling you to conduct original research that contributes to the field.
There are several key topics that a PhD in Education Technology focuses on, such as:
- Educational technology trends
- Instructional design
- Program evaluation
- Educational technology research
You may learn how to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data and conduct original research to form your own theories. Several courses focus on the development and design of educational technologies and how they can be applied to educational settings.
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An educational technology doctorate degree can be useful for a number of leadership positions at the preschool, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary level.
Some examples of career paths that may be attainable with a PhD in Educational Technology include:
- Postsecondary program director
- Training and development manager
- Postsecondary teacher
- Educational technologist
- Instructional designer or coordinator
- Education administrator
While many professionals apply their educational technology degree to academic careers, it can also be beneficial in other industries, such as business.
Educational Technology Careers and Salaries
Educational technology careers can be found in numerous industries, such as academia, business, and healthcare. Earning a PhD is often strategic for a career in academia because it involves a substantial amount of research-based coursework to develop original hypotheses and theories.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the annual median salaries of careers that could be associated with a terminal degree in educational technology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 |
| K-12 Education Administrators | $101,320 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,100 |
| Postsecondary Education Teachers | $66,930 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,490 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $63,080 |
| High School Teachers | $62,360 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $61,690 |
Chief executives in education settings are typically referred to as school superintendents or college and university presidents. Some of their responsibilities include overseeing student achievement and the general operations of a school.
Training and development managers and specialists can be found in business, healthcare, or educational settings. These professionals are responsible for creating instructional and training materials and applying training methods that align with an organization’s goals.
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A PhD can also be beneficial if you wish to become a scholar in educational technology and publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and books.
Educational Technology PhD Curriculum & Courses
The curriculum of an educational technology PhD program focuses on educational theories and philosophies and applied research in educational technology.
The following courses are examples of what may be offered in this type of program:
- Educational Technology Research: This course examines educational technology design theories and methodologies and teaches you how to critique research.
- Qualitative Research in Educational Technology: You’ll learn how to collect, evaluate, and analyze qualitative data and research.
- Quantitative Research in Educational Technology: This course introduces you to quantitative research methods and examines how quantitative research is collected and analyzed.
- Issues and Trends in Learning Technologies: This course introduces you to past and present learning technology trends and issues and explores how technology impacts the instruction and learning process.
- Instructional Design Theory: This course examines instructional theories and design methods to help you gain an understanding of how educational technologies are applied to instruction and how they can address learning issues.
- Principles of Human Performance Technology: You’ll study instructional design methods through the perspective of human performance technology and learn how educational technologies can be used to address problems and find solutions.
- Instructional Systems Design: This course helps you develop instructional design skills by having you study instructional design models used to enhance learning technologies and student engagement.
- Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation: This course explores program and curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation methodologies.
- Instructional Design for Online Learning: You’ll learn how instructional design methods are applied to online learning settings.
- Foundations of Online Learning: You’ll examine online learning theories and review research-based practices to gain an understanding of online learning program development.
A doctoral degree in educational technology may offer concentrations that allow you to specialize in a specific area, such as higher education, special education, or curriculum and instruction.
Admissions Requirements
PhD programs tend to have more rigorous admissions requirements compared to masters or undergraduate programs, such as an online masters in educational technology.
These are some general admissions requirements and materials that may be requested during the application process:
- Master’s degree
- Official school transcripts
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Professional recommendations
A resume or curriculum vitae may be requested to review your professional experience and accomplishments. Each school and program can have unique admissions criteria.
Accreditation
Accreditation at the graduate level is especially important to prove that your education is credible. Regional accrediting organizations conduct evaluations of colleges and universities to determine whether they meet proper educational standards.
Colleges and universities can seek institutional accreditation, and academic programs can seek programmatic accreditation. You can find a list of regional accrediting organizations and accredited institutions on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
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Regional accreditation is important not only for academic credibility but also for financial aid eligibility and employment opportunities.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You can apply for state aid, federal aid, and scholarships to potentially cut down the upfront cost of your education.
State financial aid eligibility requirements are usually listed on a state’s Department of Education website. Federal aid eligibility is based on various criteria, such as Expected Family Contribution (EFC). You can apply for federal aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the US Department of Education.
Scholarships are monetary awards that students can apply for or receive based on merit, enrollment status, or area of study, amongst other factors.
Educational Technology Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organization may provide you with networking opportunities and other benefits that can contribute to your professional development. Examples of organizations for educational technology professionals include:
- Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
- International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)
Professional organizations often host conventions, webinars, or other events to bring professionals together and provide resources for career development. Some even offer opportunities for scholars to publish or present their research.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Educational Technology?
A PhD in Educational Technology can be useful for a number of careers in academia. It can also be applicable to management positions in other industries.
A master’s degree is typically required to be an instructional coordinator, and a doctoral degree may help you qualify for curriculum director positions or even curriculum positions in higher education. Leadership and teaching positions in higher education typically require a terminal degree.
If you wish to be a lead researcher in educational technologies, this degree can be beneficial for positions like education researcher or professor in instructional design and technology.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Educational Technology Online?
A PhD in Educational Technology can take 3 to 5 years to complete depending on how many credit hours are required. If no dissertation is required, a doctoral program may be completed in 3 years with full-time study. If a dissertation is required, your program will likely take longer to complete.
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Part-time enrollment could add more flexibility to your academic schedule, but it could also extend your overall time to completion. Some educational technology PhD programs require a minimum of 60 credit hours, while others require more.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD vs. EdD in Educational Technology?
The curricula of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Technology programs are designed for different interests and career goals.
| PhD in Educational Technology | EdD in Educational Technology |
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A PhD focuses on conducting original research, while an EdD concentrates on applying existing research to real-world settings.
Is a PhD in Educational Technology Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Educational Technology is worth it for many students. If you’re interested in becoming a researcher or scholar in educational technology, a PhD in this field could help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue your goals.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, education and training occupations are expected to grow 7% over the next ten years. Some positions, such as postsecondary teachers, are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Educational Technology Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Boise State University offers an EdD in Educational Technology program online. Some courses have synchronous components. The completion of 60 credit hours beyond a masters degree is required, including a dissertation. Courses follow a semester schedule. A cohort is typically admitted to start in the fall semester.
Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Central Michigan University offers an online program for a Doctorate in Educational Technology. Courses typically have synchronous components that are not required but recommended. The program requires the completion of 54 credit hours. Both full- or part-time attendance is usually offered and a cohort system is usually used. The program may be completed in as few as 9 semesters.
CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University–Chicago offers a Ph.D. in Leadership with a specialization in Educational Technology program online. The completion of 67 credit hours, including a dissertation, is required. A choice of a K to 12 or Corporate and Higher Education specialization is offered. Some classes are available in accelerated formats.
Concordia University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grand Canyon University offers an online program for a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Educational Technology. Evening and weekend classes are also available on campus. The program aims to teach how to integrate psychology with emerging technologies and to craft innovative communication and learning solutions. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours.
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New Jersey City University offers an EdD in Educational Technology Leadership program online with summer courses taught in a hybrid format. The program typically begins each summer, and employs a cohort model. The program requires 60 credit hours and may be completed in just 3 years.
New Jersey City University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Regent University offers an online program for a Ph.D. in Education and Online Learning through Regent University. The completion of at least 67 credit hours, including a dissertation, is required. Courses are usually offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The program is taught through a Christian worldview.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida offers an online program for an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. There may be some short, on-campus residencies. The program uses a cohort model and usually begins in the fall semester. U.S. News & World Report named the University of Florida among the best schools for online graduate education.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Educational Technology. Courses are offered online and the program uses a cohort model. The program requires the completion of 33 credit hours of core courses, along with 24 credit hours in the specialization.
UTRGV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Toledo offers a Ph.D. in Educational Technology program online. Courses include Introduction to Multimedia and Web Design. The program aims to help prepare for careers such as instructional design and development, online course development, training for business and industry, and online learning design. The program requires the completion of 60 hours, including a dissertation.
The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Walden University offers a PhD in Educational Technology and Design program online. The program is not designed to prepare for licensure. The completion of 4 residencies, either virtually or in person, is also required. Courses are often offered in accelerated quarter terms. The program typically culminates with a dissertation.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your PhD in Educational Technology Online
Online educational technology doctoral programs offer professionals a flexible way to earn a PhD while maintaining work and life responsibilities.
Earning a terminal degree in this field could be a strategic next step if you wish to advance in your current position or pursue a career in research or postsecondary teaching. Many graduates also use their degree to pursue leadership positions in higher education, elementary or secondary education settings, and other related industries.
You could start researching accredited schools today to find the educational technology PhD program that best aligns with your career goals.
