If you’re passionate about learning processes and creating engaging educational environments and programs, then a PhD in Instructional Design may be for you.
In this research-intensive program, you’ll be exposed to advanced topics in cognitive development, evaluation and assessment, educational technology, and much more.
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Many students who pursue this degree path are professionals who have prior experience in education or instructional design. A PhD in this field may help you advance your current career or move into research and higher education positions.
Online PhD in Instructional Design Programs
PhD in Instructional Design degree programs are centered around instructional system design, learning theory, research and evaluation, and instructional technology.
You can learn how to develop engaging instructional models for a variety of educational settings by applying knowledge of cognitive development and student learning styles. Along with learning how to shape educational environments, you may also learn how to:
- Synthesize learning theories for instructional design projects
- Contribute to scholarly research through advanced research methods
- Evaluate and integrate new learning technologies
Students may also learn how to effectively analyze, design, and implement web-based learning models to improve distance learning outcomes. Outside of instructional design processes, you can dive into human performance theories, cognitive development, and even child psychology in order to enhance your design models.
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With this diverse knowledge of instructional design processes and technologies, graduates may be prepared to work within a variety of sectors in education. Not only does this include colleges and universities, school districts, and K-12 schools, but it also includes businesses and even the military.
Some graduates work as:
- Instructional coordinators
- Educational researchers
- Postsecondary teachers
- Education administrators
- Training and development managers
In these positions, graduates can provide strategic direction for instruction, assessment, and curriculums, and they may even develop new learning models.
Instructional Design Careers and Salaries
The career potentials for professionals holding an instructional design doctorate degree can be diverse and lucrative.
PhD graduates may use their advanced research knowledge to enter research fields, and they might even teach instructional design at universities as professors. Other job potentials include working with school districts, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions to design, develop, and implement learning processes and technologies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages of some career paths associated with instructional design.
| 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 |
| Project Management Specialists | $95,370 |
| Postsecondary Education Teachers | $66,930 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,490 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $63,080 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $61,690 |
Salaries can vary depending upon your location, place of employment, and level of experience. Instructional design professional can also work to integrate new learning technologies into educational systems as educational technology directors.
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Even further, graduates may become training managers, lead instructional designers, chief education officers, or even adjunct faculty in a variety of educational settings. These professionals may even choose to move outside of traditional education arenas and design and evaluate learning processes for other sectors, like the military.
Instructional Design PhD Curriculum & Courses
While specific coursework in an instructional design doctorate degree program will vary, here are examples of some courses you may take:
- Advanced Instructional Design: This course overviews advanced practices in instructional design, including recommending instructional solutions based on assessment data and creating procedures for design projects with stakeholders.
- Statistics: This course covers the use of statistical software applications to complete statistical computations as well as the interpretation and critical inferences from statistical results.
- Foundations of Academic Writing, Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks: This course focuses on the integration of effective research and scholarly writing skills as well as theoretical frameworks common in educational research.
- Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Design: This course overviews the impact that theory has on the design and development of instructional solutions.
- Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Designs: This course focuses on qualitative research methodology and data and research analysis methods, with special regard to the sustainability of research design.
- Advanced Simulations, Games, and Mobile Design: This course explores the creation and development of games, simulations, and mobile learning platforms, and it looks at how they synthesize with effective instructional and training solutions.
- Developing Online Instruction: This course covers the development of online instruction and includes multimedia technologies and course management tools.
- Human Cognition for IDD: This course overviews major theoretical perspectives in cognitive science, with a focus on how IDD students can use cognition research in their careers.
- Advanced Measurement and Evaluation: This course focuses on test development for criterion-based tests and explores approaches to reducing test error.
- Performance Systems Tech: This course overviews practical methods of solving human performance problems, with an emphasis on instructional and non-instructional interventions.
In addition, several of your courses will likely revolve around dissertation preparation, research, and defense.
How to Choose an Online PhD in Instructional Design Program
It’s essential to choose a Ph.D. in Instructional Design program that aligns with your schedule, interests, and career goals.
Below are some main considerations to keep in mind when researching schools:
- Accreditation. It is strategic to verify whether your potential university is regionally accredited, as this can impact your eligibility for future employment opportunities.
- Curriculum and specializations. You can compare how many credit hours different programs require as well as what courses and areas of specialization they offer.
- Faculty. You can see whether faculty members have good reviews, whether they have been featured in reputable papers or websites, and whether you’ll be able to have direct contact with them.
- Career opportunities and live learning experiences. You can see if your program offers internship opportunities or real-life experiences like group collaborations.
- Program structure. It is beneficial to know whether you will be receiving instruction primarily through virtual classrooms and prerecorded videos or if you will be required to attend any live online classes.
Other elements to consider include cost, admission requirements, residency requirements, and thesis requirements.
Admissions Requirements
While admission requirements can vary depending on your school, here are some common criteria for applying to doctoral programs:
- Graduate degree from regionally accredited institution
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume with work experience
- GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
A growing number of schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for admissions, so it’s helpful to check with your school to determine if these scores are needed. Also, some programs may require an interview for admissions, but this is not always the case.
Accreditation
Discovering whether your college is accredited is a critical step to take before applying. This is because accreditation can impact not only your ability to receive financial aid but also your eligibility for employment opportunities in higher education.
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Regional accreditation is considered the most widely recognized accreditation, and it ensures that your school meets high-quality education standards. There are only a handful of regional accrediting organizations, so you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website to verify the accreditation status of your prospective school.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Much like with masters in instructional design online students, many students looking to complete online PhD programs in education require financial aid, and there are several options you can explore.
You can see if you qualify for federal aid in the form of student loans and grants. These may also be available at the state level, depending on where you live or where your school is located. To determine your eligibility for need-based aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also see if you qualify for grants and scholarships from various private institutions, including your prospective schools.
Opportunities for grants and scholarships exist for many situations, so it could be helpful to thoroughly explore these options. If you’re currently employed, your employer may also be a resource, as many companies offer programs designed to fund employee education.
What Is an Instructional Design PhD Degree?
An instructional design PhD degree is a terminal degree that involves evaluating, planning, and implementing instructional programs for schools and universities, school districts, and more. It is also designed to help students master the evaluation, selection, and integration of new learning technologies into educational environments.
Students can master concepts like learning theory and cognitive development, and they can then apply these principles to designing and evaluating instructional systems. A PhD in Instructional Design is a research-heavy degree that will also include elements of advanced research strategies, data evaluation, and scholarly writing.
What Do You Learn in a Doctorate in Instructional Design Program?
A doctoral degree in instructional technology and design will immerse you in advanced research methods, educational strategies, and applications in instructional design.
This includes designing, developing, and implementing learning processes and technologies in order to increase student engagement and learning outcomes. You will also study cognitive development, principles of assessment and evaluation, and how to analyze and gather data.
In addition, you can learn how to create effective education environments and how to analyze emerging technologies for potential instructional use.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Instructional Design?
Earning a PhD in Instructional Design may provide opportunities to work with school districts, administrators, teachers, and even the military in designing and developing learning processes.
Some professionals with this degree also choose to enter research positions and teach at the postsecondary level. Others graduates even choose to become chief academic officers, and they provide strategic direction for instruction, assessment, and curriculums for schools.
Professionals in this field may also work with new educational technologies and development strategies for their use in educational programs.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online PhD in Instructional Design and Technology?
Generally, a PhD can take 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time study, about the time it takes to earn an on-campus or online bachelor’s degree in education. This timeline can vary depending on the number of credit hours required and how long it takes to complete a dissertation.
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If no dissertation is required, a doctoral program can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Most PhD programs have a dissertation component, though. If you are enrolled part-time at any point, this may also extend the time it takes to complete your doctoral program.
What Jobs Can I Get with a PhD in Instructional Design?
Professionals with this degree often find diverse and lucrative careers in the education system. To illustrate, they may work with school districts, colleges or universities, K-12 schools, and even businesses, where they assess learning systems and needs.
Instructional design professionals may be employed as:
- Training and development managers
- Education administrators
- Postsecondary teachers
- Curriculum specialists
Other professionals find careers as lead instructional designers or chief learning officers, where they provide strategic direction for educational curriculums.
How Much Money Can You Make with a PhD in Instructional Design?
The field of education administration and instructional design can offer a range of salaries, depending on your specific title, experience, employer, and location.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of some potential career paths for instructional design professionals:
- Training and development managers — $120,000
- K-12 education administrators — $101,320
- Postsecondary education administrators — $99,940
- Postsecondary education teachers — $66,930
- Instructional coordinators — $66,490
Instruction design professionals can also work as consultants, where their salary can also vary since they work for themselves. The salaries of those who take up research positions can also depend on the institution they are working for.
What’s the Difference Between a Doctorate in Instructional Design vs. Curriculum Development?
While curriculum development and instructional design are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key ways in which they differ.
- PhD in Instructional Design: Instructional design is focused on how curriculum content will be used, including methodologies and strategies for engagement.
- PhD in Curriculum Development: Curriculum development involves creating curriculum content or improving upon existing content and materials.
In short and simple terms, curriculum development involves the creation of content for schools, while instructional design determines how that content is used.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD vs. EdD in Instructional Design?
Here are some differences between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Design.
- PhD in Instructional Design: A PhD in Instructional Design is a research-focused degree and is designed for those looking to pursue a career in academia or research.
- EdD in Instructional Design: An EdD in Instructional Design is a practice-oriented degree designed for those looking to acquire leadership roles in various fields, where they can actively apply research.
Both degree paths analyze and use research in their curriculums, but they differ in career direction and research application.
Is a PhD in Instructional Design Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Instructional Design is worth it for many students. A doctoral degree could help lead to enhanced career security and the ability to advance in the field.
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Instructional design professionals are needed in a range of industries, including K-12 schools, businesses, government, and higher education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7% job growth is projected for postsecondary education administrators, instructional coordinators, and training and development managers over the next ten years.
A PhD can also be beneficial in pursuing research and teaching positions in higher education.
Universities Offering Online PhD in Instructional Design 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.
Andrews University offers a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program online, with the option to take evening classes. At least 61 hours must be completed, and the program may be finished in about 6 years. Courses tend to be semester-based in fall and spring, and there are 3 summer sessions.
Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ball State University offers a program for a PhD in Educational Studies, with some courses taught online while others are in a blended format. Concentrations include Curriculum, Educational Technology, and Cultural and Educational Policy Studies. The program requires the completion of 91 credit hours and may be completed in about 4 years.
Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University–Chicago offers an online program for a Ph.D. in Education Leadership with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. The completion of 67 credit hours is required. In addition to coursework, the program requires the writing of a dissertation for an additional 9 credit hours. Classes are typically offered in 8, 11, and 16 week sessions.
Concordia University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kansas State University offers a hybrid program for a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in a hybrid format, with some classes taught online and some on campus. Most online courses are taught in an asynchronous learning format. The program requires the completion of 90 credit hours, including doctoral and dissertation research.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lesley University offers a hybrid program for a Ph.D. in Educational Studies. Coursework is completed primarily online, but there are commonly 2 all day sessions on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Concentrations include Educational Leadership, Human Development and Learning, and an individually designed program of studies. The program requires the completion of 45 credit hours, including a dissertation.
Lesley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Liberty University offers a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program online. The completion of 60 credit hours is required, and courses tend to be 8 weeks long There are commonly several start dates offered each year, and the program may be finished in 3 years.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mercer University offers a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program in a hybrid format. Courses are generally taught online and most have both synchronous and asynchronous components. There are also required on-campus meetings 3 Saturdays per semester. Fall and spring courses tend to be 16 weeks long, while summer courses are usually 8 weeks. The program requires the completion of 63 credit hours.
Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Michigan State University offers a PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology program in a hybrid format with some on-campus meetings. Courses are typically offered in the fall, spring, and summer and are semester-based. The program is usually completed in about 5 years.
Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Montana State University offers a hybrid program for a Ph.D. in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction. While most program requirements may be completed online, a 1 year residency on campus is also required. The program consists of 66 credit hours, including a dissertation. Courses tend to follow a regular semester schedule, with classes commonly offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
Montana State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
National University offers a PhD in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Teaching. Courses are typically taught in an asynchronous format. Courses tend to be 12 weeks long, and there are typically start dates every week. The completion of 60 credit hours is required, including a dissertation. The program is often completed in about 3 years.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
New Mexico State University offers a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program online. Specializations include Bilingual and TESOL, Critical Pedagogies, Early Childhood Education, and Language, Literacy, and Culture. Courses are typically offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The program requires at least 66 credit hours, including the writing of a dissertation.
NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northern Arizona University offers a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction program with courses offered both online and in a blended format. The program requires the completion of at least 60 credit hours, plus the writing and defense of a dissertation. Courses typically follow a semester schedule and are commonly offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northern Illinois University offers a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology program, with courses typically offered either fully online or in a blended format. The program requires the completion of at least 63 credit hours, including 15 hours for a dissertation. Courses are usually semester-based and are commonly offered in the fall and spring.
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio State University offers a Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a concentration in Learning Technologies. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with some coursework taught online coupled with mandatory campus visits. The program requires the completion of 51 credit hours, including 9 hours for a dissertation and 6 hours of electives. The program typically starts each fall.
Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University offers an online program for a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology. Courses often have synchronous components. The completion of 60 credit hours is required, including a dissertation. Courses tend to be 8 or 15 weeks long. The Best Schools ranked Old Dominion University as the 3rd best school in the country for online degrees in educational technology.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Regent University offers a fully online program for a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. The completion of at least 67 credit hours, including a dissertation, is required. Best Online Colleges ranked Regent University as one of the best value schools for an online Ph.D. in the country.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Robert Morris University offers a Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership. Coursework is usually taught online, but attendance is commonly required at 1 week sessions on campus each summer. The program is designed for leaders in college and administrative settings and typically takes 3 years to complete. New cohorts commonly begin each summer term.
Robert Morris University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Texas Tech University offers an online program for a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education. The completion of 63 credit hours is required. The program typically starts each fall, and courses often follow a semester schedule. Applications may be submitted a year in advance of the start date.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University at Albany offers a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program fully online. Potential courses include Principles of Curriculum Development, Principles of Instruction, and Foundations of Research in Curriculum and Instruction.
Courses may have both synchronous and asynchronous components. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University at Albany among the best schools in the country for online graduate education.
UAlbany is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Florida offers a Ph.D. in Educational Technology program in a hybrid format. Some courses are fully online, while others must be taken on campus. Both full- and part-time attendance options are typically available. The completion of at least 90 credit hours is required, and courses typically follow a semester schedule.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Missouri offers a Ph.D. in Information Sciences and Learning Technologies program online. The program typically starts in the fall, and the usual course load is 9 credits per semester. The completion of 72 credit hours is required. U.S. News & World Report named the University of Missouri among the best schools in the country for online graduate education.
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Texas offers a Ph.D. in Learning Technologies program online. Coursework may be completed asynchronously, but attendance at a yearly on-campus meeting in the fall is required. Courses tend to follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Toledo offers an online program for a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education. Participation in virtual internships and the completion of a dissertation is required. The program consists of 60 credit hours, and courses tend to be semester-based and are often offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Wyoming offers an online program for a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a 1 semester residency. Concentrations include Literacy Education, Curriculum Studies, Science Education, and Mathematics Education. Courses tend to follow a semester schedule. At least 3 years of teaching experience is required for admission.
The University of Wyoming is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Walden University offers a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation. Coursework is typically completed online, but 4 in-person or virtual residencies are also required. The program consists of 66 quarter credits, and the program may be completed in 3 years. Courses are commonly 6 to 8 weeks long.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your PhD in Instructional Design Online
Much like with an online EdD in Educational Leadership, earning your PhD in Instructional Design online could help you advance your career and professional qualifications in instructional design and education.
In an online format, you may have the flexibility to continue with your current career while taking the steps to complete a doctoral degree. If you are passionate about learning, education, and instructional design methods, then this may be a rewarding career path, as you can help advance the next generation of learners. A PhD is also a beneficial degree for qualifying for positions in research and postsecondary teaching.
You can start exploring accredited schools today to find the online instructional design PhD program that’s right for you.
