Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Technologies
Program Information
The doctorate in Learning Technologies focuses on defining, understanding, and expanding the synergy of technology and learning/instructional systems theory. The core of the Ph.D. program is the application of technologies within the learning process. The program also focuses on academic research and writing, which has resulted in a majority of graduating doctoral students holding positions at universities.
By the end of the program, successful doctoral candidates demonstrate proficiency in skills and knowledge that allows the individual to become a contributing scholar and practitioner in the instructional, educational, and learning technology fields- either in educational or corporate settings. Graduates of the PhD program work as faculty, instructors, teachers, instructional designers, directors of distance education, technology coordinators, and trainers, among other relevant professional occupancies.
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Objectives & Marketable Skills
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Synthesize Knowledge: The graduate will read and synthesize the literature related to their specific discipline, describe fundamental theories of human learning and the role of technology, and apply knowledge of human learning and technology to the solution of practical problems in their discipline.
Create Knowledge: The graduate will describe common research methods in their discipline, read and evaluate educational research, and apply research findings to the solution of practical problems in their discipline.
Communicate Knowledge: The graduate will communicate effectively in oral and written formats including the ability to communicate content from their discipline through the design and delivery of effective teaching/learning activities that integrate content and pedagogy, adapt instruction and support services to the needs of diverse learners, and assess appropriately learning outcomes.
Think Critically and Reflectively: The graduate will develop a personal vision of inclusive educational practice, identify the relationship of their discipline to the broader field of education, and critically evaluate theory and practice.
Engage in Professional Development: The graduate will demonstrate the disposition for life-long learning and continuous professional development.
Participate Actively in Their Profession: The graduate will identify communities of practice within their discipline and participate within these communities.
The Ph.D. in Learning Technologies is available in two formats:
- Residential (On-Campus) format is for students who can attend classes in-person at the UNT Denton campus
- Distributed (Online) distance-delivered format is for students who cannot attend the UNT campus
The distance delivered Ph.D. in Learning Technologies is a blended offering with students taking online courses throughout the year and attending a yearly face-to-face meeting during the fall. This program is available to students living outside the North Texas area or those students unable to attend the residency offerings. Students within driving distance of UNT should investigate the residency program.
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Residential Course Offering
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Residential courses are provided on a two-year course rotation with the exception of the research courses (e.g. 6510, 6511, 6512, and 6514), which are offered yearly. Courses are offered as supported by enrollments and may change as determined by the program.
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Distributed Course Offering
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Distributed courses are offered in a specific sequence of course and events for each cohort. Courses are offered as supported by enrollments and may change as determined by the program.
For students whose cohort started in the Summer, click here to view- Summer Cohort
For students whose cohort started in the Fall, click here to view- Fall Cohort
Admission Process
Click on the How to Apply page to learn more about about the admissions process and application requirements.
Important Deadlines
Summer/Fall 2024 Deadline: December 31, 2023
New cohorts for both program formats start every fall semester. Summer semester start dates are also available for online students who would like to complete the required PhD Tools courses in advance (9 credit hours). Your application materials must be received by the deadline above to be considered complete. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to apply early.
International Students
- Applicants who do not hold either U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident alien status should apply to the International Admissions Office
- An international applicant's bachelor's degree and master's degree should be equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's and two-year master's degree, respectively
- All documents should be submitted at least six months before enrollment date