Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Technologies 

Admission Requirements  

Admission to the Learning Technologies doctoral program is competitive and limited to several openings each Fall cohort due to the program faculty's capacity to mentor doctoral students. Each application will be subjected to an evaluation conducted by the Learning Technologies graduate faculty.  

New cohorts for both program formats start every fall semester.  To update your application (changing semesters* or majors*), visit this link and choose the correct form.  *Please note that any change of admission term or major will require a new application, and fee. 

All application materials must be received by the deadline above to be considered complete. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to apply early.  

Application Deadlines  

Applications are still open. However, space is limited. Please submit all application materials as soon as possible to be considered for the upcoming cohort. 

  • Domestic and International for Fall 2025 Start 
  • December 31, 2024 

GRE Requirements  

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Includes verbal, quantitative and analytical writing must be on file at the time the application is reviewed 
  • Automatic waiver of GRE for students graduating from our LT Master's in the last 3 years 
  • Waiver of GRE for students graduating from any UNT Master's in the last 3 years with GPA of 3.5 or above 
  • Upon program review, waiver of GRE for students graduating from another university's LT-equivalent program in the last 3 years with 3.5 or above 
  • Graduate Applicants are evaluated holistically, based on specific departmental and program requirements. In the past, successful candidates usually have met certain GPA requirements: 
  • 3.00 GPA in the undergraduate degree for admission to the master’s program 
  • 3.50 GPA in the undergraduate degree for direct admission to doctoral programs 
  • 3.50 GPA in master’s-level studies for admission to doctoral programs 

Required Degree  

  • Masters degree from an accredited institution. Must have a grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or under some circumstances, a Bachelor's degree with sufficient additional courses required to secure a Master's degree on the way to a Ph.D. A total grade point average of 3.0 or a grade point average of 3.5 over the last 60 hours (on a 4.0 scale) 

How to Apply  

For step-by-step instructions on the application process, please visit the Graduate Admissions website. This will include details on how to submit materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation and other items.   

Supplemental Materials 

Questions on submitting these documents are referenced on the graduate admissions website. 

  • Personal Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Includes a summary of teaching, administrative, and/or training experience 
  • Personal Statement: (500-1000 words) of career objectives, which may include your reason for pursuing a Ph.D., doctoral research areas of interest; research, professional or community experiences that demonstrate motivation, commitment, time management, and potential for doctoral work; accomplishments; communications skills; technology skills; and contributions to the diversity of the field 
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation: One (1) letter of recommendation must  be from a faculty member currently working at an academic institution. This letter must acknowledge the applicant's potential to successfully complete the program's doctoral program.  
  • Writing Sample: Expository essay on any topic in research, theory or practice (must be 2-3 pages) 
  • Completed LT Ph.D. Preferred Advisor Form: One or more requests for assignment of an Associate Graduate Faculty (AGF) member as your personal mentor throughout the program. Available AGFs, with bios, are listed on the Faculty & Staff site. When your application is received by the program office, your requested AGF will arrange a phone interview and file a report with the program office to complete your application folder 
  • (Optional) Interview with a program faculty member may be requested by the admission committee 
  • (Optional) Accommodations that may require assistance from the University for instructional support 

 Additional Information  

  • 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 
  • International students must submit a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or successfully complete courses at the UNT Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) through level 6. 
  • All documents should be submitted at least six months before enrollment date
  • "Tools" courses, which satisfy the language requirement for PhD programs in Texas, are a requirement of our program. These courses include LTEC 5210, LTEC 5220, and LTEC 5420. They can be taken before beginning the program, or during 3-week sessions during the doctoral program. Additionally, they can be waived with previous education/work experience: LT PhD Tools Course Waiver Request.

  • Download the LT PhD Preferred AGF Advisor Form 

Contact Us 

LT-PhD@unt.edu