Doctoral Programs

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.

This program includes formal course work, a portfolio-based qualifying examination, independent study and research including, but not limited to, a supervised study and dissertation. The student will spend significant time conducting independent research and working collaboratively with the faculty related to complete the dissertation and other projects. The doctoral degree will require at least 60 semester credit hours beyond the master's degree. 

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. 

For additional program information, please visit the Learning Technologies PhD page in UNT Graduate Catalog.

Objectives & Marketable Skills

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.

 Both options require attendance at a once-per-year on-site meeting to meet state residency requirements. The Annual Doctoral Meeting is typically a 4-day event during the fall semester at the UNT Denton campus. The full Texas Administrative Code state and aligned department policy regarding the residency meeting is located in Appendix C of the Learning Technologies PhD Handbook.

Cohorts for both distributed and residential formats begin in the fall. Click here to view the course rotations for both distributed and residential formats:

• Fall Cohort Course Rotation

 

Admission Process

Click on the How to Apply page to learn more about about the admissions process and application requirements. 

Important Deadlines

Fall 2025 Priority Deadline: December 31, 2024

New cohorts for both program formats start every fall semester.  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

Registration

Information about semester registration can be found at Registrar.unt.edu/Registration. To register for dissertation hours or for courses with special permissions, complete the LT PhD Request form.

LT-PhD@unt.edu