PhD Admissions Process

Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Technologies 


The final deadline for the next start term, Summer/Fall 2024, is March 10, 2024. Applications are still open. However, space is limited. Please submit all application materials as soon as possible in order to be considered for the upcoming cohort. 

Admission to the Learning Technologies doctoral program is competitive and limited to a number of openings each Summer/Fall cohort due to the capacity of the program faculty 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. 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). To update your application (changing semesters or majors), visit this link and choose the correct form.

All application materials to the Toulouse Graduate School and the Dept. of Learning Technologies must  be received by the deadline above to be considered complete. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to apply early

Download the PhD Application Checklist or refer to the process outlined below.

Minimum requirements for admission

  • 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 Masters 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)
  • 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

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.

Submission of Application

Submit the following materials to the Toulouse Graduate School 

  • Application: Complete an initial application at ApplyTexas and pay the application fee ($75)
  • Transcripts: Submit all official transcripts to the Toulouse Graduate School 
  • Test Scores: Submit official GRE scores to the Toulouse Graduate School (please review the GRE waivers above, listed under the minimum requirements, to determine if you need to submit scores)

Transcripts and test scores are processed by the Toulouse Graduate School only. Please direct questions about these materials to GoGrad@unt.edu or 940-565-2383.

Due to processing time, it is imperative that you submit these materials well in advance of the program application deadline so that they are received by the department before that date.

Submit the following materials to the LT Department at LT-PhD@unt.edu

  • 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 FormOne 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

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

Contact Us

LT-PhD@unt.edu

Download the PhD Application Checklist

Questions