Learning Design and Technology (Ph.D.)
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Learning Design and Technology prepares researchers to apply evidence-based practices in higher education, business, healthcare, and government. The curriculum provides knowledge necessary to explore, evaluate, synthesize, and apply methods of inquiry to enhance learning and improve performance. Students apply knowledge necessary to create, use, assess, and manage theoretical and practical applications within a supportive community of practice.
The Ph.D. in Learning Design and Technology is designed for those who meet the following criteria and whose research interest align with those of our faculty to provide support and mentoring.
- Already have a Master’s degree
- Are knowledgeable and experienced in the field (either through previous academic work or significant related work experience) and
- Demonstrate scholarly promise
Admission Requirements
An informal interview with a potential faculty advisor is mandatory before completing an application for the Ph.D. program.
- A completed WSU Graduate Application
- Grade Point Average: Undergraduate 2.8 and graduate 3.4
- Valid and official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing)
- Three academic recommendations
- Departmental interview with faculty
- Autobiographical statement, curriculum vita, and a research plan of intent must include research alignment with a potential academic advisor.
- Research plan of intent must include:
- What are your current research interests?
- Who do you think among our faculty would be your best advisor and why? (You can suggest 1 – 2 people as possible advisors with a rationale for each.)
- How do the research interests of the selected advisors fit with your own interests?
- Additional information often included in the statement of intent includes information on the candidate's background and experiences and any anomalies in the candidate's record that need explanation.
Program Requirements
All coursework must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the College of Education and the Graduate School's regulations governing graduate scholarship and degrees. All doctoral committees must include a minimum of two faculty members from Learning Design and Technology; three LDT faculty members are preferred for Ph.D. students. All plans of work are developed in consultation with the student's assigned doctoral advisor. Students are required to meet with their academic advisor before registering for courses in the first term to develop a plan of work.
A minimum of 90 credits are required for a Ph.D. in Learning Design and Technology. Core requirements in the major include:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: 24 credits | 24 | |
| Design Studio I | ||
| Design Studio II | ||
| Needs Assessment and Analysis | ||
| Evaluation of Learning and Performance | ||
| Critical Issues in LDT Scholarship | ||
| Theory and Research in LDT Scholarship | ||
| Research Courses: 17 credits (15 credits required) | 17 | |
| Fundamentals of Quantitative Research | ||
| Qualitative Research I: Introduction | ||
| Conducting Research in Learning Design and Technology | ||
| Advanced Research Seminar and Practicum | ||
One of the following: | ||
| Fundamentals of Ethnographic Research | ||
| Variance and Covariance Analysis | ||
| Advanced Qualitative Program Evaluation | ||
| LDT Electives: 19 credits in consultation with your advisor (LDT 7000 – 8999) | 19 | |
| Facilitating Digital Learning | ||
| Interactive Course Design | ||
| Message Design for Learning | ||
| Emerging Technologies for Digital Learning | ||
| Mobile Learning Technologies | ||
| Video, Simulation, and Games for Learning | ||
| UX Design for Learning | ||
| Performance Consulting and Analysis | ||
| Dissertation Research: 30 credit hours | 30 | |
| Doctoral Candidate Status I: Dissertation Research and Direction | ||
| Doctoral Candidate Status II: Dissertation Research and Direction | ||
| Doctoral Candidate Status III: Dissertation Research and Direction | ||
| Doctoral Candidate Status IV: Dissertation Research and Direction | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |