Learning Technologies

Doctoral Degree Program

Graduate opportunities

For the past 30 years, the University of North Texas has been at the forefront of the fast-growing field of educational and instructional technology. Technology is changing the way we live, work and play. And it’s also changing the way we learn.

We are the first university in Texas to offer an online doctoral degree in learning technologies or related area. We offer course work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Learning Technologies, which can be completed in residency or online.

The required course work focuses on understanding and expanding the synergy of technology and learning/ instructional systems theory. The program also provides:

• a strong foundation in computing and information/cognitive science, learning theory and education
• mentoring from professionals in the field and a faculty member
• option to complete work for a master’s degree in computer education and cognitive systems while working toward your doctoral degree
• building a portfolio of academic writing, creative work and service demonstrating your skills to future employers after graduation

You will be prepared for positions at universities and organizations whose mission is the creation, instruction or testing of innovative applications of instructional and educational technology in academic and corporate settings. Currently, more than 50 percent of doctoral graduates find employment at universities. Our faculty members are internationally known for advancing knowledge of technology tools and their applications in educational and instructional settings. Their expertise will prepare you as a future educator and technology professional.

Residency and online options available

The Ph.D. is offered as a residency-based program for those in the North Texas region and an online blended program to those outside the region. Residency students meet for courses at the state-of-the-art UNT Discovery Park. Students participating in the distance option take online courses throughout the year and attend a yearly face-to-face meeting during the summer. The annual meeting is held before or after the annual International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

Admission to the doctoral program is competitive, and you will be evaluated by learning technologies faculty members each semester. You need to meet the admission requirements for the Toulouse Graduate School and provide the following materials to the program office:

• 500- to 1,000-word personal statement describing your doctoral research areas of interest; research, professional or community experiences that demonstrate motivation, commitment and potential for doctoral work; accomplishments; communication and technology skills; and contribution to the diversity of the field
• letter of intent specifying the particular program you are applying for and a faculty member you intend to work with (Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members before submitting this letter.)
• three letters of recommendation (One must be from a current faculty member at an academic institution, and all should address your potential to complete the program.)
• résumé or curriculum vitae with previous work or educational experiences

The admissions committee may request an interview. For more details on admissions deadlines and requirements, visit the Learning Technologies website. We encourage you to submit all materials well in advance of the deadline because of the processing time.

Degree requirements

The Ph.D. degree consists of 69 credit hours including 57 credit hours of core, tools, research and topic courses, followed by 12 credit hours of dissertation research hours.

The doctoral program is committed to providing a student-centered learning and research environment. Students work closely with faculty members during course work and the dissertation. Mentoring students during course work and into the dissertation is an important aspect of the program.

Associate graduate faculty mentors are professionals in the field who work directly with students in the distance program during course work through the dissertation. Students receive support and encouragement toward the research and writing of the dissertation.

Financial assistance

Grants from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education, the Texas Education Agency and the Job Training Partnership Program provide financial support to students. For information on these opportunities, contact the department. Information about other financial assistance programs is at the Financial Aid website.