Ph.D. Teaching, Learning, & Technology

Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning

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Special Note: The GRE test has been waived for the 2024 application cycle (Spring, Summer, Fall 2024 start).  

  • Application requirements: Online application, personal statement (click here for tips on writing a compelling personal statement), two writing samples, transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, two letters of recommendation, minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate work and GRE (waived for 2024 application cycle).
  • International students: Please visit this page for information regarding transcript evaluation requirements.
  • Deadline(s): Dec. 1 for spring or April 1 for a summer or fall start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.
  • Course Requirements: 48 credits
  • Typical Course Load: Fall (2 courses), Spring (2 courses), Summer (1-2 courses)
  • Time to Completion: Varies 
  • Culminating Experience: Doctoral candidates must pass a qualifying examination before conducting a doctoral research project and writing their dissertation, which is the culmination of the program
  • Alumni Current Positions: Graduates work as college and university administrators, website designers, faculty in higher education and educational researchers as well as those who work in professional development and education for the corporate sector and institutions, such as museums and hospitals

Overview

Technology continues to change the educational landscape profoundly, presenting opportunities and challenges for those who seek to create the best practices and tools for teaching all learners. 

For the post-master’s Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning and Technology, doctoral students work closely with faculty to develop innovative curricula and creative learning environments that integrate technology to reach audiences from early childhood to adulthood with a broad range of abilities and backgrounds. The program prepares students to conduct educational research and apply their findings to advance educational theories, methods, assessments, and practices in a variety of learning environments. 

The program prepares graduates for a broad range of careers, including faculty in higher education, educational researchers, instructional and learning designers, college and university administrators, as well as those who work in professional development, training, and education for the corporate sector and institutions, such as museums and hospitals.   

Doctoral candidates take a minimum of 48 credits, which includes such courses in the areas of instructional and learning design, technology development and integration, as curriculum theory and design, and research methods. Coursework is individualized in keeping with each student's chosen concentration and many of the assignments are project-based, enabling students to apply concepts they are learning to their area of interest.

In addition to the coursework, doctoral candidates must pass a qualifying examination, complete a doctoral research project, and write their dissertation, which is the culmination of the program.  

There are options for students to pursue the doctorate part-time or full-time. For the convenience of working professionals, the majority of the classes are held in the late afternoon or evening with some online classes available. 

Throughout, they work closely with their adviser and have opportunities to collaborate on articles for professional journals in the field. 

Curriculum

COURSE NUMBER COURSE NAME CREDITS
Foundations (4 courses/12 credits)      
Required:        
EDUC 471  Diversity and Multicultural Perspectives 3
TLT 401 Overview of Teaching and Learning  3
TLT 402 Critical Reading and Writing 3
TLT 403 Instructional Design 3
Research (4 courses/12 credits)   
Required:     
EDUC 403 Research  3
EDUC 408 Introduction to Statistics 3
EDUC 409 Analysis of Experimental Data 3
Electives (select at least one):  
EDUC 405  Qualitative Research Methods 3
EDUC 410 Univariate Statistical Models 3
EDUC 411 Multivariate Statistical Models 3
EDUC 412  Advanced Applications of Psychometric Principles 3
EDUC 461  Single-Subject Research Design 3
  Other statistical research course in TLT, COE, or A&S as approved by adviser  
  Additional courses as required by adviser  
Professional Cognate (12 credits)    
Required:     
TLT 480 Curriculum Theory and Design 3
Electives:     
EDUC 491  Advanced Seminars: (with subtitle) 1-6
EDUC 493 Internship in: (with subtitle)  1-6
EDUC 496 Doctoral Research Seminar  3
TLT 458 Introduction to Multimedia Programming and Resource Development for Learning 3
TLT 460  Advanced Multimedia Programming and Resource Development for Learning 3
TLT 462 Special Topics in Development of Instructional Resources and Technologies for Learning 1-3
TLT 470 Technology for Teaching and Learning 3
TLT 474 Large-scale Planning and Implementation of Educational Technology 3
  Other learning and instruction elective course in TLT, COE, or CAS as approved by adviser  
Supervised Research Projects (6 credits minimum)      
Required:        
TLT 486  Doctoral Research Project  3
TLT 499 Dissertation 1-5
Electives:      
EDUC 493 Internship in: (with subtitle) 1-6
EDUC 494 Field Work in: (with subtitle)  3
EDUC 495 Independent Study in: (with subtitle)   1-6
  Additional topic seminars, dissertation proposal or maintenance of candidacy, or elective with permission of adviser  
Professional Sub-Specialty (6 credits)      
  These credits are intended to advance the students' research agenda or career goals (such as a enhanced subject matter knowledge, mentored field/practical experiences with outreach programs, specialized coursework, college teaching, grant writing, and the like) with adviser approval.  

Descriptions of courses can be found in the course catalog.

Information for International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets eligible F-1 students work in their field of study in the United States for 12 to 36 months after completing their program. Most students studying on F-1 visas become eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students with a degree in a STEM field—science, technology, engineering or math—may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their 12 months of OPT. Thus, students with an F-1 visa in our program may be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, which allows for up to a total of 36 months of Optional Practical Training off-campus work authorization. For more information on who is eligible to apply for this extension visit Lehigh’s Office of International Students and Scholars: STEM OPT Extension (https://global.lehigh.edu/oiss/current-students/stem-opt-extension).