Teacher in front of class pointing at smartboard

Ph.D. Teaching, Learning, and Technology

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.

Overview

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 with a broad range of abilities and backgrounds–from early childhood to adulthood. 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 higher education faculty, educational researchers, instructional and learning designers, college and university administrators. Alumni also 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 include courses in the areas of instructional and learning design, technology development and integration, 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, candidates work closely with their adviser and have opportunities to collaborate on articles for professional journals in the field. 

Application Requirements

Quick Facts

Transcript Evaluations: Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.

Deadline(s): December 1 for spring, April 1 for summer or fall start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.

Modality: Online and Hybrid

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 their doctoral research project and writing their dissertation, which is the culmination of the program.

Program Alumni: Graduates work as college and university administrators, website designers, higher education faculty and educational researchers. They also work in professional development and education for the corporate sector and institutions, such as museums and hospitals.

Your best work is ahead.

Please Note: If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact College of Education Admissions to confirm eligibility to apply to this program

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.

Curriculum

All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.

course numbercourse name
EDUC 471Diversity and Multicultural Perspectives
TLT 401Overview of Teaching and Learning
TLT 402Critical Reading and Writing
TLT 403Instructional Design

course numbercourse name
EDUC 403Research
EDUC 408Introduction to Statistics
EDUC 409Analysis of Experimental Data
Electives (select at least one):
EDUC 405Qualitative Research Methods
EDUC 410Univariate Statistical Models
EDUC 411Multivariate Statistical Models
EDUC 412Advanced Applications of Psychometric Principles
EDUC 461Single-Subject Research Design
Other statistical research course in TLT, COE, or A&S as approved by adviser
Additional courses as required by adviser

course numbercourse name
TLT 480Curriculum Theory and Design
Electives
EDUC 491Advanced Seminars: (with subtitle) (1-6 credits)
EDUC 493Internship in: (with subtitle) (1-6 credits)
EDUC 496Doctoral Research Seminar
TLT 458Introduction to Multimedia Programming and Resource Development for Learning
TLT 460Advanced Multimedia Programming and Resource Development for Learning
TLT 462Special Topics in Development of Instructional Resources and Technologies for Learning (1-3 credits)
TLT 470Technology for Teaching and Learning
TLT 474Large-scale Planning and Implementation of Educational Technology
Other learning and instruction elective course in TLT, COE, or CAS as approved by adviser

course numbercourse name
TLT 486Doctoral Research Project
TLT 499Dissertation (1-5 credits)
Electives: 
EDUC 493Internship in: (with subtitle) (1-6 credits)
EDUC 494Field Work in: (with subtitle)
EDUC 495Independent Study in: (with subtitle)  (1-6 credits)
Additional topic seminars, dissertation proposal or maintenance of candidacy, or elective with permission of adviser

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.