Instructional Technology, Ph.D.
Our Ph.D. program in Instructional Technology prepares you for leadership roles in research and development of new knowledge and applications in instructional technology. You can explore issues and advances in performance, instruction, computer-based and distance-learning environments. We stress competence and originality as we build on the practical competencies of your master's program to prepare you for the integration of theory and skills as the base for original research. Our graduates are able to organize theory and research; employ appropriate research methodologies; synthesize past experiences and training in instructional technology applications; and use those backgrounds in the development of theoretical constructs for new or better applications. You'll qualify for careers in diverse settings, including all levels of education, industry and government as well as the nonprofit sector.
Wired for Innovation
We promise best practices in the preparation of educators, advocates and leaders. We're a dynamic and collaborative community of scholars, with one-third of our students coming from other countries for full-time study. We are dedicated to responsible research and reflective practice that promote innovative learning environments and improved learning outcomes for all learners. Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and our curriculum is fully aligned with professional standards set by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
You'll need to submit:
- Your application to the Graduate School
- Your official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- A written statement of your goals
- Academic writing sample
Application Deadlines
- Summer and fall: April 1
- Spring: October 1
During your program of study, you will:
- Review and synthesize theory, research and practice in instructional technology.
- Engage in instructional technology research.
- Demonstrate mastery of research design and techniques.
- Demonstrate mastery of theory relevant to instructional technology.
- Integrate theory, research and practice while developing an appreciation for diverse perspective.
- Engage in ethical researches and practices.
- Apply research and evaluation techniques to measure student learning and the effectiveness of instructional technologybased products and programs.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
The candidacy examination, administered each term by the faculty in instructional technology, includes sections on research skills and learning theory as well as the major area of study. Early contact with the program advisor to discuss the examination is highly recommended. If your first attempt at the candidacy examination is unsuccessful, the advisory committee will determine what remediation appears warranted and when you can attempt the examination again.
- Research design and methods, and learning and development theory or sociocultural analyses of education (15)
- Instructional technology (ETT) courses, excluding dissertation hours (33)
- Optional cognate coursework agreed on between you and advisory committee (9 minimum)
- ETT 799 Doctoral Research and Dissertation (15)
Going Online
All of our courses can be taken online except for the doctoral seminar courses, which are blended with an average of three to five face-to-face meetings. You’ll take five seminar courses in sequential order (one per semester).
To work online, you will need regular access to a computer that meets certain minimum requirements to successfully complete that coursework.
Visit go.niu.edu/niuonline to take a browser test to see whether your computer will work and an online course readiness survey/sample online lesson to learn if online courses are a good fit for you.
We're the state's largest public university producer of educational technology graduates. Our faculty-designed online graduate courses received the Blackboard Best Online Course Design Award for the last five years.
Careers in Instructional Technology
- Course developer or designer
- Technology coordinator
- Online learning specialist
- Web-based learning manager
- Multimedia designer
- Technology integration specialist
- Computer learning lab coordinator
- Instructional designer
- Learning applications (apps) designer
- Virtual reality specialist
- Flipped classroom developer
- Web instructor
- Online teacher, mentor or trainer
- Computer mediated learning metrics manager
- Distance learning director
- Educational software consultant
Contact Us
Educational Technology, Research and Assessment
Gabel Hall 208
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9339
815-753-9388 (fax)
etra@niu.edu
