Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences - PhD

The department of Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences (ITLS) offers a doctoral program to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in ITLS. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-based degree with career options that range from academic research to corporate business, non-profit pursuits, higher education roles in faculty success or student support, and more.

Students complete three core classes and four research classes, students are free to select courses that will best meet their program requirements and long-term professional goals. The ITLS PhD program is nationally and internationally recognized for its research related to design and learning. Please see individual faculty bios and recent student dissertations to get a sense of active research going on in the department.

Doctoral graduates are well-positioned for tenure track positions at research or teaching institutions, for work in student services or higher education administration, engaging in faculty development, or as directors of instructional design. Some PhDs go on to leadership positions in corporate settings or use their doctoral degrees in K-12 as teachers or district specialists. All PhD students complete original research in the form of a dissertation.

The PhD is available only at Utah State University’s main campus in Logan, Utah.

You can apply for the PhD only one time each year. Materials are due December 15th for students who wish to start Fall semester of the next year.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's or master's degree before the program starts

• GPA: 3.0 or higher for your most recent credits (the last 60 credits for semester-based programs or 90 credits for quarter-based programs)

• Three letters of recommendation

• In recognition of the high cost and low predictive validity of admissions tests ITLS no longer requires the GRE or MAT

• A Statement of Purpose addressing provided questions.

  • Clear indication of 1-2 prospective mentors as part of the Statement of Purpose.

• For international students only: TOEFL or IELTS or two years’ attendance at an English-speaking college or University.

  • Passing TOEFL: Internet based - 79; Computer based - 214; Paper based - 550

  • Passing IETLS: Overall score - 6; Subscale scores – 5