Program Overview
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Site: Greeley
Mode: In-person
Start terms: Summer, Fall, Spring
Director: Jingzi (Ginny) Huang, Ph.D.
Location: McKee 216
Telephone: 970.351.2908
Website: www.unco.edu/cebs/teacher-education/
The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Technology provides a terminal degree in educational technology that culminates in a dissertation of original research in the field. Graduates work in a variety of learning contexts (PK-12, higher education, online environments, military training, business/organizational, and international settings) as professors, researchers, consultants, innovation officers, and scholars. Collaborative research, design, teaching, and other scholarly projects are encouraged among students and faculty. The program is research-focused and designed to be rigorous but practical. Students are expected to engage in theoretical and practical experiences throughout the program documented in the comprehensive exam process.
Once admitted, the student will work closely with their academic advisor to develop a plan of study that meets the individual professional needs. While all students are expected to complete the core content and research courses, electives are selected to tailor the program to meet various professional foci within the field of educational technology. Once admitted to a program, students must maintain a satisfactory grade point average of 3.2.
MA en route to Ph.D.
Site: Greeley
Mode: In-person and online (for Master-level courses)
Start terms: Summer, Fall, Spring
A student who has been admitted into the Educational Technology Ph.D. program may complete the ET Master’s degree en route to completion of the doctoral degree. Students are required to submit a plan of study for both the master's and doctoral degrees. Once admitted to the Ph.D., students seeking the MA en route to the Ph.D. will complete the 30 credit MA program but may participate in doctoral classes concurrently. Students must complete all program requirements (including the comprehensive examination) for the MA degree in addition to the minimum requirements for the Ph.D. No courses applied to the Educational Technology MA degree may be used in the Educational Technology Ph.D. plan of study. Students must be conferred with the MA degree prior to admission to doctoral candidacy.
Comprehensive Exam Expectations
Students must complete both Phase I and Phase II of the Comprehensive Exam Expectations in order to schedule a Comprehensive Oral Exam with the Graduate School. It is encouraged to complete Phase I prior to beginning Phase II, but it is acceptable to complete both Phases in the same semester. Phase II cannot be completed in a semester prior to the completion of Phase I.
Phase I - Electronic Showcase Portfolio
Students will work on constructing an electronic portfolio over the duration of their coursework. The expectation is that coursework may contribute to the items showcased in the portfolio, however, work beyond the course assignments is expected. Work conducted outside of a course is also acceptable. The portfolio is divided into 5 areas and may be completed in any order.
5 areas of portfolio:
- Applications of Educational Technology
- Engagement in Research Practices
- Demonstration of Innovative Pedagogy
- Participation in Professional Collaboration
- Awareness of Critical, Social, and Global Perspectives
Phase II - Written Exam
Students will complete a take-home written exam consisting of two questions. The exam will be conducted over a set two-week period each semester.
Dissertation Format Options
- Traditional 5-chapter format consists of Introduction, Literature Review, Method, Findings, and Discussion.
- Articles format consisting of Introduction, Literature Review, Method, at least three chapters containing one Publishable Article each, and Conclusion.
Admission
General Doctoral Degree Admission Requirements
Program Requirements:
The doctoral faculty in the educational technology review applications in both fall and spring semesters. Admission criteria follow the UNC Graduate School expectations and include the expectations of minimum GPA. Applications require a two-page statement of career goals, three letters of reference, and transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate work. The statement of career goals should specifically address how this degree program will assist the applicant in furthering their skills and knowledge and applying them in the future.
The applicant must also complete a short interview scheduled with the doctoral faculty. The interview may be conducted in person or through digital technologies. International students are encouraged to apply early in order to be able to handle passports, visas, and other issues in a timely manner. Potential students with limited English abilities are encouraged to examine the application options available through the University’s Center for International Education. In many cases, students may be admitted to an academic program, but begin their studies in the Intensive English Program.
Degree Requirements — 67 Credits
Content Core — 15 Credits
| ET 720 | Doctoral Seminar | 3 |
| ET 721 | Learning Theories and Technology Integration | 3 |
| ET 723 | Global & Cultural Perspectives in Educational Technology | 3 |
| ET 725 | Critical Theory and Research in Educational Technology | 3 |
Select one of the following:
| PSY 644 | Motivation in Education | 3 |
| PSY 674 | Measurement I: Classical Test Theory | 3 |
| PSY 681 | Learning and Instruction | 3 |
Research Core — 21 credits
| ET 700 | Methods of Research in Instructional Design and Educational Technology I | 3 |
| ET 701 | Methods of Research in Instructional Design and Educational Technology II | 3 |
| SRM 602 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| SRM 680 | Introduction to Qualitative Research | 3 |
| SRM 700 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
Select 6 credits from the following:
Or, other advanced statistical or research methods courses with advisor.
Electives — 15 credits
Select 15 credits of graduate ET courses in consultation with an advisor. The below courses are recommended.
| ET 740 | Innovations in Technology and Education | 3 |
| ET 749 | Gaming and Application Design | 3 |
| ET 731 | Advanced Instructional Design Theory, Research and Practice | 3 |
| ET 733 | Case Studies in Instructional Design and Performance Technology | 3 |
Comprehensive Exam (no credit)
Students demonstrate a menu of competencies in an electronic portfolio and respond to two exam questions. Students showcase competencies during the oral defense.
Dissertation — 16 credits
| ET 797 | Doctoral Proposal Seminar | 1- 4 |
| ET 799 | Doctoral Dissertation | 1-12 |
Program Notes
Students are required to complete a minimum of one academic year of field-based engagement related to future professional aspirations. Students are encouraged to work with faculty on research, attend and present at conferences, and publish papers in scholarly journals.