Doctorate in Educational Technology & Online Learning Programs

What is a Doctorate in Educational Technology and Online Learning?

Doctorate in Educational Technology and Online Learning Programs may take the form of an EdD or an EdS or a PhD in Educational Technology. Graduate students, who have an aptitude for technology and are interested in researching its applications in complex educational environments, might find that earning a Doctorate in Educational Technology Degree or an online phd in instructional technology may prepare them for a variety of potential careers in some fast growing fields.

The rapid advances of educational technology have brought numerous changes to the way teachers instruct, students learn, and curriculum’s are designed. Educational technology now includes computer programs and course management systems, slide shows, video and animation, games, brochures, advanced tutorial software, distance and online learning. With these shifts, professionals, innovators and academics are need to research, and design new curriculum, as well as implement and integrate instructional and educational technology.

Selecting a Doctorate in Educational Technology Program

There are different PhD in Instructional and Educational Technology programs to choose from depending upon the career track and specialized interests of each student. GradSchools.com has search tools to assist students in finding and choosing a doctorate in educational technology graduate program or phd instructional technology. If location is an issue, you might begin searching by city, state, or country to narrow the results, then focus in on comparing programs.

Or, you might search by program format. Campus programs offer the most opportunity for face-to-face interactions with professors and other classmates, and may even offer Education students the chance to become teacher assistants. On the other hand, if you are a current working professional, you may need a flexible distance-learning format, in which case, you might opt to look into online PhD in Educational Technology programs.

Some of the listings might include PhD in Instructional Design and Technology, Doctor of Philosophy in Education- E learning, Education Specialist (EdS) In Educational Technology –General, and Doctor of Educational Leadership. Make sure to request info from each school so that you are able to compare admission requirements, curriculum, tuition, faculty and program pre-requisites, as they vary. It is useful to compile a list of the doctoral degree programs in educational technology so that you can take your time to decide which one to select.

How to Select a Doctorate in Educational Technology Degree?

The three main doctorate level programs in educational technology are the Doctorate In Education (EdD), Education Specialist (EdS), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Technology. Selecting a program typically reflects your career goals, as all three of these degree programs have slightly different applications, even though they are all terminal degree programs. Some programs offer students the opportunity to tailor their degree program to reflect a particular specialization such as curriculum development, instructional design, online learning management systems, leadership, or innovation.

PhD Educational Technology

PhD educational technology degrees typically focus on preparing researchers, and tend to involve learning theories and philosophy of education so that you are able to apply the skills to independent research in the field. Earning a PhD may help students find a career developing new instructional technology techniques, new ideas for curricula or new theories about using technology to enhance the educational experience of students.

EdD in Educational Technology

While also considered a research degree, the focus of the EdD in Educational Technology is typically to prepare candidates for professional practice and applied research. Generally EdD programs provide advanced education for administrators, teachers, and other professionals in education policy and pedagogical positions.

EdS in Educational Technology

Students in education specialist doctoral programs are typically masters degree holders who want to update their credentials to be able to potentially add value to an existing career in teaching, administration, or curriculum instruction.

 

What are Potential Career Paths for Graduates with Doctorate or PhD in Educational Technology?

For students who aspire to teach at a post-secondary level, a PhD is the required education. Holding a PhD in Educational Technology may provide you with an opportunity to teach for online schools as well as traditional campuses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment is projected to grow by 12 percent between 2021 and 2031, this is a growing and likely, competitive field.

If you are interested in designing online learning programs, or supervising instructional technology curriculums, you might find that the role of Instructional Coordinators, is also a growing field, with a projected 10 percent increase in employment between 2021 and 2031, per the(BLS). Businesses and corporate learning environments are also using technology to train employees; training and development specialists help to plan, conduct and administer programs in these settings. As web-based programs, video and other multimedia educational technology are growing in usage and popularity, someone equipped with the skills use and integrate, as well as design new tools may be more in demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 8 percent growth in employment in this sector between 2021 and 2031 according to the BLS.

If you are approaching a doctoral level degree in Education Technology from the lens of a software developer, you may be amongst the next generation of creative minds behind digital instruction and education. In addition, the BLS has projected a 26% increase in employment for Software developers in 2021 and 2031.

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