Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. in Learning and Technology will consist of 67 credits beyond the master’s degree. Of the 67 credits, 37 will be required courses in learning theory, technology, and research methods, 18 will be electives, and 12 will be directed toward dissertation completion. Individual programs of study may exceed the minimum requirements and specific course work will vary depending on particular areas of interest. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher for all course work taken at the doctoral level. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.00 or better in the program and a grade of B or better in core course work.
Scholarly Paper Requirement
Each student must satisfy a scholarly paper requirement by the time he or she has completed 36 credits (Review I). The student must be primarily responsible for carrying out and reporting a study under the supervision of a program faculty member. The requirement may be fulfilled in one of two ways. First, the study may involve the collection and analysis of some empirical data (for example, a pilot study) resulting in a scholarly paper that is submitted to either a professional journal or as a proposal to an annual conference of a national organization. Second, the paper may consist of a literature review that is submitted for publication in a quality, peer-reviewed journal or submitted for presentation at a national conference. Prior to beginning, projects must be approved by a supervising faculty member. Once completed, students must submit to the program coordinator(s): (a) a copy of the paper, (b) a submission acknowledgement, and (c) a completed Review I form from the supervising faculty member.
Preliminary Examination
Students must successfully complete a preliminary examination. This formal assessment will focus on areas of knowledge that are most relevant to the student’s dissertation topic. The student and his/her committee will determine the content of this examination. The student and his/her committee will determine the content of this examination format in that it will focus on in-depth reading and writing directly related to the student’s proposed dissertation topic as well as on the student’s mastery of previously learned core information.
Dissertation Proposals and Defenses
After successfully completing the scholarly paper requirement and preliminary examination, students can submit a formal dissertation proposal to their doctoral committee and submit the accompanying “Prospectus Approval” form from the Graduate College. The doctoral committee will determine the acceptability of the prospectus. Upon completion of the dissertation, a defense will be scheduled and conducted in accordance with the Graduate College’s policies for thesis and dissertation completion.