PhD in Learning, Design, and Technology
The Ph.D. in Learning, Design, and Technology is known for giving students an outstanding research-focused doctoral experience. Our graduates go on to top universities and professional organizations around the world.
Our Ph.D. program prepares you for advanced scholarly inquiry related to the design, development, and evaluation of effective interactive learning environments. This on-campus program emphasizes mentoring in advanced research and developmental processes, allowing you to work closely with faculty members and other graduate students.
We seek scholars who are committed to research and development focused on enhancing human experiences with respect to teaching, learning, and performance. Our research agenda is designed to solve real-world problems while also contributing to the theoretical foundations needed for future innovations.
Highlights
- On-campus program allows for extensive research opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative learning environment
- Easy access to faculty
- 20 percent acceptance rate
Curriculum
Your coursework will immerse you in a rich environment that will lead you to become a scholar in learning, design, and technology. Your program of study includes:
- A minimum of 67 hours beyond your bachelor’s degree
- A minimum of 27 hours (excluding dissertation) of major coursework (at least 15 hours in 8000- and 9000-level courses)
This degree will typically take four to five years to finish. Additional courses may be required if you do not enter the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree in educational media, educational technology, or a related field.
As you complete your application for the UGA Graduate School, you will be able to attach the following documents:
- Curriculum vita (CV) or resume
- Statement of purpose (short essay)
- Official transcripts
- Writing sample (highly encouraged)
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the Ph.D. in Learning, Design, and Technology
While completing your Graduate School application, be sure to attach the following:
- Official GRE scores
- Current resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (no more than five pages)
The applicants should provide an overview of who you are (e.g., your background, interests, etc.), why you want the Ph.D., what you plan/hope to do as a result of having the doctoral degree and how you see this degree contributing to your professional and personal goals. It is also essential to include responses to the following questions:- What are your current research interests?
- Who do you think among our faculty would be your best advisor and why? (You can nominate 1-3 people as possible advisors with a rationale for each.)
- How do the research interests of the selected advisors fit with your own interests?
- Sample of Scholarly Writing
Deadline To Apply
Applicants are accepted for fall semester admission only. Application deadlines are:
- November 1 (for priority consideration)
- February 1 (final deadline)
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
We encourage our doctoral students to pursue research, study, and internship opportunities.
Faculty members strive to provide a graduate assistantship or fellowship for every doctoral student we accept, and we have been successful in this endeavor over the past 15 years. The commitment to providing support for our accepted students is one of the reasons why admission to our program is quite competitive.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.