Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Graduate School general requirements, individuals applying for admission to the Instructional Design Ph.D. program will be reviewed using the following criteria for admission.
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- A master's degree from an accredited institution.
- An academic record of at least 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in the last two years of undergraduate coursework and 3.5 GPA at the graduate level.
- Submitted a current curriculum vitae.
- Submitted a letter of application that makes clear the candidate's interest in, and suitability for, this program.
- Successfully interviewed with program faculty from the Instructional Design and Technology program.
- Successfully completed an on-demand writing sample.
General Requirements
The Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design requires a minimum of 67 semester credits: Of the 67 semester credits required for the Ph.D. in Instructional Design, at least 30 semester credits of coursework must be taken at Idaho State University. Dissertation credits may not be transferred from another institution.
Upon initial enrollment, all Instructional Design Ph.D. students will be required to maintain continuous enrollment, with at least one semester credit of work each semester from matriculation to completion of the program, including completion of the dissertation and oral defense. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment can result in dismissal from the program.
A GPA less than 3.5 in the program or two grades of C+ or below will result in the Department reviewing the student's performance within the program. The result of this review may lead to dismissal. Any additional grading policies are set by the Graduate School.
Program of Study
A Program of Study will be drafted during the first year of coursework. This plan of study will be filed with the Graduate School. A final revised program of study, if needed, must be submitted in accordance with published Graduate School guidelines prior to being cleared for graduation. Students will work with their advisor to make sure this is completed in a timely manner.
Doctor of Philosophy, Instructional Design Program Coursework
All coursework is subject to the approval of the student's academic advisor, Instructional Design Ph.D. program leader, and program faculty.
Instructional Design Core Studies (12 credits)
The intent of the core area is to promote essential competencies of Instructional Design, including communication, learning theory, implementation, assessment, and management. A prerequisite for the core curriculum includes coursework or demonstration of equivalent knowledge.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDLP 8800 | Doctoral Seminar | 1 |
| EDLP 8801 | Capstone Seminar | 1 |
| EDLP 8830 | Comp Exam | 1 |
| EDLT 6646 | Multimedia Design Theory | 3 |
| EDLT 7726 | Learning Theories and the Design of Instruction | 3 |
| EDLT 7740 | Instructional Systems Design I | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Advanced Research and Statistics for Instructional Design (15 credits)
The intent of this area is to provide a depth of knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research designs and the statistical procedures that support them. Candidates will complete courses in advanced quantitative research design, qualitative research design, intermediate statistics, and advanced statistics, as well as research courses specific to the field of Instructional Design and Technology.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDLP 7705 | Advanced Research Design I (Qualitative) | 3 |
| EDLP 7706 | Advanced Research Design II (Quantitative) | 3 |
| EDLP 7721 | Intermediate Statistics in Edu | 3 |
| EDLT 7733 | Developmental Research | 3 |
| EDLT 7735 | Evaluation of Educational Products and Programs | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Instructional Design Specialty Area (21 credits)
The intent of the Instructional Design Specialty Area is to provide depth of knowledge and skills applicable to a wide array of professional contexts. Practical application and research in current and emerging learning technologies are emphasized. Instructional Design Specialty Area courses meet advanced standards in planning and analysis; design and development; and implementation, assessment, and management. The following courses may be used as Instructional Design Specialty area courses. A minimum of six (6) credits of EDLT 7737: Practicum must be taken. Other courses may be applied with student advisor approval.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDLP 7700 | Change Strategies | 3 |
| EDLT 6601 | Foundations of Instructional Design and Technology | 3 |
| EDLT 6614 | Instructional Gaming and Simulations | 3 |
| EDLT 6616 | Integration of Technology into School Curriculum | 3 |
| EDLT 6621 | Issues and Trends in Instructional Design and Technology | 3 |
| EDLT 6622 | Assessment for Digital Formats | 3 |
| EDLT 6680 | Special Topics in Instructional Design and Technology | 3 |
| EDLT 7737 | Practicum | 3 |
| EDLT 7742 | Graphics in Instruction | 3 |
| EDLT 7743 | Audio and Video in Instruction | 3 |
| EDLT 7744 | Instructional Systems Design II | 3 |
| EDLT 7745 | Instructional Design for Distance Learning Delivery | 3 |
| EDLT 7748 | Independent Problems in Instructional Design | 1-3 |
| EDLT 7749 | Instructional Design Seminar | 3 |
| EDLT 7780 | Spec Topics Instruct Design | 3 |
Cognate (9 credits)
Cognate courses are an opportunity for students to specialize further in a particular area of study, either in or outside the field of Instructional Design. These courses may be taken within or without the ISU Instructional Design and Technology program, but must all be approved by the student’s advisor who will submit all appropriate paperwork to the Graduate School for these courses approval.
Dissertation (10 credits)
A minimum of 10 semester credits for dissertation work is required. Please note that some students may require more than 10 semester credits in order to complete the dissertation investigation.
Points of Assessment
The Comprehensive Examination is taken after the completion of all coursework; however, the exam may be taken concurrently with the second/final practicum course. It is a significant aspect of the student's total doctoral program and provides evidence that the candidate meets advanced Instructional Design standards. A passing score on the Comprehensive Examination is required in order to continue in the program.
Dissertation and Oral Defense
Upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination, the Dissertation Committee, including the Graduate Faculty Representative (GFR), is established and the student is advanced to candidacy.
All doctoral requirements must be completed within five years of passing the Comprehensive Examination. Doctoral students must also meet appropriate residency requirements.
Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination and approval of the dissertation proposal by his or her Dissertation Committee, the student is authorized to complete the dissertation in preparation for the final oral defense.