Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Technology is offered in a course-based format that utilizes a specific course plan that culminates in the completion of a dissertation. While you are enrolled in the degree program, you have an opportunity to learn about the evolution of educational technology, multimedia technology to facilitate learning, principles of distance education, learning theory and educational technology, and diffusion and integration of technology in education. Only after a successful oral defense of the dissertation is the degree awarded.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Technology, you should have some background and experience in education as well as possess strong critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Applicants to Walden University's programs should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Technology consists of 96 credits. The degree program is divided into foundation courses, core courses, specialization courses, research courses, a research proposal, a dissertation, and an oral presentation. Four Ph.D. residencies are also required and one of the advanced research courses listed below must be chosen.

Foundation Courses

• Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
• Principles of Social Change
• Social Change in Education

Core Courses

• The Learner Across the Lifespan
• Assessment and Accountability in Education
• Innovation and Change in Education

Specialization Courses

• Evolution of Educational Technology
• Diffusion and Integration of Technology in Education
• Principles of Distance Education
• Leading and Managing Educational Technology
• Designing Instruction for Distance Education
• Learning Theory and Educational Technology
• Current Research in Educational Technology
• Multimedia Technology to Facilitate Learning
• Emerging and Future Technology

Core Research Sequence

• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis

Advanced Research Courses

• Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis

Dissertation

• Dissertation Companion
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

When you have completed Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Technology, you have the opportunity to compete for jobs in a number of different fields. Some of these fields could include education administration, higher education, curriculum design, and research. Potential employers could include the public school system, colleges and universities, businesses and corporations, and nonprofits dedicated to education issues. Job candidates must be able to demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Some of the job titles could include:

• Professor
• Curriculum specialist
• Researcher
• Corporate training specialist

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.