Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Instructional Technology
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is the highest academic degree awarded by the University. The primary purpose of the Ph.D. degree is to develop scholars who seek to conduct original research and interpret and communicate the results of such research. Ph.D. recipients in Instructional Technology go on to serve as university professors and technology leaders in a variety of institutions.
Course Requirements:
A total of 72 credits are required by UVA for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Of this total, 54 units of course work and 12 units minimum of dissertation credit are required. The course work requirement includes the 30 unit core IT curriculum, 6 units of electives, plus the following 18 units of research courses:
EDLF 589: Instructional Technology Colloquium (3)
EDLF 730: Introduction to Educational Research (3)
EDLF 731: Educational Statistics: Stat I (3)
EDLF 753: Qualitative Analysis (3)
EDLF 830: Experimental Design: Stat II (3)
EDLF 803: Advanced Seminar in IT: Research in IT (3)
Note:
- In preparation for EDLF 803, the other required research classes should be completed PRIOR to the Spring semester, second year. These research classes are EDLF 589, 730, 731, 753, and 830.
- For Ph.D. students wishing to focus on historiography, 12 units of historical research methods courses may be substituted for 12 units of research courses included in the list.
- Additional course work may be deemed necessary by the student's doctoral committee.
Sample Ph.D. Class Schedule:
| Fall, first year: (12 units) EDLF 589: IT Research Colloquium (3) EDLF 700: Introduction to Instructional Design (3) EDLF 701: Computer Courseware Tools (3) EDLF 704: Seminar in Instructional Technology (3) |
Fall, second year: (12 units) EDLF 562: Educational Video Production (3) EDLF 703: Interactive Technologies I (3) (elective) EDLF 753: Intro to Qualitative Analysis (3) EDLF 830: Experimental Design: Stat II (3) |
| Spring, first year: (12 units) EDLF 702: Computer Courseware Design (3) EDLF 730: Introduction to Educational Research (3) EDLF 731: Educational Statistics: Stat I (3) EDLF 801: Advanced Instructional Design (3) |
Spring,second year: (12 units) EDLF 586: Museums in Education (3) EDLF 717: Concepts of Learning (3) EDLF 718: Tests and Measurement (2) EDLF 719: Classroom Assessment (1) EDLF 803: Advanced Seminar in IT: Research in IT (3) ** |
| Third Year: EDLF 589: Technology Leadership (3) Electives (3) Doctoral Dissertation (12 minimum) |
** In preparation for EDLF 803, the other research classes required for the Doctorate should be completed PRIOR to the Spring semester, second year.
Comprehensive Exam Requirement:
Students must successfully respond to 3 comprehensive exam questions.
Ph.D. students participate in a research apprenticeship with their faculty advisors. This apprenticeship occupies approximately 10 hours of each student's week during the first and second years of study and may increase during the third and fourth years. During this apprenticeship, the student will assist with the advisor’s research and scholarship, which may include data collection, data analysis, library research, presentations, writing for publication, and other related activities.
Residence Requirement:
Ph.D. candidates must complete at least three academic years (Fall-Spring semester) of full-time (12 units) graduate work. One year of this requirement is waived for candidates who have already earned a master's degree. Upon approval of a petition, up to one year of the required three years may be taken at another graduate school, or may be completed at this university on a part-time basis.
Enrollment Requirement:
A student must be continuously enrolled at the university during the fall and spring semesters while working toward a Ph.D. degree. If a student is not taking courses, enrollment may still be maintained by paying a non-resident fee. Failure to maintain enrollment will require re-application to the Ph.D. program. As of 2005, completion of the Curry Research Examination (Quantitative & Qualitative) is optional for IT majors.