What will I study?
The 100% online Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation with a concentration in Learning Design
and Technologies (formerly the Educational Technology concentration) is designed to help you develop
capabilities essential to the analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation,
and research of technology-based learning, instruction, and training (e.g., computer-based
training, software/multimedia development, assistive technology modifications, online
education, and distance learning).
Our program’s missions are:
- To prepare practitioners with sound principles and techniques of instructional systems design plus technological competence
- To prepare leaders for the meaningful integration of educational technology in teaching, learning, and performance environments
- To develop scholarly practitioners with the ability to solve significant problems of practice within their respective contexts.
We work towards completing these missions by creating a robust community of scholars among our students and faculty; focusing our coursework on current technologies, research, and theory; additional degree requirements; and the dissertation in practice.
As a doctoral student within the Educational Technology concentration, you will be expected to seek out, reflect upon, and research issues related to the broad foundations of technology-based learning. Our program subscribes to the definition of educational technology adopted by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology ([AECT]; 2008) and put forth by Januszewski and Molenda:
“Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.”
What kinds of research will I be able to do?
As part of the dissertation in practice, you will work with your advisor to develop action research that lets you explore technology-enhanced teaching and learning important to you. Your research will involve persistent Problems of Practice within your context; and you will learn to use research-based resources to maximize learning for different learners across different contexts.
What kinds of work will I be able to do?
This program is focused on preparing educational practitioners who are interested in using focused inquiry to improve their practice. Potential new careers include instructional designers, curriculum developers, and instructional support leaders for K-12 school districts, higher education, or departments of education. Although this program does not prepare you to become research track higher education faculty, it does give you the option of teaching through adjunct, instructor, and clinical faculty work in higher education.
Special Tuition Rates
South Carolina certified teachers pay a reduced tuition rate. Out-of-state students admitted to this program pay regular South Carolina resident tuition rate:
| Tuition Rates | South Carolina Certified Teachers | All Other Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | $515* | $572.25 |
| Estimated Total Program Tuition including Fees | $33,898* | $37,333 |
*This rate applies for SC resident certified teachers completing fewer than 12 hours
per semester. These fees and rates are subject to change and are effective for the 2023-2024 Academic
Year. See Specially Priced Online Degree Programs information on the fee schedule and the Graduate One Rate estimated cost to attend based on averages across all university programs.
Financial Aid
Most students in this program receive assistance through loans and other forms of aid. Complete your FAFSA to be considered for these aid programs.
Coursework
Courses are offered online in practical 8-week and 15-week formats.
Sample Program of Study (courses may vary)
12 Credit Hour Core
- EDCS 720 Introduction to Diversity and the Curriculum
- EDCS 820 Advanced Study of Diversity and Curriculum
- EDET 709 Applications of Learning Principles
- EDLP 755 Educational Policy Analysis
15 Credit Hours in the Concentration and Cognate
- EDET 722 Instructional Design and Assessment
- EDET 755 Design and Evaluation of Information Access and Delivery
- EDET 801 Doctoral Research in Educational Technology
- EDET 825 Evaluation of Educational Technology Research
- EDET 826 Synthesis of Educational Technology Research
9 Credit Hours in a Cognate Selected with Advisor
12 Credit Hours in Research
- EDRM 801 Principles and Applications of Educational Research
- EDRM 878/705 Ed Research Seminar/Intro Quantitative Research
- EDET 810 Principles of Applied Educational Technology Research
- EDET 811 Advanced Applied Educational Technology Research
12 Credit Hours in Dissertation Preparation and Writing
What is the application process like?
- Official Transcripts
- 2 Letters of Recommendation – Submit 2 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your ability to matriculate into this doctoral program and complete a dissertation.
- Personal Statement - Describe how the Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation
and your selected area of concentration is a good fit for you. The statement should
include:
- specific details describing how this program is a good fit for you
- how the program supports your professional goals
- an identified Problem of Practice for the Dissertation in Practice
- any evidence of research methods, including action research, expertise.
- CV or Resume
- Recent Scholarly Writing Sample (e.g., graduate level paper from previous coursework or publication) with applicant as sole author and using American Psychological Association (APA) citations and references