Doctorate

Ed.D. Instructional Design and Technology

Lead organizational performance improvement, technology integration and workplace learning across sectors.

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Ed.D. curriculum aligns with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Framework, ensuring rigor and educational best practices

The Best Schools ranked the Ed.D. in IDT No. 8 in the Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology Degree Program

Grad School Hub ranked the Ed.D. in IDT No. 6 in the Most Affordable Online Ed.D. in Educational Technology Online Programs

Instructional Design and Technology, Ed.D. Overview

The University of West Florida’s newly expanded, fully online Doctor of Education in Instructional Design and Technology is for professionals who want to effectively apply research and theory to achieve educational goals and improve performance in a variety of settings. This program prepares graduates to fulfill leadership roles related to organizational development, technology integration and workplace learning across sectors.

The Instructional Design and Technology Ed.D. is an applied doctoral degree, preparing students to serve as practitioner-scholars, providing leadership, conducting applied research, and guiding change management efforts based on research and best practices related to instructional design, instructional technology, performance technology, and technology integration. Students will learn to apply the principles of systems theories, learning theories, communication theories, instructional theories, and applied research to solve organizational problems. Built-in residencies allow you to foster personal relationships with faculty, fellow students and others in the industry. Despite the fully online nature of this program, you will feel fully engaged in an active learning community.

In addition to careers in K–12 and higher education, graduates from UWF’s online Ed.D. in Instructional Design and Technology program are prepared for roles in healthcare, government, U.S. military, business and corporate positions or any setting where there is a need to improve organizational performance, integrate technology and/or facilitate workplace learning.

Candidates for This Program Include:

Education and training professionals
Community college, state college and university personnel
Social and health-related personnel
Community civic leaders

You Will Be Able To:

Apply theoretical and empirical best practices to create solutions that resolve complex organizational and individual performance problems
Generate action research studies utilizing appropriate quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods strategies
Diagnose individual and organizational performance problems
Conceptualize solutions for individual and organizational performance problems
Critically evaluate inferences drawn from empirical research and practice in the field of instructional design and technology
Apply ethical research practices when conducting research studies
Develop logical, well-reasoned arguments to guide future research endeavors and projects in the field
Disseminate research findings and recommendations to culturally diverse stakeholders using appropriate modalities

The University of West Florida is a member institution of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED). This selective membership includes colleges and universities committed to undertaking a critical examination on the education doctorate through dialog, experimentation, critical feedback, and evaluation.

Courses and Requirements

The program consists of 36 credit hours of coursework (plus 18 hours of dissertation credit hours). Coursework includes 21 credit hours in the instructional design and technology core and 15 credit hours of performance improvement inquiry core coursework. Students will develop, implement, and evaluate an applied research-based dissertation-in-practice in conjunction with their coursework. This fully online program includes three residencies. Each residency is integrated with a doctoral seminar class, and will consist of online work before and after the residency, which consists of a few days of intensive face-to-face work.

The expected time to completion is 3-years. Students are expected to complete 6-credit hours per semester, year-round. Students who fail to complete all program requirements by the end of the required coursework must enroll in a one-credit hour dissertation-in-practice continuation course each semester until graduation.

: EME 7067 - Technology Leadership in Performance Improvement
3 Credit Hours
Technology Leadership in Performance Improvement
Students will investigate the role of a technology leader in identifying performance problems and solutions in various settings. Explorations will include researching the impact technology has on resolving performance problems at different levels, applying technologies available, determining which technology is most appropriate for given situations, and deciding how to effectively use the technology to support performance. Special focus will be given to systems thinking.
EME 7068 - Technology-Based Learning Theory and Research
3 Credit Hours
Technology-Based Learning Theory and Research
Students develop a comprehensive picture of the research and theory related to the field of technology-based learning. Theoretical, historical, empirical, and philosophical perspectives are investigated as students delve into the various aspects of technology-based learning and related research. Students learn to critically analyze how theory and research influence practice.
EME 7357 - Intervention Selection, Design and Development Leadership
3 Credit Hours
Intervention Selection, Design and Development Leadership
Students will critically examine a wide range of potential performance improvement interventions to determine which solutions are best suited for various situations. Students will focus on aligning solutions with identified problems and organizational constraints and effectively communicating recommendations to stakeholders. Students will apply research, theory, and best practices to lead intervention design and development projects.
EME 7365 - Performance Improvement Theory and Research
3 Credit Hours
Performance Improvement Theory and Research
Students examine the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the field of Performance Improvement through a comprehensive review and critical examination of the literature of the field. Students will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to apply research and theory to practice to improve organizational performance.
EME 7609 - Principles of Instructional Systems Design
3 Credit Hours
Principles of Instructional Systems Design
Students will examine the use of instructional systems design models to create instruction that is appropriate from a pedagogical and practical viewpoint. Theories and models to support the design of instruction for use in a variety of instructional formats will be emphasized. Focus areas will include analysis, instructional goals and objectives, assessment, instructional strategies and the role of formative evaluation in instructional design. Students will apply theories and best practices to design a pedagogically sound instructional product.
EME 7692 - Doctoral Seminar—Leading Performance Improvement Projects
3 Credit Hours
Doctoral Seminar—Leading Performance Improvement Projects
Focuses on the development of the skills necessary to effectively lead instructional and non-instructional performance improvement projects. Critical skills included in the course and related residency include leading projects and change initiatives, facilitating organizational communication, ethical behavior, and social justice. Coursework will also provide students with opportunities to continue to develop skills in critical thinking, scholarly research, and professional writing.
EME 8608 - IDT Foundations, Issues and Trends
3.0 Credit Hours
IDT Foundations, Issues and Trends
Examines the history and evolution of the field of instructional design and technology and its relationship to the related fields of educational technology and human performance technology. Examines current issues and trends influencing the field. Focuses heavily on research, critical thinking and communication skills.
: EME 7618 - Instructional Design and Technology Research
3 Credit Hours
Instructional Design and Technology Research
This course provides an introduction to the design of research studies in the field of instructional design and technology. Aspects of research design and associated methodologies will be explored. Critical analysis of the research literature will highlight trends for problems and issues warranting further investigation. The quality and rigor of research will be emphasized, including research validity, methods of data collection and analysis, conclusions drawn from evidence, and ethical standards.
EME 7695 - Action Research in IDT
3 Credit Hours
Action Research in IDT
This course will prepare students to conduct IDT related action research in their individual organizational settings. Students will examine the concepts, processes, and components of action research studies, including problem identification, study design, data source identification, data analysis, and results reporting. Action research is presented as a disciplined process of inquiry for the dissertation in practice.
EME 7366 - Data Collection in Performance Improvement
3 Credit Hours
Data Collection in Performance Improvement
Examines data types and collection methods, sources, and instrumentation. Examines how, when, and why to collect quantitative and qualitative data for performance improvement projects. Critically investigates researcher bias, reflexivity, and positionality when conducting data collection for performance improvement research.
EME 7367 - Data Analysis in Performance Improvement
3 Credit Hours
Data Analysis in Performance Improvement
Examines the various types of data analysis consistent with improvement science. Appropriate qualitative and quantitative data analysis procedures and alignment with research questions and study purposes are addressed in this course.
EME 8693 - Doctoral Seminar—Analysis and Dissemination of Performance Improvement Research
3 Credit Hours
Doctoral Seminar—Analysis and Dissemination of Performance Improvement Research
Critically examines the types of written reports and oral presentations practitioner-scholars use to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders. Students will learn how to tailor written and oral communications to meet the culture of the organization and the information needs of the audience. This course includes a residency requirement to be held on campus in Pensacola, during which students will defend deliverables one and two of the dissertation-in-practice.
: 8695 - Doctoral Seminar - Coursework Capstone Experience
3 (may not be repeated for credit) Credit Hours
Doctoral Seminar - Coursework Capstone Experience
This seminar will take place upon completion of all required coursework. Students will demonstrate attainment of program level learning outcomes and readiness to advance to the dissertation phase of the doctoral program. The course will be presented primarily online; however, it will also include a short residency to be completed on campus.
EME 8981 - Dissertation in Practice-Phase 1
3 (may not be repeated for credit) Credit Hours
Dissertation in Practice-Phase 1
The first in a series of four courses structured to support students as they progress through the dissertation phase of the doctoral program. Students must complete all required coursework, the Coursework Capstone Experience, and IDT Research Design prior to enrolling. This course focuses on the development and defense of the dissertation proposal. Students will work under the guidance of a dissertation committee to craft the dissertation in practice proposal and then successfully defend this proposal in an oral defense.
Prerequisite: EME 8609
EME 8982 - Dissertation in Practice-Phase 2
3 (may not be repeated for credit) Credit Hours
Dissertation in Practice-Phase 2
The second in a series of four courses structured to support students as they progress through the dissertation phase of the doctoral program. Students must successfully complete Phase 1 prior to enrolling in Phase 2. Under the direction of the dissertation committee, students will implement their approved research proposals, collecting and analyzing data. Students will apply for and receive IRB approval prior to collecting data. Upon approval they will collect data, analyze data, and identify appropriate strategies for presenting findings in the dissertation document.
Prerequisite: EME 8981
EME 8983 - Dissertation in Practice-Phase 3
3 (may not be repeated for credit) Credit Hours
Dissertation in Practice-Phase 3
The third in a series of four courses structured to support students as they progress through the dissertation phase of the doctoral program. Students must successfully complete Phase 2 prior to enrolling in Phase 3. Under the direction of the doctoral committee the student will assemble the final dissertation document using the provided tools to ensure that the document aligns with established requirements. The document will demonstrate exceptional research, critical thinking, and writing skills per established program guidelines.
Prerequisite: EME 8982
: Three residencies are embedded in the online doctorate in instructional design and technology. Each residency is integrated with a Doctoral Seminar class, and will consist of online work before and after, which consists of a few days of intensive face-to-face work. These residencies help build a professional learning community among faculty and peers by allowing you to interact in a face-to-face environment.

The first residency occurs during the first year of coursework and focuses on professional and scholarly writing and the skills necessary to lead instructional and non-instructional performance improvement projects.

The second residency occurs during the second year of coursework and focuses on the analysis and dissemination of root causes and proposed solutions to identified problems of practice. The residency includes a formal presentation and defense of the deliverables one and two of the dissertation-in-practice.

The third and final residency takes place at the end of your coursework, and serves as the Capstone Experience for the Ed.D. degree program. During this residency students will present and defend the completed dissertation-in-practice and demonstrate mastery of all program level outcomes.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to UWF’s online Ed.D. program in instructional design, you must have a graduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission includes a GPA of 3.5 or higher on the most recent graduate degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies.

Students will be admitted to the program in Fall (August start). Spring and Summer admission are not offered.

How to Apply

To apply for this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:

Submit GRE or MAT scores (may be waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.75 or higher on the most recently completed graduate degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies.)
Submit a professional résumé.
Submit three professional references.
- A minimum of two of the three references must be able to speak to your likelihood for academic success at the doctoral level (for example, past professors).
Participate in an online interview.
Submit a letter of intent addressing professional and academic background, experiences, and goals. There is no minimum or maximum length requirement for the letter; however, students should recognize that it will be used to assess writing abilities and program fit.

Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.

Costs & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition

Component	Cost	Total*
Full Program Tuition	$384.60 per credit hour	$20,768.40
Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to )	$384.60 per credit hour	$0.00

Component	Cost	Total*
In-State Tuition	$384.60 per credit hour	$20,768.40
In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 3)	$384.60 per credit hour	$19,614.60
Full Out-of-State Tuition	$1,044.24 per credit hour	$56,388.96
90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver	$478.83 per credit hour	$25,856.82‬

Tuition waivers may cover up to 90 percent of non-resident tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees.

Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and transfer credits, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 48 months to complete, excluding dissertation hours and depending on course availability.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition

Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Active Duty Military

All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.

UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance

The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.

Military Students

UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.

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Financial Aid

Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

: You may either contact your enrollment counselor or log into your MyUWF account to view the status of your application.
: No, you may be enrolled part-time and be eligible for financial aid. Different awards have different enrollment criteria. For example, federal direct loans require at least half-time enrollment. All students are awarded assuming full-time enrollment. If you change enrollment plans, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships must be notified immediately, and we will revise your award if necessary.
: UWF will only accept credits from institutions whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies, and the amount of transfer credits allowed depends on the program. For detailed information, visit our Transfer Students page.
: Unofficial test scores or test score reports are not accepted. However, you may submit them in order to receive a preliminary idea of your chances of acceptance into a program. When the application process has begun, however, you must submit official documents.