Educational Technology

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Educational Technology (EdTech) at Iowa State University is designed for aspiring scholars and researchers who are passionate about addressing critical challenges in educational technology across formal and informal learning environments. Our program is known for offering a rich, research-driven doctoral experience, blending innovative technology with pedagogical expertise.  

Why Choose the EdTech Ph.D. at Iowa State University?  

Research-Centric Focus: Our program immerses students in groundbreaking research, with opportunities to collaborate directly with faculty who are leaders in the field. You’ll engage in hands-on research that explores the design, development, and evaluation of educational technologies to meet real-world needs.  

Cutting-Edge Technologies: Students have the chance to dive deep into emerging fields like artificial intelligence, extended reality (XR), and makerspaces. We also focus on the integration of technology in teacher practice and teacher education, utilizing the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework to shape future-ready educators.  

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Our Ph.D. candidates often collaborate on grant-funded research projects that span the campus, national, and international educational landscapes. These partnerships enhance research with diverse perspectives and practical impact.  

Comprehensive Mentorship: Faculty members provide personalized mentorship, guiding students through all stages of research—from conceptualization to dissemination—while ensuring you gain mastery in both theoretical and practical aspects of educational technology.  

Whether your interest lies in investigating the implications of AI in the classroom, designing immersive learning environments with XR, or exploring the pedagogical shifts required for technology-enhanced learning, our program will empower you to make a meaningful contribution to the future of education.  

Modality

The EdTech Ph.D. program is primarily an on-campus program, allowing students to engage deeply with faculty and peers, participate in collaborative research, and access campus resources and facilities. However, the program also offers flexibility through a selection of online courses that accommodate diverse learning needs and schedules.  

These online course offerings enable students to customize their learning experiences, providing the opportunity to engage with foundational and advanced topics in educational technology remotely. The combination of in-person and online modalities allows students to benefit from the dynamic, interactive environment of face-to-face learning while taking advantage of the convenience and flexibility of online courses.   

Is this for you?

The EdTech PhD program is designed for K-12 teachers, technology coaches, instructional designers, and other professionals who are passionate about advancing their expertise in educational research, technology integration, and the design and evaluation of learning environments.  

Those who complete the Ph.D. in Educational Technology (EdTech) program can pursue a wide range of career paths that leverage their expertise in educational research, technology integration, and instructional design. Graduates are well-prepared for academic roles such as faculty positions in colleges and universities, where they can conduct research, teach, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in educational technology.  

Additionally, graduates can work as educational researchers in public and private institutions, helping to shape policy, develop innovative learning solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational technologies. They may also serve as instructional designers, creating engaging and effective learning experiences in K-12 schools, higher education, corporate training, or non-profit organizations.  

For those with extensive P-12 classroom experience, the program opens doors to leadership roles in school, district, or state educational technology departments, where they can influence technology policy and implementation. Furthermore, graduates can become technology experts or consultants, advising on the integration of emerging technologies in educational settings, developing digital tools and resources, or leading professional development for educators on effective technology use. 

Curriculum

The Ph.D. program is designed to offer students both the rigorous methodological preparation required to undertake educational inquiry at the highest levels and the flexibility to pursue coursework and experiences that support the students’ individual research interests and professional paths. The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 72 credits.  

Students will create an Academic Plan (AP) with their major professor and Academic Plan Committee (APC) based on Graduate College and SOE policies and requirements. Transfer credits, substitutions, and customization of the AP are allowed when approved by a student’s APC.

Affiliated Faculty

Application Information  

This program has the following application deadlines:   

Complete the online graduate application. Applications require:    

For additional information, visit our Graduate Application Information and Frequently Asked Questions page.