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PhD in Instructional Design program highlights
Instructional design skills
Curriculum is based on principles set by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (ibstpi®).
Focus on your goals early
In your first course, you’ll create a professional development plan that can help you stay on track throughout your program.
Learn and apply best practices
Use research to contribute to the enrichment of instructional design and development, the broader scholarly community, and society.
Our unique doctoral structure
Our PhD in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning
program is designed to remove roadblocks for you and demystify the
dissertation process. This unique approach centers on supporting you
in three ways: through program structure, a dedicated faculty and
support team, and online resources. To help generate momentum toward
graduation, you’ll begin your dissertation early in the program. Our
faculty, support team, and online resources will help guide you every
step of the way.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you
need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way
around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however
you learn.
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and
faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the
deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$745 per credit,
92 total quarter credits,
16 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet
standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and
fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
Grants
There are a variety of need-based federal grants available to help pay for tuition and costs.
Federal work study
Part-time jobs sponsored by the U.S. government are available to help you reduce loan debt.
PhD in Education sample courses
Our PhD in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning
balances instructional design with the psychology of learning and
technology. Curriculum emphasizes research and leadership in
instructional design, and development and implementation of
educational interventions. The program includes dissertation
research seminars which allow you to get an early start on your
dissertation.
| ED7504 * |
Leadership for Instructional Design
Learners in this course study the leadership and management skills
necessary for the effective design and delivery of web-based
instruction. Learners develop multiple leadership approaches through a
series of assignments that demonstrate competencies in collaborative
team planning, decision making, problem solving, and change
management.
Prerequisite(s): ED5802, ED5803, ED7624, ED7620. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer.
|
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED7496 * |
Advanced Instructional Design
This course focuses on practical applications of instructional design
in various work settings. Learners explore and evaluate current and
emerging instructional interventions and identify ways to apply these
approaches in education and industry settings.
Prerequisite(s): ED5802, ED5803, ED7624, ED7620. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.
|
4 quarter credits |
| ED8829 * |
Research in Instructional Design and Development
This course builds upon previous research courses and encourages
learners to begin the transformation from practitioner to scholar
engaged with theory and research impacting instructional design and
development in an e-learning environment. Learners explore the
fundamental elements of research in instructional design and
development, generate potential dissertation research topics relevant
to the Instructional Design and Development specialization, and
discuss their potential to contribute to the body of instructional
design and development knowledge.
Prerequisite(s): ED5802, ED5803, ED7620, ED7624, ED7860.
|
4 quarter credits |
| ED5803 * |
Processes of Instructional Design
This course emphasizes the process of instructional design and
provides learners the opportunity to apply design research and theory
while developing instructional strategies. Learners examine the
systematic process of addressing the needs of the student, structuring
the content, and applying principles of learning and instruction to
create effective instructional solutions.
Prerequisite(s): ED5802. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or
prior learning assessment.
|
4 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
The right education can change everything. Gain leadership skills that can help you influence and improve education.
- Implement learnings to lead development of new strategic instructional design initiatives.
- Lead instructional design organizations and work groups.
- Use multiple models, resources, and management strategies to meet the needs of and engage diverse populations.
- Develop assessment-driven, standards-based instruction or training.
- Conduct research as a scholar-practitioner to lead the evolution of practice in professional settings.
- Apply technology effectively to improve learning, productivity, and professional practice.
Instructional Design career insights
6 Tips for Transitioning to Online Teaching
Review tips for making a smooth transition from teaching face-to-face to teaching online.
The Role of the Instructional Coach in Schools
Instructional coaches can be valuable assets to any school. Learn more about them and what they do.
Quick Guide to EdS, EdD, and PhD Degrees
Compare advanced degree options for K-12 educators, including Doctor of Education and Education Specialist degrees.
Instructional Design for Online Learning professional paths
Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our
instructional design for online learning doctoral degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Director of instructional design
- Director of e-learning
- Director of education and development
- Director of instructional technology
- Director of technology assisted learning
- Director of distance and continuing education
- Dean of distance education
- Full-time faculty of education courses
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Public and private corporation
- Community college
- Vocational school
- Military education
- Health care
- Government—local, state, federal
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some
positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure,
certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because
many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella
cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a
promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you
to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit?
The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one
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