LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Instructional Design for Online Learning
Lead organizations to solve educational challenges using advanced knowledge and skills with an online PhD in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University. Gain hands-on experience in creating and applying instructional design initiatives for diverse populations. The curriculum in this program is based on principles set by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (ibstpi®).
Classes start March 8
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online & in-person
- 6 Core courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 3 Elective courses
- 3 Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $10,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $10K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
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; 1–2 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, 77 coursework credits, 16 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Dissertation research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Comprehensive exam
$2,235 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,235
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2020. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 4 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 4 quarters |
$8,940.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$62,804.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$55,304.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 19 quarters |
$65,304.00 |
Completes dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 5 quarters |
$11,175.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$65,039.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$57,539.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 20 quarters |
$67,539.00 |
Completes dissertation in 7 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 7 quarters |
$15,645.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$69,509.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$62,009.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 22 quarters |
$72,009.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Our PhD in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning program 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, RSCH7860. |
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 |
Learning outcomes
This program is designed to prepare you for leadership and management of instructional design challenges in educational institutions, corporations, health care and government agencies, and the military.
On successful completion of this degree program, you should be able to:
- Contribute to the enrichment of the instructional design and development discipline, the broader scholarly community, and society through research in instructional design and development
- Lead instructional design organizations and work groups
- Lead strategic instructional design initiatives
- Cultivate ethical behavior in the organization and broader community
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning.
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.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions .
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
The Difference between a PhD in Education and an EdD
A doctoral degree in education equips educators at every level—from K-12 to post-secondary—with the tools they need to impact and transform the field.
6 Tips for Transitioning to Online Teaching
Review tips for making a smooth transition from teaching face-to-face to teaching online.
Doctoral Guide
Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.