EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University is now offering its doctoral program in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology online with a new hybrid option focused on the evolving role of technology in learning.
The blended four- to five-year program, which combines online coursework with summer classes on campus, is designed to meet a growing demand from experienced education professionals who want to earn a Ph.D. while continuing in their current positions.
These professionals currently serve in K-12 schools, universities or research institutions, and understand how new technologies, including online learning, continue to transform education.
The goal is to develop the next generation of educational leaders who understand the need to create new technologically sound pedagogies grounded in innovative research and practice.
MSU’s College of Education is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of students, with classes slated to begin this June. Few research universities offer online doctoral coursework in education, said Punya Mishra, associate professor of educational technology.
“We are meeting a clear national demand from highly qualified professionals who want to enhance their scholarly abilities but can’t devote four years to full-time study on campus,” said Mishra, who, along with colleague Matthew Koehler, developed a model for integrating technology for effective teaching.
“We are looking for students who are closely connected to the world of practice, and that will in turn enrich the research conducted here at MSU.”
The hybrid version of MSU’s highly ranked Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology will make extensive use of technology so that much of the program can be learned from anywhere in the world and give students a rich, personal experience in online learning.
Students will take one online doctoral course during each fall and spring semester. Summers will include three online courses plus an intensive two-week session on campus. Students also will take on-campus courses during fall semester of the third year to meet university residency requirements and work intensely on their dissertation research.
With today’s emphasis on data-driven accountability, educational leaders need rigorous preparation in research and evaluation of learning with technology. In addition, educational technology – especially the rapidly expanding world of online learning – calls for educators who deeply understand how theories of learning and development can inform the design of learning environments of the future.
Visit http://edtechphd.com for more information. Prospective students may also e-mail rdickson@msu.edu or call (517) 884-2094.