Graduate Programs

Doctoral Programs

Instructional Technology Degree (Ed.D.)

Program Description | | Admission Requirements | | Degree Requirements | | Course Descriptions

Program Description

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Technology will admit new students throughout the year. The Ed.D. is based upon the understanding of education settings (schools and beyond) as learning communities immersed in a world of technology within which: 1) students are nurtured and challenged to meet the high expectations established for them; 2) community leaders are engaged in these communities to support them; and 3) teachers, supervisors and administrators must take the lead in integrating technology into these communities through continuous professional development. Thus, the program focuses on the development of instructional technology expertise to meet the present and future needs of technology integration in instruction across the educational spectrum.

The objectives of the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology are to :

• Develop knowledge and skills in the theory, foundation and philosophy to employ instructional technology in a wide range of educational practice;
• Provide advanced skills and abilities for teachers and trainers who are innovative, change agents for integrating technology into education and human resource development organizations;
• Acquire advanced skills in research, assessments and evaluation strategies in the applications of technology in education and training environments;
• Provide experiences for employing technology effectively in pre-K through 16 learning environments to promote reform and enhance learning;
• Develop knowledge, skills and abilities for teaching via online and digital environments to create and ensure high quality and effective learning communities;
• Create skilled and highly capable professionals who are able to lead educational organizations to make effective decisions about the appropriate uses of technology in learning and teaching.

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Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of a master degree in instructional technology or related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• An overall GPA of 3.00 or above for undergraduate degree work is required. Graduate work should be at a GPA level of 3.75, though GPAs as low as 3.4 can be considered.
• For international students a TOEFL score of 600 or above is required.
• Interview may be required upon the request of the Admissions Committee of the Instructional Technology faculty.

Send the following admission materials to the Graduate School Office, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252:

• Letter of application describing professional goals in seeking the degree and area(s) of interests/specializations.
• GRE test must be taken, and applicants must submit the three general scores in analytic, quantitative and verbal areas.
• Letters of recommendation from two professionals, including one from a professional familiar with the academic work of the candidate.
• Academic writing sample.
• Submission of digital portfolio elements that demonstrate the integration of technology into the applicant's field of expertise (such as instruction or training).

  Application materials must be submitted, in full, by the following deadlines for consideration of acceptance for fall and spring semesters:
  Fall Admission: May 1
  Spring Admission: November 1

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The doctoral program requires 63 graduate
units beyond the master degree. Course work in the program includes 15 units in the program core, 9 units in research methodology, 18 units of specialization elective coursework, 9 units of doctoral seminar and 12 units of dissertation research.

After completing all course work and prior to beginning the dissertation, students must pass a comprehensive written exam and/or submit a portfolio based upon the core courses and one specialization area. Upon passing/approval, students will be admitted to the dissertation sequence.

Selection of elective courses must be made with the advice and approval of the student's doctoral adviser. All elective units may be in instructional technology. With prior permission, 12 units may be taken outside the College of Education. All elective course work must be at the 600-level or higher.

With approval, courses completed as part of a Towson University C.A.S. program may be applied as part of the specialization. Examples of suitable electives include:

ISTC 717  Distance Education in Theory and Practice (3)
ISTC 767  Advanced Theory and Instructional Design (3)
ISTC 705  Advanced Web Applications in Education (3)
ISTC 718  Critical Perspectives in Instructional Technology (3)
ISTC xxx   Integrating Digital Resources into the Curriculum (3)

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Course Descriptions

For course descriptions, see the online catalog. (Be sure to click on "Graduate Catalog".)

For the latest and more detailed program information see --
http://wwwnew.towson.edu/coe/rset/insttech/edd/

For information on all matters related to admissions, fees, or registration, please contact the Graduate School at 410-704-2501.

Towson University is in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations that prohibit illegal discrimination. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. D&P 0899.27

NOTE: The information on this page represents the current information available from the 2006-2007 Graduate Catalog. Any changes in requirements made after the publication of this catalog may not appear.

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Program Director:
Bill Sadera
410-704-2731
bsadera@towson.edu