Doctor of Philosophy

PhD in Educational Technology & Learning Design

Method of delivery:
In-person
Applications open:
November 1, 2023
Applications close:
January 15, 2024
Next start date:
September 2024

Following an apprenticeship model of learning in which students work closely with faculty members on research projects at the leading edge of their fields, develop the skills and experience necessary to delve into a career in Research & Development or academic teaching.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Designed for

Those intending to pursue careers in R&D and/or teaching at the post-secondary level.

Program Structure

  • Minimum of 20 units of coursework plus Doctoral exam and thesis
  • In-person classes, typically at the Burnaby campus
  • Late afternoon or evening classes
  • Non-credit potluck gatherings

Intake Schedule

Next Start Terms
Fall 2023 (applications closed)
Fall 2024

PROGRAM DESIGN & COURSES

Program Design

This program (organized in close conjunction with the Master's in Educational Technology and Learning Design) develops highly qualified educational technology researchers and designers in academia, research and development labs, corporations, school boards or other settings.

In addition to completing formal coursework, students meet once a term for informal (non-credit) potluck gatherings.

Courses

Either prior to admittance to the program or during the program, students must satisfy the prerequisites for:

  • EDUC 863 (EDUC 810 or EDUC 864) 

and

  • EDUC 867 (EDUC 866)

or  

  • EDUC 975 (EDUC 863 and EDUC 864)

Students complete:

EDUC 863-3 QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Focus on critical analysis of quantitative research in education. Research studies examined will be based on exploratory and confirmatory data analysis, including group comparisons and correlations. Students will use calculators and computers for data analysis and display. Prerequisite: EDUC 810 or 864.

EDUC 866-5 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research

This course introduces students to qualitative research in education and examines topics such as identifying problems, using conceptual frameworks, coding, data analysis, drawing interpretations, and constructing arguments.

EDUC 931-4 DOCTORAL SEMINAR IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING DESIGN I

A doctoral-level survey of major scholars, theories and technological contributions shaping the field of educational technology and learning design. This offering focuses on understanding and differentiating several traditions of research development that have shaped and continue to shape the field.

EDUC 932-4 DOCTORAL SEMINAR IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING DESIGN II

A doctoral-level survey of major scholars, theories and technological contributions shaping the field of educational technology and learning design. This offering focuses on the interdependence of perspectives on knowing, learning, teaching and design, and the use of technology to support these processes. Prerequisite: Admission to ETLD program.

One of two:

EDUC 867-5 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN EDUCATION

Students will study in depth various qualitative methodological approaches to educational research, will develop competence to contribute significantly to knowledge in their particular field of study, and will engage in intensive practice of various methodological approaches to qualitative research introduced in EDUC 866. Prerequisite: EDUC 866.

EDUC 975-4 ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Methods for analyzing multivariate data in educational research, meta-analytic methods, and applications and frailties of advanced quantitative analysis. Illustrations from educational research are used throughout. Students with credit for EDUC 865 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: EDUC 863 and 864 or permission of instructor.

And:

EDUC 983-5 DOCTORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

The examination is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Normally, the comprehensive examination is completed in the term in which course requirements are completed, or the term immediately following.

EDUC 899-15* DOCTORAL THESIS

A major part of this program is original research. A thesis describing this is submitted and defended. Normally, before the fourth course a thesis research plan is presented to the supervisory committee. Upon entry to the program, every term students enroll in EDUC 899-15 Doctoral Thesis.

*Effective January 1, 2018, the unit value of EDUC 899 increased to 15 units from 10 units.

LOCATION

At SFU, campus life is rich with opportunities to engage with people, ideas and activities that contribute to personal development and a better world.

Burnaby

Perched atop Burnaby Mountain, Simon Fraser University's original Arthur Erickson-designed campus includes more than three dozen academic buildings and a flourishing sustainable residential community.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, on which SFU Burnaby is located.

FACULTY

Faculty members are recognized for their work in developing, advancing and enacting knowledge that makes a difference in public education. We follow a rigorous research program to investigate theory and provide innovative leadership in issues of educational pedagogy.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Where this program can take you: The world is changing rapidly and so is the full range of career and academic opportunities that await.

Occupations

  • Research & Development
  • Faculty members at post-secondary institutions

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Meet some Educational Technology & Learning Design PhD students and alumni.

"SFU Faculty of Education has a very good reputation. I was looking for a Canadian based cohort program."

Lynda Beveridge, 2020 Graduate

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

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QUESTIONS?