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Educational Leadership, Instructional Design and Technology Concentration, Ed.D.

As an instructional designer, you will create accessible learning and e-learning systems and build effective educational systems using techniques that support student achievement.

Program Information

Graduate students in the Educational Leadership, Instructional Design and Technology Concentration, Ed.D. program learn how to design, develop, and implement learning solutions for schools, higher education institutions, and in government or corporate settings with the goal of supporting and increasing individual success. Candidates take courses emphasizing learning theories, design principles, technology integration, multimedia design and development, as well as delivering instruction in online, in-person, and blended environments. 

  • Affordable and Practical - Idaho State University is one of the most affordable accredited universities in the country. All instructional design and technology students are invited to learn more about qualifying for in-state tuition!
  • Anywhere and at Anytime - The 100% online, asynchronous (no set time) program enrolls students nationwide and is tailored to the working professional.

  • Flexible and Accessible - Students can be enrolled part-time or full-time and can start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

  • Innovative and Experiential - Students will learn from national leaders in instructional design and technology with the chance to network and be involved with professional organizations in the field such as AECT or ISTE.

  • Presentation and Publication - Students will have the opportunity to publish and present their own research or participate with program faculty research on the regional, national, or international levels.

  • Advance Your Career - The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is the highest university degree awarded in recognition of academic preparation for professional practice in Educational Leadership. While research is an important component of the Doctor of Education program, candidates are provided with coursed and experiences to prepare them to be effective practitioners and leaders in higher education and related fields.

Meet with our Graduate Studies Director

Application, Funding, and Support

Program and Admission Requirements

The Educational Leadership, Ed.D. in Instructional Design and Technology is designed to strengthen the candidate's knowledge, skills, and dispositions in Core Standards for Advanced Professionals and Idaho State University Department of Educational Leadership Standards for Educational Leaders. Throughout the program, students learn to combine cutting-edge technologies with contemporary learning theories to improve individual and institutional performance. All coursework involves creating real-world instructional projects and products that students can customize to the educational setting and subject matter of their choice. This approach ensures that the knowledge, skills, and products developed in the program are readily transferable to each student's desired work setting. 

Admission

  • Meet the ISU Graduate School admissions requirements
  • Master's degree in related field from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum of 3.5 GPA at the graduate level
  • Letter of interest, stating why the applicant is interested in the Educational Leadership, Ed.D. with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology 
  • Current resume with the names and contact information of two persons that can attest to the applicants potential as an educational leader
  • Successful completion of an interview with faculty in the Instructional Design and Technology concentration
  • Successful performance on an on-site writing sample completed in conjunction with the interview

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with the concentration in Instructional Design and Technology requires a minimum of 64 credits:

  • 18 credits in the doctoral core
  • 27 credits in the area of concentration, including a minimum of 3 practicum credits
  • 09 credits of cognate courses (500 level or above)
  • 10 dissertation credits

Continuous Enrollment 

Once candidates begin the Ed.D. program, they are required to maintain continuous enrollment, including during summers, throughout the program.

 

Career Opportunties 

Graduates with a degree in instructional design and technology could be qualified for the following types of positions:

  • Higher Education Instructional Designer
  • K-12 Instructional Design and Technology  
  • Corporate Instructional Designer
  • Private School Principal
  • Higher Education Faculty
  • Curriculum Designer
  • Higher Education Researcher
  • Community Schools Consultant
  • Trainer of Teachers, Administrator
  • Educational Systems Consultant

Job Placement and Salaries 

As a field of study and career, instructional design and technology has a bright outlook. The current outlook includes:

  • 28% increase in annual job growth over the next decade
  • 38th best job in America according to CNN Money 
  • One of the best jobs in higher education according to Inside Higher ED
  • Average salaries, according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, for an Instructional Coordinator is $70,560 and the median income Instructional Designers working in the healthcare field is $93,870.
John Curry headshot

John Curry, PhD

Department Chair / Professor

Office: Garrison 623

(208) 282-2585

johncurry@isu.edu