PhD
Instructional Psychology & Technology
Application Deadline
Contact Information
Admission Requirements
We strongly recommend that you have an MS degree in IP&T or related field prior to applying for the PhD program.
If you currently do not have an MS degree, we encourage you to first apply for the MS program and then apply for the PhD towards the end of your MS degree. Those with MS degrees in IP&T are much more competitive for advanced study.
Starting as an MS student will not slow down your progress because all the core coursework required for the MS is also required for the PhD. Up to 36.0 credits (of the total 40.0) can be applied from our MS program to the PhD requirements. We can also accept up to 36.0 credits from a comparable graduate program under the discretion of the department chair.
Required Application Materials:
Interview:
If you currently do not have an MS degree, we encourage you to first apply for the MS program and then apply for the PhD towards the end of your MS degree. Those with MS degrees in IP&T are much more competitive for advanced study.
Starting as an MS student will not slow down your progress because all the core coursework required for the MS is also required for the PhD. Up to 36.0 credits (of the total 40.0) can be applied from our MS program to the PhD requirements. We can also accept up to 36.0 credits from a comparable graduate program under the discretion of the department chair.
- Priority application deadline is January 15th
- Those who meet the priority application deadline will receive a decision in March
- Depending on space available, students may submit late applications for review by April 15th.
Required Application Materials:
- GRE
- Letter of Intent
- The statement of intent is your chance as an applicant to explain why this program is a great fit for you and you are a great fit for the program. Your statement should be in letter format and be uploaded as a PDF, addressed to the IP&T Admissions Committee, and no longer than 2 pages single-spaced.
- Suggestions for information to include: your background and preparation, your experience and interest in the field, faculty research that interests and excites you, your strengths as a student, your goals both in the program and after graduation, your motivation to fulfill BYU’s mission statement.
- All past post-secondary transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume or vita
- MS degree in IP&T or related field – if your MS is in a related field, please provide a description of how it relates.
- Writing Sample – Please submit an excerpt (no more than 5 pages) of writing that clearly shows your academic writing ability and skill.
Interview:
- Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email from your proposed/desired advisor requesting a 15-minute interview (either in-person or over Zoom). The two of you will agree on a time and date.
Program Requirements
The PhD program prepares students to assume positions of leadership in instructional design and evaluation. Graduates may take positions as faculty at colleges and universities, direct other instructional designers in private or public institutions, or work as an individual consultant.
The instructional psychology and technology doctoral program is designed for full-time study. All PhD students will be required to complete the equivalent of 15 credits per year to remain enrolled in the program (prior to completing non-dissertation coursework).
Requirements for Degree.
The instructional psychology and technology doctoral program is designed for full-time study. All PhD students will be required to complete the equivalent of 15 credits per year to remain enrolled in the program (prior to completing non-dissertation coursework).
Requirements for Degree.
- Credit hours (90 hours): 72 course work hours plus 18 dissertation hours (IP&T 799R).
- Advanced writing (3 hours): IP&T 510 - Scholarly Writing and Argumentation.
- Skills courses (15 hours): Research Methods Skills: IP&T 651, 653, 674R, 730, 745, 747, 752, 753R, 754, 789, and/or Computer Science Skills: IP&T 560, 654, 655, 665, 760R.
- Required (core) courses (18 hours): IP&T 520, 564, 620, 629, 652, (661 or 761).
- Specialization: 22 hours as determined in consultation with graduate committee.
- Internship: 6 hours (IP&T 599R).
- Seminar: 2 hours (IP&T 690R).
- Two projects: 6 hours (IP&T 657R, 667R, 677R, 687R).
- Dissertation: 18 hours (IP&T 799R)
- Examinations: Oral defense of dissertation.
- Students must register for at least two consecutive 6-hour semesters on the BYU campus.
Program Outcomes
Foundational Knowledge and Understanding
Demonstrate depth and breadth of understanding of the fundamental principles related to instructional design, development, evaluation, assessment, and research.
Ethical and Professional Practice
Develop a personal commitment to integrate into their lives the standards of professional ethics within the field, and demonstrate a willingness to live by high standards of ethical practice consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Practical Application Skills
Demonstrate ability to complete quality projects in the field by applying knowledge and skills related to design, development, evaluation, assessment and research.
Research Skills
Demonstrate the ability to design, implement, report, and critique quality research within the discipline.
Professional Communication
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate research and evaluation findings.
Demonstrate depth and breadth of understanding of the fundamental principles related to instructional design, development, evaluation, assessment, and research.
Ethical and Professional Practice
Develop a personal commitment to integrate into their lives the standards of professional ethics within the field, and demonstrate a willingness to live by high standards of ethical practice consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Practical Application Skills
Demonstrate ability to complete quality projects in the field by applying knowledge and skills related to design, development, evaluation, assessment and research.
Research Skills
Demonstrate the ability to design, implement, report, and critique quality research within the discipline.
Professional Communication
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate research and evaluation findings.
Program Stats
Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
Total Students
42.0
International
4.0
Male
21.0
Female
21.0
LDS
42.0
BYU Undergraduate
19.0
Five Year Average of Graduated Students
Average Years to Degree
1.89
Graduated Per Year
18.6
GMAT Quantitative Percentile
67.5
Five Year Average of Admitted Students
Applied Per Year
13.2
Admitted Per Year
9.6
Percent Admitted
72.73
Average GPA
3.55
Courses and Faculty