About Learning, Design and Technology
Structured around the cognitive apprenticeship theory of education, which emphasizes experiential learning, the UW Ph.D. program in Learning, Design and Technology gives you the experience of digital study while also immersing you in the systems and theory of digital learning. This program offers online convenience with one required in-person orientation day to get to know your mentors and peers.
Working closely with faculty, you will have the chance to conduct research, produce a dissertation and develop the skills and knowledge you will need to pursue an academic career or top leadership position in business, the military, health care or high tech, wherever there is a need for ongoing learning.
We are no longer accepting Ph.D. applications for this program. Current Ph.D. students are allowed to complete their program. Please consider applying to our Ed.D. program instead.
Application Deadline
We are no longer accepting applications to this Ph.D. program. Currently enrolled students are allowed to complete their programs. If interested, please consider applying to our Ed.D. program instead.
Admission Requirements
Domestic Students
- GPA: 3.0 in master's
- GRE: 151 verbal, 153 quantitative, 3.5 writing*
International Students
- TOEFL: 550 minimum written or 80 minimum online, OR IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
- GRE: 151 verbal, 153 quantitative, 3.5 writing*
How to Apply
Please visit our program admission webpage for more details.
*If you have received a Master's in Science degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from the University of Wyoming, the GRE is not required.
Online Learning at UW
The University of Wyoming offers an extensive selection of fully online and hybrid programs in addition to the online Education, Ph.D., concentration in Learning, Design and Technology. These programs are on par with our Laramie Campus programs in every significant aspect, with equivalent learning expectations and the same accreditation. Additionally, we understand that online learners have distinct requirements, and we are committed to delivering a range of academic and student resources specifically designed to support your success during your time at UW and beyond graduation.
Request InfoLearn more about the University of Wyoming's online programming!
What Can You Do with a Learning, Design and Technology Ph.D. Concentration?
The UW Ph.D. degree in learning, design and technology will prepare you for a career as a scholar-teacher in a university setting as well as for leadership roles in higher education, corporations, the military and other organizations.
UW learning, design and technology Ph.D. graduates may be employed in the following positions:
- College professors
- Instructional media coordinators
- Instruction designers
- Curriculum and assessment directors
- Curriculum and instruction directors
- Curriculum coordinators
- Curriculum designers
- Curriculum specialists
- School curriculum developers
- Non-profit education program director
Research and write a dissertation on a topic that aligns with your interests and career goals. Past titles include:
- “Collaborative learning in engineering: A quest to improve student retention”
- “Procedural learning: A comparison of skills acquisition between an online environment and traditional classroom training”
- “Strategic planning and resource allocation as a road trip: Conditions necessary for successful planning integration at a rural community college”
- “The relationship between preservice teachers' perceptions of faculty modeling of computer-based technology and their intent to use computer-based technology”
- “Students' attitudes toward internet use and feelings of connectedness in their graduate programs at a rural university”
- “A study of informal learning among University of Wyoming Extension educators”
Yes! The UW College of Education is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
You can apply for a graduate assistantship, which offers full-time, on-campus students with faculty research opportunities, college-level teaching experiences and stipends.
"I am committed to helping build the bridge between best practices in our field and the increasing needs of public safety officials for efficient and effective learning design."
- Jon Lee Anderle, Ph.D. ’18 | Having served Laramie County as a patrol officer, investigations unit sergeant and operations lieutenant, Anderle turned his attention to a passion area: Training fellow officers on impaired driving enforcement. More education and training experiences—both online and face-to-face—followed and eventually, Anderle enrolled as a Ph.D. student in learning, design and instruction. Today, he serves as a regional administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.