Instructional Technology, Ed.D.

Contact Information

Program Description

The Ed.D. in Instructional Technology is intended to deepen and broaden the knowledge and skills of candidates in Instructional Technology. There are two tracks for the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology–Certification Track and Advanced Track. The certification track leads to initial certification in Instructional Technology by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). The advanced track is for candidates who already have initial certification in Instructional Technology and wish to pursue an advanced track that leads to an upgrade to their existing certificate by the GaPSC.

The certification track in Instructional Technology prepares educators who wish to effectively integrate technology into their own teaching practice and to assist other educators in utilizing technology to improve the teaching and learning process. It prepares educators to model best practices in the use of instructional technologies and to provide high-quality professional learning experiences for others. The advanced track prepares technology leaders to lead the use of technology at the local, state, regional or national levels.

In Georgia, Instructional Technology is a new field of certification and is classified as a Service (S) certificate (P-12) when added to an existing clear renewable Georgia certificate. The Certification track leads to S-7 certification (service field) in Instructional Technology and increases a candidate’s Level 5 or Level 6 certificate to a Level 7. To qualify for the new certification, candidates must pass the GACE in Instructional Technology and add the new Instructional Technology service field to their existing teaching certificate. The Advanced track also increases a Level 5 or Level 6 certificate to a Level 7.

Admission Requirements

The following are requirements beyond the general Graduate Admissions requirements.

• An earned master’s degree in education or a closely related field.  

• A professional teaching certificate OR a departmentally approved equivalent (for non-Georgia or non-certified individuals). The School of Instructional Technology and Innovation recognizes and appreciates that many charter, independent schools, IE2, and 21st century learning environments do not require educators to hold traditional state teaching certification. In such instances, the Department will make a case-by-case determination as to whether the educator’s qualifications are sufficiently equivalent to a traditional teaching certificate and/or whether the educator has the background necessary to ensure successful completion of the program.

• At least three years of professional teaching or administrative experience (or a combination thereof), or a related role serving B-12 education (To facilitate candidates’ field experiences, current full-time employment as a professional educator is preferred.). 

• A competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score and Graduate GPA. The GPA and GRE will be utilized with other admission criteria to determine program eligibility. Although no minimum scores are required, candidates are encouraged to prepare and score well since admission to the program is competitive. Please note: The Analytical/Writing score one receives as part of the GRE exam is used competitively in the admission review process. GRE scores must be from within the last five years. It is strongly encouraged for applicants to do well on this portion of the exam. 

• If seeking GaPSC certification, applicants must obtain and submit a Mentor form indicating support from a qualified mentor who meets the GaPSC Mentor Requirements.  Mentor requirements can be found on the ITEC Mentor form on the Graduate Admissions website for this program.

• A Professional Resume documenting statement of purpose for wanting the degree, education, teaching experience, volunteer and service accomplishments, and record of leadership activities. Your resume MUST reflect, at least, three years of teaching and/or administrative experience.

• A Professional Reflections Statement. Write a 1-3 single-spaced professional reflections statement which addresses the following questions: Why are you interested in the field of instructional technology? Why are you interested in pursuing a doctoral degree? What are your career plans after completing your Ed.D. degree? What areas of research are you interested in exploring and/or conducting? Which faculty members would you be most interested in working with in regards to your research and/or career goals?

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Currently there are no exceptions to the admission requirements.

Transfer Credit

Students who complete their Ed.S. in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University may apply up to 15 hours of their Ed.S. to the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology. Students who have completed their Ed.S. at other institutions within the last 5 years may have their transcripts analyzed to receive transfer credit toward the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology at KSU. 

Petition to Graduate

Each candidate must petition to graduate online. For more informaiton, please view the corresponding section of Academic Policies .

Program of Study