Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership - Technology, Learning and Leadership Specialization, Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership with a specialization in Technology, Learning, and Leadership is designed to prepare you to become a scholar and leader in the study and design of learning technologies. This cross-disciplinary and rigorous program brings together students with diverse interests in teaching and learning, policy and leadership who share a focus on exploring the impact of technology on education. In keeping with the flexibility of our program, you will design a plan of study with your advisor that incorporates core technology-focused courses and discipline-based courses drawn from other specializations within the department. For example, you can choose to concentrate on the design and development of technology environments, the evaluation of educational technology applications on student learning, or a combination of both. You will be qualified to conduct research, teach and be a leader in diverse settings, including universities, formal and informal learning environments, and policy organizations.
Our faculty members have research interests and expertise in computational thinking, data science education, digital media literacy education, virtual worlds for learning, design methodologies, learning sciences and online learning. Their work spans across a variety of fields including social studies, science, and computer science education, youth identity development, and education policy and evaluation.
You’ll graduate prepared to develop innovations in research, teaching, assessment, and leadership through the use, design, and understanding of learning technologies.
#16
Best Education Policy program by U.S. News & World Report
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website and the program handbook.
"At UMD, I found a community and mentors who value my research interests and nurture my passion for education. I am grateful for the opportunities to grow as a lifelong learner in an environment where I can access various resources to develop as a professional in my field."
Requirements
Program Requirements
On average, our program takes at least three years to complete. Most students admitted to the doctoral program already have a master’s degree. If you have a master’s degree, you will take a minimum of 60 credits. If you do not have a master’s degree, you will take a minimum of 70 credits and work with your advisor to develop an individualized plan that seamlessly blends master’s level and doctoral level coursework.
You are expected to maintain a full-time course load and fully immerse yourself in the academic community. The curriculum consists of the courses listed below.
All new TLPL PhD students join a two-course sequence (6 semester hours) in foundations of inquiry and practice with other department specialization students from Education Policy and Leadership, Language, Literacy and Social Inquiry, Mathematics and Science Education, Minority and Urban Education, Teacher Education and Professional Development, and Technology, Learning and Leadership.
- TLPL 794: Foundations of Educational Inquiry I ("Core I")
- TLPL 795: Foundations of Educational Inquiry II ("Core II")
All students complete three three-credit core courses:
- TLPL 702: Theories of Learning and Leadership with Technology
- TLPL 703: Research on Technology in Education
- TLPL 708: Rotating Special Topics Course
Students work with their advisor to develop a program of study that includes a min. of 12 credits of a technology-related specialization (e.g. design, policy issues, social media etc.) and 9 credits of a disciplinary specialization comprised of coursework in one of the department’s other, existing specializations (e.g. math education, literacy, policy etc.).
Students are required to take at least 12 credit hours of research methods courses, including one qualitative and one quantitative methods course. Students may take research methods courses in TLPL, Human Development and Quantitative Methods (HDQM), or other academic departments.
Doctoral students in TLPL enroll in a weekly 1-credit seminar (TLPL 708A) with other students in their area of focus to explore opportunities for collaborations with faculty and other students, develop their knowledge of the field and the academic profession, and apprentice into the broader research community.
Faculty
Faculty
Our faculty are chosen for their expertise and dedication; they provide exceptional guidance and support to foster your academic and professional success.
Contact
Contact
For general inquiries regarding admissions, please contact:
Kay Moon
TLPL Graduate Coordinator
kmoon@umd.edu
For program inquiries, please contact:
David Weintrop
Associate Professor
weintrop@umd.edu