Instructional Design and Technology (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Instructional Design and Technology prepares reflective scholars and capable professionals who apply instructional systems design, theory, tools, and technologies to achieve desired educational and training outcomes in various settings. The program fosters lifelong learning and values leadership, ethical and informed decision-making, assessment, program evaluation, effective communication, and technology.

Keiser University states the goals of this program as follows.

• Students will use design theory and ethical leadership to make instructional decisions for meaningful change.
• Students will develop skills to meaningfully communicate and lead in a variety of organizational learning environments.
• Students will integrate technology and evaluate implications using data for best instructional practices.
• Students will contribute as scholar-researchers in the field of instructional design to advance the body of knowledge.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcript directly from the previous institution by the end of a student’s first semester. Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum one third of a program at any time through the University. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from all former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Keiser University does not make any blanket assurances or guarantees regarding the acceptance or transferability of credits from other institutions. Each credit evaluation is conducted on a caseby-case basis in accordance with university policy.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted doctoral degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 18 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements. Courses represented with a Pass or Satisfactory grade may be transferable at the discretion of the program chair and/or appropriate program Dean.

Keiser University publishes this program as 60.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 44 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. A one-time application fee of $55.00 and a one-time registration fee of $145.00 are charged upon enrollment.

Financial aid

Grants are not available at the graduate level, but federal student loans and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Keiser University’s PhD in Instructional Design and Technology serves experienced professionals ready to advance their careers through doctoral study. With flexible online options, our instructional technology program aligns with your career goals and professional development needs. Whether you seek to lead educational technology initiatives, advance into college faculty positions, or drive innovation in corporate training, Keiser provides the advanced education and research experience needed to make a lasting impact in the field.