The University of Georgia’s Mary Frances Early College of Education is introducing the online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Learning, Design, and Technology, the university’s first fully online doctoral program. Starting Fall 2026 but accepting applications now, this 51-credit program is designed for experienced administrators, educators, and instructional design professionals looking to lead technology-enhanced learning initiatives in P-12 schools, higher education, healthcare, and industry.

Combining design thinking with applied research, the Ed.D. equips graduates to create, evaluate, and improve instructional systems in diverse settings. Students choose from two areas of emphasis: Instructional Technology in P-12 Education, with an upgrade option for certified educators, or Instructional Design and Development, geared toward higher education, healthcare, and corporate training.

“My path from K-12 education to higher education has reinforced my conviction that learning is not something that happens to students; it’s something they actively create when given the right environment, tools, and support,” said Lauren Bagdy, Assistant Professor in the program.

Delivered in a cohort model with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning, the program guides students through foundational theory, advanced research methods, and a practice-based dissertation project. Coursework is designed to be immediately applicable, enabling students to integrate new strategies into their professional roles while earning their degree.

Another Assistant Professor, Ai-Chu Elisha Ding, said, “What excites me about our field is the potential to bridge research and practice: to design learning environments that honor students’ full linguistic and semiotic repertoires, and to support teachers in implementing these innovations in real classrooms.”

Graduates will be prepared to lead innovation in curriculum design, professional development, and performance improvement, contributing to the scholarship and practice of learning in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

Learn more about the Online Ed.D. in Learning, Design, and Technology.