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Indiana University Online
U.S. News and World Report Best Online Graduate Education Instructional Media and Design Ranked 3rd Nationally 2025

Instructional Systems Technology, Ed.D.

The IU Online Doctor of Education in Instructional Systems Technology (IST) teaches you how to improve learning and performance for students of all ages and in a wide range of settings. You’ll discover how people acquire, process, and share information so that you can create the most effective learning environments and instructional tools.

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Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 60

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $520.17

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $623.49

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

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Degree Overview

Your IU Online Doctor of Education in Instructional Systems Technology prepares you to take on a leadership or management role in a wide variety of educational settings, ranging from K-12 classrooms to corporate training centers. You’ll develop research skills in instructional systems technology and learn to measure the effectiveness of instructional tools, understand educational theory, and interpret human performance outcomes.

As a student in the Ed.D. in Instruction Systems Technology, you’ll benefit from a career-focused program ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  • A master's degree
  • 2.7 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

  • Transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores
  • Resume (international students only)
  • TOEFL score from last two years (international students only) 

Your IU Online Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology prepares you to assume management and leadership roles in public or private agencies and organizations in such careers as:

  • E-learning developer 
  • Instructional designer 
  • Corporate trainer 
  • Technology coordinator  
  • Online learning specialist
  • Technology integration specialist
  • Computer learning lab coordinator
  • Distance learning director
  • Educational software consultant

To graduate with the Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology, you must complete 60 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • IST core courses (6 credit hours) 
  • IST elective courses (24 credit hours) 
  • Inquiry requirements (9 credit hours) 
  • Foundation requirements (3 credit hours) 
  • Minor requirements (9-12 credit hours) 
  • Dissertation requirements (9 credit hours) 

Core Classes for the EDd in Instructional Systems Technology
Course Number Course Name Credits
EDUC-Y 520 Strategies for Educational Inquiry 3 Credits
EDUC-D 505 
-OR-
EDUC-P 540		 Adult Learning through the Lifespan
-OR-
Learning and Cognition in Education		 3 Credits
EDUC-R 690 IST Early Research Experience 3 Credits
EDUC-R 711 IST Doctoral Readings 3 Credits
EDUC-R 795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation 3 Credits
EDUC-R 799 Doctoral Dissertation in Instructional Systems Technology 3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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