Athabasca University

What you'll study

The curriculum centres on developing analytic, evaluative and procedural expertise across distance education and related areas. Key learning themes include:

• Theoretical and historical foundations: models, trends and seminal research in distance education as a field of study and practice.
• Delivery methods and technologies: analysis of current and prospective distance-delivery approaches, their characteristics, costs and appropriate uses, plus management, planning and assessment considerations.
• Technology-mediated instruction: building theoretical frameworks for applying tech-based instructional methods in distance courses.
• Research design and communication: competencies in research methodologies, dissemination, oral presentation and academic writing.
• Systems approaches and program management: applying systems thinking to identify and solve problems, manage complex operations, and coordinate program development.
• Assessment and evaluation: theoretical and practical skills in using assessment strategies and evaluation methodologies specific to distance education.
• Teaching and learning in multiple modalities: applying pedagogical principles both as learner and educator across diverse distance modalities.
• Leadership and change: development of frameworks for leadership models and change theories within distance education organizations.

Entry requirements

The source material does not list specific admission criteria. Applicants should expect research-degree prerequisites typical for doctoral study (for example, a relevant master’s degree and research experience) and should consult the university’s official admissions page for exact requirements.

Career prospects

The programme prepares graduates for senior-level roles that involve planning, directing, designing, implementing, evaluating, researching and managing distance education initiatives. Typical outcomes include leadership positions in academic institutions, instructional design and programme coordination, research leadership in educational technology and policy roles related to distance learning.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

No specific funding details are provided in the source text. Prospective doctoral candidates should explore university scholarships, research assistantships, external grants and employer sponsorships; contact the university’s graduate funding office for up-to-date opportunities.