

Use cognitive science, game studies, and design-based methodologies to conduct original research on how technology and media can support learning. This rigorous doctoral program gives you the opportunity to combine theoretical research with design and practice, building on your knowledge of the relationships between people, technology, and learning.
Academic Plan Code: EDCT
Degree: PHD
Credits: 36-54
Academic Load: The time it takes for you to complete this program will vary, based on if you study full-time or part-time and the number of credits you register for each semester. Please be aware that some programs do not offer a part-time option.
Application Deadline
Spring: n/a
Summer: n/a
Fall: December 1
Program Information
Program Website | 212-992-9494
Students entering with a relevant master's degree can complete the course requirements with as few as 36 credits. A decision on the number of credits required will be made during the advisement process.
If you have additional questions about application requirements, please email ectdmdl@nyu.edu or Xavier Ochoa (xavier.ochoa@nyu.edu), ECT doctoral coordinator.
These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.
1. Prepare Your Application
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.
You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
Please submit an essay that answers each of the following questions. Each response should be no more than one page, double-spaced, in length.
Submit three letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.
Letters should address your interests, skills, abilities, and accomplishments relevant to the design, development and use of educational media and technology-based learning environments, and your ability to pursue and complete graduate studies in this field successfully. Letters may be written by former professors, faculty advisers, academic administrators, or employers knowledgeable of your academic work or professional accomplishments.
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.
If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.
Not required.
Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2023 admissions cycle GRE scores will not be required. For more information see testing requirements.
See testing requirements.
As part of your application, you have the option of submitting published papers, chapters, presentations on relevant topics, research studies and reports, and original educational media projects directly to Professor Jan Plass. This is not a requirement.
After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.
You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.
If any remaining application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials together in a single mailing using this document cover sheet. Items received without the cover sheet take longer to process and match to your application. Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.
Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.
Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.
Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.