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The Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development is an individualized degree program that builds on your existing work and educational experience and can be tailored to your unique career goals.

Program highlights:

This program is unique to you. Utilize what you have learned and your experience to develop a Ph.D. program that meets your needs.

What are some potential careers?

Graduates pursue careers as faculty, researchers, administrators, evaluators, directors, high-level managers and consultants.

Who should pursue this degree?

Do you enjoy writing at a professional level? What about researching, teaching and learning? If these are your interests, this is a degree you should consider. Students in this program generally enjoy analyzing complex problems and posing solutions, infusing technology into teaching and learning, presenting new ideas and exploring emerging technologies.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Program Structure

Students are required to complete a program of study with the aid of their advisor. The contents of a student's program of study are documented in the student's DegreeWorks report, which can be accessed in myBanner. Details concerning the DegreeWorks report/program of study are included at the university's course catalog website.

The student and his/her major advisor may use the following forms to design a program of study, that will then be keyed in the student's DegreeWorks report.

A Ph.D. student must complete the degree program within five years after passing written and oral preliminary exams. NO TECH 9000 hours can be taken before passing preliminary exams. To learn more about preliminary exams visit our departmental website.

For the program of study:

  • At least 2/3 of the hours on the graduate program (courses taken after admission to the Ph.D. degree), exclusive of dissertation credit, must be 8000 level or above.
  • No more than 6 semester hours of graduate credit earned in Directed Individual Studies (7000) courses or 6 semester hours of Special Topics (6990, 8990) courses may be included on the student's approved degree program. No more than 9 semester hours of a combination of Directed Individual Studies and Special Topic courses may be included on the student's approved degree program.

Admission Options

A student applying for admission into the Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development must submit the complete application packet to the Office of the Graduate School no later than:
May 1 for Summer semester
July 1 for Fall semester
November 1 for Spring semester

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      Magruder Hall

      255 Lee Blvd
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor
YOUR NEXT STEP

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Your next chapter starts at MSU.

REQUIRED APPLICATION STEP

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Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English language proficiency test score. Mississippi State University accepts scores from the TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Prospective students should consult the appropriate testing organization for information about test registration and administration.

The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English language test score requirements and additional information regarding English language proficiency.

Student Resources

Please visit the ISWD Graduate FAQ page to find answers to commonly asked questions.


Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Headshot of dr.vance

Dr. Vance Durrington

Instructional Systems and Workforce Development

  • Graduate Coordinator, Ph.D. Program Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

Will my Mississippi State University diploma say "online"?

No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

How much does Mississippi State cost?

Mississippi State helps make your education more affordable by offering the applicable in-state tuition rate to online students regardless of where they live. Tuition and required fees are charged per credit hour, and your total cost depends on your program, credit hours, and applicable fees. Textbooks and course materials are additional expenses, and rates are subject to change.

Do out-of-state students pay in-state tuition at Mississippi State Online?

Yes. Mississippi State Online students pay the applicable in-state tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi or elsewhere. You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to receive this rate for your online program. Required fees and other course expenses still apply.

Can Mississippi State Online students receive financial aid or scholarships?

Eligible online students may receive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities are available. Eligibility and award amounts vary; funding is not guaranteed for every student or program. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student aid, and review scholarship requirements and deadlines.

How do I apply to Mississippi State Online?

Start with the Apply Now page and choose the application that matches your undergraduate or graduate program and applicant status. Select "Online Education" as your campus. Review your program's admission requirements and deadlines, then submit the application, required documents, and any applicable application fee. Requirements vary by program and may differ for new, transfer, returning, and international students.

Do Mississippi State Online programs require campus visits or in-person experiences?

Requirements depend on the program and concentration. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others include internships, field experiences, or coursework that requires in-person participation. Review your program's curriculum and contact its program representative before applying to confirm attendance requirements. Explore programs and their requirements in the Academic Programs directory.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

Transfer-credit policies vary by degree level and program. Some programs consider eligible coursework from other institutions, while others do not accept prior credit toward program requirements. Review your program's transfer-credit policy and contact its academic advisor or program coordinator before planning your coursework.

What support is available to Mississippi State Online students?

Mississippi State Online students have access to academic advising, library resources, writing support, technical assistance, and career services. Program coordinators and advisors can help you navigate your studies and connect with university resources.