Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development

PhD Entry Requirements

Application Fees: US$ 80

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 83% or above as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of  6.5 is required.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.

Standardized Test Requirements:

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A GRE score of 300 is required.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Mississippi State University, located in Starkville, Mississippi, is a prominent institution known for its academic excellence and research innovation. For international students aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. at MSU, there are several scholarship opportunities available to support their academic journey.

International Excellence Scholarship: MSU offers the International Excellence Scholarship to outstanding international Ph.D. students. This merit-based scholarship recognizes academic achievement, research potential, and the applicant's making significant contributions to their field.

Graduate Assistantships: In addition to specific Ph.D. scholarships, international students can explore Graduate Assistantship opportunities. These positions not only provide financial support through stipends but also offer valuable research or teaching experience, enhancing the overall academic experience.

Global Leaders Scholarship: MSU's global leadership is reflected in the Global Leaders Scholarship. This award aims to attract exceptional international Ph.D. candidates who demonstrate leadership qualities, community engagement, and a strong commitment to cross-cultural collaboration.

Research Fellowships: For Ph.D. students engaged in cutting-edge research, MSU provides Research Fellowships that support innovative projects. These fellowships often cover tuition, stipends, and research-related expenses, fostering a dynamic research environment.

Graduate School Diversity Fellowship: MSU values diversity and inclusivity. The Graduate School Diversity Fellowship encourages underrepresented international students to pursue doctoral studies by providing financial assistance and fostering a supportive academic community.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development from Mississippi State University (MSU) possess specialized skills that open doors to diverse and impactful career opportunities. The program's focus on instructional design, technology integration, and workforce development equips graduates for leadership roles in education, training, and organizational development.

University Professor: Graduates can pursue academic careers as university professors, teaching instructional design, educational technology, and workforce development. They may also engage in research and contribute to advancements in the field.

Instructional Designer: Many Ph.D. holders opt for roles as instructional designers, creating effective and engaging educational materials for various industries. They may work for educational institutions, corporations, or e-learning platforms.

Training and Development Manager: Careers in training and development involve overseeing the design and implementation of employee training programs. Graduates may work for corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, ensuring employees acquire necessary skills.

E-Learning Specialist: Graduates may specialize in e-learning, developing online courses and educational content. They can work for educational institutions, corporate training departments, or as consultants for e-learning platforms.

Workforce Development Consultant: Graduates can become consultants, advising organizations on workforce development strategies. They may assess training needs, design programs, and provide recommendations for improving organizational performance.

Educational Technology Director: With expertise in educational technology, graduates may take on roles as directors overseeing the implementation of technology in educational settings. This could include managing technology integration in schools or educational institutions.

Corporate Learning and Development Director: Graduates may work in corporate settings as directors of learning and development, responsible for creating and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and performance.

Human Resources Training Specialist: Careers in human resources involve developing and implementing training initiatives for employees. Graduates may work closely with HR departments to address skill gaps and support professional development.

Government Training Officer: Graduates can pursue roles in government agencies, developing and managing training programs for public sector employees. This could involve areas such as public administration, law enforcement, or healthcare.

Organizational Development Specialist: Graduates may focus on organizational development, working to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness within an organization. They may assess organizational needs and implement strategies to enhance performance.

Research Scientist in Education: Some graduates may choose research-focused roles, contributing to advancements in educational technology and instructional design. They can work in research institutions, think tanks, or educational research organizations.

Entrepreneur in EdTech: With the increasing demand for educational technology solutions, graduates may choose entrepreneurial paths, starting their own educational technology businesses or consulting firms.