If you want to take the next step in your teaching-focused career, then you might be interested in learning more about a masters in educational technology.
In classrooms and other educational settings, technology is playing an increasingly important role. You can be instrumental in making sure edtech is used as effectively as possible.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Read on to discover the benefits of an online educational technology masters degree and determine whether this is the graduate degree program for you.
Online Masters in Educational Technology Programs
People who specialize in educational technology know that tech has the potential to enhance students’ learning. If you choose to study edtech at the graduate level, you can be involved in helping to make the most of classroom and learning technology.
In an educational technology master’s degree program, you can learn to design effective learning modules and platforms. The coursework will also teach you how to implement online or computer-based learning systems with your students. In addition, you’ll learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of learning systems and adjust your approach according to the results.
The skills you’ll learn in an educational technology program might include:
- Change management
- Data privacy
- Digital literacy
- Graphic design
- Leadership
- Online teaching
- Student assessment
Instructional design is a concept that’s closely related to educational technology. That’s because edtech programs are often built to increase instructional effectiveness. They require a design that supports gaining knowledge and remembering information. For that reason, some schools combine instructional design and educational technology into one degree program.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
As you go through your studies, you might compile a portfolio. It could include the research and design projects that you work on during your classes. A professional portfolio might be useful for showcasing your abilities as you apply for jobs or promotions after graduation.
Whether you work in a traditional education setting or another learning environment, an educational technology masters could be a beneficial degree path. Current teachers or administrators at the K-12 or college level may be interested in earning this degree to help them more effectively reach students. Whether they work in brick-and-mortar buildings or on online campuses, understanding edtech could be a valuable asset.
This degree could also be useful in the corporate training and development space. The lessons would be relevant for those who design, select, oversee, or consult on employee training programs.
Educational Technology Careers and Salaries
If you’re currently a classroom teacher, you might be interested in this master’s degree to enhance the work that you do.
Learning about instructional technology could be useful for elementary, middle, or high school teachers as well as special education teachers. This degree could be particularly useful for instructors who teach through online learning platforms or in alternative school environments.
If you’d like to continue working in school districts but shift to a different capacity, instructional coordinator or curriculum director might be positions to consider. These roles help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons or use tech-based curricula.
Some schools also have library media specialists who might benefit from studies in educational technology. Media specialists help teachers develop their curriculum and locate the resources they need.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall median salary for jobs in the areas of education, training, and library is $57,490.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 |
| Project Management Specialists | $95,370 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,490 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $63,080 |
| Elementary School Special Education Teachers | $62,390 |
| High School Teachers | $62,360 |
| Middle School Teachers | $61,810 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $61,690 |
| Librarians and Media Specialists | $61,660 |
Your previous training and professional experience may influence your career path after grad school. For example, it’s necessary to hold a state teaching license to teach in a public school.
This degree could also be useful for jobs in higher education. As an administrator or another college employee, you might support college faculty and students as they use tech for learning purposes. This could be an especially important role for online college settings.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Businesses and other organizations can benefit from learning tech experts as well. Training and development programs are often computer-based and may include gamification elements. Graduates might work as training or development specialists or managers to develop, implement, or coordinate training programs. Others could also be consultants who help organizations get the most out of their training platforms.
Project management specialist might be another potential job to consider. Many organizations need project managers who can coordinate educational technology initiatives.
Master of Educational Technology Curriculum & Courses
If you’re interested in the intersection between education and technology, then you may be quite fascinated by the selection of classes that would be available in your online educational technology program. Here are some example courses:
- Achievement Through Technology Practices: This course would familiarize you with ways that using technology in teaching can help students achieve better learning outcomes.
- Characteristics of Educational Technology: You may spend time analyzing various approaches to tech-based education, such as comparing live versus self-paced classes.
- EdTech Research: In a research course, you’ll learn to read and understand scientific studies and incorporate the findings into your own teaching practices.
- Educational Technology Administration: You can learn what it takes to be an edtech leader who oversees programs and communicates with various stakeholders.
- Evaluating Learning Platforms: Your time in this class can help equip you with the ability to evaluate whether programs are achieving their intended goals.
- Future of Educational Technology: As you take a look at new technologies that are on the horizon, you’ll discuss their potential benefits and pitfalls.
- Learning Technology for Adults: This class will be valuable for anyone who plans to use edtech with adult learners in academic or professional settings.
- Online Learning: In this course, you’ll investigate the strengths and weaknesses of online and blended education and consider ways to make improvements.
- Tech-Based Communication: Through your time in this class, you’ll strengthen your ability to communicate through text, graphics, and videos.
- Technology for Student Needs: Each learner has a unique background and specific needs, so you’ll talk about using tech platforms in a way that works for each student.
In addition to these classes, you might also complete a capstone project that involves conducting scholarly research or developing a learning module.
How to Know If a Masters in Educational Technology Is Right for Me
This degree may be a fit if you are interested in making sure that educational materials reach all learners. Tech tools can help differentiate instruction so that it meets all students where they’re at. Because of your efforts, students may have more opportunities to move through materials at their own pace, for example.
If you work in the edtech space, it’s important to understand how people learn. You’ll learn to develop technology plans based on how they’ll support students’ growth. Educational technology is most meaningful when it provides a clear advantage over traditional teaching approaches.
Educational technology is also a field that’s constantly changing. What’s cutting-edge today could be commonplace tomorrow. You may fit well in this career field if you’re willing to keep pace with changes and continue learning long after completing your program. You don’t need to work in a certain field to benefit from an educational technology graduate program.
While this degree can certainly be useful for people who work in K-12 schools and colleges, it’s also relevant for careers in curriculum development, software design, human resources, and even the military.
Choosing an Online Masters in Educational Technology Program
Many colleges offer educational technology master’s degrees these days, so you can take a look at different options. The following questions may help you pick a program:
- How much can I spend? The per-credit cost—as well as the financial aid opportunities—can vary greatly among schools.
- Is the school accredited? Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized seal of approval for US colleges and universities.
- What course format do I want? Some schools have year-round, accelerated courses to help you finish quickly. The classes might be live or available 24/7.
- What type of degree is offered? At the schools you’re considering, this degree might be a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Education (MEd).
- Where can I go from here? You can take a look at the curriculum’s area of focus, and you can find out where past students are currently working.
Choosing a graduate program may feel a little overwhelming at first, but it can also be exciting. If you weigh the pros and cons carefully, you’ll hopefully end up at a school that you love.
Admissions Requirements
When you’re seeking admission to a program for your master in educational technology, you may be required to submit materials such as the ones listed here:
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Recommendation letters
- Score from the GRE (not required by many online colleges)
- Transcripts showing you’ve earned a bachelors from a regionally accredited college
- Written statement of your academic and professional goals
There’s usually an application form and a fee to turn in as well.
EdTech Programs Accreditation
Online schools, including those at the graduate level, are eligible for regional accreditation. With accreditation, you’ll have the benefit of knowing that your college or university has been evaluated and approved by an outside body.
School districts and other employers may chip in toward your education if you’re going to a regionally accredited college. Also, accredited studies might be a prerequisite for moving up the company’s pay scale. You can also benefit from accreditation if you have your sights set on additional education after this degree.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
An accredited master’s degree is often one of the requirements for admission to a post-graduate or doctoral program, such as an online PhD in Educational Technology program.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You can look into the idea of getting financial assistance for your educational pursuits. For starters, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about government programs.
The federal government extends loans to many graduate students, and state governments do so as well. As a general rule, grants aren’t common for grad students, but there are some exceptions for people in K-12 education.
Scholarships and fellowships are popular among graduate students because they can lower your tuition or related fees, and you won’t have to repay them. These awards are often merit based and may be available from your college, an industry organization, or a community group.
Many employers, including school districts, contribute to their workers’ schooling. You can check into whether your workplace offers tuition assistance as a benefit.
What Is an Educational Technology Masters Degree?
An educational technology masters degree is a graduate program for those interested in studying how technology can enhance teaching and learning. This degree can be useful for people who work in K-12 settings as well as higher education. It also has applications in the world of corporate training and professional development.
In this program, you’ll learn about the products and platforms that are available for educational endeavors. You could also discuss how to develop learning platforms that meet your learners’ needs. There will be classes about online instruction and blended learning opportunities as well.
What Do You Learn in a Masters in Educational Technology?
As you work toward your masters in education technology, you’ll explore what makes online learning different and how you can offer computer-based instruction effectively.
You’ll talk about software and other tech-based learning tools. Your classes might cover both current products and emerging technologies. You’ll learn how to evaluate a platform’s effectiveness. Leadership will be covered as well. You can learn to implement and oversee tech programs in companies, schools, and other settings.
The classes could include topics on:
- Diversity in student needs
- Issues in edtech
- Online education
- Technology administration
Your classes might focus on K-12 instruction or prepare you for working with adult learners.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Educational Technology?
A degree in educational technology could enhance your experience and abilities as a classroom teacher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the typical entry-level requirement for K-12 teaching is a bachelor’s degree and a license. Even still, a graduate degree can be useful for promotions and increased earning potential.
Also, people who study edtech may become instructional coordinators or media specialists. They might also be involved with providing student and faculty support for online colleges. There are also positions in professional training and development for people with edtech expertise. That includes management and consulting roles.
How Much Does an Online Masters in Educational Technology Program Cost?
Tuition costs can vary greatly among schools, but you may pay between $400 and $900 per credit hour for an educational technology masters program. This degree often requires completing between 30 and 36 credit hours.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
When comparing schools, you may also want to factor in any other required fees in addition to the per-credit tuition cost. Some colleges offer reduced rates for in-state learners. Receiving transfer credit for past coursework might lower your overall costs too. It’s beneficial to look into your options for financial aid from government, institutional, or private sources as well.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters in Educational Technology Online?
Some full-time students can complete an accelerated master’s degree program in 1 year. In general, 1.5 to 2 years is a common timeframe for completing a degree in educational technology.
Programs on the shorter end of this range often involve year-round coursework that’s divided into terms of about 8 weeks each. Usually, degree programs that require completing a thesis take longer than those without this requirement. Also, part-time enrollment can increase how long you’re in school.
How Much Money Can You Make with a Masters in Educational Technology?
If you decide to pursue a career as an instructional coordinator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that these professionals are likely to earn between $42,000 and $105,210 each year. Librarians and media specialists tend to earn between $36,260 and $98,650.
Working in training and development could be a particularly lucrative use of this degree. On average, training and development specialists make between $34,950 and $108,530 annually. Training and development managers might earn between $68,450 and $210,470. Individual salaries vary depending on geographic location, experience level, education level, and a variety of other factors.
What’s the Difference Between an MA vs. MEd in Educational Technology?
Colleges offer studies in edtech as either a Master of Arts (MA) degree or a Master of Education (MEd) degree.
| MA in Educational Technology | MEd in Educational Technology |
|
|
Thinking through your career goals could help you choose the right program for you.
Is a Masters Degree in Educational Technology Worth It?
Yes, a masters degree in educational technology is worth it for many students. Technology plays a key role in today’s learning environments. Schools and organizations need professionals who understand the strengths and limitations of tech-based education.
For teachers interested in continuing their classroom careers, getting an education-related master’s degree could lead to increased earning potential. This degree could also lead to new job opportunities, possibly in growing fields.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that positions for instructional coordinators will likely increase by 7% over the next ten years. The need for training and development specialists is expected to grow by 8% over the same period.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Educational Technology Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Adelphi University offers a Master of Arts in Educational Technology program online. Classes aim to teach topics like web-based media, instructional design, research, programming, and course evaluation. The program is designed to help prepare for careers in higher education, library services, K to 12 education, e-learning, business training, and educational services. The completion of at least 32 credit hours is required.
Adelphi University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Boise State University offers a Master of Educational Technology program online. Potential classes include Theoretical Foundations of Educational Technology, Instructional Design, and Digital Engagement for Learning. The program consists of 30 total credit hours and usually culminates in a final portfolio project showcasing work created throughout the program.
Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
California State University Fullerton offers a Master of Science in Educational Technology. Classes are taught using an online, interactive, and asynchronous learning model. The 10 course program is designed to teach how to use student-centered technology in the classroom. On average, degree requirements are completed in as few as 16 months of full-time study.
California State University – Fullerton is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
The Master of Science in Education online program at Indiana University offers a concentration in Educational Technology for Learning. The program is designed to help prepare for careers such as technology specialist, instructional coach, technology director, or curriculum developer. This program requires the completion of 36 credits.
Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Johns Hopkins University offers an online program for an MS in Education with a specialization in Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology. The program requires the completion of 36 credits, which may be done in 2 years when studying full-time or 5 years when studying part-time. Admissions are typically offered for summer, fall, and spring terms.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lamar University offers a Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership program online. The program aims to teach the skills needed for entering careers such as public education, educational leadership, and teacher education. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours.
Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program online. The program is designed to teach how to apply technology for individual learners, focusing on special needs, social and cultural backgrounds, and varying learning styles and preferences. Classes are typically 8 weeks long each. On average, the 36 required credits are completed in 1.5 years.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Louisiana State University offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Educational Technology. Common courses include Design and Development of Multimedia Instruction, Research in Educational Technology, and Professional Development for K to 12. Qualified transfer credits for prior educational and professional experiences are often granted by the program.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Michigan State University offers an MA in Educational Technology program online. The program is geared toward currently practicing teachers, technology specialists, instructional designers, and technology consultants pursuing career advancement in their field. The program typically takes 1.5 years of full-time study to complete the 30 required credit hours.
Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northern Arizona University offers an online program for a Master of Education in Educational Technology. Concentrations include Adult Learning and Training, Assistive Technology, and K to 12 Education. The program requires the completion of 30 total credit hours and typically offers admissions for fall, spring, and summer terms.
Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Oklahoma State University offers a Master of Science in Educational Technology program online. Potential classes include Digital Media Production, Computer-Based Instructional Development, and Facilitating Online Learning. Classes tend to be 4 to 8 weeks long each, and with full-time attendance, the program is typically completed in 18 to 24 months.
Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ottawa University offers a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Educational Technology. Classes typically meet using an asynchronous online and accelerated 8 week format. The program is intended to help prepare for pursuing educational technology careers in settings like education, business, government, and non-profit organizations. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours.
Ottawa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Texas A&M University Commerce offers an online program for a master’s degree in educational technology. Depending on professional goals, the program may be completed as a Master of Education or a Master of Science. On average, the 30 required credit hours are completed in as little as 1 year when studying full-time.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arkansas offers an online Master of Education in Educational Technology program online. The program is designed to help prepare for careers in instructional design, training development, distance learning, or technology administration. The program typically offers admission for 1 of 3 yearly start dates. With full-time attendance, the 31 credit program is completed in about 1.5 years.
The U of A is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Central Missouri offers a Master of Science in Educational Technology program online. The curriculum aims to teach curriculum development theory and practice in settings like schools, healthcare, corporations, or non-profit organizations. In addition to required courses, the program is designed to develop a professional portfolio and to complete a field practicum.
The University of Central Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Florida offers a Master of Education in Educational Technology program. Classes meet primarily online, but studies culminate with a 16-week internship in the field. Potential courses include Designing Integrated Media Environments, Instruction Design, and Issues and Trends in Educational Technology Research. On average, the program spans 2 years of full-time study.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Michigan–Dearborn offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Educational Technology. The program aims to equip educators with the skills to meet the needs for digital learning in diverse settings. The program requires the completion of at least 30 credit hours while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher.
The University of Michigan – Dearborn is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a Master of Education in Educational Technology program online. The program typically teaches concepts like research methods, interpersonal communications, instructional design, and multimedia technology. The accelerated curriculum consists of 30 credits and is completed on average in as few as 12 months. Classes typically span 7 weeks each.
UTRGV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Webster University offers a Master of Educational Technology program online. Potential courses include Adult Learning and Technology, Instructional Coaching in Remote Environments, and Evaluating Learning Technologies. The program seeks to inspire the use of technology to create equitable and ongoing access to high-quality learning.
Webster University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western Governors University offers a Master of Science in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology program online. Concentrations include Adult Learning Design and K to 12 Learning Design. Classes tend to teach concepts like design thinking, social and emotional learning, learning analytics, learning technology, universal design, accessibility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Masters in Educational Technology Online
It seems that technology advances every day, and there are always new ways to use it for educational purposes. Experts in educational technology play an influential role in shaping computer-based learning.
To be on the cutting edge of this field, you might consider getting your master’s degree in educational technology. You could learn to work as a leader among students, teachers, administrators, and businesspeople. An online classroom could be a strategic setting for earning this tech-focused degree.
You could experience education through technology for yourself, and you may also appreciate the freedom that online schooling can provide.
Why not start checking out online edtech degrees from accredited schools today?
