Online Master’s Degree in Educational Technology
Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology?
Our classrooms, industries, and personal lives are inundated with new technology. Specialists with a master’s in educational technology play important roles in helping integrate technology and learning in a wide variety of settings. Students can finish an educational technology degree online or at a traditional brick-and-mortar campus within two years, and some online programs may be completed in just one year.
Students can finish an educational technology degree online or at a traditional brick-and-mortar campus within two years
Graduates of educational technology programs wear many professional hats. They are employed in school districts helping teachers incorporate technology into their lesson plans. They might hold administrative positions in training and development, or they might create new technologies, designing e-learning platforms, software, or multimedia applications. The demand is expanding for instructional technology specialists, instructional technology coordinators, curriculum designers, and similar occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of instructional coordinators to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026. Professionals find positions in government and the private sector as well as in school settings. The median salary for instructional coordinators is over $63,000 annually. Because many elementary and secondary schools require their instructional coordinators to be licensed teachers, a master’s degree coupled with this additional educational credential have bumped the salaries of instructional coordinators significantly above those working in higher education or in industry alone.
Choosing a Master’s in Educational Technology Program
An on-campus or online master’s degree in educational technology generally entails two years of full-time study, or 36 credits, but each school structures its degree differently. Some programs focus on the integration of technology in K-12 or postsecondary schools. They may be geared toward licensed teachers or emphasize curriculum design. Many degrees include a practicum encouraging real-world experience or require a final thesis.
Accreditation is a significant factor in selecting your graduate program. Regional accreditation is the best indicator of a school’s overall quality, and how other institutions and prospective employers evaluate its degrees. Financial aid eligibility may also be affected by regional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation provide comprehensive lists of accredited schools on their websites.
You might also consider a master’s with programmatic accreditation, especially if you are interested in working in a K-12 setting. These include educational technology master’s degrees accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) has been authorized to gradually take over these two programmatic accreditations in education, including those in educational technology.
When deciding on an online master’s degree in education technology, the degree format may also affect your choice in what program to attend. If you work full time or have family responsibilities, find out if you can take courses at your own pace. Degrees delivered fully online or hybrid programs may be easier for you to balance.
Type of Educational Technology Degrees
A master’s in education technology can be completed either as a master of education or a master of science. An M.Ed. program attracts teachers and others who want to work in school systems integrating technology and learning, while an MS may appeal to students with an interest in IT, computer applications, or management. While both types of master’s degrees take about two years to finish, there are differences in the curriculum and potential careers.
An online master’s in educational technology or a master’s in instructional technology in an M.Ed. curriculum appeals to those already employed or seeking careers in a K-12 school environment. An M.Ed. offers courses in instructional theory, research, and design. Programs for licensed teachers often specialize in applications for specific grade levels and subject matters.
The degree you choose ultimately depends on your personal career goals.
In contrast to an M.Ed., a master of science in educational technology prepares students for careers in technology-based learning beyond traditional school settings. Graduates with an MS find careers in software design or creating online learning platforms. They may move into technology management, providing training and development for businesses.
The degree you choose ultimately depends on your personal career goals. While an MS with a specialization in instructional design and technology garners a higher salary overall than its M.Ed. counterparts, employment prospects for both are expanding. Both degrees offer financially and professionally rewarding career opportunities.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology?
In choosing the program that is right for you, one of the most important factors is accreditation. Check which schools are regionally accredited, and find out if the master’s in educational technology degree has programmatic accreditation from CAEP, NCATE, or TEAC. Another consideration is the school’s location, especially if coursework in the program is not delivered completely online but in a hybrid format requiring some on-campus attendance. If you work full time or have family commitments, you will have to make time for travel and campus-based classes.
Entry Requirements
Admission requirements for a master’s in educational technology depend on the program curriculum. While some programs are designed for educators who already have their teaching credentials, others need a program that includes teacher licensing as part of the degree. These programs address how to implement new technology in the classroom and across school systems.
Some educational technology programs restrict admission to licensed teachers and may specify a minimum number of years of teaching experience. Programs that emphasize curriculum and instruction may require students to have a bachelor’s in education, while others accept students with undergraduate degrees in other subjects. Some of these programs emphasize instructional design and multimedia production for creating online learning applications, while others focus on training and using technology in adult learning.
Academic requirements vary widely but most programs look for a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Some specify minimum scores on the GRE. The best way to make sure you have the necessary qualifications is to contact the school’s admissions office directly.
Directory of Accredited Master’s in Educational Technology Programs
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Educational Technology
Educational technology jobs are plentiful. Schools from K-12 to the postsecondary level hire educational technology specialists who train teachers to utilize new technology applications. The growth in online learning degrees for non-traditional students at the undergraduate and graduate level has also translated into opportunities for technology specialists who can create and maintain distance-learning platforms. While many positions are in educational institutions, businesses of all kinds increasingly employ educational technology professionals in their training and development programs.
Paying for Your Online Master’s in Educational Technology Degree
While paying for your online master’s degree in educational technology may be challenging, several different ways to finance graduate school are available. Many students seeking their educational technology degree apply for loans, work study, and scholarships. Students who are able to pay for their graduate studies with personal savings, family contributions, or other resources should check with their intended school about its tuition payment schedule and the availability of quarterly or semester payment plans.
Scholarships for Online Masters in Educational Technology Degrees
Resources for Online Master’s in Educational Technology Students
- National Education Technology Plan This is the official policy document of the U.S. Office of Education Technology. It presents a plan for collaborative leadership to achieve greater equity of access to educational technology in the nation’s schools.
- ERIC Clearinghouse/Educational Technology Resources ERIC is a digital library of education research sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences. Its educational technology listings are comprehensive, including academic and professional journal articles for early childhood through postsecondary education levels.
- Ed Tech Developer’s Guide This guide for software designers, developers and others in the field of educational technology addresses ways to create digital tools and applications for learning that meet the needs of teachers and students alike.
- The Learning Technology Project This report examines learning programs and strategies through the use of mobile devices. It presents best practices for improving educational effectiveness through mobile learning and micro-learning applications for tablets and smartphones.
- Advancing Educational Technology in Teacher Preparation This is a policy brief sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. It outlines ways that teacher-training programs can prepare graduates to effectively incorporate appropriate technologies and resources to advance student learning.
