Students pursuing a master’s in educational technology degree learn how to use technology to facilitate learning in a classroom setting. Pay can vary widely depending on the position, but in general, those in administrative roles make more than those working as teachers or in public school settings. For example, instructional coordinators make an average of $66,490 per year, while post-secondary education administrators earn an average annual salary of $99,940.Most master’s in educational technology degree programs require 30-36 credits to graduate, which takes an average of one to two years. The average cost of graduate school tuition for the 2020-2021 school year was $19,749.
How to Choose a Master’s in Educational Technology Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Education technology is a broad field, and many students choose to specialize in a particular area — especially at the graduate level. Common concentrations for a master’s in educational technology degree include computer science, instructional design, and e-learning. When deciding on a concentration, think about what you want to do on a day-to-day basis in your job and what you enjoy.
If you enjoy data and computer systems, a program focused on analytics and data science may be a good fit. Those who enjoy interacting with people may prefer to focus on instructional design and implementation.
Research schools and programs
Once you know what you’re looking for in a program, research which institutions would be a good match. Only consider those that are regionally or nationally accredited to ensure potential employers will accept your degree. Look at what concentrations and courses are offered as well as important data points, such as the graduation rate and how many students have job offers upon completion. Talk to an admissions counselor if you have questions about what a school offers or whether it may be a good fit.
Prepare for tests and applications
While not all colleges require students to submit GRE scores, many do. If you’re applying to an institution that does, make sure you’ve scheduled the GRE far enough in advance to have your scores by the application deadline while also giving yourself time to study.
Graduate applications are quite rigorous, and you’ll need to have letters of recommendation from previous professors or employers. Each institution may also ask you for a personal statement or letter of intent discussing your goals for the program and your future career. Take these seriously and give your references plenty of time to prepare their recommendations to ensure you can submit the best application possible.
Select your program
Once you have your acceptance letters, it’s time to choose a program. Consider factors such as how far away it is if you’re attending an in-person program, how many credit hours are required, and how much it costs. If two programs are similar but one is significantly less expensive, this could sway your decision. Other factors to consider include the faculty, research opportunities, and resources and services for students.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Figuring out how to pay for your degree is one of the more challenging aspects of a graduate program. Once you know the tuition costs and other expenses, explore your financial aid options. There may be scholarships or graduate assistantships available that can help offset some of the cost.
While federal financial aid isn’t generally available for graduate students, it’s still a good idea to fill out the FAFSA form. Most schools use this to determine the need for their own financial aid opportunities, and you may also qualify for unsubsidized federal loans or Graduate PLUS loans. Check with the financial aid office at your chosen institution to find out what assistance may be available to you.
Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Educational Technology Degree Programs
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How we rank schools
Our research covers graduate programs in educational technology, also known as instructional technology. Students learn about the latest technological advancements in education, such as augmented and virtual reality, gamification, and artificial intelligence. Degrees offered include Master of Science in instructional technology, Master of Science in learning technologies and design, Master of Arts in educational media, Master of Science in instructional systems and learning technologies, Master of Science in educational technology, and Master of Science in curriculum development and instructional technology. Students can choose from in-person, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats.
All of the institutions featured in this guide are approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Educational Technology Degree Program?
A master’s in educational technology program is designed to prepare students to use technology in a variety of educational settings. These may include K-12 classrooms, post-secondary institutions, and training facilities. Students may choose to specialize in one or more areas, with computer technology and computer science being popular options.
Students will learn about the history of technology in learning and multidisciplinary theories involving how to use technology for the best possible learning outcomes. Graduates of a master’s in educational technology program should be prepared to design, develop, and implement interactive educational programs and curricula. They must be prepared to troubleshoot issues and conduct data-driven assessments on the effectiveness of their learning programs.
Some programs may require a capstone project, thesis, or practicum. Most programs require 30-36 credit hours. This generally takes one year to complete on a full-time basis and two years to complete if the student is going part-time.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in educational technology degree program
- Technology and Learning. This course covers how technology is used for teaching and learning. It focuses on the theories involved and how technology has been used historically to increase positive educational outcomes. It includes material on traditional classroom instruction and training modules, such as those for corporate settings.
- Instructional Design. Students in this course learn how to develop instructional materials for classroom or training purposes. They also learn how to incorporate technology into these materials and ensure the systems work for both teachers and learners.
- Operating Systems and Architecture. This class provides an overview of computer operating systems and is geared more toward students with a computer science concentration. It includes material on algorithms, memory management, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
- Managing Technological Change. Students enrolled in this course learn about the challenges involved in implementing new technologies. This prepares them to handle real-life obstacles by identifying goals and potential roadblocks and creating a plan to overcome them.
- Emerging Technologies for Education. This course focuses on up-and-coming technology and how current technological theories may be used in classrooms and training programs in the future. Students have a chance to research and explore specific technologies that are applicable to their areas of study.
Master’s in Educational Technology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in educational technology degree program?
Before you apply to a master’s in educational technology degree program, talk to an admissions counselor at that institution. They can help you understand the requirements for this specific program and ensure you have everything completed by the deadline.
Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and, in many cases, a GPA of at least 2.75. Selective programs may require a higher GPA. The school will need a copy of all of your official post-secondary transcripts. The application process may also include letters of recommendation, a personal goals statement, and GRE scores.
How much does a master's in educational technology degree cost?
Graduate school tuition costs an average of $19,740, but this depends on the school and whether the student is paying in-state or out-of-state tuition. For example, the average tuition cost for private schools rises to $26,621. Other costs to consider include books and materials. Because this degree program focuses on technology, students may need up-to-date computer systems or specialized software for their classes.
Online programs can often save students money because they generally don’t charge extra for out-of-state tuition. However, some online programs are just as or more expensive than in-classroom options, so you should always check the cost of tuition as well as other fees and expenses to compare.
How long does it take to earn a master's in educational technology degree?
How long it takes to complete a master’s degree in educational technology depends on how many credits the program requires and whether the student attends full or part-time. What constitutes full-time varies by state, but students generally need to be registered for at least 8-10 credit hours per semester to be full-time.
A program that requires 36 credit hours would take 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether the student took classes during the summer. Part-time students can expect to take at least twice as long to complete the degree. Online programs may require fewer credits or allow students to complete the program faster because they don’t have to attend in-person classes.