Why This Matters

  • PREPARE FOR OVER 10 DIFFERENT CAREER PATHS

    Individuals with a master’s in educational technology are qualified for a variety of job opportunities, including curriculum designers, instructional coordinators, educational technology specialists, and more.

  • 11K NEW INSTRUCTIONAL COORDINATORS NEEDED

    As schools look for new ways to integrate technology and digital media into their classrooms, the need for instructional coordinators with specialized knowledge will grow by 6 percent.

  • TRAINING SPECIALIST JOBS TO INCREASE BY 9%

    A master’s in educational technology can use their expertise to educate and train professionals in a variety of industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 28,900 new jobs in this area by 2028.

Our Research

This list focuses on graduate degrees in educational technology. Students can earn a few different types of degrees in this field, including a Master of Education (M.Ed), Master of Arts (MA), or a Master of Science (MS).

All of the programs on our list are offered by regionally accredited institutions. This guarantees that they meet the highest standards of quality for postsecondary education. Many programs also have National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation, which is an added confirmation of quality.

We sought programs that can be completed entirely or mostly online, to ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students, regardless of location or availability.

Once we created our list of programs, we evaluated their flexibility, cost, reputation, faculty, and outcomes. We then calculated the Intelligent Score of each program on a scale from 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best online master’s in educational technology are respected, affordable, and customizable. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 88 hours to write this article
  • 186 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 390 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Master’s in Educational Technology

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Working in educational technology requires a diverse skill-set that incorporates an understanding of information technology and educational principles. Individuals who are considering pursuing a master’s in educational technology should be comfortable with a range of software and hardware, and have a basic idea of how to use technology for educational purposes.

Programs that focus specifically on educational technology in K-12 settings may require students to have a background in education, including their teaching certification, in order to be eligible for admission. Depending on the jobs students are seeking post-graduation, teaching certification may be a requirement for employment. In circumstances where programs focus on education technology in non-school settings, teaching certification may not be required.

At this stage, you should consider your professional background and goals, and find a program that best suits the training you already have, and the type of job you are seeking after graduation.

Even if the majority of courses in a program are delivered online, you may still be expected to participate in experiential learning requirements, either on-campus or off-site. Prior to enrolling, find out if the program has any in-person requirements, so you can make arrangements to accommodate them in your schedule and budget.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Educational Technology programs:

  • Is this school authorized to provide online education in my state? Regulations for providing online education vary state by state, and not all schools are authorized to provide online education to students in all states. Check with your program of interest to verify they can grant you a degree based on the state you live in, and that your state will recognize your degree.
  • How are online courses delivered? Distance learning programs are typically delivered through synchronous or asynchronous classes. Students attend synchronous classes remotely at set times throughout the term. Asynchronous classes do not have set meeting times. Instead, students can access their lessons and assignments at any time. Decide which type of delivery method works best for you based on your schedule before selecting a program.

In addition to researching programs’ curricula and requirements, it’s important to research their application deadlines and admissions requirements. You can typically find this information online or by contacting the program directly.

You should also explore your options for financing your master’s degree, including scholarships, financial aid, and tuition benefits from your current employer.