A master’s in educational technology degree teaches students how to implement technology as a successful part of learning. The skills the program teaches can be applied to K-12 and higher education institutions, business, healthcare, government, and more.
For instructional coordinators, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $74,620. Training and development managers make $125,040 per year.
The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513. Full-time master’s in educational technology programs typically take two years to complete.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Educational Technology Program
Choose your area of study
This degree may be available as a Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA). Furthermore, many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as training and development or school library media. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Those interested in a teaching career should look for options approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAEP). This accrediting organization has particularly high standards for teaching-related programs.
Students should also research what schools offer regarding curriculum, faculty support and access, instructor credentials, graduation and job placement rates, and support services for online students.
Other questions to investigate include:
- Do students need a background or bachelor’s degree in education to be eligible for admission?
- Is field experience or an internship necessary?
- Do online students have access to tutoring services?
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Admissions requirements vary by program, but some common standards include a background in education and teacher certification as well as a minimum undergraduate GPA (typically a 3.0).
Begin gathering required application materials, which usually include the following:
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended
- Letters of recommendation from colleagues, community leaders, or former professors
- A personal essay or statement that outlines your academic and professional background, reasons for seeking graduate education, and career aspirations
- A resume highlighting relevant experience
- GRE scores
To keep track of these materials and when they are due, a spreadsheet or checklist can be helpful. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
As you gather information, eliminate any schools that won’t meet your needs in terms of curriculum or cost. This will help you choose the schools you’ll actually apply to. There’s no right or wrong number of schools to apply to; some students only apply to one program, while others submit multiple applications to increase their odds of acceptance. However, if you’re applying to a high number of programs, remember that most schools charge application fees, which can quickly add up.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for need-based aid such as federal student loans, grants, fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Students with exceptional academic achievement or extracurricular activities can seek merit-based scholarships and grants from the institution or external organizations like professional development groups, non-profits, and community organizations.
If you plan to work while attending school, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Veterans and military service members should inquire about tuition discounts and GI Bill benefits. And everyone should speak to financial aid counselors at the schools they’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
The Top 55 Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs
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How We Rank Schools
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 of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which is an added confirmation of quality.
We sought programs that can be completed entirely or primarily 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. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Educational Technology Program?
An online master’s in educational technology program will cover subjects such as:
- Online learning
- Adult education
- K-12 education
- Training and performance improvement
- Research technology and theory
- Information and communication technology
- Computer-based instruction
This degree typically involves 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework. A thesis, practicum, field experience, or professional portfolio requirement is common with most graduate education degrees.
Educational technology students might have to pay a fee for access to a technology resource center. Educators desiring to work in public schools may need to pay for state certification exams. An educational technologist working in the business field doesn’t need teaching certification, but they can gain on-site experience with internships.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in educational technology degree program
- Assistive Technology for Individualized Education Plans. This class discusses how technology aids learners with special needs. The focus is on how assistive technology removes barriers for students with impairments.
- Emerging Technologies. Educational technology outside the public domain is covered in this class.
- Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom. Students learn how to implement artificial intelligence in lesson plans. Critical thinking using artificial intelligence is encouraged.
- Practical Teaching for Technology. This class focuses on how to balance technology instruction techniques with traditional methods. The pros and cons of technology in the classroom are a central theme.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Educational Technology Degree?
Career outlook
A degree in educational technology allows you to pursue a variety of career paths across different industries. These include primary, secondary, and postsecondary education as well as corporate training and development, healthcare, and business administration. Any industry that uses technology in its training and continuing education for employees can benefit from someone with these skills.
Because educational technology is applicable to so many industries, the job titles graduates may see can vary significantly. Here are some common career paths for those with a master’s in educational technology:
- Instructional coordinator — Develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of educational materials.
- Median annual salary: $74,620
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New job openings projected: 19,200 annually
- Training and development manager — Design and manage an organization’s employee training programs.
- Median annual salary: $125,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 3,500 annually
- Elementary, middle, or high school principal — Oversee school staff and operations at the K-12 level.
- Median annual salary: $103,460
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 20,200 annually
Online Master’s in Educational Technology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in educational technology degree program?
Before starting an application to an online master’s in educational technology program, confirm all application requirements and deadlines with the school’s admissions office. They can also advise students on how to submit their application and supplemental materials. It’s common for schools to accept applications and supporting materials online, although some schools may require hard copies of transcripts.
If you’re applying to multiple schools, stay organized with a spreadsheet or checklist. This will help ensure you submit all required application materials by the deadline.
How much does an online master’s in educational technology degree cost?
The cost of a degree varies by school, so for the most accurate information, students should speak directly with a financial aid counselor at the specific school they’re planning on attending.
On average, the annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513. In-state students at a public university can expect to pay less than out-of-state students or those who attend private institutions. In addition to tuition, most schools charge fees for instructional technology, student support services, and academic resources.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in educational technology degree?
The number of credits required by individual programs, experiential learning expectations, and a student’s pace determine the amount of time it takes to earn a master’s in educational technology degree. Normally, students need about two years to complete the program. Much depends on an individual student’s rate of progress. Completion is possible in 18 months by taking 12 to 15 credits each semester. Some schools offer an accelerated program that requires more credits each session.
Is an online master's in educational technology degree worth it?
A master’s degree in education technology can help students advance in their chosen careers and open doors in other industries. This degree also prepares students to continue their education to the PhD level if they choose.
An online master’s degree in education technology allows students to get a full graduate degree experience while still being able to work around other responsibilities, such as full-time jobs and families. Internships and research opportunities are readily available, and the online format still lets you build connections with faculty and other students.
This degree option also offers hands-on experience with digital learning environments and tools, giving you an advantage when designing these same elements for others.
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