Why Get a Master's Degree in Educational Technology?
A master's degree in educational technology equips teachers and trainers with the skills to create student-centered, technology-rich learning environments. K-12 teachers, school administrators, higher education staff members, corporate trainers, and curriculum designers may benefit from this degree.
These programs are designed to teach enrollees to sharpen their critical thinking skills, evaluate curriculum plans, and incorporate technology into educational environments. Courses often cover the principles of instructional design, modern technology learning tools, and skills for teaching K-12 or adult learners. Graduates may work in formal education settings or as multimedia scriptwriters and educational consultants.
Most educational technology programs require 30-36 credits and take 18-24 months. Accelerated programs, which typically offer courses on rotating eight-week schedules, may take less time. Find out more about which educational technology master's degree may be right for you with the guide below.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master's Programs in Educational Technology
Many schools offer online master's programs in educational technology. These degrees prepare educators and specialists to create and enhance tech-based learning experiences. Graduates with a master's in educational technology may work in academic or corporate settings. Online programs can help working professionals continue their careers while furthering their education.
Our guide lists the top online master's degrees in educational technology. Read on for information about costs, common classes, and how to become an educational technologist.
How Much Does a Master's in Educational Technology Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of graduate tuition was $19,749 in the 2020-21 school year.
Many variables impact the actual price you pay as a student: For instance, public institutions typically cost less than private ones, and in-state schools often charge residents less than out-of-state schools. Online programs may offer lower tuition than in-person degrees, and asynchronous classes enable learners to continue working as they complete coursework.
A master's in educational technology typically takes 18-24 months to complete. In addition to tuition, some courses may require you to purchase textbooks, hardware, or software.
Courses in Educational Technology
Most educational technology degrees require 30-36 credits. Courses cover topics such as educational theory, learning technology, and instructional design. Students sharpen their skills in design thinking, learning analytics, accessibility, and technology ethics.
Some programs offer specialization tracks like K-12 learning design, adult learning design, technology leadership, and online instructional design. These tracks include concentration courses like designing e-learning experiences for adults or K-12 e-learning solutions. In some programs, students pursue a general master's in education with a specialization in educational technology.
While each school offers their own curriculum, the courses listed below are a representative sample of typical educational technology classes.
Technology Leadership
Technology leadership equips teachers and trainers with the tools they need to design, implement, and assess technology-based learning experiences. The course explores creating technology-integrated curriculum, developing technology-enriched instruction, and mentoring others in the use of educational technology. Enrollees also explore the theoretical and practical applications of technology-infused learning.
Designing Learner-Centered Environments
Effective learner-centered environments can integrate an array of technology teaching tools. This course focuses on the roles of the teacher and the student in a learner-centered setting. Topics may include a discussion of available technologies, how to incorporate those technologies into the curriculum, and methods of evaluating their effectiveness.
Educational Games and Simulations
Both 2D and 3D educational games and simulations play a critical role in effective teaching and learning. In this course, learners explore how to design, deliver, and evaluate instructional activities in virtual worlds. Topics include perspectives on play, theories of gaming and learning, and the mechanics of gaming.
Career and Salary Outlook for Educational Technology
Educational technology is a versatile degree that can help you qualify for a variety of careers in education, corporate, and tech settings. The list below provides a brief overview of job options available to professionals with a master's degree in educational technology. Some roles may require additional credentials like a doctorate, state licensure, or professional certifications.
| Educational Technology Career | Median Annual Wage (2021) |
|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinators | $63,740 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $78,300 |
| Middle School Teachers | $61,320 |
| High School Teachers | $61,820 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
How to Become an Educational Technologist
Most educational technologists need at least a bachelor's degree, though some employers may prefer master's degrees, especially for advanced roles.
Note that many master's programs in this field do not prepare graduates for state teaching certification. To work in classrooms, educational technologists usually need to fulfill state board of education requirements like student teaching and licensure exams.
Educational technology professionals who seek jobs in the business field do not need teaching certification. These workers can gain hands-on experience through internships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Technology
What can you do with an educational technology degree?
With an educational technology degree, you can work in K-12 or higher education, human resources, or curriculum development. Careers in these fields include teacher, director of corporate training, multimedia scriptwriter, instructional technology specialist, or manager of organizational development.
What are the benefits of getting a master's in educational technology?
A master's in educational technology can sharpen your leadership, technology, and critical thinking skills. This degree can help you qualify for educational technologist roles at educational institutions. Graduates can also pursue jobs as trainers or educational technologists in corporate and government settings.
Do I need a license for educational technology?
To serve as an educational technologist in a public K-12 classroom, you may need a teaching license or technology endorsement. Check your state laws to determine requirements for your jurisdiction. If you plan to work as a trainer in government, business, nonprofit, or healthcare, you do not need a license to practice educational technology.
What is the difference between educational technology and instructional technology?
For some experts in the field, "educational technology" and "instructional technology" are synonymous terms. Others, however, believe educational technology encompasses theories of learning, while instructional technology focuses on educational processes.
Schools may use the phrases interchangeably, or they may use "educational technology" when talking to K-12 teachers and "instructional technology" when talking to trainers in other fields.
Page last reviewed June 27, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the BCR Rankings Team.
