Best Master's Degrees In Educational Technology

Overview

Offering the most total degrees among other public universities in Idaho, Boise State University is home to over 24,100 students. The university is divided into eight academic colleges, one of which is the College of Education. Around 2,300 students are enrolled in one of the nearly 40 education degree programs.

Program Features

Boise State University offers up two online master’s degrees: Master of Educational Technology and Master of Science in Educational Technology. The first is a professional-based degree, while the second is more research-oriented. Both programs feature similar core classes to establish a foundation in educational technology. Here are some highlights:

• The Internet for Educators
• Instructional Design for Educators
• Introduction to Statistics for Educational Technology
• Creating Educational Websites

Notables

Faculty members in the Educational Technology department at Boise State are continually producing competitive research in the field. Some of the current ongoing projects include Game STUDIO, Quest-Based Learning, EdTech Island: Training Teachers in Virtual Worlds, and more.

Overview

Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University was originally established as a teacher’s college. It has since held onto its educational roots through the Reich College of Education, which offers degrees in six different departments. The College of Education is also home to the school’s only doctorate program, Educational Leadership.

Program Features

You’ll jump into an interdisciplinary MA in Educational Media and Instructional Technology program at Appalachian State University. You’re given a range of options for further focus with four concentration areas: General Studies, K-12, Online Learning and Professional Development, and New Media Literacies/Global Perspectives. Here are a few classes:

• Digital Learning Environments in a Changing Society
• Applications of Digital Technologies
• New Media and Emerging Literacies
• Design and Development of Digital Media

Notables

In addition to a diverse and customizable curriculum, the Educational Media Department has a number of exciting developments at work. For example, you can attend the annual National Association for Media Literacy Education Conference, participate in the Teen Media Literacy Conference, or travel abroad to Japan with a group of your peers.

Overview

Founded in 1891, Drexel University is a private research university that is a leader in cooperative education programs. The School of Education is one of the oldest academic colleges at Drexel University. In fact, it dates back to Drexel’s original founding. The school also extends beyond its Philadelphia campus through a strong online learning platform.

Program Features

Through the MS in Learning Technologies at Drexel University, you’ll gain the tools to harness technology in the classroom. Your curriculum will cover design thinking, digital literacy, learning technologies, and more. Drexel’s Games and Learning in Digital Environments Lab gives you an amazing platform for learning and research. You’ll take classes like:

• New Media Literacies
• Technologies for Performance Support
• Learning Sciences and Instructional Design

Notables

The program at Drexel University gets even more specific by offering four unique concentration areas to boost your expertise: Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Learning in Game-Based Environments, and E-Learning Leadership.

Overview

Based in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public research university that offers both on-campus and online degrees. The College of Education is the only nationally accredited teacher education program in the state. The average class size for education programs is around 17 students.

Program Features

At Northern Arizona University, the Master of Education in Educational Technology is divided into two emphasis areas: Adult Learning and Training, and K-12 Teacher. This program involves 30 credit hours, and is delivered fully online. The curriculum centers around educational foundations, educational technology, and educational research with classes like:

• Instructional Theory and Strategies in Technology Integration
• Distributed Learning Delivery Systems
• Creating Technology Learning Environments
• Contexts and Methods of Technology in Adult Education

Notables

This degree is just one of many distance-learning programs offered through NAU Online. The classes are uniquely self-paced. You pay a six-month subscription, and work through as much or as little content as your schedule allows. This kind of learning is increasingly valuable for working professionals.

Overview

Originally founded as a teacher training college, Western Illinois University began in 1899. Today, however, the school has close to 90 degrees of all kinds at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Western Illinois University offers a four-year fixed tuition rate. This keeps its degree programs accessible and affordable.

Program Features

The MS in Instructional Design and Technology at Western Illinois University is a comprehensive degree that equally covers educational technology and graphic design. The classwork is offered in a hybrid format. This means you’ll attend some classes online, and some in person on the weekends. Here’s a look into a few courses:

• Integration of the Internet and Multimedia in Education
• Hardware, Operating Systems, and Networking in Schools
• Technology Planning and Research

Notables

Once you have your degree in hand from Western Illinois University, you can go the extra mile and earn one of the five post-baccalaureate certificates: Educational Technology Specialist, Instructional Media Development, Online and Distance Learning Development, Technology Integration in Education, or Workplace Learning and Performance.

Overview

One of the largest universities in the nation by student enrollment, Arizona State University hosts around 72,000 students across its many campuses. ASU proudly holds a consistent reputation as being the “Most Innovative School in America.” U.S. News & World Report has ranked them at the #1 spot for the last three years in a row.

Program Features

The MEd in Educational Technology at Arizona State University will prepare you to not only be the technology experts in schools, but in other settings like museums, non-profits, government and beyond. This degree is offered online through the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Over the course of 30 credit-hours, you’ll take classes like:

• Issues in Online and Distance Education
• Learning Theories and Instructional Strategies
• Design and Development of Instruction
• Evaluation of Learning Systems

Notables

The culminating experience in this program is an applied project that you will design specifically for an educational setting. Even though your coursework will be completed online, this class will help bridge the transition to a professional setting in which you can put your knowledge in action.

Overview

California State University, Fullerton delivers over 100 degrees. The school is a designated Hispanic-serving institution, with 42 percent of its student body identifying as Hispanic. Its online graduate program in education ranks within the top 50 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Program Features

California State University, Fullerton offers a 21-month Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. The program emphasizes skill-building in learning management systems, project management, media literacy, and more. You’ll take a variety of classes in core concepts, advanced pedagogy, and more. Here’s a sampling:

• Research Practices in Instructional Design and Technology
• Foundations of Instructional Design and Web Authoring Tools
• Emerging Technologies and Issues in Instructional Design

Notables

The program at California State University, Fullerton has a number of things pulling in its favor. For one, it is the most affordable program on our list, with an average net cost of just $8,170. Another highlight is the fact that students progress through the program as a cohort. You’ll have peers with whom to collaborate, network, and engage.

Overview

Towson University is a public university that began as a training school for teachers in 1866. To this day, it still is the top producer of educators in the state of Maryland. The College of Education is home to six unique departments, as well as the Center for Educational Leadership and the Center for Professional Practice.

Program Features

At Towson University, you’ll choose from three different concentrations: Instructional Design and Development, School Library Media, or Educational Technology. The MS in Instructional Technology blends together online and on-campus learning for a fully technology-immersed curriculum. Some highlight classes include:

• School Library Media Administration
• Web-Based Instruction in Education
• Instructional Video
• Multimedia Design

Notables

When it comes to embracing technology, Towson University walks the talk. Students have access to an Educational Technology Center, a Multimedia Lab, and classrooms (both in-person and virtual) that take full advantage of learning technologies.

Overview

A public college in the State University of New York system, SUNY Buffalo State excels in research, among other things. In fact, it brings in more grants and research money than all of the SUNY schools combined! The School of Education goes all the way back to 1871, SUNY Buffalo State’s origins.

Program Features

SUNY Buffalo State offers a Master’s of Education in Technology Education. The curriculum involves 15 to 18 credits of core classes, and then 12 to 15 credits of elective coursework. For your culminating experience, you have the choice of completing a master’s thesis or a master’s project. Some of the engaging electives you’ll take are:

• Seminar in Technology Education: Writing and Publishing
• Career Exploration in Technology for the Middle School
• Contemporary Methodology
• Education Psychology

Notables

SUNY Buffalo State prides itself on providing student support beyond the classroom. You’ll find a variety of opportunities like internships, career coaching, leadership experiences, and networking gatherings. Even more, your classroom experience will be up-to-standard with the best educational technologies out there.

Overview

The flagship university of the state system, the University of Texas at Austin is honored as a “Public Ivy.” The College of Education pulled in a #10 ranking among all other graduate-level education programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Each year it generates over $61 million in educational research.

Program Features

The Master of Education in Learning Technologies at the University of Texas at Austin gives you the chance to customize your degree toward educational technology. The curriculum gives you the option of a 39-credit thesis-based program or a 36-credit program with a culminating master’s report. Here are some highlights:

• Instructional Systems Design
• Teaching and Learning with the Internet
• Analysis of Research in Learning Technologies
• Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

Notables

At the University of Texas at Austin, you’ll be working closely with faculty members who are engaged in relevant and cutting-edge research. For example, researchers designed Alien Rescue, an online 3D immersive experience for sixth graders. Others are working on Digital Equity, an online collective that is working toward economic inclusion.

Overview

One of the top public universities in the nation, the Indiana University-Bloomington is considered a “Public Ivy” school. It is largely a regional university with over 55 percent of its student body hailing from Indiana. The School of Education was established in 1923, and houses five distinct departments.

Program Features

At Indiana University-Bloomington, you’ll earn a Master of Education in Instructional Systems Technology. This program hosts a wide-ranging curriculum of engaging coursework, an internship, and a one-year studio project. You have the option of attending online or in person. Over the course of 36 credit-hours, you’ll take some of the following classes:

• Instructional Development and Production: Design Thinking
• Instructional and Performance Technologies Foundations
• Design and Development of Interventions

Notables

Whether you decide to attend this program online or in person, you can be rest assured that Indiana University-Bloomington is well-ranked across the board. This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked the Graduate School of Education #30 in the nation, and the Online Graduate Education program at #46 in the United States.

Overview

Known as Iowa’s largest university, Iowa State University holds down both a land-grant and space-grant designation. It is based in Ames, IA. Though Iowa State University is widely recognized for its STEM programs, the school also excels in education. The School of Education is housed within the College of Human Sciences.

Program Features

The School of Education at Iowa State University offers a Master of Education in Instructional Technology. This degree is offered online and in person. Over the three-year program, you’ll cover foundations in educational technology, online applications, and design. This program is designed for working professionals, offering one class per semester. Here’s a quick look:

• Using Technology in Learning and Teaching
• Principles and Practices of Flexible and Distance Learning
• Technology Diffusion, Leadership, and Change
• Designing Effective Learning Environments

Notables

There are huge benefits in choosing Iowa State University as your online home for the next three years. For one, this program is cohort based. You’ll find support, academic engagement, and more from your peers. Even more, you’ll try out some of the best emerging technologies out there, like Web 2.0 tools, digital storytelling, mobile apps, and more.

Overview

Religiously affiliated with the Lutheran church, Concordia University-Saint Paul is a small liberal arts university. It enrolls around 4,900 students each year. The school maintains an impressive 95 percent job placement rate among its graduate student population. Concordia University-Saint Paul is a leader in adult learner education for its strong online options.

Program Features

Concordia University-Saint Paul gives you the option to complete this MA in Educational Technology either online or in person. The curriculum involves 30 credit-hours that are designed specifically to meet the technological needs of students in an academic setting. Blending together field experiences and classroom learning, you’ll take some of the following classes:

• Virtual Classroom
• Technology Trends and Social Media
• Educational Research and Applications
• Curriculum & Instruction

Notables

Your resume will always be more appealing if it includes graduate-level research. Concordia University-Saint Paul gives you plenty of those opportunities. You can jump into faculty research projects, some of which cover topics like digital media theory, distance education and online learning, and pedagogical integration of technology.

Overview

The University of North Dakota, the state’s oldest university, was established in 1883, a full six years before the North Dakota became a state! It is a point of pride for North Dakota for producing some of the highest caliber research in the region. The College of Education and Human Development has been educating teachers since 1883.

Program Features

At the University of North Dakota, you’ll find a number of options embedded within the MS in Instructional Design and Technology. The degree includes three areas of emphasis: K-12, Corporate, or Computer- and Web-Based Instruction. You curriculum will lead you through one of these areas with classes like:

• Digital Media and the Internet in Schools
• Instructional Design Consulting
• Instructional Simulations and Games
• Theories and Models of Instructional Design

Notables

One component of your curriculum at the University of North Dakota is a month-long internship in your area of expertise. All of these positions are paid internships. In the past, students have found placements in places like Raytheon, EDUTECH, PLATO Learning, Maryville State University, and more.

Overview

Kent State University is among the largest universities in the U.S. with more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Today the university enrolls more than 30,000 students at its main campus in Kent, OH.

Program Features

Kent State offers several optional tracks in their Master of Education in Instructional Technology program. Many of these tracks include certifications, including:

• Computer/Technology Endorsement from the state of Ohio
• Online Teaching and Learning Certificate
• Doctorate in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Instructional Technology

Notables

Kent State University is ranked nationally as a public institution with quality academics by U.S. News & World Report. This public, co-educational institution was founded in 1910, and around half of all classes have less than 20 students.