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The pandemic forced classrooms to embrace new technology, and that growth doesn't need to stop. Educational technology can improve learning and teaching outcomes in schools and the corporate world. It can aid the instructional process and improve equity.
Earning a master's in educational technology degree prepares you to become a modern educator who can implement new technologies to benefit diverse learning communities.
Debating a new career or how to upgrade your current job? This degree can prepare you to pursue careers as a teacher, consultant, instructional designer, or learning technologist.
Continue reading to see what education technology master's programs offer in terms of coursework and job outcomes for graduates.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Affordable Online Education Technology Master's Degrees
#1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
California State University-Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $467
Out-of-State | $467
Credits to Graduate: 30
Cal State Fullerton's master of science in instructional design and technology can prepare you for a career as a teacher, instructional designer, or corporate trainer. In this five-semester program, you take two courses per semester and earn two certificates in instructional design. You must also attend two mandatory on-campus or virtual conferences.
To apply, you should hold a bachelor's degree in any major with a GPA of 3.0. With a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, you can receive conditional admission.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
California State University-Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $833
Out-of-State | $833
Credits to Graduate: 30
In CSUN's online master of arts in instructional design, you can learn to design online courses, ensure their accessibility, and assist organizations in large-scale moves to online-first learning. This 21-month program features live class sessions and provides on-demand access to learning tools.
Coursework covers areas like educational psychology, the science of learning, and evaluating instructional media through DEI and accessibility. After these classes, you will complete a culminating experience project. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a qualifying GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
California State University, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $347
Out-of-State | $743
Credits to Graduate: 36
The MA in educational technology at Cal State LA offers a track in e-learning and new media design for teachers, technology trainers, and academic managers in online settings. This fully online program requires three semesters, with new cohorts beginning every spring.
Courses include introduction to human performance technology and learning communities in online teaching and learning. A comprehensive exam completes the program. You need a bachelor's with a 2.75 or better in the last 60 credits to apply.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $328
Out-of-State | $1,152
Credits to Graduate: 36
UCF's master's in instructional design and technology offers e-learning, instructional systems, and educational technology tracks. Courses include instructional systems design, research in instructional technology, and current trends in instructional technology. Students can attend through online, on campus, or hybrid delivery.
Graduates may pursue careers as education specialists, lead instructional designers, or senior education consultants. New students can begin courses in the fall, summer, or spring. UCF does not require GRE scores for admission to this program.
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Term:
In-State | $3,975
Out-of-State | $3,975
Courses to Graduate: 12
In WGU's online M.Ed. in education technology and instructional design, you can choose from pathways covering adult learners or K-12 students. Core courses include learning design lab, learning technology, and assessment and learning analytics. You'll also complete a capstone project where you examine a real-world problem in education design and explore viable solutions.
According to WGU, about 92% of graduates finish the program within 12 months, and graduates experience an average raise of $22,200 within two years of graduation.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#6 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $629
Out-of-State | $629
Credits to Graduate: 36
With UGA's M.Ed. in learning, design, and technology, you can explore an instructional design and development concentration. This 100% online degree prepares you to pursue a career as a multimedia specialist, instructional designer, or performance improvement consultant. The degree comprises 12 courses.
You need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution for admission. You must also submit an application and pay a $75 fee. New courses begin in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $479
Credits to Graduate: 36
UWF's M.Ed. in instructional design and performance technology prepares instructional design leaders for career advancement in organizational settings across various industries. This 24-month program offers three focus areas — current and emerging instructional technology, online teaching and learning, and human performance improvement. The degree concludes with a capstone.
To apply, you need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits. UWF charges a $30 application fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $372
Out-of-State | $1,027
Credits to Graduate: 36
In FAU's fully online M.Ed. in instructional technology, you can learn the foundations of distance learning, instructional design, and research and statistics. This program offers concentrations in instructional design and technology educational leadership. You must also complete 15 required credits, a research course sequence, and two elective classes.
To apply, you need to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $526
Out-of-State | $1,635
Credits to Graduate: 30-36
You can pursue NC State's MS or M.Ed. in learning design and technology on your path to becoming a curriculum specialist or designer. The M.Ed. requires 30 credits, and the MS comprises 36 credits, including a thesis. Both programs allow you to emphasize inquiry, design, or digital leadership.
Core courses include design and evaluation of instructional materials and theoretical foundations of advanced learning environments. You should hold a 3.0 or better in all undergraduate coursework for admission, and you do not need to submit entrance exam scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $530
Out-of-State | $628
Credits to Graduate: 36
IU's MSEd in instructional systems technology can help you lead workplace learning and performance improvement initiatives. You'll take courses such as evaluation in the instructional development process and analysis for instructional and performance improvement. You may focus on adult education, learning science, or another related area.
This online or on-campus program includes an optional internship and a year-long studio project. To apply, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or acceptable GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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Getting Into an Online Master's in Educational Technology Program
Ready to apply to an online master's in educational technology program? You can streamline the process by gathering common materials and keeping a record of upcoming deadlines.
Start early, gathering letters of recommendation and transcripts — delays can cost you to miss admission deadlines. Make sure you understand the general graduate admission requirements and any specific program requirements, such as an admittance interview or GRE scores.
Application
A lot of time and effort goes into a college application. Your online master's in educational technology application showcases your academic, personal, professional, and leadership talents.
Test Scores
Admissions may require GRE or GMAT scores, especially if your GPA does not meet requirements. Check to see if your prospective schools have standardized test requirements or list minimum test scores. Additionally, international students often need to submit English language proficiency scores.
Official Transcripts
Education technology master's programs require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. Expect to submit official transcripts of your undergraduate studies. This shows proof that you meet the GPA requirements.
You'll need to contact your former college, pay a fee, and order them by mail or electronically. Do it early to avoid missing any deadlines.
Personal Essays
A personal essay allows you to shine, adding context to your resume and transcripts. Colleges may ask for a short personal essay (300-500 words), or a statement about your interest in pursuing an online master's in educational technology degree.
Letters of Recommendation
Submitting 2-3 letters of recommendation from professional references helps give colleges a more robust picture of you. Ask your former professors, managers, or religious or volunteer leaders to vouch for your character and/or work ethic. Word of advice: Give your reference enough time to draft a letter or complete a recommendation form before the deadline.
Resume and Work Experiences
Take time to update your resume with volunteer or internship experiences relevant to your major. Work experiences enhance your application, showing admissions your accomplishments outside of college. If you need help to edit or format your resume, go to your undergraduate career center or an online resume resource.
Paying for an Online Master's in Educational Technology
Colleges may charge online degree-seekers a lower tuition rate than traditional colleges. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), enrollees in master's in education technology programs paid an average of $8,537 in 2020 to study online, versus $15,409 on campus. Online learners can pay less, but sometimes colleges tack on a technology fee.
Graduate degree-holders often outperform bachelor's degree-holders when it comes to compensation, particularly in areas such as education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that master's degree-holders earn a median of $1,661 per week, while bachelor's degree-holders make a median of $1,432 weekly.
Average Annual Cost of a Master's in Educational Technology
Online
$8,537 for tuition and fees in 2020
In-Person
$15,409 for tuition and fees in 2020
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Payment Options for Online Master's in Educational Technology Degrees
| Payment Method |
Pros |
Cons |
| Loans |
Private and federal loans help you pay college-related expenses. Money goes directly to your school to cover tuition. Anything extra goes to you. |
Repaying loans can cost more when you factor in any interest rates. Defaulting on loans can result in costly fines. |
| Scholarships |
When you get awarded merit-based or financial-need scholarships, you keep the money. Your school, state, or outside nonprofits may offer varying award amounts. |
You need to meet academic and financial requirements to apply for scholarships. |
| Grants |
Grants offer another financial aid source that does not require repayment. Need extra cash for college? You can get federal grants such as Pell Grants based on your financial need. TEACH Grants offer additional aid for future educators who make a commitment to serve in a high need area. |
Read the fine print. Because grants often require a commitment. If you fail to honor that, grants could become loans you owe back. |
| Work study |
Work-study programs allow you to earn cash while you go to school. Colleges place you in positions on and off campus. |
Working may not fit into your schedule. |
| Upfront |
Paying upfront, by semester or for all four years, allows you to save money. |
Most students and their families lack the cash reserves to pay upfront for their college education. |
Source: NCES
Tips for Making an Online Master's More Affordable
- Do not take more courses than you need. Check with your academic advisor on the recommended course load.
- See if you can take any courses at a community college. Two-year schools often offer lower tuition rates for the same core college classes.
- Find free digital textbook resources when you can, or rent or borrow books.
- Work while in school and pay any loans during your studies, if you can.
Common Education Technology Master's Degree Courses
Top master's in educational technology programs teach you how to incorporate educational technologies in schools, universities, the public sector, and businesses. You'll complete about 30 credits, including 9-13 electives and core courses that cover learning theories and pedagogy. The lessons deepen your understanding of how to integrate technology into various learning environments.
You'll develop your ability to evaluate systems, implement instruction design, and optimize accessibility. The ever-changing nature of technology means students must grasp new technologies — and so must you, as their instructor. Explore a sample curriculum below.
Capstone Project
Often, final projects ask you to synthesize your learning and apply it to create professional or academic learning modules. The capstone project may also require a research project on an original topic.
Assessment and Evaluation
This course explores the various evaluation methods and ethical standards educational technologists use. These standards measure the effectiveness of educational technology.
Instructional Design
Using learning theories and research as a framework, you'll learn to plan and develop impactful instructional processes for specific settings such as schools or businesses. You'll continually adapt the instructional design based on learning goals and feedback.
Introduction to Computer Programming
Enrollees in this course gain hands-on learning in object-oriented programming using Python, HTML, Javascript, and CSS. You'll build an interactive website that also serves as a digital portfolio.
Teaching with Social Media
This elective allows you to explore how to harness social media as an educational tool. The lessons explore the pros and cons of social media and its application in a classroom setting to teach analytical thinking.
Why Get an Online Master's in Educational Technology?
An online master's in educational technology provides many benefits to people working in education and those considering switching careers to work in educational technology.
Degree-holders can pursue opportunities in a variety of settings, including specific learning communities such as learners with disabilities. Possible work settings include government, schools, colleges, and companies.
Earning an online master's in educational technology degree provides other benefits such as:
- Studying online from anywhere
- Keeping your job while you enroll in college
- Increasing your earning potential
- Allowing you to pursue a meaningful career
- Enabling you to earn a graduate education for less
What Can I Do With a Master's in Educational Technology?
You can work as an educator in public school, or in the private sector as an educational technology specialist. A master's degree is the prerequisite to enroll in a doctoral program.
Jobs for Master's in Education Technology Graduates
| Career |
Description |
Average Annual Salary |
| Instructional coordinators |
These professionals, which include curriculum developers, create instructional materials and coordinate educational content and technlogies. |
$74,620 |
| Educational technology specialist |
Educational technology specialists provide technical support to help educators use technology in classrooms. They evaluate a school's needs and recommend devices and other technology that could improve learning. |
$60,000 |
| Secondary school teacher |
Secondary school teachers (typically encompassing middle and high schools) educate students and manage classrooms, including by incorporating technology. (Educational technology expertise can be relevant at all educational levels.) |
$65,220 |
| Training and development specialists |
Training and development specialists develop training materials, programs, online learning for staff in businesses and organizations. |
$64,340 |
Payscale and BLS OES
How Much Do Education Technology Graduates Make?
When you earn an online master's in educational technology degree, you can potentially make an average annual salary of $72,331 (Payscale 2024), as a curriculum developer or $64,340 as a training and development specialist (BLS 2023).
Salary statistics do not always reflect real-world earnings. What you end up taking home varies on your experience, degree, and the specific work setting. Job security also varies.
The BLS reports that the job growth for training and development managers will increase by 6% from 2022-2032, compared to 1% for elementary school teachers. Note that while classroom instruction is certainly an option, many people who hold EdTech degrees don't teach directly in a classroom.
More Questions About Education Technology Master's Programs
Education technology master's programs broadly teach you how to incorporate technologies into the curriculum. Programs may focus on design, or on teaching you object-oriented programming essentials.
Among other settings -- like the government or large companies -- educational technologists provide technical support to educators and staff, ensuring that new technologies work in classrooms at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Educational technologists audit schools to see where technologies could promote learning and update current systems.
Yes. This major provides technical skills needed for a potentially meaningful career. If you love empowering others with technology, you can merge your interests by pursuing an online master's in educational technology degree. Technology incorporated into classrooms can also help improve accessibility and help students learn better.
Education technology master's programs demand a deep comprehension of the technological tools, devices, and software utilized in education and the private sector. Sometimes, programs include challenging coursework in programming or web design. Additionally, students often have to finish an intensive capstone project that incorporates original research.
If possible, consider paying your way through college. Borrow only what you truly need. If you currently work in education, human resources, or Learning & Development, see if your employer offers tuition assistance to help you earn an online master's in education technology degree.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed April 17, 2024.
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