Online Ed.D. programs in educational technology (EdTech) prepare graduates for careers in information and communications technology (ICT). The combination of computer- and web-based education has altered the learning landscape, and EdTech is among the most influential sectors to emerge from the IT field. Students in online doctorate programs in educational technology assess, develop, and implement technological learning tools to enhance learning and improve performance through apps, software, and online systems.
For career information, skip down:
- What Else can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Educational Technology Program?
- Accreditation for Online Educational Technology Doctorate Degrees
- Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Educational Technology Graduates
- Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Educational Technology
Educational technologists require a unique combination of skills from IT, communications, and education. Though career possibilities are diverse for graduates of online Ed.D. programs in educational technology, job growth and compensation are expected to favor those with advanced programming and data-mining skills. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for computer and information research scientists will grow 19% by the year 2026 due to the increasing need for more efficient technology.
The Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Florida |
Gainesville, FL | ||
| 2 |
Michigan State University |
East Lansing, MI | ||
| 3 |
University of South Carolina-Columbia |
Columbia, SC | ||
| 4 |
University of Memphis |
Memphis, TN | ||
| 5 |
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus |
Stillwater, OK | ||
| 6 |
Indiana University-Bloomington |
Bloomington, IN | ||
| 7 |
Duquesne University |
Pittsburgh, PA | ||
| 8 |
The University of West Florida |
Pensacola, FL | ||
| 9 |
Old Dominion University |
Norfolk, VA | ||
| 10 |
Concordia University-Chicago |
River Forest, IL | ||
| 11 |
Regent University |
Virginia Beach, VA | ||
| 12 |
Boise State University |
Boise, ID | ||
| 13 |
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago |
Chicago, IL |
End of list, bravo!
What Else can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Educational Technology Program?
While online Ed.D. programs in educational technology vary from school to school, most doctoral degrees feature some common characteristics. The majority of online doctorate programs in educational technology focus on research methods and statistics. Also common among doctoral degrees is the completion of a dissertation or final graduate project to conclude the program.
Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Educational Technology
- Emerging trends in educational technology: Through the exploration of industry literature and best practices in the field, students identify and discuss current issues and emerging trends in educational technology, as well as their practical applications in a technology career.
- Leadership in educational technology: This course explores contemporary, innovative modes of leadership in the field today, emphasizing the models, processes, and theories that drive programs and projects in educational technology. Students also build skills related to teamwork, human resources, and organizational psychology.
- Global and cultural perspectives in educational technology: This course takes a global approach to educational technology, exploring various international ICT systems. Students discuss both the projections and potential pitfalls of ICT integration in countries other than the U.S.
- Statistics for educational technology: This course introduces students to concepts like confidence intervals, chi-square, analysis of variance, central tendency and variability, and one and two sample tests; this course typically follows a research course in educational technology.
- Research in educational technology: Students focus on quantitative and qualitative methods as the primary mode of conducting educational technology research. The course also covers the building blocks of doctoral research and the use of case studies.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Educational Technology?
On average, students spend at least three years completing an Ed.D. degree, though some online doctorate programs in educational technology may require less time if offered in an accelerated format. Completion times are affected by many factors, including the structure of the program, whether a student attends full- or part-time, and how often classes are available.
Schools may offer online Ed.D. programs in educational technology in either an individual learning or cohort style; the former offers students maximum flexibility in a self-paced program they can complete in their own time, while the latter groups students into groups to facilitate a collaborative learning environment.
The typical Ph.D. in educational technology requires between 54 and 66 credit hours, potentially including summer sessions, and most likely culminating in a thesis or dissertation. Doctoral programs are known for offering customizable options to prepare graduates for professional practice, such as internships and independent study opportunities.
Accreditation for Online Educational Technology Doctorate Degrees
As with any Ph.D. in educational technology, it is crucial to consider a prospective school's accreditation. Accredited institutions indicate that online Ed.D. programs in educational technology are of the highest quality. Regional accreditation is usually granted from one of six agencies, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission, or the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Accreditation from both regional and national agencies is legitimate, though regionally accredited institutions usually require a more rigorous process to earn accreditation and are typically held to a higher standard than their nationally accredited counterparts.
Accreditation is an especially important point of consideration for transfer students. While the majority of nationally accredited institutions honor transfer credits from regionally or nationally accredited institutions, many regionally accredited schools will only accept credits from other institutions with regional accreditation.
Whether a school is nationally or regionally accredited, it should be recognized by the appropriate branch of either the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the co-administrators of postsecondary accreditation in the U.S. Some online doctorate programs in educational technology receive additional accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Be sure to look for your school on the ED or CHEA websites.
Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Educational Technology Graduates
Doctorate in Educational Technology Careers
Graduates of online Ed.D. programs in educational technology are prepared for advanced careers in IT, education, and instructional design. While many entry-level jobs in these fields require only a bachelor's degree, earning a Ph.D. in educational technology requires a unique skill set -- one that is in-demand among the nation's most exclusive and innovative EdTech occupations. Candidates holding a terminal degree in educational technology are qualified for top jobs in computer science, instructional research, and higher education. Below are just some of the most common careers for educational technologists:
-
Computer and Information Research Scientist: Computer and information research scientists design and develop new learning technologies, as well as update and integrate existing systems. These professionals also provide critical services to other economic sectors including science, medicine, and corporate business. Computer scientists with at least a master's degree and advanced data-mining skills are projected to remain in especially high demand over the next decade.
- Median Annual Salary: $114,520
- Projected Growth Rate: 19%
-
Computer and Information Systems Manager: IT managers coordinate and oversee all computerized operations within a school or educational organization. They typically help an organization identify and implement the high-functioning computer systems they need to facilitate learning programs. Graduates of online Ed.D. programs in educational technology may qualify for advanced positions including chief information officer or chief technology officer.
- Median Annual Salary: $139,220
- Projected Growth Rate: 12%
-
Computer Systems Analyst: Sometimes called systems architects, computer systems analysts evaluate the current networks and systems of school or educational facilities to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness through new or modified designs. Graduates of online doctorate programs in educational technology, especially those with considerable IT experience, are poised for significant advancement in this field.
- Median Annual Salary: $88,270
- Projected Growth Rate: 9%
-
Software Developer: Software developers create computer software, applications, and (occasionally) operating systems to meet the needs of students and educators in the digital landscape. While most entry-level software developer jobs do not need a doctoral degree, a candidate with a Ph.D. in educational technology online may qualify for high-level jobs like IT project manager, a position overseeing the development of a particular learning tool.
- Median Annual Salary: $103,560
- Projected Growth Rate: 24%
-
Postsecondary Teacher: Becoming a postsecondary teacher of education technology requires a terminal degree in the field. Graduates of online Ed.D. programs in educational technology can become professors of education technology or a related subject at a college or university. They may also conduct graduate-level research and/or publish journals or other scholarly research in this area of expertise.
- Median Annual Salary: $76,000
- Projected Growth Rate: 15%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Doctorate in Educational Technology Salary
Salaries for Ph.D. in educational technology graduates depend on one's location, experience, and area of specialty. Job seekers have a wide range of employment options, each commensurate to an individual's education and experience. Offering a wealth of lucrative career opportunities and steady job growth over the next decade, the IT sector is especially generous to workers with advanced skills in specialties such as computer and information science and software development. As shown in the table below, educational technologists with specific IT skills can earn hefty salaries as they acquire more experience.
| Job Title | Overall Median Salary |
Entry-Level Employees | Mid-Career Employees | Late-Career Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Coordinator, Information Technology (IT) | $54,498 | $50,000 | $61,000 | $71,000 |
| Computer and Information Scientist, Research | $109,169 | $86,000 | $108,000 | $140,000 |
| Information Technology (IT) Specialist | $54,440 | $42,000 | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $67,062 | $54,000 | $69,000 | $81,000 |
| Software Developer | $69,565 | $65,000 | $81,000 | $99,000 |
Educational Technology Professional Organizations
Sitting at the nexus of education, technology, and communication, the field of educational technology serves an important bridge between educators and administrators and the advanced technical skills they need to succeed. Through invaluable professional organizations such as ISTE, SETDA, and AECT, educational technologists can network with other professionals in the field, pursue continuing education opportunities, support field advocacy efforts, and engage in discourse over educational technology policy reform. Many professional organizations also offer affordable membership and financial support through scholarships and awards. Members can also attend exclusive workshops and seminars, subscribe to member newsletters, and pursue job placement through career services. Some of the field's most visible organizations include the following.
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): ISTE offers a wealth of resources to an international membership of educational technology practitioners. Benefits like networking, publishing, and continuing education opportunities are designed for inclusion, and serve a diverse group of educators specializing in technology-based tools.
- State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA): SETDA connects educational technologists together in each state, engaging members in advocacy and policy reform events that affect each state's educational system. Through SETDA, educational technology professionals can attend webinars, conferences, and other public events that support the organization's four main priorities: equity of access, digital content, digital learning, and interoperability.
- Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT): AECT is the nation's premier organization for educational technologists and instructional designers, promoting values such as leadership, professional standards, sustainability, financial stability, and collaboration among its members. The organization administers a system of standards for professional education programs, and offers an endorsement for non-degree holders through a certificate program.
Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Educational Technology
For the majority of college students, the process of applying for financial aid begins with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While this is the first step toward determining one's federal aid, the FAFSA is also used by most schools and private lenders to determine a student's eligibility for additional funding including scholarships, loans, and grants. Though candidates for a Ph.D. in educational technology online may face limited options for financial aid, the FAFSA is widely regarded as the universal standard for assessing all funding options.
As in many IT occupations and subfields of education, educational technologists are in high-demand. For these professionals, earning a Ph.D. in educational technology online offers the broadest variety of lucrative career prospects with longevity in the industry. To this end, aspiring educational technologists can pursue targeted scholarships from both their school and private lenders -- as well as loans, grants, and work-study awards -- to help finance their degree.
