Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology
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A master’s degree in educational technology can lead to a rewarding management-level career where you help incorporate technology into teaching techniques and school curricula. Education technology professionals work for schools, government agencies, and private companies.
Use this guide to learn about the best online educational technology master’s programs. This page also includes a ranking of the top schools where you can earn this degree, explains what to expect from an educational technology master’s program, and outlines potential educational technology careers.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is a Master’s in Educational Technology?
An online educational technology master’s degree prepares graduates to use new technologies in the classroom, lead workshops, develop and analyze curricula, and act as project managers and consultants. Typical online master’s in educational technology applicants include school administrators and teachers seeking new challenges, students coming straight from undergraduate programs, and professionals from other fields seeking a career change.
Top Master’s in Educational Technology Online Programs
The University of Florida
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled52,407
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled69,402
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled38,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,970
- Out-of-state$47,833
- In-State$16,578
- Out-of-state$27,770
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate24%
- Students Enrolled25,012
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,640
- Out-of-state$19,084
- In-State$9,684
- Out-of-state$24,116
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled42,450
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,350
- Out-of-state$55,350
- In-State$55,350
- Out-of-state$55,350
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled27,079
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,941
- Out-of-state$34,190
- In-State$6,677
- Out-of-state$18,700
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled68,726
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
The University of South Florida-Main Campus
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled44,246
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania State University World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,484
- Out-of-state$13,484
- In-State$21,682
- Out-of-state$21,682
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,188
- Out-of-state$33,127
- In-State$14,997
- Out-of-state$28,404
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled51,605
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,219
- Out-of-state$20,747
- In-State$8,370
- Out-of-state$17,746
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled46,148
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled12,557
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,366
- Out-of-state$20,877
- In-State$5,531
- Out-of-state$21,034
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled24,079
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,744
- Out-of-state$16,704
- In-State$5,958
- Out-of-state$13,428
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled38,742
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,425
- In-State$4,977
- Out-of-state$19,890
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled26,054
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Choosing the Right Online Educational Technology Master’s Program
Applicants must weigh multiple variables when choosing a program, including cost, location, and accreditation status. As you research schools, keep in mind factors such as:
- Program Length: Many master’s programs take up to two years of full-time study. However, some schools offer accelerated or part-time options that let learners better align the degree with their schedules.
- Required Application Materials: Programs typically require application materials like resumes, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Some schools may also require standardized test scores.
- Accreditation: Ensure every college and university on your list holds institutional accreditation from an authorized accreditation agency. Accreditation verifies that a school meets standards of academic excellence. Education programs can also hold optional programmatic accreditation from agencies like the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
- Cost/Financial Aid: Tuition can vary depending upon factors like program reputation, schools’ public or private status, and student state residency. Attendees can reduce their tuition burden by comparing programs to find more affordable options. Additionally, research each institution’s financial aid opportunities.
What to Expect From an Educational Technology Graduate Program
Educational technology degrees cover topics like instructional design, educational research, and project management. Programs may offer electives or specializations that let learners focus their studies on subfields like online teaching or assessment.
Explore the Educational Technology Curriculum
Each master’s in educational technology program offers its own classes, but you may encounter common courses such as:
- Theories of Educational Technology: This course explores learning and instructional theories for educational technology, including the technological pedagogical content knowledge framework. Enrollees learn how to adapt their instructional styles and technologies to meet the needs of various learners.
- Instructional Design: This class examines technology’s impact on learning and provides an overview of strategies for incorporating technology into curriculum plans. This course covers a variety of technological applications in teaching and helps prepare enrollees for careers as instructional coordinators. Topics may include human/computer interfacing, digital pedagogical adaptations, and design processes.
- Assessment and Evaluation: This class examines how educators can use computer-based tools to collect and interpret student data and make decisions based on those results. Knowledge of assessment and evaluation is critical for aspiring instructional coordinators and managers of training programs.
Understand Certifications and Licenses
Professional teachers with state certification can expand their teaching credentials by earning an online master’s degree in instructional design. Teacher certification requirements vary from state to state, but commonalities include the completion of an undergraduate degree in education or a teacher preparation program and passing scores on state teaching exams.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Educational Technology?
Educational technology professionals can utilize software and hardware tools to assist with online or in-person learning for traditional students, adult learners, and corporate employees. Graduates of master’s in educational technology online programs can directly integrate technology into their own classrooms or apply their knowledge to other subfields of education. These workers can pursue roles like curriculum designer, online course developer, or librarian.
After a master’s degree, educational technology specialists can further advance their knowledge through a Ph.D. program or additional certification. Ph.D. in educational technology degrees may require over 80 credit hours of coursework, including core classes, research requirements, and dissertation credits. Doctorate-holders can pursue advanced roles as professors, researchers, or instructional designers.
Certain states may offer educational technology specialist certifications, which verify workers’ expertise in designing classroom technologies and training teachers to utilize these tools. These certifications may require the completion of a relevant program, specific coursework, and a background check.
| Job | 2023 Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | $63,670 | +1% |
| Education Postsecondary Teacher | $73,240 | +4% |
| Instructional Coordinators | $74,620 | +2% |
| Librarians and Library Media Specialists | $64,370 | +3% |
| Training & Development Specialist Salary | $61,850* | N/A |
| Academic Technology Specialist | $61,960* | N/A |
*Denotes May 2024 average annual salary data from Payscale
Discover Educational Technology Professional Organizations
In addition to earning an online master’s in instructional technology, joining a professional organization is a great way to learn more about best practices in this field and network with other educational technology specialists. These groups often post job openings and offer mentorship, peer engagement, and scholarly inquiry opportunities. We explore several relevant groups below.
- ASCD+ISTE
- In 2023, ASCD merged with the International Society for Technology in Education to form one of the largest nonprofit organizations for teachers. Membership benefits include access to podcasts, an educational leadership magazine, webinars, articles, and networking opportunities.
- National Education Association
- With 3 million members, NEA is the largest professional employee organization in the U.S. It supports public schools and educators of all grade levels through its action-focused advocacy, grants, and teaching tools.
Popular Questions About Master’s in Educational Technology Online
What is educational technology?
Educational technology refers to the use of technology to help students meet their learning goals. Professionals specializing in this field can work in K-12 classrooms, higher learning institutions, or corporations.
Is a master’s in educational technology worth it?
Individuals with a passion for education and technology may find a master’s in educational technology online program worth the cost and time commitment. These degrees build expertise in areas like instructional design and instructional technology. Graduates can qualify for jobs that pay higher-than-average wages.
Where can I get a master’s degree in educational technology?
You can get an educational technology degree online or in person at schools throughout the U.S. Ensure the schools on your list hold institutional accreditation. Compare each program’s courses, costs, and flexibility to find your ideal degree.
How long does an online master’s in educational technology take to complete?
A master’s in educational technology degree typically takes two years to complete. However, some online master’s programs may offer accelerated options.
What is the difference between educational technology and online education?
Educational technology refers to any type of technology used to help students, including tools for in-person learning. In contrast, online education refers specifically to completing coursework online. Teachers can use educational technology like website design, graphic design, and interactive software to develop integrative online teaching methods.
