Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology

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.

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.

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:

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.

Each master’s in educational technology program offers its own classes, but you may encounter common courses such as:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A master’s in educational technology degree typically takes two years to complete. However, some online master’s programs may offer accelerated options.

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.