Online Master's Programs in Educational Technology
Many 火豹电竞娱乐官方 offer online master's programs in educational technology. These programs prepare educators and specialists to create and enhance learning experiences. Graduates with a master's in educational technology may work in academic or corporate settings. An online format helps current teachers continue their careers while furthering their education.
Our guide lists the top online master's programs in educational technology. Read on for information on costs, common classes, and how to become an educational technologist.
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Questions About Educational Technology Online Degrees
Do I need a license for educational technology?
Yes. Teachers need a license to practice at most public 火豹电竞娱乐官方. Most states require educators to earn certification in the subject area they wish to teach.
What are examples of educational technology?
Common educational technology tools include interactive whiteboards and laptops. Other examples include virtual reality headsets and artificial intelligence software.
What is the difference between educational technology and instructional technology?
Instructional technology refers to the technological tools used in education. Educational technology refers to the process of using those tools.
Why Get a Degree in Educational Technology?
An educational technology degree trains professionals how to make technology an effective part of learning. Graduates with a master's in educational technology can
pursue careers
in the education or business fields. For example, they may work as corporate trainers or learning resource supervisors.
A rise in virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in students needing support with laptops and online resources. Educators with expertise in educational technology can help with this need.
Online master's programs in educational technology provide flexibility. Many online programs run asynchronously. This format allows enrollees to complete coursework around their schedules. Online learners also save time and money by avoiding a commute to campus.
How Much Does an Educational Technology Degree Cost?
Master's degrees cost an average of $66,340,
according to EducationData.org
. A master's in education costs an average of $55,200. However, many factors influence cost. For example, public 火豹电竞娱乐官方 typically charge the most affordable tuition, especially for in-state students. Learners who complete their degree quickly may pay less due to rising tuition rates.
Full-time learners can earn a master's in two years. Students may need to budget for living expenses if they cannot continue working full time.
Additional Online Student Fees
Educational technology
students may need to buy virtual reality headsets or pay for access to a technology resource center. Learners should also budget for administration, graduation, and technology fees. Some 火豹电竞娱乐官方 charge online learners for on-campus resources and activities.
Online students should also budget for materials and books. Buying used or online versions can help them save money. Educators who want to work in public 火豹电竞娱乐官方 may need to pay for certifications. The cost for certification exams varies by state.
How Much Do Educational Technology Majors Make?
Professionals who work in education, training, and library occupations earn a median annual salary of $52,380, according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS). This figure surpasses the median annual salary of $41,950 for all occupations.
Earning a master's in educational technology can help graduates qualify for higher-paying roles. For example,
career and technical education teachers
earn a median annual income of $59,140. These professionals only need a bachelor's degree.
Instructional coordinators
earn a median annual salary of $66,970. These professionals need a master's degree.
Location also influences pay. Postsecondary
career and technical educators
in California earn a mean annual wage of $84,690. The same professionals in Georgia earn $48,660.
Courses in Educational Technology
Education technology programs introduce students to new technology. Coursework helps enrollees expand their knowledge of common technology's advanced capabilities.
Most online master's programs in educational technology require about 60 credits. Programs may run synchronously or asynchronously. Students who need more accountability may prefer synchronous formats with live lectures. Asynchronous programs let degree-seekers watch recorded lectures on their own time.
See below for three common classes in educational technology programs. Keep in mind that not every school offers these exact courses.
-
Emerging Technologies
This class covers educational technology not yet available to the public. Students read case studies about the effectiveness of beta-stage software and technology. Part of the class involves a research review. Learners collect and analyze research findings of new technologies.
-
Assistive Technology for Individualized Education Plans
This class reviews how technology helps learners with special needs. Degree-seekers study how assistive technology removes learning barriers for students with impairments. Part of the class identifies how technology enhances individualized education plans. Learners explore best practices for working with special education instructors to ensure student success.
-
Interpersonal Communication and Instruction
Education technology instructors must know how to effectively communicate demonstrations. Coursework covers how teachers can use specific methods to reach various learners. Students explore the best methods for auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. Enrollees learn how to assess instruction effectiveness through feedback and exams.
How to Become an Educational Technologist
Educational technologists need a bachelor's degree. However, advanced roles may require a master's degree. Many master's programs do not prepare learners for state teaching certification. To work in classrooms, learners may need to complete extra requirements, like student teaching. Then, they must pass an exam chosen by a state board of education.
Educational technologists who want to work in the business field do not need teaching certification. These professionals usually gain hands-on experience through internships.
Top Online Master's Programs in Educational Technology
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#1 Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology
Points: 16
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Penn State World Campus offers an online master of education in learning, design, and technology that is designed for instructors in any educational setting. The 30 credit hour program includes coursework like Theoretical Foundations of Learning, Design, and Technology, Educational Technology Integration, Emerging Web Technologies, and Learning, Learning Design Studio, Systematic Instructional Development or Systematic Instructional Development for Teachers, Gaming to Learn, and Designing Constructivist Learning Environments. The highly customizable online master’s degree program comes with several electives to help tailor the program per each student’s interest areas as they learn systematic instructional development and designing constructivist learning environments.The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition per credit: $886
#2 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Online Master of Education in Learning Design and Leadership (LDL) with a Technology Specialist option
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Points: 15
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an online degree in Learning Design and Leadership (LDL) with a Technology Specialist option. The 32-credit course includes topics like Learning with Mobile Technologies; Learning & Human Development with Educational Technologies; along with a range of electives. The 100% online master’s degree program offers working teachers and other professionals a flexible schedule so that they can earn an advanced degree and continue working at the same time. Students can also opt for the accelerated 6-8-week formats to complete the course in a shorter than usual time. Rolling admissions allow students to enroll and begin learning any time, with no GRE required. Graduates go on to work as teachers, eLearning consultants, ed-tech analysts, instructional designers, online learning designers, and developers.
Tuition per credit: $473
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#3 North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
Online Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology
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Points: 14
North Carolina State University offers an online master of learning design and technology that focuses on technology integration and staff development. The 36 credit hour program includes coursework like Curriculum, Professional Development, and Leadership, Knowledge of Learners and Teaching and Methodological Inquiry, Instructional Technology along with research and thesis preparation. The 100% online master’s degree program prepares education professionals to inquire into digital learning solutions, design digital learning environments, and lead digital learning programs. They are trained to continuously refine instruction and improve student learning through the use of the latest technologies. Students can choose to specialize in digital leadership, design, or inquiry. Previously licensed teachers are eligible for endorsement in computer education, which helps them to serve in technology coordination/facilitation roles in various educational settings. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $452.88
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#4 Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Online Master of Science in Instructional Technology
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Points: 14
Fort Hays State University offers an online master of science in instructional technology that focuses on Google in education and school law. The online master’s degree program is designed for teachers, trainers or anyone interested in instructional technology. The 36 credit hour program includes coursework like Utilization of Technology, Educational Research, Instructional Technology Theory, and Practice, Developing Web-based Instruction, Multimedia Applications, Hypermedia/Hypertext Applications, School Law, Educational Leadership, Design and Assessment, Cultural Diversity, electives like Google in Education and a practicum in Instructional Technology. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition per credit: $287.75
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#5 University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
Online Master of Science in Educational Technology
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Points: 13
The University of Central Missouri offers an online master of science in educational technology which is designed for K-12 teachers who wish to integrate technology into their classroom. The 30-credit hour program focuses on online course development and evaluation of online instruction. Classes include Foundations of Ed Tech, Assessment, and Evaluation of Online Instruction, Communication in Online Learning, Education Product Development and Management, and Online Course Development among others. Students have the option of several electives to help customize their online master’s degree and also need to complete an internship which gives them real-world experience. Graduates go on to create and support effective digital-age learning environments and ed-tech initiatives. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition per credit: $348.50