Best Master's Degrees In Educational Technology

Learn the best educational technology masters degree programs and enhance your career in the field of education technology.
by

Updated June 15, 2023

CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

Lead the Future Teachings of Technology and Curriculum with a Top Master’s in Educational Technology.

As our world continues to shift toward the digital age, the educational sector has followed suit. More and more, college-level degree programs are offered online or via distance learning. Smart boards and simulations are being brought into elementary and secondary classrooms as learning tools.

The educational system needs teachers who are fluent in technology. It needs educators who can design lesson plans that reach beyond pen and paper. It needs you. The best way to get started is with a master’s in educational technology.

What kind of master’s in educational technology should you get?

Below you’ll find the top 25 best master’s in educational technology. This means you can be sure you’ll get an amazing education, regardless of which one you ultimately pick. But a master’s degree is all about narrowing your focus on a specialty. So make sure you know what you need in terms of schedule, format, length, and career goals.

You’ll find that not all master’s degrees are the same in this list. Some of these programs are offered online. Others require on-campus residencies. Some programs are master’s of education degrees, while others are master’s of science degrees. Some include accelerated one-year programs. Others take up to three years to complete. Ultimately, it is up to you to match your goals with your ideal program.

If you’re not quite ready to specialize in educational technology, but you still want a career in education, be sure to check out College Choice’s 50 Best Master’s in Education Degrees.

mini icon

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

How much money do people make with a master’s in educational technology?

The education system sometimes gets a bad rap for underpaying teachers. Specializing in a subject like educational technology is a perfect way to side-step this dilemma. You’ll stand out from the rest as a needed path to the future. And you’ll be rewarded accordingly.

You could go a number of different directions in this field. Let’s take a look at just two options. According to Payscale.com, a Director of E-Learning at a company or a school system will earn an average salary of $80,904. An Instructional Designer can make around $61,102 per year. When you compare that to an average salary of a K-12 educator, you’ll be happy you took the time to specialize!

What can you do with master’s in educational technology?

Since educational technology is a fairly new field, your career options are far from limited! If you like the K-12 school setting, then you can become an information technology specialist within your school system. Or if you want to branch out and start your own learning platform or course management system, then a master’s in educational technology will set you up perfectly.

Education at its best goes beyond the classroom. With one of these programs, you’ll gain the tools to not only design technology-driven curriculum, but also to implement it in schools, museums, tutoring centers, and more.

What are the requirements for a master’s in educational technology?

The #1 school on this list is Harvard University. That should give you an indication of the caliber of your options. There’s no getting around it. You’ll have to work hard to get into these programs. But your net yield will be tenfold, and you will launch into one of the best academic experiences of your life, guaranteed.

Most application processes prefer that you have a kind of background in either education or technology. Go figure! You also will likely need to take the GRE for a number of the top programs on the list. The degree programs last anywhere from one to three years, with a required 30 to 45 credit-hours.

One amazing element that many programs include is the option to concentrate in an area. This could be instructional design and development, literacy media, online learning, and more. A few of these programs also include capstone projects, which is a great way to synthesize your learnings and create a portfolio to present to future employers.

What are the best master’s in educational technology degrees?

Below you’ll find the 25 best master’s in educational technology degrees. The data team at College Choice considered a number of factors in their methodology.

First, they took into account the academic quality of each program. Then they assessed overall affordability and return on investment. Finally, they factored in student satisfaction using retention rates and graduation rates. Beyond our own data nerds, we enlisted the excellent resources at U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Payscale.com.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

  1. Harvard University
    Location

    Cambridge, MA

    Tuition

    $16205

    Overview

    As if it weren’t already the best in everything else, Harvard University also tops the list for its program in educational technology. Harvard is a private Ivy League institution that tops nearly every list as being the best university in the United States and the world. No surprise, then, its School of Education is one of the best in the nation.

    Program Features

    The Graduate School of Education hosts Harvard’s Technology, Innovation, and Education master’s program. This is a one-year program that emphasizes three core areas: design, implementation, and research. You’ll work on collaborative projects with your cohort, engaging internships, and more. Some class highlights include:

    • Design and Development of Technology-Enhanced Assessments
    • Multi-Modal Learning Analytics
    • Connected Teaching in the Digital Age
    • Universal Design for Learning

    Notables

    This program values a balanced curriculum above all else. The internship experience is often a highlight for students. In the past, graduate students have logged their hours at the MIT Media Lab, IBM Visualization and Behavior Group, Boston Museum of Science, and more.

  2. University of Pennsylvania
    Location

    Philadelphia, PA

    Tuition

    $22944

    Overview

    The University of Pennsylvania holds the distinction of being one of the nine colonial colleges that was established before the Revolutionary War. This private Ivy League school was founded in 1740 by none other than Benjamin Franklin. The Graduate School of Education offers over 20 different master degree programs.

    Program Features

    At UPenn, you’ll embark in the Master’s of Education in Learning Sciences and Technologies program. This is a one-year program that involves 10 courses in total. It culminates in a master’s thesis. The degree also includes an internship that spans both the fall and spring terms. Some of your classes cover:

    • Design of Learning Environments
    • Video Games and Virtual Worlds
    • Foundations of Teaching and Learning

    Notables

    This degree will prepare you to jump into a number of diverse roles related to technology and education. For example, past graduates of this program have gone on to become project managers at online start-ups, directors of online curriculum design, or researchers at other universities. The program at UPenn will give you a launching point for the future.

  3. Ohio State University
    Location

    Columbus, OH

    Tuition

    $17971

    Overview

    The Ohio State University was founded as a land-grant university and still excels in the agricultural sciences. However, it also ranks well for its programs in education. In fact, U.S. News & World Report listed it in the top 25 graduate education schools in the nation. OSU is currently the third-largest university by population.

    Program Features

    The Ohio State University offers a Master of Learning Technologies. It is conducted fully online and does not require a master’s thesis. You’ll be prepared to apply your skills in classrooms from elementary school to college. The curriculum comprises seven core classes, a research-intensive class, an elective, and a practicum. Here’s a sampling:

    • Issues and Practices in Educational Technology
    • Applied Instructional Design
    • Designing Multimedia for Instruction

    Notables

    In addition to this master’s degree, OSU offers a number of graduate-level interdisciplinary specializations and minors. You can choose from the following: Applied Developmental Science in Education, College and University Teaching, Quantitative Research Methods, or Teaching in Virtual Environments.

  4. University of Georgia
    Location

    Athens, GA

    Tuition

    $14956

    Overview

    One of the oldest public universities in the United States, the University of Georgia was founded in 1785. UGA is recognized as a “Public Ivy” and maintains a selective admissions rate. It is located in Athens, GA, and is known by many to be one of the best “college towns” in the nation.

    Program Features

    This Master’s of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology offers three concentration areas in addition to its core curriculum: Instructional Technology, Instructional Design and Development, or Research. The first two tracks are delivered online, while the Research track is based out of the Athens campus. You can anticipate taking some of the following classes:

    • Emerging Approaches to Teaching, Learning, & Technology
    • Digital Video in Education
    • Management of Instructional Projects

    Notables

    Even if you decide to complete one of the online areas of emphasis, there are still numerous ways to connect with your cohort and others in your field. For example, each year students attend the Digital Learning Conference along with faculty members from UGA. This is a fantastic networking opportunity, and a great way to keep up with trends in the field.

  5. University of Florida
    Location

    Gainesville, FL

    Tuition

    $14761

    Overview

    A thriving research university with land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant designations, the University of Florida is a force to be reckoned with. This year, it was named the ninth best public university in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. The UF College of Education was established in 1906.

    Program Features

    You won’t run out of options at the University of Florida. The UF College of Education offers an on-campus Master or Arts in Education with a concentration in Educational Technology. You can also earn an online Master of Education in Educational Technology. Both include 36 credit-hours of coursework. They also share a number of core classes:

    • Distance Teaching and Learning
    • Issues and Trends in Educational Technology Research
    • Designing Integrated Media Environments
    • Managing Educational Projects

    Notables

    Consistent with the university’s emphasis on research, the faculty members in this departments are making strides of their own. Currently, faculty are engaged in research that follows digital game-based learning, technology in medical education, problem-based learning, and more.

  6. Michigan State University
    Location

    East Lansing, MI

    Tuition

    $14970

    Overview

    One of the largest universities in the nation – with around 50,500 in attendance – Michigan State University is a powerhouse of the Midwest. It began as a land-grant university and still excels in agricultural sciences. However, MSU has branched out into over 200 academic programs. Its graduate-level education program remains among the top 25 in the nation.

    Program Features

    You’ll be given lots of options in ways to complete your MA in Educational Technology program at MSU. You can attend full-time or part-time, online or through a hybrid format, or with an accelerated summer program. This 30-credit-hour curriculum covers nine core courses and then allows you to customize the rest of your degree. Here’s a sampling:

    • Proseminar in Educational Technology
    • Psychology of Learning in School and Other Settings
    • Approaches to Educational Research

    Notables

    If you are already a K-12 educator in Michigan, you might opt to just earn the Educational Technology Endorsement. This can be added to your elementary or secondary teaching license to make you a more well-rounded (and more hirable) educator. The endorsement includes just seven courses in total.

  7. SUNY Albany
    Location

    Albany, NY

    Tuition

    $15114

    Overview

    A member of the State University of New York System, SUNY Albany is a public research university that enrolls around 17,300 students. It has the advantage of being located in New York’s capital city. SUNY Albany began as a teacher’s college, and maintains that legacy with its School of Education.

    Program Features

    At SUNY Albany, you’ll complete an MS in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology. This degree is attainable either online or in person. In total, you’ll complete 30 credit hours. The curriculum is divided into core areas – Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology – as well as research-based classes. Here’s a peek:

    • Educational Computing
    • Media in Teaching and Learning
    • Systematic Design of Instruction
    • Research in Practice

    Notables

    SUNY Albany has been a consistent front-runner when it comes to online learning in the educational realm. In fact, this year U.S. News & World Report named it the eighth Best Online Graduate Program in Education. It remains at the top of the list for online educational programs in New York and the surrounding region as well.

  8. University of Southern California
    Location

    Los Angeles, CA

    Tuition

    $32932

    Overview

    You’ll find the University of Southern California in sunny Los Angeles. This private research university was founded in 1880 and remains the oldest of its kind in California. The Rossier School of Education ranks tenth overall among other education programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

    Program Features

    The 30-credit-hour Master’s of Education in Learning Design and Technology at USC brings together theory and application. Your curriculum will be delivered online and will prepare you to address learning environments at all levels, from design to implementation. You’ll start with three core classes, and then take six area-specific classes, which include:

    • Instructional Design
    • Media Selection and Evaluation
    • Assessment and Evaluation
    • Design of Learning Environments

    Notables

    The capstone assignment for this degree is a “Master’s Studio” project. You will put all of your training to the test and design a practical application using educational theory as your guide. Most students design a learning module or a website.

  9. Purdue University
    Location

    Hammond, IN

    Tuition

    $11693

    Overview

    A public research-intensive university in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher learning. The College of Education was founded in 1908 and maintains two branches of academic divisions: Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Studies. Purdue University is home to nearly 40,500 students.

    Program Features

    Purdue University’s Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology is versatile and wide-ranging. All students complete a core set of 27 credit-hours to lay the foundations of educational technology. Then you can specialize in either the Business/Industry track or the Education track. Regardless, you’ll be exposed to engaging classes such as:

    • Introduction to E-Learning
    • Strategic Assessment and Evaluation
    • Learning Theories and Instructional Design
    • Human Performance Technology

    Notables

    Purdue University is dedicated to giving their graduate students the most support possible. For that reason, there are built-in reviews and collaborations with faculty members along the way. You’ll have a Portfolio Review, Annual Review, and work on a final integrated project or thesis with a faculty member.

  10. Minnesota State University, Mankato
    Location

    Mankato, MN

    Tuition

    $13812

    Overview

    Known as the flagship campus of the larger state system, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public university. It offers a wide range of degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Students enjoy a 21:1 student to faculty ratio. The College of Extended Learning oversees the online campus at MSU Mankato.

    Program Features

    This MS in Educational Technology is a 100 percent online program that requires a total of 34 credit hours. The curriculum aligns itself with ISTE, BOT, and QM standards. Most full-time students finish this program within two years, though it is possible to attend as a part-time student. You can look forward to some of the following classes:

    • Using Technology in the Classroom
    • Social Media Tools
    • Developing the Online Learning Environment
    • Instructional Games and Simulations

    Notables

    This program goes above and beyond the MS in Educational Technology. You can also earn graduate certificates in the following areas: Digital Educator, Educational Technology in the Classroom, Instructional Technology and Design, Technologist, and Computer, Keyboard, and Related Technology.

Online College Resources

Helping you prepare and gain the most out of your educational experience.

Discover a program that is right for you.

Search schools to find the program that is right for you.