Best Online Master's in Educational Technology Programs 2024

Enrolling in education technology master's programs gives you tools to empower students. Find the best top-ranked programs here.
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Updated February 16, 2024

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The pandemic forced classrooms to embrace new technology, and that growth doesn't need to stop. Educational technology can improve learning and teaching outcomes in schools and the corporate world. It can aid the instructional process and improve equity.

Earning a master's in educational technology degree prepares you to become a modern educator who can implement new technologies to benefit diverse learning communities.

Debating a new career or how to upgrade your current job? This degree can prepare you to pursue careers as a teacher, consultant, instructional designer, or learning technologist.

Continue reading to see what education technology master's programs offer in terms of coursework and job outcomes for graduates.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Rankings Snapshot of Online Master's in Educational Technology

Jump to a school below using the links in the "School" column.

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
$7,176 $16,680 59%
#2 California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA
$7,176 $16,680 88%
#3 California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
$7,176 $16,680 91%
#4 University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
$6,916 $25,759 36%
#5 Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
$7,500 $7,500 Not provided
#6 University of Georgia
Athens, GA
$8,878 $25,186 40%
#7 University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
$7,088 $22,166 53%
#8 Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
$5,467 $16,695 78%
#9 North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
$9,095 $27,082 47%
#10 Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
$9,909 $31,932 85%

Top Affordable Online Education Technology Master's Degrees

#1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

California State University-Fullerton

  • Fullerton, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $467
Out-of-State | $467

Credits to Graduate: 30

Cal State Fullerton's master of science in instructional design and technology can prepare you for a career as a teacher, instructional designer, or corporate trainer. In this five-semester program, you take two courses per semester and earn two certificates in instructional design. You must also attend two mandatory on-campus or virtual conferences.

To apply, you should hold a bachelor's degree in any major with a GPA of 3.0. With a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, you can receive conditional admission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
40,738
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

California State University-Northridge

  • Northridge, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $833
Out-of-State | $833

Credits to Graduate: 30

In CSUN's online master of arts in instructional design, you can learn to design online courses, ensure their accessibility, and assist organizations in large-scale moves to online-first learning. This 21-month program features live class sessions and provides on-demand access to learning tools. 

Coursework covers areas like educational psychology, the science of learning, and evaluating instructional media through DEI and accessibility. After these classes, you will complete a culminating experience project. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a qualifying GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
40,108
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

California State University, Los Angeles

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $347
Out-of-State | $743

Credits to Graduate: 36

The MA in educational technology at Cal State LA offers a track in e-learning and new media design for teachers, technology trainers, and academic managers in online settings. This fully online program requires three semesters, with new cohorts beginning every spring.

Courses include introduction to human performance technology and learning communities in online teaching and learning. A comprehensive exam completes the program. You need a bachelor's with a 2.75 or better in the last 60 credits to apply.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
27,513
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $328
Out-of-State | $1,152

Credits to Graduate: 36

UCF's master's in instructional design and technology offers e-learning, instructional systems, and educational technology tracks. Courses include instructional systems design, research in instructional technology, and current trends in instructional technology. Students can attend through online, on campus, or hybrid delivery.

Graduates may pursue careers as education specialists, lead instructional designers, or senior education consultants. New students can begin courses in the fall, summer, or spring. UCF does not require GRE scores for admission to this program. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
70,310
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Term:
In-State | $3,975
Out-of-State | $3,975

Courses to Graduate: 12

In WGU's online M.Ed. in education technology and instructional design, you can choose from pathways covering adult learners or K-12 students. Core courses include learning design lab, learning technology, and assessment and learning analytics. You'll also complete a capstone project where you examine a real-world problem in education design and explore viable solutions.

According to WGU, about 92% of graduates finish the program within 12 months, and graduates experience an average raise of $22,200 within two years of graduation. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,162
Out-of-state
$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#6 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $629
Out-of-State | $629

Credits to Graduate: 36

With UGA's M.Ed. in learning, design, and technology, you can explore an instructional design and development concentration. This 100% online degree prepares you to pursue a career as a multimedia specialist, instructional designer, or performance improvement consultant. The degree comprises 12 courses.

You need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution for admission. You must also submit an application and pay a $75 fee. New courses begin in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,878
Out-of-state
$25,186
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
40,118
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

University of West Florida

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $479

Credits to Graduate: 36

UWF's M.Ed. in instructional design and performance technology prepares instructional design leaders for career advancement in organizational settings across various industries. This 24-month program offers three focus areas — current and emerging instructional technology, online teaching and learning, and human performance improvement. The degree concludes with a capstone. 

To apply, you need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits. UWF charges a $30 application fee.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
13,288
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $372
Out-of-State | $1,027

Credits to Graduate: 36

In FAU's fully online M.Ed. in instructional technology, you can learn the foundations of distance learning, instructional design, and research and statistics. This program offers concentrations in instructional design and technology educational leadership. You must also complete 15 required credits, a research course sequence, and two elective classes.

To apply, you need to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
30,155
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $526
Out-of-State | $1,635

Credits to Graduate: 30-36

You can pursue NC State's MS or M.Ed. in learning design and technology on your path to becoming a curriculum specialist or designer. The M.Ed. requires 30 credits, and the MS comprises 36 credits, including a thesis. Both programs allow you to emphasize inquiry, design, or digital leadership. 

Core courses include design and evaluation of instructional materials and theoretical foundations of advanced learning environments. You should hold a 3.0 or better in all undergraduate coursework for admission, and you do not need to submit entrance exam scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$27,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$27,082
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
36,831
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs 2024

Indiana University-Bloomington

  • Bloomington, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $530
Out-of-State | $628

Credits to Graduate: 36

IU's MSEd in instructional systems technology can help you lead workplace learning and performance improvement initiatives. You'll take courses such as evaluation in the instructional development process and analysis for instructional and performance improvement. You may focus on adult education, learning science, or another related area. 

This online or on-campus program includes an optional internship and a year-long studio project. To apply, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or acceptable GRE scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,913
Out-of-state
$36,932
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,909
Out-of-state
$31,932
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
45,328
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

How We Chose These Schools

At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as median student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling.

Still curious about how we rank schools? You can learn more about our ranking methodology here.

Getting Into an Online Master's in Educational Technology Program

Ready to apply to an online master's in educational technology program? You can streamline the process by gathering common materials and keeping a record of upcoming deadlines.

Start early, gathering letters of recommendation and transcripts — delays can cost you to miss admission deadlines. Make sure you understand the general graduate admission requirements and any specific program requirements, such as an admittance interview or GRE scores.

Application

A lot of time and effort goes into a college application. Your online master's in educational technology application showcases your academic, personal, professional, and leadership talents.

Test Scores

Admissions may require GRE or GMAT scores, especially if your GPA does not meet requirements. Check to see if your prospective schools have standardized test requirements or list minimum test scores. Additionally, international students often need to submit English language proficiency scores.

Official Transcripts

Education technology master's programs require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. Expect to submit official transcripts of your undergraduate studies. This shows proof that you meet the GPA requirements.

You'll need to contact your former college, pay a fee, and order them by mail or electronically. Do it early to avoid missing any deadlines.

Personal Essays

A personal essay allows you to shine, adding context to your resume and transcripts. Colleges may ask for a short personal essay (300-500 words), or a statement about your interest in pursuing an online master's in educational technology degree.

Letters of Recommendation

Submitting 2-3 letters of recommendation from professional references helps give colleges a more robust picture of you. Ask your former professors, managers, or religious or volunteer leaders to vouch for your character and/or work ethic. Word of advice: Give your reference enough time to draft a letter or complete a recommendation form before the deadline.

Resume and Work Experiences

Take time to update your resume with volunteer or internship experiences relevant to your major. Work experiences enhance your application, showing admissions your accomplishments outside of college. If you need help to edit or format your resume, go to your undergraduate career center or an online resume resource.

Paying for an Online Master's in Educational Technology

Colleges may charge online degree-seekers a lower tuition rate than traditional colleges. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), enrollees in master's in education technology programs paid an average of $8,537 in 2020 to study online, versus $15,409 on campus. Online learners can pay less, but sometimes colleges tack on a technology fee.

Graduate degree-holders often outperform bachelor's degree-holders when it comes to compensation, particularly in areas such as education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that master's degree-holders earn a median of $1,661 per week, while bachelor's degree-holders make a median of $1,432 weekly.

Average Annual Cost of a Master's in Educational Technology

Online

$8,537 for tuition and fees in 2020

In-Person

$15,409 for tuition and fees in 2020

Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Payment Options for Online Master's in Educational Technology Degrees
Payment Method Pros Cons
Loans Private and federal loans help you pay college-related expenses. Money goes directly to your school to cover tuition. Anything extra goes to you. Repaying loans can cost more when you factor in any interest rates. Defaulting on loans can result in costly fines.
Scholarships When you get awarded merit-based or financial-need scholarships, you keep the money. Your school, state, or outside nonprofits may offer varying award amounts. You need to meet academic and financial requirements to apply for scholarships.
Grants Grants offer another financial aid source that does not require repayment. Need extra cash for college? You can get federal grants such as Pell Grants based on your financial need. TEACH Grants offer additional aid for future educators who make a commitment to serve in a high need area. Read the fine print. Because grants often require a commitment. If you fail to honor that, grants could become loans you owe back.
Work study Work-study programs allow you to earn cash while you go to school. Colleges place you in positions on and off campus. Working may not fit into your schedule.
Upfront Paying upfront, by semester or for all four years, allows you to save money. Most students and their families lack the cash reserves to pay upfront for their college education.
Source: NCES

Tips for Making an Online Master's More Affordable

Common Education Technology Master's Degree Courses

Top master's in educational technology programs teach you how to incorporate educational technologies in schools, universities, the public sector, and businesses. You'll complete about 30 credits, including 9-13 electives and core courses that cover learning theories and pedagogy. The lessons deepen your understanding of how to integrate technology into various learning environments.

You'll develop your ability to evaluate systems, implement instruction design, and optimize accessibility. The ever-changing nature of technology means students must grasp new technologies — and so must you, as their instructor. Explore a sample curriculum below.

Capstone Project

Often, final projects ask you to synthesize your learning and apply it to create professional or academic learning modules. The capstone project may also require a research project on an original topic.

Assessment and Evaluation

This course explores the various evaluation methods and ethical standards educational technologists use. These standards measure the effectiveness of educational technology.

Instructional Design

Using learning theories and research as a framework, you'll learn to plan and develop impactful instructional processes for specific settings such as schools or businesses. You'll continually adapt the instructional design based on learning goals and feedback.

Introduction to Computer Programming

Enrollees in this course gain hands-on learning in object-oriented programming using Python, HTML, Javascript, and CSS. You'll build an interactive website that also serves as a digital portfolio.

Teaching with Social Media

This elective allows you to explore how to harness social media as an educational tool. The lessons explore the pros and cons of social media and its application in a classroom setting to teach analytical thinking.

Why Get an Online Master's in Educational Technology?

An online master's in educational technology provides many benefits to people working in education and those considering switching careers to work in educational technology.

Degree-holders can pursue opportunities in a variety of settings, including specific learning communities such as learners with disabilities. Possible work settings include government, schools, colleges, and companies.

Earning an online master's in educational technology degree provides other benefits such as:

What Can I Do With a Master's in Educational Technology?

You can work as an educator in public school, or in the private sector as an educational technology specialist. A master's degree is the prerequisite to enroll in a doctoral program.

Jobs for Master's in Education Technology Graduates
Career Description Average Annual Salary
Curriculum developer Curriculum designers create instructional materials that teachers use in virtual and in-person classrooms. They do this following pedagogical best practices. $71,395
Educational technology specialist Educational technology specialists provide technical support to help educators use technology in classrooms. They evaluate a school's needs and recommend devices and other technology that could improve learning. $60,000
Instructional coordinator Instructional coordinators manage the programming often on a district wide level. Also, they conduct classroom observations and help to train teachers to use new technologies and devices. $66,490*
Elementary school teacher Elementary school teachers manage classrooms and create lesson plans that align with best practices to promote student outcomes. They incorporate technology to administer exams or teach learning modules. $61,690*
Training and development specialists Training and development specialists develop training materials, programs, online learning for staff in businesses and organizations. $63,080*
Payscale and BLS
*median salary

How Much Do Education Technology Graduates Make?

When you earn an online master's in educational technology degree, you can potentially make an average annual salary of $71,395 (Payscale, January 2024), as a curriculum designer or $63.080 as a development specialist (BLS, 2022).

Salary statistics do not always reflect real-world earnings. What you end up taking home varies on your experience, degree, and the specific work setting. Job security also varies.

The BLS reports that the job growth for training and development managers will increase by 6% from 2022-2032, compared to 1% for elementary school teachers. Note that while classroom instruction is certainly an option, many people who hold EdTech degrees don't teach directly in a classroom.

More Questions About Education Technology Master's Programs

What is a master's in educational technology?

Education technology master's programs broadly teach you how to incorporate technologies into the curriculum. Programs may focus on design, or on teaching you object-oriented programming essentials.

What does an educational technologist do?

Among other settings -- like the government or large companies -- educational technologists provide technical support to educators and staff, ensuring that new technologies work in classrooms at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Educational technologists audit schools to see where technologies could promote learning and update current systems.

Is an online master's in educational technology worth it?

Yes. This major provides technical skills needed for a potentially meaningful career. If you love empowering others with technology, you can merge your interests by pursuing an online master's in educational technology degree. Technology incorporated into classrooms can also help improve accessibility and help students learn better.

Are education technology master's programs hard?

Education technology master's programs demand a deep comprehension of the technological tools, devices, and software utilized in education and the private sector. Sometimes, programs include challenging coursework in programming or web design. Additionally, students often have to finish an intensive capstone project that incorporates original research.

How can I make an online master's in education technology more affordable?

If possible, consider paying your way through college. Borrow only what you truly need. If you currently work in education, human resources, or Learning & Development, see if your employer offers tuition assistance to help you earn an online master's in education technology degree.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed February 6th, 2024.

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