Educational technology masters study current education theory, instructional design, and learning theory.
An influx of new educational technology – from tech tools for course delivery to simulation games that help exploratory learning – could potentially transform the way we learn. And there’s a growing need for educators who are proficient at integrating that technology into the classroom.
For those with a passion for education and a love for technology, a Master’s in Educational Technology can help you harness technology to create improved outcomes for students.
A master’s in educational technology will teach you to design, implement, and assess tech-based projects so you can bring emerging technologies into the classroom – whether that’s in a K-12 environment, higher education, or even the corporate world.
What kind of educational technology degree should you get?
The degree you choose should depend on your future career and educational goals. There are programs that pertain only to K-12 settings and those that are will be more broadly applicable. And if you want to continue with doctoral studies, make sure you choose a program with a research component.
The aforementioned boom in educational technology has also led to massive changes in online learning. This means that you won’t have to leave home (or your job!) to earn an accredited, high-quality master’s degree. Most of the programs on our ranking assume that students are working full time as they study, so scheduling flexibility is built into the curriculum.
For more information on online learning at the graduate level, check out our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Master’s.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
How much money do people make with an educational technology degree?
Any foray into higher education involves a significant financial outlay. So checking out the potential return on your investment makes good financial sense. Fortunately, in the world of education, the statistics are on your side. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites Education among the professions in which having an advanced degree delivers a “relatively high” payoff.
A master’s degree opens doors to the highest paying jobs in education and confers a significant yearly wage premium for all positions. Here’s what that looks like in numbers from the BLS:
- Education administrators with master’s: $23,000 average annual wage premium
- Elementary teachers with master’s: $11,900 average annual wage premium
What can you do with a degree in educational technology?
Of course, a master’s in educational technology will make you a highly sought-after teacher in K-12 classrooms. And with a master’s degree, you’ll be set to move into leadership or administrative positions within the K-12 environment.
But your opportunities don’t end there. Many educational technology programs apply to a number of professional training situations – from government to business, nonprofit, military, or higher education settings. Basically, any setting that requires training is in need of accomplished educational technologists.
Whatever your career goals, you’ll be ready to fuse the latest technology with your own professional teaching goals.
What are the requirements for a master’s degree in educational technology?
If you think you might be under-qualified for a technology program, fret not. Most educational technology programs don’t require an academic background in technology for admission (though it may be helpful once you start studying).
Admission requirements vary widely depending on the degree program, so scour program websites for specific admissions information. But here are a few common requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Standardized test scores like the GRE
- An initial teacher’s license (usually for programs that lead to advanced licensure)
What are the most affordable online educational technology degrees?
At College Choice, we know you’re looking for the best possible value for your master’s degree. But spending hours perusing program websites isn’t the best use of your time.
So we’ve done it for you. We’ve found the ten most affordable, accredited online master’s in educational technology programs and ranked them according to their net price. Using the net price is important since it takes into consideration the extra fees that many schools pile on top of their per-credit tuition rate. So you can feel confident that the price you see reflects what the school expects you to pay.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
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University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Overview
With multiple campuses throughout Texas’ Rio Grande Valley region, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public research university and a member of the UT system. The school is the result of the recent consolidation of UT Brownsville and UT-Pan American and serves a diverse student body with high-quality traditional and online programs.
Program Features
UT-Rio Grande Valley offers an online Master of Education in Educational Technology that will empower you to harness knowledge, mobilize people, and take action to improve education. Applicable to a wide variety of professional and educational contexts, UTGRV’s program develops the skills and knowledge necessary for the classrooms of the future. Courses include:
- Research Methods in Education
- Instructional Technology
- Instructional Design
Notables
UTGRV’s online M.Ed. in Educational Technology is a 36-credit program comprised of 27 credits of required courses and 9 credits of electives. With both thesis and non-thesis options, UTGRV’s program will prepare you to thrive in a practitioner setting or get you ready for doctoral studies. And with one of the lowest tuition costs anywhere, the program will provide a high-quality education without mortgaging your future.
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Texas A&M University-Commerce
Overview
Since 1889, Texas A&M University in Commerce has been providing high-quality education programs for the people of Texas. Texas A&M-Commerce is a nationally ranked public university and the second largest school in the Texas A&M University System. And their strong online presence extends the reach of their accessible, and affordable programs to off-campus students nationwide.
Program Features
Texas A&M-Commerce offers an online Master of Science or Master of Education in Educational Technology – Leadership. This affordable program prepares students for leadership roles in K-16 education – as well as training, service, industry, and government or corporate settings. The program is rooted in a philosophy of educational technology that incorporates literacy, integration, and research into the use of technological trends. Courses include:
- Introduction to Educational Computing
- Web 2.0 Technologies For Instruction
- Learning and Technology
Notables
Texas A&M-Commerce’ online MS or M.Ed. in Educational Technology – Leadership degree is a 30-credit program. With 18 credits of required core courses, you’ll be able to utilize the 12 credits of electives to create a degree program that will help you reach your own career goals. The program is available entirely online, is extremely affordable – and by taking two courses per semester, you’ll be able to complete the degree while working full-time.
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California State University Long Beach
Overview
Located in the coastal city of Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public research university and the third largest institution in the 23-school California State University system. U.S. News and World Report ranks CSULB among the top 40 regional schools in the West – and the school houses an NCATE-accredited College of Education which is committed to excellence in education.
Program Features
CSULB’s College of Education offers an affordable Master of Arts in Education – Educational Technology and Media Leadership degree. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in educational institutions and other agencies by providing training in instructional design, multimedia development and management, and e-learning. Students will also build the necessary academic foundation for doctoral studies. Courses include:
- Foundations of Educational Technology
- Computer Technology in Education
- Educational Technology Leadership
Notables
CSULB’s MA in Education – Educational Technology and Media Leadership degree is a 30-credit program which is offered in hybrid format, combining online courses with face-to-face components. This is a remarkably flexible program with elective options and a capstone experience which can include a comprehensive exam, project, or thesis. The program is designed to be manageable for working students, so classes take place on both weekday evenings and on Saturdays.
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Overview
Located in Idaho’s state capitol, Boise State University is a public university that offers nationally-ranked programs to its diverse population of over 22,000 students. Boise State’s College of Education ranks among the top 60 in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report, and is supported by accomplished faculty and staff, research centers, and institutes.
Program Features
Boise State’s College of Education offers an online Master of Educational Technology that can prepare you for your EdTech dream job. The curriculum provides leading-edge subject matter In a highly engaged online environment – and you’ll be able to apply your new skills directly to your teaching practice. This affordable program focuses on theoretical foundations, hands-on technology skills, and integration strategies for today’s learning environments. Courses include:
- Introduction to Educational Technology
- Creating Educational Websites
- Instructional Design
Notables
Boise State’s online Master of Educational Technology is a 33-credit program comprised of five required courses, five electives, and a culminating activity which can be a thesis or portfolio. You can also choose to complete a graduate certificate concurrently in one of four areas of EdTech (like Technology Integration or Online Teaching) – at no additional cost. Boise State’s Ed Tech degree is a great program if you’re looking for both versatility and affordability.
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Overview
Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a mid-sized, public research university and member of the Texas State University System. Committed to teaching, research, and service, Lamar University is home to several highly-ranked online programs, including graduate education programs which U.S. News and World Report currently rank at #115 nationally.
Program Features
Lamar University’s College of Education and Human Development offers an online Master of Education in Educational Technology and Leadership. The program inculcates leadership principles and provides the skills to build inclusive learning communities for students. You’ll also learn how to design instructional systems that support learning through technology. Courses include:
- Digital Citizenship
- Resources for Digital Environments
- Instructional Design in Online Learning
Notables
Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Leadership is a 36-credit program comprised of 12 required courses. There is no thesis component, though a research course introduces the skills necessary for research in education and counseling. Unique to Lamar’s program are two internships that give students extensive opportunities to put theory into practice, ensuring that you’ll graduate with practical experience.
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North Carolina State University
Overview
A top-ranking, public research university, North Carolina State University – or NC State – is home to an impressive suite of top-ranking, and surprisingly affordable, graduate online programs. The school, which is located in Raleigh, NC, forms a part of the state’s Research Triangle and offers internationally respected credentials to its traditional and nontraditional students.
Program Features
NC State’s College of Education offers an online Master of Education in Technology Education which provides an understanding of emerging technologies and their implementation in the classroom. Students learn both the theory and practice of Technology Education, developing and implementing technology-based instructional programs. And a generous number of electives make this a flexible – as well as affordable – program. Core courses include:
- Foundations for Teaching Technology
- Instructional Design in Technical and Technology Education
- Curricula for Emerging Technologies
Notables
NC State’s online M.Ed. in Technology Education is a 30-credit program comprised of 18 credits of required courses and 12 credits of electives. This affordable program can lead to a North Carolina Master Teacher Advanced Licensure (by including a field-based research component among electives) or a North Carolina Career and Technical Education Supervisor Certificate. NC State offers three start-dates, and the program is available entirely online.
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Oklahoma State University
Overview
Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University is a large public research university that U.S. News and World Report ranks at #80 among national public universities. With a strong online presence, OSU’s School of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Sciences has a particular strength in the area of technical and vocational training.
Program Features
OSU’s School of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Sciences offers an online Master of Science in Educational Technology program that helps educators and instructional support specialists become qualified educational technologists. The program prepares students for a variety of workplaces, including P12 schools, higher education, and corporate settings. The curriculum focuses on areas like instructional design and information management. Courses include:
- Foundations of Educational Technology
- Digital Media Production
- Library Networks and Databases
Notables
OSU’s MS in Educational Technology is a 36-credit program comprised of 15 credits of required courses and 15 credits in Educational Technology, with the option of a thesis or a professional portfolio. OSU’s program includes a hybrid of online and face-to-face requirements, so you’ll need to have access to the Stillwater campus to complete the degree. And if you’re interested in teaching online, OSU’s program allows students to concurrently complete a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching as you complete the MS.
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Northern Arizona University
Overview
Located in the mountainous northern Arizona city of Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a large, nationally-ranked public research university. The school prides itself on its student-centered programs and a tri-fold commitment to research, public service, and creative endeavors. The school’s College of Education offers online graduate programs that U.S. News and World Report ranks at #107 nationally.
Program Features
NAU’s College of Education offers an NCATE-accredited Master of Education in Educational Technology which will prepare you to advance your career in a variety of educational settings. NAU’s program is unique in that it provides qualifications to become a Technology Director (NETS-D) recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education. You’ll practice how to design, model, and implement educational technology through courses like:
- Instructional Theory And Strategies In Technology Integration
- Research In Career And Technical Education
- Creating Technology Learning Environments
Notables
NAU’s M.Ed. in Educational Technology is a 30-credit program comprised of 18 credits of core requirements and 12 credits in an emphasis area (K-12 Teacher or Adult Learning and Training). The program offers significant course choice – even within the core requirements. NAU’s highly accredited program provides a marketable advanced credential at a competitive tuition.
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Overview
Located a couple miles from downtown Gainesville, the University of Florida is a prominent public research university and a member of both the State University of Florida and the prestigious Association of American Universities. UF is home to a highly ranked College of Education which provides the #2 online graduate education program in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Program Features
UF’s College of Education offers an online master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. For those interested in a career as an instructional designer or educational technologist, UF’s affordable, online program is a great choice. With a solid core in both C&I and Ed Tech, the program also provides flexibility through expansive elective options. Core courses include:
- Foundations in Educational Technology
- Distance Teaching and Learning
- Designing Integrated Media Environments
Notables
UF’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Technology is a 36-credit program comprised of 21 credits of required courses, 12 credits of electives, and a culminating experience. There is no thesis option for the program, but students complete a practicum in Educational Media and Instructional Design that synthesizes their knowledge and includes a Master’s level writing component. By taking two courses each semester, you can complete the degree in two years.
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Michigan State University
Location
East Lansing, MI
Overview
Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a large public research university and the first land-grant university in the country. MSU’s graduate programs frequently rank among the best in the nation – and the school’s graduate education programs are no exception. Currently, U.S. News and World Report ranks MSU’s online graduate education programs at #31 nationally.
Program Features
MSU’s College of Education offers a practitioner-based, online Master of Arts in Educational Technology that serves students globally. As a student, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the process of integrating technology into the classroom – as well as answering the questions of when and how that is appropriate. Faculty draw on current theories of learning and development, and the program is designed to be flexible for working students. Courses include:
- Teaching for Understanding with Technology
- Adapting Innovative Technologies in Education
- Applying Educational Technology to Issues of Practice
Notables
MSU’s online MAET program is a flexible, 30-credit program comprised of three required courses with the remainder of the credits depending on the chosen program path. Many K12 teachers in Michigan complete the NP (Educational Technology) Endorsement as a part of their degree program plan, and there are also options for concurrent Graduate Certificates. Graduates become Technology Integration Specialists in schools and/or at the school district level, Technology Directors, Instructional Designers, Department Heads and more.
