Online Master’s in Educational Technology Programs
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Educational technology, or edtech, is the use of technology in education. Edtech has become increasingly important due to advances in computers and the widespread use of online classes.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, also have the potential to influence future education methods.
A master’s in educational technology online allows you to learn about existing and emerging technologies and how to apply those technologies in a classroom setting. If you are interested in educational technology, the following page discusses popular online programs, related costs, and prospective career paths.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Popular Master’s in Educational Technology Online Programs
We chose to highlight the following schools based on several factors, including top position in organic or paid search results (as of October 2023), relevancy of program offerings, and categorization as a nonprofit. These programs are listed alphabetically by school and not weighed against each other in our methodology.
| School | Degree Offered | Cost per Credit | Required Credits | Months to Complete | GRE Required | Leads to Initial Teacher License | Leads to Other Certification or Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield University | MA | $865 | 30 | 16-21 | No | No | Yes |
| Louisiana State University | MA | $459 | 36 | not available | No | No | Yes |
| Oklahoma State University | MS | $489 (in-state), $530 (out-of-state) | 36 | 18-24 | No | No | Yes |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | MA | $506 (in-state), $632 (out-of-state) | 30 | not available | No | No | Yes |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | M.Ed. | $458.33 | 30 | 12 | Yes | No | No |
Fairfield University
- Private university in Connecticut
- MA in Educational Technology
- 30 credits | $895/credit
Fairfield’s master’s in educational technology online program offers enrollees the opportunity to obtain first-hand experience creating digital learning materials. Attendees must complete a capstone project, which emphasizes real-world applications.
Louisiana State University (LSU)
- Public university in Louisiana
- MA in Education: Educational Technology
- 36 credits | $459 /credit
LSU offers a completely online master of arts in educational technology degree, which teaches technology integration, digital transformation, and academic innovation via technology. Holders of certain educational technology certifications can earn up to nine credit hours toward the program.
Oklahoma State University (OSU)
- Public university in Oklahoma
- MS in Educational Technology
- 36 credits | $489-$530 /credit
Oklahoma State offers an MS in educational technology with two concentration options. The educational technology option focuses on instructional design and the impact of technology while the school library media option focuses on libraries, databases, and online learning. Graduates of the school library media program earn an Oklahoma school library media specialist certification.
University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn)
- Public university in Michigan
- MA in Educational Technology
- 30 credits | $506-632 /credit
UM-Dearborn’s online master’s in educational technology teaches students how to develop online classes, create technology-based learning activities, and keep up-to-date with emerging technologies. Attendees with a valid Michigan teaching certificate can concurrently pursue an educational technology endorsement.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
- Public university in Texas
- M.Ed. in Educational Technology
- 30 credits | $473-$883 /credit
UTRGV’s M.Ed. in educational technology focuses on the theory, research, and application of the edtech field. Enrollees can simultaneously earn a graduate certificate in e-learning, technological leadership, or online instructional design.
Master’s in Educational Technology Overview
If you enroll in a master’s in educational technology program, you will learn about digital transformation and technology integration in a classroom setting. You will also learn critical skills including technologies used for instructional design, real-world instructional problems, and the elements of an online learning environment.
Schools may award different degrees for master’s in educational technology programs, including MA, MS, and M.Ed. Each program will vary depending on school, offering different specializations and coursework.
How long does an online master’s in educational technology take?
Full-time master’s in educational technology programs can take 12-24 months, depending upon curriculum and course load per term. These programs typically consist of 30-36 credit hours of courses. Part-time students typically take the same courses, but complete the program in 16-24 months.
How much does an online master’s in educational technology cost?
You can expect to pay a total of $15,000-$26,000 for a master’s in educational technology online. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average online master’s in education program costs $8,155 annually.
Program tuition price may vary based on the school’s reputation, number of courses, and student-to-teacher ratio.
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Educational Technology Master’s Programs?
Institutions with institutional accreditation have received recognition as a school that meets a certain standard of education. Schools must be institutionally accredited for federal financial aid eligibility.
Specific programs within accredited institutions can also receive programmatic accreditation. Programs in the field of education do not necessarily require specialized accreditation, but it can represent further approval from a third-party agency.
Educational technology programs that lead to licensure or endorsement may be accredited by the following agencies:
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Educational Technology?
If you graduate from a master’s in educational technology online program, you can pursue careers in fields including education, business, government, and the military. Any industry with a need for training or educating with technology can utilize the skills you learned in the master’s program.
In the education field, careers may include classroom teacher, computer instructor, or media specialist, while in the business field, careers can include corporate trainer, consultant, or project manager.
Some educator roles, such as those in the K-12 public school system, may require you to hold a state-issued license or certification.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Instructional Designer | $69,000 (average annual salary as of April 2024) |
| Training and Development Manager | $125,040 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 |
Is a Master’s in Educational Technology Worth It?
If you have a passion for teaching and technology, then an online master’s degree in educational technology may be worth pursuing.
The master’s program will help you learn the essential skills to pursue advanced roles in educational technology. Some sought-after roles, including instructional coordinators, usually require a master’s degree.
You may stand out from peers in a competitive job market with a master’s degree in educational technology. Companies will see your education level, which may provide additional credibility for your skills. This will allow you to pursue additional career paths or potentially increase your salary.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 30, 2024.
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