A master’s degree in educational technology will help you become—or remain—a highly effective educator, whether at the classroom, district, or organizational level.
Our rankings for the best online master’s in educational technology degrees and the top residential master’s in educational technology can be the stepping stone to the next phase of your career.
What is educational technology?
Educational or instructional technology begins with an analysis of learning challenges, followed by the design and creation of a technology-driven solution. Instructional technology helps organizations to train their staff in new software, hardware, and corporate procedures. Technologists write curriculum, design web-based learning systems, and advise school districts in acquiring technology.
What kind of degrees are available in educational technology?
Degree options for educational technology below the graduate level are rare. In most cases, anyone interested in this field will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field, followed by a master’s or doctoral degree in educational technology.
There are numerous options for a graduate-level educational technology degree. These are the most popular:
Master in Instructional Technology
The Master in Instructional Technology addresses emergent technology and its applications for pedagogical strategies in developing educational materials, methods for maximizing the effects of technology for students, and the principles of designing instructional technology. Programs vary from one to three years.
Coursework Sample (Teachers College of Columbia University): Online Schools and Online Schooling K-12, Database Driven Website Development, and Educational Video Production
Careers available: Educational Consultant, Instructional Material Designer, and District Educational Technology Leader
Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology
The M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology prepares graduates to match educational programs to the goals of an organization. This degree will allow instructional technologists to spearhead the adoption of new technologies and raise student outcomes. By attending two classes each term, most students can finish the M.Ed. in two years.
Coursework Sample (Wayne State University): Designing Instruction for the Web, Digital Games for Learning, and Team Players and Teamwork
Careers available: Director of Training and Development, Performance Consultant, and User Engagement Specialist
How much can I earn with a degree in educational technology?
Distance Learning Coordinator
Distance Learning Coordinators develop eLearning programs, write grant proposals, evaluate success rates, and update course materials as needed.
Median Salary: $78,210 Projected Job Growth: 2 to 4 percent
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional Coordinators work in higher education, the military, healthcare, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms. They develop training manuals, websites, and learning management systems.
Median Salary: $61,550 Projected Job Growth: 13 percent
Director of Leadership and Development
Directors of Leadership and Development analyze learning needs, then design and implement training materials alongside Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Directors will strategize performance measures and find cost-saving educational solutions for their employer.
Median Salary: $109,880 Projected Job Growth: 7 percent
What specializations are available within educational technology?
Some educators may choose to specialize in a very specific area of educational technology, such as graphic design, web development, or computer systems. Taking courses in these areas can better prepare graduates for careers in either the design or implementation of educational technology.
There are a number of closely related fields that might be of interest to aspiring educational technologists. If you’re drawn to educational technology, you may also consider an M.Ed. in Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation; an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction; or an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
