Educational Technology Master Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Technology has become a strong resource to help schools to improve teaching methods in the classroom. Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology might work as pedagogy specialists or school consultants who collaborate with teachers, administrators, and education advocates to combine research-based teaching and training practices.

All students interested in this rapidly expanding field, from recent college graduates to seasoned K-12 teachers, can benefit from advanced educational technology programs. This article describes the best educational technology master’s degrees that can help you prepare for a high-level career in this sector.

What Is Educational Technology?

Educational technology refers to a broad range of software and hardware utilized for teaching and learning in classrooms. This field focuses on the effective integration of technology in educational settings, which is recently becoming common in K-12 settings. Educational technology is designed to assist students’ collaboration in a hands-on learning setting.

What Is an Educational Technology Master’s Degree?

Educational technology’s primary goal is to raise academic standards and facilitate the learning process. A

Master’s Degree

in Educational Technology includes core courses designed to train teachers to use technology effectively in the classroom. Curriculum supervisors and instructional coaches can use this degree to help instructors learn how to use new technology effectively.

A degree in educational technology allows students to enhance the teaching and learning process and enable better performance of educational institutions in the modern age. A graduate degree in educational technology instills students with the digital tools necessary to pursue various career options and achieve their professional goals.

Educational Technology Master’s Degree Requirements

Students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology must have an undergraduate degree in education, information technology, business, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.

Typically, applicants to a master’s program will be asked to provide letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and other documents. While admission requirements vary, most master’s candidates in educational technology have prior teaching experience.

How Much Does an Educational Technology Master’s Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics,

the average graduate degree costs students

$25,281. However, pricing can vary significantly depending on the school or program.  Distance learners who enroll in an online educational technology master’s degree might pay less than in-person learners.

Educational Technology Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Educational Technology Degree

When it comes to financing your educational technology master’s degree, it is essential to know that your options will vary depending on the institution you join. Many universities provide scholarship programs, so you can always check out the eligibility criteria for obtaining one on their website.

Best Educational Technology Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Educational Technology: Top Educational Technology Master Degree Programs

Check out the list below to learn more about the best colleges for education technology. These educational technology graduate programs help students learn and develop professional and personal skills that will help them succeed in the field.

Master of Education | Harvard University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League institution that consistently ranks as the best university in the United States and globally. It’s no wonder that its School of Education is considered one of the best in the country.

The Technology, Innovation, and Education master’s program at Harvard is housed at the Graduate School of Education. This one-year program contains three main components, namely design, implementation, and research. Students have the chance to collaborate on projects with classmates and participate in internships.

Master of Arts in Educational Technology | Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a powerhouse of the Midwest, with roughly 50,500 students it is one of the largest institutions in the country. It was founded as a land-grant institution and continues to excel in agricultural sciences and other academic programs.

This competitive graduate education program provides a variety of options for completing your MA in Educational Technology degree. You can enroll in a full-time or part-time program, online or in a hybrid style, or participate in an accelerated summer program.

Master of Learning Technologies | Ohio State University

The Master of Learning Technologies program at Ohio State University does not necessitate the completion of a master’s thesis. Courses teach students the skills they need to facilitate learning in educational environments ranging from elementary to college. The graduate curriculum comprises seven core classes, a research-intensive class, an elective, and a practicum.

Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology | Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research-intensive university in West Lafayette, Indiana, and one of the state’s largest higher education institutions. Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Studies are two academic sections of the College of Education founded in 1908.

The Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology program at Purdue University is flexible and comprehensive while providing students with crucial job-ready skills. To create the foundations of educational technology, all students must finish a core set of 27 credit hours.

Master of Science in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology | State University of New York (SUNY) – Albany

SUNY Albany is a public research institution that enrolls roughly 17,300 students and is part of the State University of New York System. It has the advantage of being in the heart of New York City and has an expansive display of faculty and research projects for students to get involved.

SUNY Albany began as a teacher’s institution, and its School of Education continues that tradition. The MS in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany is 30 credit hours long and can be completed online or in person.

Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology | Texas A&M University-College Station

The College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University provides a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. The curriculum contains prerequisites for basic, specialized, and elective courses related to popular educational technology topics. Classes cover learning theories, instructional design, and technology-driven educational techniques.

An optional internship is available to students pursuing a M.Ed., and elective courses include graphic communication and interface design, educational game creation, and mobile learning design. Instructional design, instructional media production, and academic training are common employment paths for graduates.

Master of Arts in Education | University of Florida

At the University of Florida, you’ll never run out of options. The University of Florida College of Education provides an on-campus Master of Arts or Master of Science in Education focusing on Educational Technology. All programs provide students with an in-depth understanding of technology and how it can be used to improve instructional systems.

Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology | University of Georgia

In addition to the primary curriculum, this Master’s of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology provides three focus areas, namely Instructional Technology, Instructional Design and Development, and Research. The first two programs consist entirely online, while the Research track takes place in person on the University of Georgia’s campus in Athens.

Master of Education in Learning Sciences and Technologies| University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania offers over 20 master’s degree programs through its Graduate School of Education. The one-year Master of Education in Learning Sciences and Technologies program totals ten different classes and a master’s thesis.

The degree also involves a semester-long internship in the autumn and spring semesters to provide students with insightful, real-world training to help them gain relevant work experience and cement their knowledge

Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology | University of Southern California

The Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology at USC combines theory and implementation in a 30-credit program. This program educates students to deal with learning environments at all levels. They learn how to utilize technology and educational innovation to improve student engagement and student outcomes.

Best Online Educational Technology Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Educational Technology: Top Online Educational Technology Master’s Degree Programs

Read below for more insight into the top online programs and institutions offering graduate degrees in educational technology. We’ve compiled all the relevant information for each university so that online students can make an informed decision.

Master of Arts in Educational Media | Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University’s online program provides a part-time master’s degree in educational media. Instructional design specialist/K-12, online learning and professional development, new media literacies, and global views are the tracks available to students. A post-program master’s in instructional technology leadership is also available.

Students obtain M-level licensing for instructional design experts through the instructional design specialist/K-12 course. This emphasis allows licensed educators to earn a particular endorsement in computer education. The main course module is the same for all tracks, although concentration requirements and electives differ.

Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology | California State University

The College of Education at CSUF provides a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. Educators in K-12 and postsecondary settings, corporate trainers, instructional designers, and online and software developers will benefit from the curriculum. The cohort model is used to allow students to bond, learn new skills, and job hunt together.

Students in the online MSIDT program take two courses each semester for five semesters. In addition, participants focus on a practicum and a final project during their last semester. Before beginning the program, students must attend a one-day orientation on campus and a one-day halfway research symposium at the end of the third semester.

Online Master of Science in Instructional Technology | Fort Hays State University

The online Master of Science in Instructional Technology offered by Fort Hays State University focuses on Google in education and school law. The online master’s degree program in instructional technology is intended for teachers, trainers, and anybody interested in working in school settings.

Students take core classes including Utilization of Technology, Educational Research, Instructional Technology, Theory and Practice, Developing Web-based Instruction, Multimedia Applications, Design and Assessment, and Cultural Diversity. Electives such as Google in Education and an Instructional Technology practicum are part of the 36-credit hour program.

Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in Educational Technology Leadership | George Washington University

This program will provide you with the required abilities to negotiate the fast-changing global landscape of educational technology jobs, thanks to a curriculum focused on the most up-to-date research-based approaches to education, technology, and leadership.

George Washington University is a leader in distance learning with classes designed to maximize students’ learning potential and prepare for a career in education, business, or government. Students learn to successfully manage the future of learning and technology through the educational technology online degree program.

Online Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology | North Carolina State University at Raleigh

This online master available at North Carolina State University focuses on technology integration and staff development. Curriculum, Professional Development and Leadership, Knowledge of Learners and Teaching, Methodological Inquiry, Instructional Technology, and research and thesis preparation are all part of the 36-credit hour program.

The fully online master’s degree program equips educators to research digital learning solutions, create digital learning environments, and lead digital learning initiatives. In addition, they learn how to use the most up-to-date technology to refine instruction and boost student learning.

Online Master of Science in Educational Technology | Oklahoma State University

The MS in Educational Technology at OSU is a 36-credit program that includes 15 credits of mandatory courses and 15 credits in Educational Technology, with a thesis or professional portfolio as an alternative. This program helps students become qualified educational technologists and helps them develop

soft skills

to reach their career goals.

Because OSU’s online program combines virtual and face-to-face requirements, you’ll need to be able to visit the Stillwater campus to finish the degree. If you want to teach online, OSU’s program permits you to earn a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching while working on your master’s degree.

Online Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology | Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers an online Master’s Degree in Learning, Design, and Technology for educators working in any educational context. The online education program expands students’ skills in instructional design, technologies, and teaching skills.

Some graduate courses include Theoretical Foundations of Learning, Design and Technology, Educational Technology Integration, Emerging Web Technologies and Learning, Learning Design Studio, Systematic Instructional Development or Systematic Instructional Development for Teachers, Gaming to Learn, and Designing Constructivist Learning Environments.

Online Master of Science in Educational Technology | University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri provides an online Master’s Degree in Educational Technology for teachers in grades K-12 who want to incorporate technology into their lessons. The 30-credit-hour program focuses on developing online courses and assessing online training.

Foundations of Ed Tech, Assessment and Evaluation of Online Instruction, Communication in Online Learning, Education Product Development and Management, and Online Course Development are a few available classes. Students choose from various electives to personalize their online master’s degree and complete an internship to gain real-world experience.

Online Master of Education in Learning Design and Leadership (LDL) with a Technology Specialist Option | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

An online degree in Learning Design and Leadership (LDL) with a Technology Specialist option is available from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This 32-credit course covers Learning with Mobile Technologies, Learning & Human Development with Educational Technologies, and various elective topics.

Working teachers and other professionals benefit from the 100% online master’s degree program since it allows them to pursue an advanced degree while working. This program trains educators by integrating new technology with foundational teaching techniques. Students can also take advantage of the expedited 6-8-week options to finish the course in less time.

Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology (Online) | University of San Diego Professional and Continuing Education

The Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology is a project-based 30-unit program delivered online using the Blackboard learning management system. The program trains graduate students to become top-tier online educators that provide high-value learning experiences to their future students.

Students gain a thorough understanding of the most often used technological tools in instructional and learning design. In addition, the program’s innovative course load prepares students for various new job prospects in everything from education and business to freelance work.

What’s the Average Educational Technology Master’s Degree Salary?

According to ZipRecruiter, the

average annual salary for an educational technologist

is $53,459 per year in the United States. However, as the occupations of education technology degree holders vary, so too does the average salary.

Top Educational Technology Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Educational Technology  Master Degree Jobs Explained

Vice President of Information Technology

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $151,150
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  11%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  482,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado

A vice president of information technology (IT) manages an organization’s technological efforts, IT modifications, and upgrades. An IT specialist evaluates IT systems and makes choices on future technology investments and deployment. They must fulfill IT department goals while keeping the company’s vision and values in mind.

Senior Software Product Manager

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $126,487
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  22%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington DC

Senior software product managers are in charge of the development cycle and release process for their company’s software products. They usually supervise other software engineers to achieve all of the company’s objectives. In addition, they create road maps that establish development timetables and deploy features that the organization requires.

Learning and Development Specialist

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $115,640
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  11%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  42,100
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, New York, Washington, Virginia

A learning and development expert specializes in identifying an organization’s present and future skill requirements and developing adaptable learning interventions (through digital and other methods) to suit the workforce’s various demands. These training professionals must ensure organizational productivity by designing effective professional training programs.

Director of Teaching and Learning

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $92,387
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  10%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  190,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, New Jersey

These educational professionals are primarily responsible for ensuring that curriculum creation meets high standards and that the delivery method is effective. In addition, these experts are responsible for developing and executing faculty development initiatives.

Director of Customer Service

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $88,029
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  -1%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  2,923,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, Massachusetts, Washington, New York, California

All elements of an organization’s customer service policies, objectives, and projects are directed and overseen by the customer service director. These professionals develop service level standards to shorten response times and increase customer satisfaction.

Instructional Design Manager

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $81,841
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  10%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  190,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, New Jersey

Instructional designers play a crucial role in the overall learning process. They’re in charge of revising all courses, constructing complete courses or curriculums, and providing educational training materials, including teaching manuals and student guides.

Training Director

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $74,142
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  11%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  42,100
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, New York, Washington, Virginia, California

A training director is responsible for onboarding new workers as well as designing new training programs. Assessing company needs, organizing program modifications with management, and managing staff training are all part of the job. Training directors typically keep an eye on industry developments and research appropriate training methods.

Senior Instructional Designer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $66,970
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  10%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  190,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, New Jersey

In a university environment, the Senior Instructional Designer oversees assigned instructional design personnel, controls course development/design processes, assesses course design, and implements best practices in teaching and learning.

Curriculum Director

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $66,908
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  10%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  190,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, New Jersey

A curriculum director oversees a school district’s educational curriculum. The curriculum director’s job includes ensuring that the school’s designated curriculum adheres to academic standards. You must also organize teacher training and update the curriculum as needed, based on departmental considerations.

Foundation Program Officer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $59,428
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  15%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  174,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Colorado

A foundation program officer researches various funding bids and selects recipients of foundation funds. In addition, these professionals will collaborate with nonprofit organizations to gather information about their charitable programs.

*Job classified under training and development managers by US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

**Job classified under instructional coordinators by BLS.

Educational Technology  Bootcamp vs Educational Technology  Master Degree: Which Is Better?

If you’re eager to learn the necessary tech skills of an education technology master’s degree holder, a bootcamp may be a good option. However, if you want guaranteed career growth, you will likely need a degree. Bootcamps help students gain a specific skill set, while an educational technology degree offers advanced instruction regarding all aspects of the field

Benefits of an Educational Technology Master’s Degree

• 
  Increased Salary.
  
  Education technology master’s degree holders are able to earn a higher salary than undergraduate degree holders. As your experience and positing grows, so does your compensation.
• 
  Career Opportunities.
  
  Once you land a job, your advanced degree will help you advance to higher opportunities in your chosen field.
• 
  High-Demand.
  
  A degree makes your resume more attractive to talent hunters. This will increase your chances of being hired for your dream job and earning a higher salary.
• 
  Personal Development.
  
  A degree teaches you the required skills and personal traits one needs to succeed in educational technology.
• 
  Networking.
  
  Most prestigious universities provide small-scale networking events and large-scale conferences, allowing students to meet and interact with industry professionals.

Benefits of an Educational Technology Bootcamp

• 
  In-Demand Skills.
  
  Bootcamps specialize in providing the job-ready tech skills that prospective employers are seeking in prospective candidates.
• 
  Career Services.
  
  Students often have access to a wide array of career services when they attend a bootcamp. These might include mock interviews, resume-building assistance, and career counseling.
• 
  Flexible Scheduling.
  
  Bootcamp programs are often designed to fit around a busy schedule. You can attend classes online or in person, and many offer classes in the evenings or on weekends.
• 
  Affordable.
  
  Compared to traditional universities and colleges, a bootcamp is much more affordable.
• 
  Self-Paced.
  
  Many bootcamps offer self-paced tuition, which means you can enroll and learn at your own pace rather than being bound to structured classes.

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology?

Yes, you should get a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. These professionals can work for educational institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and other corporate settings because of their extensive project planning and evaluation abilities, as well as their ability to incorporate technology into various environments.

Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology is worthwhile if you want to increase your earning potential as an educational professional. Overall, those who desire to advance their careers in the education industry should consider pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology.

Educational Technology Master’s Degree FAQ