20 Best Master’s in Educational Technology

Recognized by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, and Kiplinger for quality and value, the University of Florida, measures “success not in awards won, but in lives changed.” UF students see things differently, and they do so through dynamic programs and extensive research such as the Master of Arts in Education with a concentration on educational technology.

This 36-hour program includes 30 hours of courses and 6 hours of thesis work. Courses are offered both on-campus and online. Course offerings include:

• Designing Integrated Media Environments I and II
• Human-Computer Interaction and the Learner

Research serves a big part of this program, particularly how technology can support online, multimedia, and game-based learning in various contexts.

Interested in becoming a UF gator? UF reviews applicants holistically, meaning each part of the application is just a piece, and they review the information as a whole. You need a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work, letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a statement of purpose. As of fall 2020, the GRE is no longer required for admission.

U.S. News & Report rates Purdue University as one of the most innovative schools in the United States. Over 50,000 students across 13 schools call Purdue home. Purdue University’s College of Education offers several degree options learning design and technology.

These programs equip graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach and lead in a variety of settings. They include:

• MSEd in Learning Design and Technology (Face-to-Face)
• MSEd in Learning Design and Technology (Online)
• MS in Interdisciplinary Studies and Corporate Training and Communications (Online)
• MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Education Technology strand (Online)

Students complete a minimum of 33 credits divided into core courses, electives, and a final portfolio project. Courses include:

• Introduction to E-Learning
• Strategic Assessment and Evaluation
• Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning

PU offers a “Serious Gaming Center” for implementing virtual learning games to support learning in the classroom. Graduates of PU’s MSEd program will pursue careers in field design and instruction in educational, business/industrial, and even military settings. To apply, you need a minimum 3.0 GPA. You will also need to submit letters of recommendations and a 500-word statement of purpose.

Founded in 1851, Florida State University evolved over the years to the first liberal arts college in the state. Among other national awards, for the past six years, FSU has been recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. At FSU, you will be among 44,000 other students, achieving your academic and career goals.

FSU’s Master of Science in instructional systems and learning technologies is highly ranked because the program produces top-notch professionals ready to enter the field (and with no problem finding jobs!). This program heavily emphasizes:

• Instructional Design
• Emerging Technologies
• Performance Improvement

The MS in Instructional Systems and learning technologies is offered both online and on-campus. Students become experts in the fields of instructional systems and learning technologies. This 36-credit hour program includes coursework, an internship, and a portfolio project. The career options are vast. Graduates can become:

• Trainers
• Consultants
• K-12 Teachers
• Community College Instructors
• Instructional Designers
• Human Resource Specialists

Ikeson Choi, Ph.D., summed up the goal of UGA’s Master of Education in learning, design, and technology with a concentration on instructional technology in these words: “I don’t want my graduates to just be able to lecture about education. They should be able to go out in the world to create excellent instruction.”

In the University of Georgia’s 33-credit hour MEd program, your coursework includes:

• Learning Theory and Instructional Models
• Classroom Technology Integration
• Research Methods
• trends in the field of Design and Technology in the educational setting

You will submit a final professional portfolio that serves as the basis of a comprehensive examination during the last semester of the program.

You will also be able to attend the Annual Digital Learning Conference and network with professionals in the field. Graduates are employed in a variety of settings, and many of them have gained employment through contacts at the conference. Interested in UGA? You need an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. You will also need to submit GRE scores and letters of recommendation.

Driven by the motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is one of the nine colleges from Virginia Tech, a research university in Northern Virginia.

VT is known for its prestigious academics, spanning across 110 undergraduate majors and 170 master’s and doctoral majors, and its more than 38,000 students both on and off campus.

The Master of Arts in Education in Instructional Design and Technology, offered on the Blacksburg, Virginia campus, is a 30 credit-hour program. The curriculum is divided into:

• foundation credits
• research methods
• restricted credits

Sample courses include:

• Digitally Mediated Learning
• Principles of Learning Message Design
• Educational Applications of Microcomputers

The IDT program is affiliated with the Center for Instructional Technology Solutions in Industry and Education so that graduate students can get involved in excellent research opportunities. The professional development portfolio will be completed at the end of the program and will showcase the knowledge and skills acquired. VT also offers another master’s degree and two doctoral programs in instructional design and technology.

If you’re looking for a nationally ranked university with a prestigious educational technology program, check out Iowa State University. The campus itself spans 1,900 acres and is ranked among the nation’s most beautiful campuses.

Many of the world’s inventions were discovered at ISU, including the world’s first electronic, digital computer and the first moving tornado simulator.

Iowa State’s Master of Education with an emphasis on curriculum and instructional technology is a 30 credit-hour program. Courses are offered both on-campus and online. The program is designed for in-service teachers who are interested in educational research. Research includes:

• Emerging Technologies
• Social Media
• Game-Based Learning
• Integration of Technology in Teaching

All students are required to take:

• Educational Psychology
• Social Justice Education and Teaching
• Action Research

ISU EdTech faculty often collaborate in grant-funded research both nationally and internationally. If you are interested in this program, you will need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. You also need to submit:

• a 500-word statement of intent
• three references
• your current resume

GRE scores are not required.

Michigan State University’s MA in Educational Technology is among the top 10 such programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

According to MSU’s website, this program’s mission is to “empower educators to develop a critical lens, promote equity, think in new ways, and become transformational leaders.” This program is designed for teachers, administrators, and other educational professionals.

Students can complete this program fully online, in a hybrid format, or even overseas! Core courses include:

• Psychology of Learning in School and Other Settings
• Proseminar in Educational Technology
• Approaches to Educational Research

This 30 credit-hour degree is only available without a thesis, so the emphasis is on coursework.

With three additional courses, you can also add a graduate certificate in:

• Educational Technology
• K-12 Computer Science Education
• Online Teaching and Learning
• Educational Psychology

Because of the flexibility, you can complete this program part-time in 2-3 years. Interested applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution (minimum 3.0 GPA) and a desire to learn!

Indiana University – Bloomington holds some impressive awards, specifically its School of Education. What makes IU Bloomington so great? The well-known, dedicated scholars and experts are comprised of faculty and students alike.

Earn a Master of Education in instructional systems technology from Indiana University – Bloomington, and you will have the skills to solve instructional problems and issues in a variety of job settings. You can either complete the residential or online program. Both are 36 credit hours of:

• major requirements
• specialization electives
• outside electives

The residential track includes studio and capstone requirements. 

A variety of fellowships and assistantships are available to fund this program. In addition, active-duty military and veterans receive financial assistance and other benefits. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA. GRE scores, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement are also needed to apply.

Known as the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas is the fastest-growing city in the country, and for good reasons.

The University of Texas at Austin believes “it’s because what starts here changes the world,” and with rigorous academics, extensive research that promotes change, and a plethora of career options upon graduation. We agree that UT Austin is a solid choice in pursuing advanced education.

UT Austin features both a Master of Arts and a Master of Education in learning technologies. Both programs arm students with the skills to “utilize cutting-edge new media technologies, learning theories, instructional systems design, human-computer interaction, and evaluation.”

Both programs include:

• Research
• Learning Technology
• Elective Courses
• an Internship

Students will complete 36-39 credit hours. The Master of Education is for students who have one or more years of teaching, training, or project management experience. Courses include:

• Interactive Multimedia Design and Production
• Teaching and Learning with the Internet
• Designs and Strategies for New Media

Graduates of this program serve as university faculty, instructional designers, trainers, and technology design managers in an array of settings. Check out the current alumni and where they are today.

Straight from New York’s capital, the State University of New York at Albany is named one of “America’s Top Colleges” by Forbes magazine, and you will soon see why. SUNY Albany serves more than 16,000 students across nine schools, over 50 undergraduate degrees and 150 graduate degrees.

SUNY Albany’s MS in curriculum development and instructional technology is versatile in not only the online or on-campus options, but because it opens the doors to a variety of careers.

You will be trained in curriculum development and instructional design and technology. Graduates are able to work in a variety of different work settings including:

• Education
• Business
• Training

In addition, you can obtain a teaching certificate with this degree.

You will complete 30 credits, including courses like:

• Media in Teaching and Learning
• Educational Computing
• Systematic Design of Instruction

Because of the online, on-campus, and hybrid courses, many students complete this program while working full-time. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission to the program. They also need to submit recommendation letters and a statement of goals.

Known as one of the best universities in the Midwest from Princeton Review (for over 15 years, we must add!), Ball State University not only boasts top-notch academic programs for students from all walks of life, but they offer low 15:1 student-faculty ratios and low tuition costs.

Notable graduates include Eric Foss, president and CEO of Aramark and Ericka Flye, Emmy-award winning new anchor, along with many others who have made true differences in the world.

BSU’s Master of Arts in curriculum and educational technology is for current educators who want to integrate cutting-edge technology into their P-12 classrooms. Students can choose to focus on either curriculum or educational technology to better suit their interests and career goals.

Graduates will hold expertise in how to best embed technology into the teaching and learning process while meeting students’ unique needs.

This 30 credit-hour program can be completed both on campus and online. Courses include:

• Research on Impacting Student Learning
• School Information Infrastructures
• Curricular Integration of Learning Technology

To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree from an institution that is accredited by a regional association and a cumulative 2.75 GPA. 

Ask a Kansas State University student, alumni, or faculty member what it means to be a wildcat, and they will all reply with this word: family. A tight-knit yet inclusive university, KSU stretches across four campuses, including their global one, where students can earn an online Master of Science in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in educational technology.

This program is perfect for current educators who want to improve student performance through technological resources. While the majority of students in this program are educators, those in other non-teaching education roles also benefit from the knowledge and skills learned from this degree.

In addition, this program provides a foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in educational technology.

This program includes courses in:

• Curriculum Development
• Teaching and Learning
• Diversity
• Research
• Educational Technology

Students complete a minimum of 31 credits. To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA in the final two years/last 60 credits. Applications are accepted throughout the year, so plan to apply around 2-3 months before the semester you wish to begin.

A nationally ranked academic institution from U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Washington Monthly, Cal State Fullerton is the leading campus in the CSU system. They provide students with top-notch academic programs at affordable costs.

CSU’s Master of Science in instructional design and technology is online and provides the flexibility to accommodate working students.

This part-time program integrates a cohort model where students take ten courses over five semesters. Courses include:

• Research Practices in Instructional Design and Technology
• Systematic Approaches to Digital Design and Development
• Trends, Emerging Technologies, and Issues in Instructional Design

Students will also participate in two required on-campus/video Saturday meetings throughout this degree. If you are wanting a flexible program that you can complete while working full-time, this one is a good choice.

In addition to earning a master’s degree, graduates will also earn two certificates in instructional design levels I and II. To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Those with a GPA between 2.50 and 3.0 could still be accepted on a conditional basis. GRE scores and references are not a requirement.

Northern Arizona University was built on a “student-first foundation,” 120 years ago, and their original mission remains unchanged today. Expert faculty target student talents, which results in growth and success. Through the department of educational specialties in the College of Education, you can earn a Master of Education in educational technology and choose between three areas of emphasis:

• Educational Technology-K-12 Emphasis
• Adult Learning and Training
• Assistive Technology

Nationally recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education, this program will give you the skills and knowledge to design both online and in-person technology-based instruction. NAU states that the aim of their degree is to lead students “from educational technology facilitators to educational technology leaders.”

In this online graduate program, you will complete:

• core classes
• concentration classes
• electives

Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours. You will complete a final capstone project that showcases your professional knowledge of pedagogy and content learned in the program. Admission is competitive, and you’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA as well as a current resume or curriculum vitae.

The University of Minnesota is the flagship campus for the University of Minnesota system. They are committed to student success while providing them with the opportunity to study at a world-class research university.

One of the most prominent programs in the College of Education and Human Development is the MEd in Learning Technologies. This flexible and innovative program is sure to help land you in the career of your dreams.

This learning technologies degree is fully online but super interactive. It is a program for those who want to create customized digital apps, games, interfaces, and multimedia projects. You will complete core courses in:

• Multimedia Design and Development
• K-12 Technology Integration
• Online Distance Learning

While completing courses, you will be polishing away your portfolio project that will be complete and ready to present to future employers when you graduate.

Interested in this high-tech (pun intended!) program? You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA and a resume that reflects relevant academic and work history. You’ll also need to submit a one-page personal statement detailing your career goals. You can apply for three different start dates in the spring, summer, or fall.

Are the mountains calling your name? If so, Appalachian State University, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is your school. With top-notch faculty and a low student-to-faculty ratio, it’s no surprise that over 20,000 students identify as “ASU mountaineers!” 

The MA in educational media and instructional technology provides a solid background in media and technology design and production for leadership in a wide range of fields.

Enhancing versatility, this program includes four concentration choices:

• K-12
• Online Design, Communication, and Engagement
• Digital Media Literacy

The range of concentrations is a perk at ASU because you can tailor this degree to match your career goals.

Regardless of what emphasis you choose in this program, you will take a combination of required courses, concentration courses, and electives, totaling 36 credit hours. Interested? You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You’ll also need to submit:

• GRE or MAT scores
• three references
• your resume

Founded in 1866 as a teacher’s college, Towson University has evolved over the years into what it is today: one of the top public schools in the nation. TU features 47 master’s programs, including the Master of Science in instructional technology. In this program, you can choose one of three concentrations:

• Instructional Design and Development
• Educational Technology
• School Library Media

You can complete the MS in instructional technology, either online or in-person. Core courses include:

• Integrating Instructional Technology
• Foundations of Distance Education
• Instructional Design and Development

Each concentration includes a thesis and non-thesis option, and both tracks are 36 hours.

Graduates from TU’s programs possess the knowledge and expertise to best apply cutting edge technology to a variety of educational fields. To apply, you need a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 units of undergraduate work. You can apply for conditional admission with a 2.75 GPA. Technology literacy is also a requirement.

Flexible and affordable are two words to describe Western Illinois University, a nationally ranked academic institution in Macomb and Moline, IL. WIU’s MS in instructional design and technology is a flexible program that is offered completely online or in an online/weekend format. Students can choose between three tracks:

• General
• Technology Specialist
• Technical Training and Design

WIU is known for providing students with flexibility and options to tailor to their specific schedules and career goals. While this program consists of basic core classes and directed electives such as:

• Principles of Instructional Design
• Foundations of Instructional Technology
• Introduction to the IDT Field

Students can choose from three “exit options”: a portfolio plan, an applied project plan, or a thesis plan.

You can either enroll in a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the program within two years, and part-time students generally take three years. WIU features rolling admission, so you can start in the fall, spring, or summer semester. In addition, WIU offers affordable tuition rates as well as financial aid opportunities for graduate students.

The beautiful campus of St. Cloud State University runs 100 acres along the scenic Mississippi River.  Rated as a top college by Forbes, STC offers 200 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs, with hundreds of online courses available.

From the Department of Teacher Development, the Master of Science in Educational Leadership and technology is a 39-42 credit program with three plans.

Depending on your academic and career focuses, you can choose the thesis plan, the starred paper(s) plan, or the portfolio/project plan. This program is flexible and designed to accommodate both full and part-time students by offering courses during evenings and weekends on-campus or online.

Most courses are offered during the summer sessions. In addition to a master’s degree, you can earn one of three graduate certificates to further enhance your career options. These include:

• Technology Integration
• Library Media Specialist
• Reading Teacher K-12

The rolling application deadline makes it easy to apply for this program throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer start dates. Admission requirements include:

• a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
• a minimum 2.75 GPA

Established in 1636, Harvard University is set apart as the oldest academic institution in the United States! With over 360,000 alumni around the globe, Harvard includes 12 schools, including the Graduate School of Education, which offers the Master of Science in technology, innovation, and education.

This prestigious program includes several points of distinction, including:

• tight-knit cohorts with other graduate students
• internships and fieldwork
• top-notch, devoted faculty

Joe Blatt, a faculty director, sums it up this way:

“Whether it’s a course on designing cutting-edge technologies, a practicum on large-scale distance learning, or a course on evaluating the impact of educational apps, we concentrate on the cognitive, affective, and social dimensions of learning, not on the bit rate.” (HU website).

The coursework focuses on three critical areas:

• Design
• Implementation
• Research

Courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate students. The goal is to prepare graduates for leadership careers in technology development, entrepreneurship, research, teaching and administration, and other facets of the technology education field.

Are you wondering about alumni? They are leaders in creative education and technology all over the world. Many are employed at school systems; however, some work for Google, and others work for Microsoft. Some are even employed at Disney!