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Thanks to advances in distance learning, many schools offer hybrid and 100% online master’s programs in instructional technology and add-on certificates/endorsement programs at the graduate level. It’s a win-win situation – you learn about using online learning while you are actively participating in it.
To help you pick a program with street cred, here are a few things to look for:
Students in the Master of Arts in Educational Media program at Appalachian State University can choose from four tracks: Instructional Technology Specialist K-12, Online Learning and Professional Development, New Media Literacies and Global Perspectives, and Instructional Technology Specialist-General. All of the programs are offered in an online format that includes asynchronous coursework with a requirement to log in at a specific time, usually in the evening, for class meetings. Students may also be required to attend one face-to-face orientation meeting when they begin the program and another face-to-face meeting to complete the comprehensive exam. All applicants must have a bachelor's degree, and those who want to enter the K-12 track must also have teaching licensure.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
17,932 Students
At Bloomsburg University, students in the online program leading to a Master of Science in Instructional Technology receive hands-on experience working for a real-world client. Each student is matched with an external organization, which could be a business or nonprofit, and creates a working instructional technology product for that organization. The college runs a national center called the Institute for Interactive Technologies, which receives requests for instructional technology assistance from organizations all over the country. The curriculum for this master's program requires 33 credits, and students can choose a concentration in corporate training or prepare for a Pennsylvania Instructional Technology Specialist Certification.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
9,737 Students
Boise State University has several graduate-level programs for individuals who want to learn about instructional design, whether their background is in education or business. The Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning prepares students for careers in instructional design, training, and e-learning. This is a 36-credit online program, and students prepare either a thesis or a portfolio. The Master of Educational Technology and the Educational Specialist in Educational Technology programs are offered online and focus on using technology to improve student engagement and learning. Instructional design students who want to gain skills without completing a degree can earn an online certificate in workplace instructional design or in educational games and simulations.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
22,086 Students
California State University Fullerton has an online program that leads to a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. Applicants to the program typically have experience in technology or in curriculum development and training in an educational setting or in a military, medical or corporate setting. The program balances theory of adult learning with practice and application of technology. The 21-month program is set up in a cohort format. Cohort members are required to attend two Saturday orientation meetings, either in person or by videoconference. There is also a required midpoint checkup symposium in the second year of the program. Students must complete a final project and practicum that links to their professional goals.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
38,948 Students
Concordia University Chicago has an online program leading to a Master of Arts in Educational Technology. The program aligns with the guidelines set by the International Society for Technology in Education and results in a Technology Specialist Endorsement for students who have an Illinois Professional Teacher's License. However, applicants are not required to be licensed teachers. The 30-credit program can be completed in about two years. Required courses cover topics such as integrating technology across the curriculum, educational hardware and software, visual literacy, technology for effective decision making, and educational technology leadership. Students must also complete a capstone project. Classes are offered in an asynchronous format and last for eight weeks. Students take one course each term.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Concordia University St. Paul offers a Master of Arts in Educational Technology for licensed teachers who want to learn to incorporate technology into the classroom. The online program is set up in a two-year accelerated cohort format in which students complete a three-credit course in seven weeks. While the online program does not require any face-to-face meetings, students are required to log on at a set time weekly for a one-hour audio-video chat session. Students in the 30-credit program take classes covering topics such as technology trends and social media, classroom technology tools, the virtual classroom, and educational technology leadership. All students are required to complete a field experience in course development and a capstone research project.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Drexel University has an online Master of Science in Learning Technologies that allows students to concentrate in E-learning Leadership, Instructional Design, Learning in Game-Based Environments, or Pennsylvania certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist. The coursework is delivered completely online, and students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. For students who are interested in instructional technology but do not want a master's degree, Drexel also offers online programs leading to certificates in some of the same areas covered by the master's concentrations. These include a Graduate Certificate in E-learning Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, and an Instructional Technology Specialist certificate program that is open to licensed teachers. The online program has four terms per year.
East Tennessee State University's online Master of Educational Media and Educational Technology features a School Library Media concentration. Students who complete the program are eligible to become certified as a K-12 school library media specialist. The 36-credit program includes 13 credits in core courses and 23 credits in the school library media concentration. Core courses cover topics such as technology in teaching and learning and the instructional role of media and educational technology. Courses in the concentration cover topics such as children's materials, school library media programming, and basic reference materials. To complete the degree, master's students in the concentration must work a field experience in a school library.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Emporia State University offers a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology that students can complete 100 percent online. The program is open to teachers, trainers and other professionals who want to use technology in the instructional process. To earn the degree, students must complete 36 credits, with coursework covering topics such as theories of learning, designing and developing web-based instruction, multimedia design, and instructional design. Students are also required to take a course in statistics or analysis of research and to complete a master's project in instructional design and technology. Classes are available in the spring and fall semesters. Applicants are not required to have a teaching license.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
6,094 Students
The online program leading to a Master of Science in Instructional Technology at Fort Hays State University is extremely flexible because students can choose between four-week, eight-week, or 16-week classes. The instructional technology program is open to teachers, trainers, and people interested in a career in the field. To earn the degree, students must complete 12 courses, covering topics such as using technology, developing web-based instruction, design and assessment, hypermedia/hypertext applications, and multimedia applications. The program also introduces students to free open educational resources they can integrate into their work or classroom. The final course is a practicum that doubles as a comprehensive exam. Most of the classes are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Georgia Southern University offers an online Master of Education in Instructional Technology with options that make it a suitable program for P-12 educators as well as for individuals who work with instructional technology in business, the military, or higher education. The program meets Georgia requirements for certification as a school library media specialist or an instructional technology specialist. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher for combined graduate and undergraduate work. Students seeking P-12 certification must already have a level 4 teaching certificate or they will be required to take additional classes. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
20,459 Students
Johns Hopkins University offers an online Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Technology for Educators. The content aligns with the standards for educational technology issued by the International Society for Technology in Education and includes competencies in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and instructional and assistive technologies. To earn the degree, students must complete 36 credits, including nine credits in core requirements for the M.S.Ed. The concentration includes nine courses in topics such as instructional design, technology and the science of learning, integrating media into standards-based curriculum, and multimedia tools for instruction. Johns Hopkins also offers a 15-credit online certificate program in Leadership in Technology Integration designed for master teachers who want to integrate technology into the curriculum.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Kennesaw State University has online degrees in instructional technology at the master's, educational specialist, and doctoral level. The Master of Education in Instructional Technology is for licensed teachers who want to serve as technology facilitators in P-12 schools. This is a 36-credit program that includes field experiences in the candidate's current work setting and a capstone experience. The Specialist of Education in Instructional Technology has two tracks: certification or advanced track (technology leadership). The Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology prepares educators for positions such as technology director and chief technology officer.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Kent State Online has several programs in instructional technology that can be completed entirely online. These include a Master of Education in Instructional Design; a master's leading to a Computer/Technology Endorsement for Ohio school teachers; and a certificate in Online Teaching and Learning. The M.Ed. in Instructional Design is open to teachers, corporate trainers and others who want to use technology in their instructional materials. The Ohio endorsement, which can only be added to an existing teaching certification, allows the recipient to become a technology teacher or school technology coordinator. Students who already have a master's can enter an endorsement-only program. The five-course certificate in Online Learning can be combined with a master's or obtained by itself.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Lamar University has an online program leading to a Master of Education in Education Technology. Students who complete the degree gain skills in designing, implementing, and assessing technology-based projects that integrate curriculum standards. Additionally, the program prepares students to complete the principal certification exam. The 36-credit program includes eight courses in the educational technology leadership core, with classes covering topics such as multimedia and video technology, digital graphics and desktop publishing, and teaching with technology. Four courses are required for the educational leadership core. Students are required to complete two internships - one in educational technology and the other in supervision. Applicants to the program must have a valid teaching certificate and at least two years of teaching experience.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Liberty University offers an online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning with a specialization in Educational Technology and Online Instruction. The 36-credit program is completely online with no requirements for campus visits. The curriculum includes 15 credits in advanced education core courses, 15 credits in the educational technology cognate, and six credits in professional courses, including either a directed practicum or a seminar in current issues in education. Cognate courses cover topics such as technology and diversity, leadership in educational technology, and design and management of educational technology. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must have initial teaching licensure as this program does not lead to licensure.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Michigan State has several completely online programs for educators who are interested in instructional technology. Options include a completely online program leading to a Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) that prepares students for jobs such as instructional designer, technology integration specialist, technology director, and other jobs dealing with educational technology issues. Michigan educators can earn the Educational Technology Endorsement, which is referred to as the NP Endorsement, as part of the MAET program or as a stand-alone online program if they do not want to complete the master's program. Michigan State also offers two graduate certificate programs - one in Educational Technology and one in Online Teaching and Learning. Each program requires students to complete three courses.
Accreditation: Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Accreditation Committee
50,538 Students
National University has a 10-course online program leading to a Master of Science in Educational and Instructional Technology. The program is designed for teachers, corporate trainers, and those involved in online instruction at colleges and universities. The program focuses on practical applications and includes technical training in a variety of software, which students will need to have access to. Required courses cover topics such as education theory and technology, media based learning objects, developing online courseware, simulations and virtual reality, and instructional development and evaluation. As a final capstone project, students assess an educational need and create an instructional module that incorporates multimedia elements. Students may be required to attend synchronous web-based conferences.
New Jersey City University has a 51:1 Flexible Schedule for its program leading to a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Technology Leadership. The program is designed so that students spend one week a year at NJCU and the other 51 weeks of the year working on online coursework with no other requirements to be on campus. The program is professionally anchored, with coursework reflecting real-life challenges that educators face on the job. The program is designed to prepare leaders who will support innovation and help guide initiatives to use technology as an aid in learning and professional development. The Ed.D. program also emphasizes action research.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
North Carolina State offers an online program for a master's degree in Digital Learning and Teaching, which was previously called the M.S. in Instructional Technology. Students in the program choose an area of emphasis: digital leadership, design, or inquiry; but all students take some classes from each area. Students also have a choice on whether to pursue a 30-credit Master of Education or a 36-credit Master of Science, which requires a thesis. Licensed teachers who complete a master's are eligible for an endorsement as an Instructional Technology Specialist. Licensed teachers who are not seeking a degree can qualify for an endorsement in computer education by taking six online courses from the leadership and design areas of the curriculum.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
34,015 Students
Students in Pittsburg State University's Master of Science in Educational Technology program can choose an emphasis in Technology Integration Specialist or Library Media Specialist. Students in the Technology Integration emphasis concentrate on designing, developing and managing the use of technology to present instructional material. The Library Media emphasis leads to licensure as a school library media specialist. Students in either emphasis must have a teaching license. The program, which is delivered entirely online, has 24 credits of core requirements and nine credits in the emphasis area. Core courses cover topics such as information retrieval and transfer, design and production of instructional materials, curriculum development, and a practicum. A thesis option is available.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Saint Joseph's University has a Master of Science in Education program in Instructional Design and Technology. Students who complete the program may be eligible for certification in Pennsylvania as an Instructional Technology Specialist. The program requires students to work a graduate internship either in their current organization or in a field environment they choose as appropriate for their career aspirations. The curriculum requires 36 credits, including the six-credit internship. Required courses cover topics such as interactive and emerging technologies, multimedia production, instructional design, and technology planning. The program also allows for one to three electives in the major. St. Joseph's also offers an online Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate, which requires students to complete eight courses and the internship.
Sam Houston State University offers both a master's and doctorate program in instructional technology through its online delivery program. The Master of Education in Instructional Technology is a 30-credit program that combines elements of curriculum and instruction with computer science. Students take five classes in education with courses covering topics such as distance learning and technology and congnition. They also take five courses in computer science, covering topics such as designing instructional material for the web and educational multimedia. The 60-credit doctorate program aims to train leaders of instructional technology. Applicants to the program must have a master's degree in instructional technology or a related field and three years of full-time professional experience. The program uses a cohort model.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
SUNY Albany has a Master of Science in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology (CDIT) that can be completed online. The CDIT master's program is designed to be flexible to meet the career goals of teachers and professionals who work in higher education, business or training. Students have a choice of what class to take to fulfill requirements such as three credits in Instruction and three credits in either Curriculum Development or Instructional Technology. The program includes five courses in an area of specialization the student develops with the assistance of a faculty adviser. SUNY Albany's School of Education was ranked 14th on the 2016 listing of online graduate education program published by U.S. News & World Report.
Accreditation: Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Accreditation Committee
17,178 Students
The University of Central Florida offers an online Master of Arts in Instructional Technology with a choice of three tracks. The Educational Technology track is for teachers who want to use technology and digital media in the PreK-12 curriculum. The Instructional Systems track is for instructional designers, training specialists, and multimedia developers working in settings where they create professional development and lifelong learning programs. The e-Learning track focuses on designing and delivering e-learning materials for use in online and blended learning programs, whether for schools or other organizations. The Instructional Systems and e-Learning tracks are available completely online. The Educational Technology track includes at least one class in a blended format. All tracks require 39 credits.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
62,953 Students
The University of Central Missouri offers an online Master of Science in Education Technology. To earn the degree, students must complete 30 credits. Core courses comprise 24 credit hours and cover topics such as online course development, assessing and evaluating online instruction, and educational technology leadership. Six credits can be taken in related elective coursework. Students are also required to perform an internship in educational technology. Students who earn the degree have the skills to become educational technology coordinators, trainers, instructional designers, and distance learning specialists. Teacher licensure is not an absolute requirement for admission, but a bachelor's degree in education is strongly recommended, and applicants without a background in education or educational technology may need to take additional classes.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
14,395 Students
The University of North Carolina Charlotte offers a completely online Master of Education in Instructional Systems Technology. Students choose from three concentrations, depending upon their career goals. Concentrations are: School Specialist, for licensed teachers; Training and Development, for students who have a training position in a corporate, government or higher education organization; and Online Learning and Teaching, for those who want to design, develop or manage online learning. To earn the degree, students must complete 36 credits, including 18 credits in foundations courses (which vary slightly by concentration), 12 credits in electives, and an internship and capstone project. Students can enter the program at four points during the year and can complete the program in about two years.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
27,983 Students
UWA Online's Master of Education in Learning, Design and Technology is a one-year, 30-credit program for people who want to design and implement education programs in K-12 classrooms, colleges or businesses. Enrollees are required to take three courses - in research techniques, statistics, and theories and design - and they can choose the remaining seven courses from a list twice that long. Although the program is 100 percent online, students may opt to take an online teaching practicum. There is no capstone requirement, but students must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate. The program does not lead to certification.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
The University of West Georgia offers a Master of Education with a major in Media (Instructional Technology) that is delivered in an online format and does not require any campus visits. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester. The 36-credit program includes 27 credits in media and instructional technology and nine credits in psychology and research. Required courses cover topics such as web design for instruction, digital media production, distance learning, and assessing learning in technology-enhanced instruction. The program prepares graduates for jobs in P-12 education, higher education, government, healthcare, and other organizations. Applicants are not required to have a teaching certificate, but teachers holding a T-4 Georgia certification gain an S-5 certification.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Utah State University has an online program leading to a Master of Education in Educational Technology and Learning Sciences. The program is offered in a two-year cohort rotation. Cohorts start each fall, and students must attend an orientation session at the Logan, Utah, campus in August. The program does not require students to choose a specialization, but online students can choose a specialization in Information Technology and School Library Media Administration, which requires a minor in School Library Media, also available online. Licensed teachers pursing the master's degree can also opt for a program to prepare for the Distance Learning endorsement. The 36-credit program culminates in an internship or a creative project in place of a thesis.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education; Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Accreditation Committee
28,622 Students
Webster University has two online degrees in educational technology. The Master of Educational Technology is open to corporate trainers, licensed teachers, and others who incorporate technology and media in learning environments. The 33-credit program requires eight credits in design and ethics core courses, 11 credits in technology core courses, 12 credits in electives, and a capstone project, which is typically a formal review of the student's portfolio to demonstrate competencies. Webster also has an Ed.S. in Educational Technology Leadership that is open to students with a master's in educational technology or a related field. The program requires 38 credits, including nine credits in leadership courses, 11 credits in technology core courses, two internships, and nine credits in electives.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
West Texas A&M offers a completely online master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology that focuses on practical skills such as computer videography, web design, and technology-assisted instructional design. The program is project oriented, and students are able to build a portfolio to show off their marketable skills. The program is designed to work around the schedule of professionals with full-time jobs and is open to students who do not have advanced computer skills. There are no prerequisites or leveling classes. Students take three core courses from the Education Department and nine design or technology courses. The instructor allows students to choose projects that match their interests or career goals.
9,489 Students
Western Governors University offers two online programs in instructional technology: Master of Education in Instructional Design and Master of Education in Learning and Technology. The programs are designed for licensed teachers, district curriculum developers, media specialists, technology coordinators, and corporate trainers. Either program requires students to complete 30 competency units, similar to a credit hour. Students in both programs take courses in instructional design analysis, production, and foundations. The Instructional Design degree includes courses in measurement and evaluation. The Learning and Technology degree includes courses in technology design portfolio, technology integration, and technology production. Students in either program must complete a capstone project. Students typically take about two years to complete the master's program.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Students seeking a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Western Illinois University have a choice of two areas of emphasis: general or technology specialist. The general program is flexible and allows students to tailor their education to their career goals, such as a graphic designer, corporate trainer, or instructional developer. The technology specialist emphasis requires students to complete 11 credits in core requirements, 15 credits in the technology specialist emphasis, including field experiences in a K-12 setting, and a research project. Technology specialist applicants should have Illinois teaching licensure. Several post-baccalaureate certificates in instructional technology are also offered online, including Educational Technology Specialist; Online and Distance Learning Development; Workplace Learning and Performance, and Technology Integration in Education.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
11,094 Students
Western Oregon University's Master of Science in Education: Information Technology program is delivered online. The program is open to licensed teachers and people who have an educator role, such as corporate trainers and naturalists/interpreters at a nature or cultural site. Classes are offered in the fall, winter, spring and summer, and some classes may require video conferencing. The program requires 45 credits, and full-time students can complete the degree in five semesters. The curriculum includes nine credits in professional education core classes, nine credits in information technology core classes, 21 credits in content area electives, and a six-credit exit sequence, which could include a comprehensive exam, professional project, thesis, or field study. Licensed teachers must complete a practicum.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Wilkes University has an online Master of Science in Instructional Media that prepares teachers to use digital media across the curriculum. The 30-credit program includes courses in digital storytelling, using technology for assessment, cognition and technology, and internet tools for teaching. Courses are delivered in accelerated, seven-week terms, so students can complete the degree in less than two years by taking one course per term. Graduates may qualify for Pennsylvania STEM Endorsement. Wilkes University also has an online degree leading to a Master of Science in Instructional Technology and Pennsylvania certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist. To earn the degree, students must complete 30 credits, and those seeking the specialist certification must complete an additional three-credit internship.
William Woods University's online Master of Education in Teaching and Technology is built to accommodate both trained teachers and those without an undergraduate education degree. The program's graduates have gone on to be teachers, school administrators, business trainers and multimedia specialists. While the 30-credit program possesses the standard coursework on pedagogy, instructional design and student assessment, its curriculum also delves into incorporating software and mobile phone applications into curricula. The program culminates in a six-credit capstone that involves developing an interactive learning module.
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