Affordable Online Master's In Educational Technology

We're not the only ones who include Concordia University - Chicago on our ranking of the top online master's degrees in instructional technology. OnlineColleges.net also ranks the school among the best educational tech grad programs in the nation. And it's not hard to see that CUC is fully deserving of these accolades. Designed for licensed teachers, this M.A. degree qualifies graduates for a Technology Specialist Endorsement in Illinois. To do so, the curriculum features a robust set of highly-relevant classes like "Using Technology to Build Learning Communities," "Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum," and "Visual Literacy in the Classroom."

Many educational technology programs focus their energy on one of two areas. They either teach students how to use technology as a learning tool or they provide students with technical skills (e.g. multimedia design). But Dakota State University's online educational technology graduate program makes sure that graduates walk away fully competent in both areas. The project-based program also requires students to complete a web-based "exit portfolio," which functions to showcase your knowledge while you reflect on ways you can apply that knowledge on the job. Note that the degree does not officially lead to teacher certification in South Dakota unless you already hold a basic endorsement in some level of K-12 teaching.

For a program that's 100% online, convenient, and highly flexible, check out West Texas A&M University. With no GRE requirement and no foundational "leveling" courses, it's easy to enroll in this degree and start your studies on your very first day. And thanks to summer sessions, you can graduate from WTAMU with an accredited online master's degree in instructional design and technology in as few as 18 months. Another perk of attending this program is that the courses are highly marketable and focus on creative skill development. Indeed, you'll pick up skills in everything from movie-making and computer graphics to web design and animation.

There are several programs on this list that include an emphasis on leadership. However, Lamar is the only school on our online master's in educational technology ranking that specifically prepares graduates to become certified principals. This focus is evident in the coursework, which consists of multiple leadership-based classes as well as administrative ones like "School-Community Relations," "Human Resources Development" and "School Law." In addition, the curriculum incorporates two required internships; one under the joint supervision of a school district mentor and Lamar faculty member and the other under the guidance of a practicing school administrator.

If you choose to attend Emporia State to earn your M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology, be prepared to think deeply about the issues facing this field. To graduate from this program, you'll have to take a six-credit research sequence, which includes a class in either research or statistics and a final master's project or thesis. Of course, this only comes near the online master's degree in instructional design and technology curriculum. To prepare, you'll take thought-provoking courses in learning theories, contemporary issues in distance education, the foundations of instructional technology, and more.

Bloomsburg University is one of the few schools on this list of top online educational technology graduate programs to emphasize industry careers over traditional teaching. Officially, Bloomsburg's M.S. in Instructional Technology comes with two concentrations: Corporate and IT Specialist. The former focuses on training and development for the private sector, while the latter prepares graduates to create and integrate "interactive technologies" into various learning environments. However, the program also offers certificates in eLearning and Instructional Game Design. Both certificates are available online, and you can apply the coursework toward the requirements for your M.S. degree.

Missouri Baptist's affordable online educational technology graduate program caters to teachers working in myriad environments. This includes K-12 classrooms as well as colleges, libraries, administrative offices, and support centers. The goal of the program is to provide a well-rounded view of instructional technology, which the curriculum achieves by offering classes that span from "Digital Citizenship" and "Online Applications for Collaboration" to "Web-based Design, Implementation, and Assessment." The 30-credit course plan also includes an e-Portfolio capstone class and leaves room for one elective, many of which focus on specialized topics and current influences in educational technology.

Teachers who want to boost their skills in a particular area of instructional technology should consider attending Boise State University. Why? Because the school's Master of Educational Technology comes with four specializations, each of which leads to a graduate certificate (in addition to your M.E.T. degree) in a different tech discipline. For example, educators who want to specialize in distance learning can earn a certificate in Online Teaching. Or if you're more interested in working in an administrative or specialist capacity, check out the certificates in Technology Integration and School Technology Coordination. Lastly, BSU is one of the only schools on this online master's degrees in instructional technology ranking to offer a specialization in Games and Simulations.

As technology becomes a mainstay in American classrooms, many schools are scrambling to help teachers catch up with the times. But at Saint Mary's University, faculty are more interested in producing teachers who are ahead of the curve. Indeed, it's this attitude that makes SMU home to one of the best cheap online master's degrees in instructional design and technology. Coursework emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, and critical thinking skills, producing graduates who can act as leaders and visionaries in their industry. SMU faculty even consulted with tech representatives while designing the program to ensure that the curriculum accurately reflects current needs and future trends.

Few programs could leave you better prepared to work as an instructional technologist than the University of West Georgia's M.Ed. in Media. Combined with a concentration in instructional technology, UWG's program hits all the essential topics - and then some. While pursuing this accredited online master's in educational technology, you'll study everything from the "Psychology of Classroom Learning" and "Web Design for Instruction" to "Digital Media Production and Utilization" and "Assessing Learning in Technology-Enhanced Instruction." And with no practicum or project requirements, this is an especially strong option for students who already have plenty of hands-on experience and/or only want to focus on coursework.

If you're interested in going to school online but think you'll miss the interactivity of traditional classrooms, think again. The University of North Dakota is defying stereotypes of distance learning with programs like its accredited online master's degree in instructional design and technology. Courses are 100% online but held in a synchronous format, meaning you'll log in to live web classes at specific times (always in the evening). This approach gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience of a program that won't interrupt your work life and the engagement of face-to-face learning.

Like most top online master's degrees in instructional design and technology, Georgia Southern's program has options for professionals from multiple career fields. For teachers, the degree offers a pathway to certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist, School Library Media Specialist, or both. You can also earn either credential as an add-on certificate if you already have an M.Ed. in another field. As for non-teachers, GSU's M.Ed. in Instructional Technology will be your ticket to greater career opportunities. And don't worry; courses aren't overly-focused on classroom instruction. Classes in data analysis, information fluency, visionary leadership, and more will easily apply to your work in the military, government, or corporate environment.

At Appalachian State University, you'll find one of the more unusual graduate programs on this master's degrees in educational technology online ranking. Taking a broad view of instructional technology, this M.A. in Educational Media incorporates classes in emerging literacies, communication technologies, digital-age learning environments, and other topics that apply to a multitude of career paths. However, you can easily narrow the focus of this degree by choosing a specialization; options include Online Learning and Professional Development, Instructional Technology Specialist/K-12, and New Media Literacies and Global Perspectives. The latter is a particularly good choice for non-teaching creative professionals who want to learn about the role of technology in industry training and development.

In Salem State's M.Ed. in Technology in Education program, the keyword is balance. Not only does the curriculum maintain a balance between theoretical concepts and applied skills, but the program's overall degree requirements seek to balance students' varying career goals. This means that while you have the option to pursue educational licensure, SSU also offers a "degree-only" track for candidates who want to work outside of K-12 environments. In addition, this affordable online master's in educational technology balances two delivery formats: completely online and web-enhanced. The latter could be a great option for local Oregonians who want the convenience of distance education without sacrificing the interactivity of traditional classrooms.

If you're a teacher in Georgia, you're probably familiar with the state's multitiered certification system. And like teachers in any state, you know that a higher-level certification can increase your job opportunities - not to mention the size of your paycheck. This is precisely why Kennesaw State has one of the top master's in instructional technology online (at least for Georgians). By earning your M.Ed. from Kennesaw, you'll become eligible for an S-5 certification in Instructional Technology and increase your teaching level from T-4 to T-5. Just make sure you take - and pass - the GACE assessment before applying for your S-5 certificate!

Faculty at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville see instructional technology not just as a learning tool, but also as a way to solve problems. Teachers with a strong knowledge of technology can use their skills to analyze data, simulate solutions, design creative strategies, and communicate their ideas in innovative ways. As such, students who pursue SIUE's affordable master's in instructional technology online receive a hefty helping of tech know-how. Core classes cover web design and computer-based publishing - plus it includes a three-part "Design Studio." Beyond this core, you can customize your degree with electives from one of three emphases: Distance Education, Instructional Design and Performance Improvement, and Educational Technologies.

Utah State's M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Learning Science is designed for teachers and academic administrators who want to understand more about how they can use technology in the workplace. Although the degree doesn't lead to a teaching license, it can help qualify current teachers to work as tech support staffs and specialists in schools. With its broad-based curriculum, this is also a top online master's in educational technology for professionals who want to work in non-teaching careers, such as instructional design, technical writing, or educational consulting. In addition, you'll appreciate USU's flexible delivery methods, which include multiple annual start dates and both 7- and 14-week sessions.

Because UMUC's Master of Education program only offers a specialization in instructional technology, you might think that the coursework largely focuses on general teaching subjects. But in reality, all ten courses in this 30-credit, cheap online master's degree in instructional technology are highly focused on tech topics. In fact, the curriculum covers ground that most programs miss, like "Hardware and Software in Instructional Development" and "Administration of Technology Initiatives: Planning, Budgeting, and Evaluation." You'll also complete a self-directed project as part of your capstone experience. For this project, you'll collaborate with colleagues at your current place of employment to "incorporate innovations into their curricula."

They say you can't be all things to all people, yet UNCW's MIT (Master of Science in Instructional Technology) program endeavors to be just that. Sporting a curriculum with "considerable flexibility" and classes across a range of disciplines, the program enables students "from diverse fields" to achieve their professional goals. Even the core classes are customizable, to an extent. For example, you'll take two colloquia in which you explore and discuss a rotating series of topics. Plus, you'll complete a final research project/thesis on a subject of your choosing. UNCW also has a top education technology master's degree online for its unique electives, which span from "Gaming and Simulation" to "Motivation in Instructional Design."

Note: TAMUT's M.S. in Instructional Technology program won't accept just anyone. To earn admission, you'll need to have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. If you meet this and a few other basic requirements, then you'll have no problem meeting the demands of this challenging, accredited online educational technology graduate program. In addition to standard course fare, the curriculum includes classes in instructional technology applications, research, and leadership. You'll also have to complete a required internship in a "real-life" work setting (this could be a school or corporation, organization, agency, etc.).

If you're interested in library studies and information science, take a look at Valdosta State's M.Ed. in Instructional Technology. Why? Because VSU has one of the few programs on this online master's degrees in instructional design and technology ranking to offer a concentration specifically in School Library Media. Degree candidates in this track take classes in information services, bibliographic organization, school media centers, and more. Graduates are eligible for the Georgia S-5 school media specialist certificate. Valdosta State's program also offers a concentration in Technology Applications, which provides more general training for teachers as well as business, government, and military professionals.

At Concordia University in Wisconsin, becoming an expert in educational technology requires more than simply understanding how to use online learning tools or mobile applications. Rather, CUW's online master's degree in instructional design and technology digs deep to give students expertise in digital literacy, culture, and ethics. You'll learn how to create novel learning experiences for the digital age and use technology to lead organizations into the 21st century. As a Christian school, CUW also emphasizes the spiritual implications of tech-focused education and how it's guiding the evolution of school culture.

National University offers a straightforward instructional technology program that will get you in and out the (virtual) door in no time. No need to worry about picking electives or getting specific courses approved by an advisor - just follow National's 10-course plan of study and before you know it, you'll be ready to graduate from this cheap online master's degree in instructional design and technology. Classes being by covering the foundations of technology, instructional design, and education theory before moving on to advanced topics like media-based learning, online courseware, and simulations. Finally, you'll round out your studies with a capstone project and report, which you'll create under the supervision of a faculty member.

One interesting feature of UTRGV's M.Ed. program is that it combines educational technology topics with training in specific content areas (e.g. reading, science, math). In doing so, the program is able to prepare students with the technological know-how most relevant to the subjects they actually teach. Enrolling in this affordable master's degree in educational technology online will also get you up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in teaching. In particular, classes like "Selected Topics in Educational Technology" and "Research Methods in Education" will provide an opportunity for you to explore and discuss contemporary issues facing educators today.

CSU - Monterey Bay has one of the most tech-focused programs on this ranking of cheap education technology master's degrees online. As such, it's an especially strong option for professionals who want to work in fields related to the development of educational software and technology-based learning tools. The core curriculum is fairly standard, with classes in instructional design, interactive media, and assessment and evaluation. But the electives are where you'll really get a chance to challenge your computational skills. Approved options include everything from web scripting and design to multimedia tools - there's even a class in "Human-Computer Interaction"!

How can we know what constitutes good teaching if we don't understand how students learn? This idea is central to National Louis University's instructional philosophy, which is why it offers an M.Ed. in Learning Sciences Education. Within the program, you can major in Learning Technologies for Teachers. In doing so, you'll bring tech concepts together with learning philosophies for one of the most unique degrees on this online educational technology graduate programs ranking. By the time you graduate, you'll have an understanding not only of how to teach for different learning styles and environments but also how to leverage digital tools and online platforms to maximize learning outcomes.

For a program that emphasizes leadership skills, be sure to check out Texas A&M University-Commerce. Rather than lecture students about their pedagogical philosophies, faculty in this affordable online master's in educational technology will help you develop your own ideas about the role of technology in education. Plus, classes like "Applying Instructional Media and Technology" and "Implementation of Media Technology Programs" will give you a chance to utilize those ideas (along with current best practices) to cultivate your own unique teaching strategies. You'll also get to pick four electives in various education- and tech-related disciplines, further molding the curriculum to suit your personal and professional interests.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Technology will grant you all the skills and certifications you need to excel in jobs both in and out of the classroom. Upon enrolling in this education technology master's degree online, you'll pick one of three concentrations: School Specialist, Online Learning and Teaching, or Training and Development. The first one is for licensed P-12 teachers who want to earn their Instructional Technology Specialist: Computers credential in North Carolina. Or if you'd rather work in non-classroom settings, the Training and Development option will give you the qualifications you need to excel in positions at corporate or government agencies.

NCAT's unique instructional technology program consists of three career-oriented tracks. The three options are Instructional Technology Director, Media Coordinator, and Business and Industry. All three tracks in this accredited online master's degree in instructional design and technology share the same core classes, which cover general teaching methods, educational research, instructional design, and leadership. Each track also includes a required internship. However, the remaining coursework is tailored to specific career fields. For example, if you select the Business and Industry option you'll take a class in "Instructional Technology Services to Business and Industry." But if you choose the Technology Director track, you'll take "Media and Technology in Schools" instead.

East Carolina University's M.A.Ed. program is all about preparing teachers for the next phase of their career. Coursework focuses on issues relevant to P-12 education, and the degree prepares graduates for state licensure in "computers in education." As such, it's a particularly good choice for teachers who want to apply for jobs as technology facilitators, instructional tech directors, IT managers, and other similar positions. To graduate from ECU's accredited online master's degree in instructional technology, you'll need to complete 36 credits of coursework and produce an e-portfolio, which is designed to help you become a "reflective practitioner" of educational tech practices.

Most schools on this master's degrees in educational technology online ranking either cater specifically to K-12 teachers or support primarily non-classroom careers. Western Illinois University, however, manages to do both at once. It achieves this feat by organizing its program into two emphases: General and Technology Specialist. The latter features an eight-credit core and 15-credit set of "directed electives" that qualify graduates for K-12 endorsement as a Technology Specialist in Illinois. If you're looking for a more flexible degree path, on the other hand, pick the General track. This option leaves all your electives completely up to you; you can pick anything from "Large Format Photography" to "Instructional 3D Modeling and Animation" to "Grant Writing Basics."

Teachers living in New York, take notice: Canisius has one of the best cheap master's degrees in educational technology online for K-12 educators. Designed for licensed teachers, the program has both certification (as an Educational Technology Specialist) and non-certification tracks. The former option focuses on the "purposeful use of technology for teacher and learning" with an emphasis on "the application of technologies for content literacy." By contrast, the latter will give you more flexibility to teach in both "formal educational setting[s]" and non-classroom environments. Either way, you'll benefit from a convenient, quick delivery format; eight-week classes let you earn your degree in as few as 15 months!

Whether you want to apply your skills in public schools, the government, private industry, or even the military, Indiana State University has a program for you. One program, to be exact: a versatile M.S. in Educational Technology that prepares students for a wide range of careers. Crucial to this versatility is a strong elective component. To earn this accredited education technology master's degree online, you'll pick four electives from a list that offers everything from "Multimedia Authoring" to "Leading and Managing Technology Resources in Educational Settings." And although an internship is required, you don't have to work in a K-12 setting - ISU will approve a variety of sites, including government agencies and educational organizations.

Sam Houston State describes its M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design and Technology as a combination of degrees in computer science and curriculum and instruction. The program even splits its coursework into two 15-credit segments in each of these disciplines. However, in many ways, that description sells this online master's degree in instructional design and technology short of its true impact. That is, you won't take actually take separate classes in teaching and technology. Rather, most classes deftly integrate both topics into one - like "Technology and Cognition," "Educational Media," and "Development of Technological Infrastructure in Schools," to name but a few.

As a graduate student at Texas A&M University - Kingsville, you'll acquire a comprehensive view of technology as it applies to multiple learning environments. Although you will take a "Microcomputers in the Classroom" course, most of TAMUK's program looks beyond traditional settings to address technology in a broader context. In particular, classes like "World Wide Web Learning Environments," "Introduction to the Digital Learning Society," and "Multimedia Design and Production" will give you an appreciation for the multiplicity of ways that students acquire information today. Before earning this top master's in instructional technology online, you'll also complete a final research project or internship.

Because the use of technology in the classroom is a fairly recent development, most schools' online educational technology graduate programs are relatively young. But the University of Central Missouri's M.S. in Educational Technology degree has a history of being ahead of its time. Founded in 1998, UCM's program has had 20 years to improve and perfect its curriculum. The result is a plan of study that emphasizes distance education, with classes like "Online Course Development," "Communication in Online Learning," and "Assessment and Evaluation in Online Instruction." Students also complete a research methods course and internship in their final semester, as well as a comprehensive portfolio that showcases their work throughout the program.

At Texas Tech University, students earning their master's in instructional technology online enjoy plenty of flexibility to design their own course of study. Not only does the 39-credit curriculum include 12 credits of electives, but it also lets you choose how to fulfill your research and foundation course requirements (6 credits total) from a list of nearly a dozen class options. The other half of the curriculum is comprised of seven required courses in instructional technology. But these are likely classes you'd pick for yourself anyway, as they touch on highly relevant issues in the field. For example, you'll take classes in "Online Distance Learning," and "Planning and Developing Instructional Media," and you'll also complete a practicum.

Framingham State's M.Ed. program is best suited for professionals working directly in an instructional capacity, such as teachers and community college professors. This is because the curriculum doesn't just cover instructional technology; it also includes a core of more general education courses. These classes - which include "Philosophy of Education and Teaching Practice" and "Language Development and Communication" - will be most beneficial to those who work in classrooms. Many of the educational technology concentration courses also emphasize traditional teaching skills (e.g. "Advanced Teaching Strategies" and "Mathematics with Instruction in Technology"). Note, however, that this affordable online educational technology graduate program does not lead to teacher licensure in Massachusetts.

For a straightforward degree path that will impart the skills you need on an efficient timeline, check out Jacksonville State University. JSU's cheap online master's degree in instructional technology consists of two foundational classes, six major courses, and two electives. The foundational classes cover education research and diversity, while the major courses dive into tech-specific topics like digital literacy, virtual learning spaces, and interactive technologies. You'll complement these lessons with electives in related teaching disciplines, such as special education or curriculum development. But the best part? This program offers 100% online coursework with no internship requirement, making it easy for you to power through the curriculum quickly and efficiently.

Auburn University's broad-based M.Ed. in Instructional Technology isn't just for teachers. Rather, the program welcomes applicants with bachelor's degrees in any field. This could include certified teachers, industry educators (i.e. not in K-12 schools), and anyone else who wants to study instructional design. In keeping with this broad focus, Auburn's affordable online master's degree in instructional technology covers a wide range of topics. As a degree candidate, you'll take classes in curriculum and teaching, emerging technologies, teaching from a distance, and even educational psychology. You'll also complete a three-credit practicum at a site relevant to your career goals.