2023 Best Master’s in Educational Technology Programs
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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.
Do you want to acquire a master’s degree in educational technology, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in educational technology programs.
What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
The Graduate School of Education offers Harvard’s technology, innovation, and education master’s degree program. This is a one-year degree program that stresses three core areas: design, implementation, and research. Learners work on cooperative projects with their cohort, engaging in internships, externships, and more. The internship experience is often a highlight for learners. In the past, graduate learners have logged their hours at sites such as the MIT Media Lab, IBM Visualization and Behavior Group, and Boston’s Museum of Science.
UPenn was established in 1740 by none other than Benjamin Franklin. The Graduate School of Education has over 20 distinct master’s degree programs. The university has a master of education in learning sciences and technologies degree program. This is a one-year degree program that involves 10 classes and culminates in a master’s thesis. The degree also includes an internship that spans the fall and spring terms.
This degree prepares graduates to jump into several diverse roles connected to technology and education. For example, past graduates of this degree program have become project managers at online start-ups, directors of online coursework design, or researchers at other institutions.
The Ohio State University has a master of learning technologies, which is entirely online and does not require a master’s thesis. Graduates will be ready to apply their skills in classrooms from elementary school to college. The coursework comprises seven core classes, a research-intensive class, an elective, and a practicum. Along with this master’s degree, OSU has several graduate-level multidisciplinary concentrations and minors. Learners can select from the following: applied developmental science in education, college and university teaching, quantitative research methods, or teaching in virtual environments.
UGA has a masters of education in learning, design, and technology, which comprises three concentration areas along with the core coursework: instructional technology, instructional design, and development or research. The first two paths are delivered online, while the research path is offered only the Athens campus.
Even if learners decide to finish one of the online areas of emphasis, there are still numerous ways for them to connect with their cohort and others in the field. For example, each year, learners attend the Digital Learning Conference along with professors from UGA. This is a fantastic networking opportunity and a great way to be informed.
The University of Florida College of Education has an on-campus master of arts in education with a concentration in educational technology. Learners can also receive an online master of education in educational technology, which comprises 36 credit hours of classwork. Consistent with the institution’s emphasis on research, the professors in these departments continue to make strides in their own research efforts. Currently, faculty are involved in research that follows digital game-based learning, technology in medical education, problem-based learning, and more.
One of the largest institutions in the nation—with around 50,500 learners enrolled—Michigan State University is a powerhouse of the Midwest. MSU has branched out into over 200 academic programs. Its graduate-level education degree program remains among the top 25 in the nation. Learners can enroll in the MA in educational technology degree program and attend full time or part time, online, in a blended format, or with an accelerated summer degree program. This 30-credit-hour program includes nine core classes and electives that learners can customize to match their interests.
A member of the State University of New York System, SUNY Albany grants admission to around 17,300 learners. SUNY Albany began as a teacher’s college and sustains that legacy with its School of Education.
SUNY Albany has an MS in classes development and instructional technology, which can be completed online or in person. In total, learners must finish 30 credit hours, which are split into core areas and research-based classes.
USC’s 30-credit-hour masters of education in learning design and technology combines theory and application. Coursework will be delivered online and will prepare graduates to address learning environments at all levels, from design to implementation.
Purdue University’s sustains two branches of academic divisions: Classes & Instruction and Educational Studies. Purdue University’s master of science in learning design and technology is broad and flexible. Learners finish a core set of 27 credit hours to lay the foundations of educational technology; then they can concentrate on either the Business/Industry path or the Education path.
Minnesota State University Mankato has a wide range of degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Learners enjoy a 21:1 learner-to-faculty ratio. The College of Extended Learning supervises the online campus at MSU Mankato. This MS in educational technology is an online degree program that comprises 34 credit hours. The coursework aligns itself with ISTE, BOT, and QM standards. Most full-time learners finish this degree program within two years, though it is possible to attend as a part-time learner.
This degree program goes above and beyond the MS in educational technology. Graduates can also receive graduate certificates in the following areas: digital educator, educational technology in the classroom, instructional technology and design, technologist, and computer, keyboard, and related technology.
Boise State University is home to over 24,100 learners; the institution is split into eight academic colleges, one of which is the College of Education. Around 2,300 learners are enrolled nearly 40 education degree programs. Boise State University has two online master’s degree programs: master of educational technology and master of science in educational technology. The former is a practitioners degree, while the latter is more research-oriented. Programs feature comparable core classes to establish a foundation in educational technology.
Appalachian State has an MA in educational media and instructional technology degree program. Learners can select from four concentration areas: general studies, K-12, online learning and professional development, and new media literacies/global perspectives.
Drexel has a MS in learning technologies degree that provides learners with the tools needed to harness technology in the classroom. Coursework will cover design thinking, digital literacy, and more. The Games and Learning in Digital Environments Lab gives learners a fantastic platform for learning and research. The degree program at Drexel University offers four concentration areas to boost learners’ expertise: instructional design, instructional technology, learning in game-based environments, and E-learning leadership.
Northern Arizona University has on-campus and online degrees. The College of Education is the only nationally sanctioned teacher education degree program in the state. The mean class size for education programs is around 17 learners. The master of education in educational technology is split into two emphasis areas: adult learning and training, and K-12 teacher. This degree program involves 30 credit hours and is delivered entirely online. The coursework centers around educational foundations, educational technology, and educational research. The classes are self-paced. Learners pay a six-month subscription and work through as much or as little content as their schedule allows.
Western Illinois University has close to 90 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Western Illinois University has a four-year fixed tuition rate. This keeps its degree programs available and reasonably priced. The MS in instructional design and technology is a holistic degree that equally covers educational technology and graphic design. The classwork is offered in a blended format. This means that learners will attend some classes online and some in person on the weekend.
