Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Technology: Finding Your School

Ed Tech Online Master’s Degree Overview

An online MEd in Educational Technology teaches educators and professionals to integrate technology effectively into learning. Students typically complete around 30 to 36 credits over two years of study. Topics covered include instructional design, learning theories, multimedia development, and data-driven teaching strategies. Coursework is often presented 100% online with a mix of video lectures, discussion boards, and virtual group projects that fit around students’ busy work and life schedules. Content delivery may be asynchronous (learn at your own pace) and may include occasional live-streamed sessions attended at specifically scheduled times.

Admissions requirements for online ed tech master’s programs commonly include a bachelor’s degree (earned with a stated minimum GPA). Teaching licensure and/or experience may or may not be required depending on the particular program’s purpose and target student type.

For a better idea of just how online ed tech master’s programs work, here are profiles of three such programs currently available.

Comparing Online Educational Technology Master’s Programs

Costs of Online Ed Tech MEd Programs

The cost of online MEd in Educational Technology programs vary widely, so it’s important to understand how program pricing works. Tuition is usually charged per credit, so programs with more credits or higher per-credit rates will cost more overall. Public universities often offer lower per-credit tuition, especially for in-state students, while private or out-of-state rates can be higher. Many public school online programs, however, strive to be affordable by charging the same flat rate for all online students, eliminating non-resident fees. Along with tuition, remember to budget for additional program fees (technology fees, online learning fees etc.), books and other study materials, a reliable computer, and internet access. 

Financial aid is available to qualifying online master’s students. Common types of financial aid for education master’s students include student loans, scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance (often offered by public school districts for their current employees). Tuition discounts for teachers are also common. 

Below is a tuition cost comparison for the three programs profiled earlier:

MEd in Educational Technology FAQs

Why is accreditation important for online MEd programs in Educational Technology?

Proper accreditation of online master’s programs is crucial. It’s your assurance of the academic quality of any degree program you consider. It’s also almost always required to obtain financial aid to help pay for your education. Regional institutional accreditation (the standard for universities in the U.S.) is the most important accreditation type to look for during your program search. You’ll also want to check for programmatic accreditation (concerning the quality of individual degree programs) from an independent accreditor like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Is an online MEd in Educational Technology respected by employers?

As long as the program is properly accredited, an online MEd holds the same value as an on-campus degree, something recognized by the vast majority of employers. What employers care about most, generally speaking, is the reputation of the university offering the degree and the knowledge and skills students bring to their jobs. In fact, many school districts and companies appreciate that graduates of online ed tech MEd programs have mastered technology and time management by virtue of completing a distance program.

Do I need to be a teacher or have a tech background to get into an ed tech master’s program?

Not necessarily. It depends on the specific degree program and its primary academic purpose. While many MEd in Ed Tech students are licensed teachers or education professionals, most programs welcome students from a variety of backgrounds. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, but it could be in education, business, IT, or another field. If you don’t have teaching experience, you might be coming from corporate training, instructional design, or even straight from your bachelor’s degree program. All are OK. Admissions committees mainly want to see your passion for improving learning through technology.

How flexible is the schedule of an online MEd program? Can I work while studying?

Online MEd programs are designed with working professionals in mind, so they are typically very flexible. Most programs deliver their content asynchronously, meaning you can log on and attend to your coursework at any time fitting your schedule. You’ll have weekly deadlines for readings, discussion posts, assignments, etc., but beyond that, it’s up to you to choose when to complete them. And part-time formats typically allow students to take one to two courses at a time (expect to devote around 10 to 15 hours per class each week to your studies), making it much easier to maintain your current full-time employment while pursuing your degree.

Will my MEd in Educational Technology prepare me to continue on to earn a doctoral degree?

It most certainly can. There are two types of doctoral degrees offered in the ed tech field. The PhD in Educational Technology focuses on the evaluation and creation of new research and theory to prepare students for top-level positions in postsecondary academics and advanced research. The EdD, in contrast, emphasizes practical application of ed tech theory and research, preparing graduates for administrative jobs (principal, superintendent, etc.) with schools and school districts as well as leadership roles (like training development specialist and instructional technologist) in both the public and private sectors. In any event, your ed tech MEd will likely be a requirement for admission into either a PhD or EdD program.

Career Prospects for Educational Tech Master’s Grads

An educational technology master’s can open the door to a variety of careers where education and innovation intersect. Many graduates work in K-12 or higher education settings as instructional coordinators, technology coaches, or curriculum designers. In any of these roles, you might lead professional development for teachers, implement new digital tools across a school district, or design online curriculum modules. Other MEd Ed Tech graduates move into the corporate or non-profit sector as training and development specialists creating e-learning programs for employees, or as consultants advising schools and companies on ed tech solutions. 

Whether inside or outside the classroom, your work as an ed tech master’s holder will revolve around helping others learn more effectively through technology, a rewarding pursuit as digital learning grows in importance.

The table below lists job growth and salary estimates for five popular occupations for MEd in Educational Technology degree holders:

10 Online Resources for Ed Tech Students & Professionals

Staying current in the fast-moving ed tech field is easier when you tap into community knowledge and tools. Here are 10 excellent resources — from podcasts to websites — to help you learn, connect, and get inspired throughout your MEd program and beyond:

• Common Sense Education — Part of the non-profit Common Sense Media, Common Sense Education provides independent reviews of educational apps and software as well as ready-to-use lesson plans for digital citizenship and media literacy. 
• EdSurge — News site dedicated to education technology. EdSurge covers daily ed tech news, product reviews, and in-depth research on trends like AI in classrooms and remote learning. 
• Ed Tech Magazine — Ed Tech Magazine showcases how schools and colleges are implementing technology. It often features case studies and interviews with education IT leaders. Comes in two editions: K–12 and Higher Ed.
• The Ed Tech Podcast — Popular podcast hosted by Sophie Bailey featuring conversations with education innovators around the world. Episodes cover everything from AI in education and teacher training in tech, to ed tech entrepreneurship.
• Educational Technology and Mobile Learning (ETML) — An insightful blog run by teacher Med Kharbach, ETML curates and reviews tech tools for the classroom. Need a list of great timeline creators or science simulation apps? This blog likely has an article on it.
• Edutopia— A free website funded by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia shares evidence-based strategies and videos for improving education. Its Technology Integration section features real-world teacher tips on using everything from tablets in elementary classrooms to project-based learning online.
• House of #EdTech — Long-running podcast by educator Christopher Nesi aimed at helping teachers integrate tech. The style is friendly and down-to-earth, making tech approachable for non-techy educators.
• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) — The leading organization for ed tech in K-12. ISTE’s website offers standards, best practice guides, and more. Members get access to webinars, educator communities, and ISTE Connect forums to exchange ideas with peers.
• Teaching in Higher Ed— Podcast and blog by Bonni Stachowiak, Teaching in Higher Ed focuses on effective teaching practices that include a good dose of educational technology. If your career goals include working in higher ed or instructional design, this podcast is gold.
• THE Journal — K-12 focused ed tech publication that’s been around for decades providing news, how-tos, and spotlights on effective tech use in schools. Frequent topics include cybersecurity in schools, effective online assessment strategies, and grant opportunities for tech funding.

Ranking the Best Online Master’s Programs in Ed Tech

Choosing the right educational technology master’s program is easier with a solid roadmap. Our ranking below of the best online MEd programs in ed tech is designed to be that roadmap. In making our program selections, we analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Education and over 7,700 colleges, focusing on the factors that matter most to students. Factors considered include affordability (tuition and fees), availability of financial aid, proper accreditation, and the quality of student services (like academic advising and career counseling). Whether you’re seeking the lowest tuition or the richest student experience, this ranking highlights programs that stand out from the rest.