classestoedu

Guide to Master's Degree

How to Get a Master's Degree in Educational Technology

For teachers, administrators, course designers, and other education professionals, a master's degree in education can open the door to high-level positions. Multiple education master's degrees exist, with specialities leading to unique areas of expertise. The Master of Educational Technology, also called Master of Arts in Educational Technology, is a relatively new degree with a focus on the use of technology to facilitate learning. Like other master's degree programs, most educational technology programs take 1 to 2 years to complete and require core courses, an area of specialization, research, and a final project.

If you work full time, online degree programs can help you earn a master's degree without sacrificing your current job or lifestyle. Research is crucial when you're considering any continuing education, and this guide gives you a step-by-step approach to discover and apply to the programs that are right for you.

An Overview of the Master's Degree in Educational Technology

Technology hasn't just revolutionized the way we communicate and lead our everyday lives--it's changed the way we learn by giving educators an abundance of teaching tools that continue to evolve. Specialists in educational technology (also called learning technology) use learning theory to evaluate the potential educational benefits of new technology. Effective learning technology must add to, rather than detract from, a teacher's lesson plans, giving students another way of interacting with material.

A Master of Educational Technology prepares education professionals for a variety of careers, including traditional teaching, distance or online education, corporate training, school administration, and curriculum design. Depending on the program, a master's degree in educational technology can include:

You may encounter several of these abbreviations in your research, but they all essentially mean a master's degree in education.

How to Choose a Program

Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, especially if you've been out of school for a while. There are multiple steps and things to consider, but with careful planning and research you can navigate the process without a hitch. The following steps lead you through the research process, helping you discover programs, define your goals, and zero in on the programs that best fit your needs.

Step 1: Make a Comprehensive List

With enrollment increasing every year, the number of campus and online degree programs continues to grow. The first step in the research process is to face these choices head on, sorting through them to make a comprehensive list of programs that meet your basic requirements. When making your initial list, consider the following features of each program:

Step 2: Narrow Your Focus

Defining your career goals and expectations can help you choose between the variety of educational technology programs that schools offer. Take a look at the following common educational technology focus areas and try to determine which specialty best suits your interests and professional goals.

Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Many Master of Educational Technology programs emphasize classroom use of technology to enhance student learning. These programs cater especially to those with teaching experience who would like to successfully incorporate technology (such as Smart Boards, overhead projectors, and computer programs) into their lesson plans. Online graduate schools in educational technology allow working teachers to earn a master's degree online without taking time off, and they give students first-hand experience with learning through technology.

Technology Development

Educational technology master's degree programs specializing in technology development train educators and other professionals to combine learning theory with interactive learning media. Experts in educational technology development can work with school districts, computer programmers, and businesses to design educational software and tools that effectively teach students and employees. Some programs include basic computer programming and web design courses, but most focus on studying human-computer interaction and fundamental learning theory.

Distance Education

Distance education, also known as online education or e-learning, is a growing component of the educational technology field. Master's degree programs focusing on distance education give students the tools they need to enter the online learning field, whether as teachers, administrators, or curriculum planners. Distance education students in master's programs prepare for their future careers with courses like foundations of distance education, technology in distance education, training and learning with multimedia, and instructional design and course development. As you might expect, Master of Educational Technology programs with an emphasis on distance learning are offered through a number of online schools, which allows you to earn a master's degree online while continuing to work.

Educational Technology Leadership

If you're interested in applying learning technology to an entire school, school district, or corporation, a Master of Educational Technology with a focus on leadership may be a good fit. Educational technology leadership programs train education professionals to use learning technology on a broad scale, reaching more students than a single classroom could. Courses like educational hardware systems, instructional design, and leadership in education prepare students for careers as technologically-savvy leaders in education.

Now that you've learned about some common fields in educational technology, you can begin to eliminate from your list schools that don't offer the programs you're interested in. Admissions counselors, school websites, and printed information packets are excellent resources to learn more about the specific programs and courses a school offers.

Step 3: Finalize Your List

By this step, you should have a list of several programs that meet your basic requirements and cater to your area of interest. Now it's time to make the final decision about the schools you actually want to apply to. Applications are time consuming and generally require fees, so do as much research as possible up front to trim your list and avoid wasted time and money. Whether you're planning to attend a traditional program or earn a master's degree online, researching the following attributes of each school can help you decide if it meets your requirements:

How to Apply for a Master's Degree in Educational Technology

Organization and early planning are key for successfully completing graduate school applications. Each application probably requires the following components, some of which must be planned for months in advance:

While most applications have these elements in common, due dates and details vary, so it's important to read each application carefully and well ahead of time. Being organized from the beginning can help you stay sane and relatively stress free during the application process.

Aiming for a Career in Educational Technology

From technology development to distance education and classroom teaching, a master's eegree in educational technology can prepare you for a career at the forefront of innovative learning. Corporations and schools increasingly use technology to train employees and teach students, and they rely on educational technology experts to promote new, effective methods. Online master's degree programs make it possible to earn an advanced degree without leaving your current job, allowing you to continue building your resume while reaching your education goals. Whether you're an education professional hoping to advance your career or a teacher entering the world of research and academia, the right online or campus degree program in educational technology can help you reach your goal.

Sources

Collapse

Pursue your Educational Technology degree today.

Strayer University

Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.

Learn more about programs at Strayer University.


Strayer University

AIU Online

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Learn more about programs at AIU Online.


AIU Online

St. Joseph's University - Online

An education from St. Joseph's University Online can provide you with valuable, sought-after skills that will give you an edge with employers. Choose from programs in Business and Education.

Learn more about programs at St. Joseph's University - Online


st-josephs-university

Graceland University - Online

Founded in 1895, Graceland University offers affordable, accredited, and convenient degree programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of today's working professionals.

Learn more about programs at Graceland University - Online


Graceland University
 

Featured School

Search School by Subject

 
Degree / Diploma by Subject:
Program:
 

Corporate

Online Degree Resources

Education Resources

Career Resources