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Guide to Master's Degree

How to Get a Master's Degree in Technology Education

As technology becomes more prevalent in our society, professionals who can integrate information technology (IT) into organizations and classrooms are in high demand. With job opportunities in technology education expected to increase over the next few years, now is a great time to enhance your knowledge and skills with a master's degree in technology education. A master's degree can prepare you to tackle today's biggest technological education challenges, and an abundance of online master's degree programs means you can earn a master's degree online without leaving your current job.

If you're interested in applying for a master's degree program in educational technology, instructional technology, or technology education, this guide gives you a step-by-step approach to researching and applying to programs that match your needs. Going back to school is a big step, but thorough research and planning can help you make the decision that's right for you.

The Master's Degree in Technology Education: An Overview

Master's degrees in technology education have a variety of different applications, including:

  • Developing curricula and strategies to incorporate instructional technologies into existing educational programs
  • Evaluating and researching emerging educational technologies
  • Administration and management of instructional technology programs in various levels of the government and in education from middle school through graduate school
  • Production and design of multimedia and interactive media programs
  • Web programming and design
  • Educational research

Many programs lead to a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Education (MEd). Education Specialist (EdS) degrees, and doctoral degrees (PhD).

Positions available with a technology education degree can include:

  • Director of Technology
  • Academic Technology Services Director
  • Media Specialist
  • Instructional Designer
  • Technology Integration Coordinator

Many technology graduate schools cater to working adults through online degree programs or part-time enrollment options. Whether you choose to earn a master's degree online or on campus, you may be required to take a combination of core courses and electives in your area of interest. Many master's degree programs also require students to complete a final research program in their area of concentration. Programs usually take between 1 and 3 years to complete, depending on specific requirements.

How to Choose a Master's Degree Program in Technology Education

Choosing the right master's degree program can make a significant difference in preparing you for your future career. You can find programs that suit your needs by completing the following steps.

Step 1: Define What You're Looking For

Before you can search for master's degree programs, you need to define what exactly you're looking for--do you want to study on campus or take classes online? Do you want to relocate? Defining your basic requirements allows you to create a preliminary list of schools.

Educational Format: On Campus or Online?

You can pursue a master's degree in educational technology either online or through a traditional campus program. Online master's degree programs work well for many working adults, while other students prefer the campus environment. By considering your schedule and career goals, you can decide whether an online, campus, or hybrid program is right for you.

Schedule: Will you work full-time while you're a student?

  • Yes: Many working adults choose to earn a master's degree online because the flexible class schedule, online materials, and lack of commute cater to their busy lifestyle. If you can only attend class at night and on weekends, an online degree program might be your best bet.
  • No: Campus life has a lot to offer--a strong student community and top-notch facilities. As a full-time student, you may get more out of a master's degree program that allows you to take advantage of campus resources.

Career Goals: Why are you pursuing an MS in educational technology?

  • To launch a career: If you're earning a degree to begin a new career, enhance your current career, or transition into the IT education industry, an online degree program can allow you to earn a master's degree online without sacrificing valuable work experience.
  • To teach or pursue a PhD: Students with academic goals are often better suited to a campus master's degree program. Campus programs expose students to a community of scholars and can offer teaching opportunities.

If you decide a combination of online and campus courses best suits your goals, consider schools that offer a hybrid option.

Accreditation
Third-party accrediting agencies throughout the country grant accreditation to schools and programs that meet a rigorous set of quality standards. Often, employers, PhD programs, and licensing agencies only accept a master's degree from an accredited degree program, so be sure to check school Web sites for accreditation information. To find out if a program is accredited, you can perform a search in the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Location
A school's location is important when you're considering campus and hybrid programs that require you to spend time on campus. Ask yourself if you would be willing to relocate to attend a given program--if not, limit your search to programs in your area or online programs.

Once you've established your basic program requirements, you can create a comprehensive list of accredited programs and schools that suit your educational format and location preferences. Web sites such as WorldWideLearn.com offer search features that allow you to easily find programs to match your specifications, and U.S. News and World Report provides graduate school rankings in your field.

Step 2: Narrow Your Focus

Now that you have an initial list of educational technology master's degree programs, it's time to narrow your choices by considering your academic interests and career goals. The field of educational technology encompasses a range of specializations, so it's important to figure out what specific discipline you wish to enter before applying to schools. To explore where your interests lie, get familiar with different disciplines in your field, such as:

  • Technology Integration. Using technology to enhance learning.
  • Instructional Design. How best to design instructional information to facilitate learning.
  • Instructional Theory. The study of how people learn.
  • Educational Technology. Application of basic psychological and educational research to the science of learning or instruction.

These educational technology disciplines generally require at least a master's degree.

When you decide in which area of educational technology you wish to specialize, the following resources can help you focus in on a specific program:

  • School Web sites
  • Course catalogs
  • Program and school information packets
  • Admissions counselors
  • Current students

Thoroughly researching each program on your initial list helps you understand what each school offers. You can then remove any that don't cater to your academic interests and career goals.

Step 3: Finalize Your List

To finalize the schools to which you want to apply, it's a good idea to compare institutions and fully understand the strengths each one possesses. Your goal should be to arrive at a list of master's degree programs that aligns with your interests, provides quality education, and offers a reasonable chance of acceptance. Researching the following features of each school can help you decide whether or not to apply:

  • Faculty: Use school Web sites, library search engines, and current students to find out if faculty members have publication records in your field of interest, if they have real-world experience in the industry you wish to enter, and whether or not they are effective instructors.
  • Reputation: A school's reputation can matter to employers in the professional and academic worlds. Contact admissions counselors and others professionals to determine which program leaders in your industry would recommend and which they would avoid. Also find out which fields graduates often enter and how long it takes them to find work.
  • Funding: Schools with adequate funding are generally able to offer more courses, hire stronger faculty, and provide more financial aid than those operating on a smaller budget. Reference course catalogs and contact admissions and financial aid officers to help you determine how many courses are offered each year and what type of financial aid, graduate funding, and scholarships are available.
  • Acceptance Rate: Unfortunately, some of the strongest education technology master's degree programs are also the hardest to get into, so try to assess your chances of acceptance by researching what percentage of applicants are accepted, what the average GPA and test scores of successful applicants are, and how much work experience applicants are expected to have?

Researching information on each of these categories for each program may take some time, but it pays off with a list of schools to which you can apply. Once you finalize your list, aim high, but make sure to include at least a couple of schools to which you should have no problem being admitted.

How to Apply for a Master of Technology Education

Now that you've finalized your list of schools, the application process begins. Applications can feel overwhelming, but by planning ahead and staying organized, you can keep the process relatively stress free. Specific requirements vary by program, but you should expect to submit the following materials:

  • Prerequisites/Transcripts: A bachelor's degree is usually required for admittance to a master's degree program. You need to submit official transcripts from all postsecondary schools you've attended.
  • Test Scores: Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test are often required by most MS or MEd programs. You can improve your chances of scoring higher on the GRE by studying for it, so give yourself a couple months to prepare.
  • Resume/CV: Many graduate programs are interested in your experience outside of the classroom, so make sure your resume is up to date and accurately reflects your accomplishments.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Many master's degree programs require 2 to 3 letters of recommendation written by former instructors, employers, or coworkers. Be sure to ask your recommenders for their help well ahead of time so they can write thoughtful, positive letters.
  • Personal Statement: The personal statement, also called the statement of purpose, is a short essay explaining why you are pursuing a master's degree in technology education. The personal statement is a chance for you to introduce yourself beyond grades and test scores, so write a few drafts and make sure it is error free.
  • Financial Aid. Remember that applying for financial aid is also part of the application process. Graduate school can be expensive and you want to make sure you don't miss out on any financial resources. Make sure to find out what the deadlines are for applying for financial aid and submit any requested documentation.

Applying to graduate school calls for quite a bit of preparation and effort, so planning ahead is crucial. Keep track of due dates and requirements, submit your best work, and trust that your hard work will pay off with acceptance letters down the road.

Aiming for a Career in Educational Technology

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects faster-than-average employment growth in various aspects of education, including education technology, in the decade ending in 2018. A master's degree in educational or instructional technology can prepare you for a leading role. Whether you are interested in emerging educational technologies or using technology to enhance the learning experience, a master's in educational or instructional technology can give you the skills and technical knowledge you need to reach your career goals.

Sources

Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College, Application Process
Johns Hopkins University, MS in Education, Technology for Educators
Stanford University, School of Education, Learning, Design & Technology Program
University of Southern Florida, Instructional Technology Program
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Overview of 2008-2018 Projections
U.S. Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
U.S. News and World Report, Best Education Schools: Curriculum and Instruction


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Pursue your Technology Education degree today.