An online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Technology lets you expand your teaching impact and advance your career without putting your life on hold. These programs combine flexibility, real-world skills, and respected credentials. This guide explains how an ed tech master’s can prepare you to lead in today’s digital learning environment, on your own schedule.
Author: Blake Huggins, PhD
Expertise: Graduate EducationOnline LearningBusiness AdministrationEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Which Student Are You?
Find the Educational Technology Program Type That's Right for You
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Salary/Pay
Ed Tech Career Salary Outlook with a Master's Degree
Read more - Resources
More resources that dive deeper into specific degree programs, student success, and more…
Read more - Top Schools
A list of the best schools currently offering the best online and hybrid master’s programs in the state…
Read more
Find the Educational Technology Program Type That’s Right for You
Does educational technology mean helping classroom teachers use new tools, coordinating tech across a district, or designing corporate training instead? Each of those audiences gets a differently built program, often with very different amounts of flexibility and online delivery. Choosing the wrong one costs you time. Try the tool below to see what matches your situation.
Which Educational Technology Student Sounds Most Like You?
The Career Starter
You’re finishing your bachelor’s degree and want to enter the field of educational or instructional technology, whether inside a school system or an edtech company.
Because most educational technology roles don’t require a K-12 teaching license, a non-licensure program lets you build expertise in learning technology, digital tools, and instructional design without first becoming a classroom teacher. A hybrid format pairs hands-on technology projects with the flexibility to work while you study.
The Career Changer
You’re coming from an IT or corporate technology background and want to apply that expertise to education instead.
Programs built around technology integration don’t assume a classroom background; they pair your existing technical skills with coursework in how people actually learn with technology. A fully online format lets you complete the degree around a current tech job while you plan your move into education.
The Promotion Seeker
You’re a licensed, working teacher who wants to become your school or district’s technology integration specialist or coach.
Some states offer a technology integration specialist endorsement that layers onto your existing teaching license, and this is exactly the coursework that prepares you for it. A hybrid format fits around your current full-time teaching schedule.
The Working Balancer
You’re teaching full-time and want to finish your master’s — often for license renewal or a pay increase — without giving up classroom time.
A fully online, part-time program with summer and evening options fits the school-year schedule teachers actually have, letting you make progress over breaks instead of during the school day. Many states also tie salary increases directly to a completed master’s.
The Digital Learning Lead
You want to lead technology strategy for an entire school or district — device rollouts, LMS management, staff training — rather than integrate tech in just your own classroom.
Coursework in digital learning administration and adult professional development prepares you for the district-level coordinator roles responsible for managing learning management systems and training teachers on new tools. A hybrid format fits around a full-time coordinator or lead-teacher position.
The Virtual K12 Teacher
You want to teach in a fully virtual K-12 school and need the skills — and often the endorsement — specific to teaching students you’ll never meet in person.
Teaching in a virtual school takes a distinct skill set — engagement strategies, asynchronous course design, remote classroom management — that some states recognize with a specific online teaching endorsement layered onto your existing license. A fully online program format mirrors the environment you’ll actually be teaching in.
Comparing Online Educational Technology Master’s Programs
Texas State University — MEd in Educational Technology
Texas State’s MEd in Educational Technology is a 100% online, 30-credit program aligned with current ISTE standards for technology integration.
Students study instructional design, project management, and models for effective tech integration in education. The curriculum includes a cognate (mini-specialization), allowing electives from areas such as educational leadership or adult education.
The program is non-thesis and emphasizes real-world application, preparing graduates to become tech leaders in K–12 schools or training environments. Courses run in accelerated eight-week sessions with multiple start dates each year.
Program Details:
- Duration: 12 to 14 months
- Format: Fully online
- Cost: $499 per credit (same rate for in-state and out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on last 60 hours of college coursework
- Application submittals include official transcripts from all colleges attended and statement of purpose
- TOEFL scores meeting program minimums (non-native English speakers only)
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
University of Florida — MEd in Educational Technology
The University of Florida’s online MEd in Educational Technology blends foundational education coursework with specialized ed tech training.
Students learn to design engaging digital learning experiences, evaluate instructional technologies, and lead tech integration initiatives. The 36-credit curriculum mirrors the rigor of UF’s on-campus program.
The flexible online format allows students to complete the degree in about two years, and study concludes with a capstone project. Students may also earn a graduate certificate in areas like eLearning or instructional design at no additional cost.
Program Details:
- Duration: 2 years (full-time)
- Format: Online, primarily asynchronous with optional live webinars
- Cost: $549.34 per credit (in-state) | $687.87 per credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate upper-division GPA
- Application submittals include official transcripts for all college coursework, professional resume, and statement of purpose
- TOEFL/IELTS scores meeting UF’s requirements (international students only)
Penn State World Campus — MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology
Penn State World Campus offers an online MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology (LDT) focused on instructional design and educational research.
This 30-credit program emphasizes evaluating the effectiveness of educational technology. Coursework covers instructional design models, multimedia development, learning analytics, and assessment.
All classes are 100% online and asynchronous, making the program well suited for working professionals. Students also complete a required non-credit professional e-portfolio to showcase projects and skills.
Program Details:
- Duration: 2 years (part-time)
- Format: Fully online, asynchronous
- Cost: $1,027 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (last two years of undergraduate study)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- TOEFL/IELTS (international applicants only)
Costs of Online MEd in Educational Technology Programs
Program costs vary widely, so understanding tuition structure is key.
Most programs charge per credit, meaning total cost depends on credit requirements and per-credit rates. Public universities often offer lower rates, and many charge flat tuition for online students, eliminating out-of-state premiums.
In addition to tuition, budget for:
- Technology or online learning fees
- Books and course materials
- Reliable computer and internet access
Financial aid options include student loans, scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance, which is common for educators.
| University | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 36 | $549.34 | $19,776.24 |
| Texas State University | 30 | $499 | $14,970 |
| Penn State World Campus | 30 | $1,027 | $30,810 |
MEd in Educational Technology FAQs
Why is accreditation important for online MEd programs in Educational Technology?
Accreditation for 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 receive 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 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. 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 that fits 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.
Ed Tech Career Salary Outlook with a Master’s Degree
A master’s in educational technology prepares you to design and implement technology-enhanced learning experiences across schools, higher education, corporate training, and ed-tech companies. Graduates work as instructional designers, learning experience designers, ed-tech program managers, and digital learning coordinators — roles that sit at the intersection of pedagogy and technology. The credential is increasingly sought after as institutions invest in digital and hybrid learning infrastructure.
Ed-tech and instructional design roles in corporate and healthcare settings typically outpace compensation in traditional K-12 or higher education settings. The field offers strong mobility across sectors.
Use the salary table below to explore instructional coordinator earnings by state, and use it as a benchmark for ed-tech career compensation in your area.
Instructional Coordinators
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $77,440 | $98,820 | $121,670 |
| Alabama | $69,000 | $97,710 | $109,710 |
| Alaska | $72,320 | $97,590 | $108,020 |
| Arizona | $62,620 | $77,940 | $98,910 |
| Arkansas | $67,100 | $79,530 | $95,550 |
| California | $97,010 | $126,380 | $152,260 |
| Colorado | $82,160 | $99,580 | $107,960 |
| Connecticut | $96,170 | $116,220 | $129,910 |
| Delaware | $79,290 | $92,140 | $98,990 |
| District of Columbia | $105,990 | $127,760 | $156,430 |
| Florida | $60,790 | $77,550 | $98,440 |
| Georgia | $81,060 | $99,900 | $119,600 |
| Hawaii | $96,080 | $104,100 | $122,810 |
| Idaho | $63,030 | $79,810 | $99,360 |
| Illinois | $76,050 | $96,910 | $112,420 |
| Indiana | $66,300 | $79,660 | $99,680 |
| Iowa | $74,970 | $83,350 | $96,200 |
| Kansas | $64,750 | $78,060 | $95,310 |
| Kentucky | $63,640 | $81,920 | $102,340 |
| Louisiana | $63,120 | $79,180 | $98,300 |
| Maine | $76,700 | $86,630 | $103,880 |
| Maryland | $102,220 | $124,940 | $143,670 |
| Massachusetts | $95,320 | $112,100 | $129,480 |
| Michigan | $79,290 | $98,600 | $108,970 |
| Minnesota | $80,550 | $98,940 | $118,330 |
| Mississippi | $61,830 | $77,470 | $96,100 |
| Missouri | $72,080 | $86,260 | $103,690 |
| Montana | $60,920 | $80,350 | $96,250 |
| Nebraska | $79,150 | $95,160 | $104,010 |
| Nevada | $67,410 | $82,770 | $96,760 |
| New Hampshire | $81,210 | $99,070 | $115,940 |
| New Jersey | $96,090 | $104,640 | $121,880 |
| New Mexico | $80,870 | $100,550 | $120,720 |
| New York | $80,560 | $102,110 | $125,880 |
| North Carolina | $63,340 | $77,850 | $95,150 |
| North Dakota | $75,340 | $82,730 | $94,600 |
| Ohio | $77,760 | $96,160 | $107,290 |
| Oklahoma | $63,980 | $80,810 | $101,780 |
| Oregon | $84,620 | $114,780 | $130,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,580 | $87,860 | $105,350 |
| Rhode Island | $63,110 | $79,970 | $101,410 |
| South Carolina | $65,460 | $83,440 | $104,290 |
| South Dakota | $57,910 | $69,070 | $89,590 |
| Tennessee | $74,390 | $85,500 | $99,180 |
| Texas | $78,710 | $98,700 | $106,070 |
| Utah | $65,780 | $82,140 | $100,280 |
| Vermont | $78,360 | $103,540 | $108,120 |
| Virginia | $83,230 | $102,760 | $131,940 |
| Washington | $97,250 | $118,940 | $129,430 |
| West Virginia | $69,600 | $95,290 | $100,370 |
| Wisconsin | $83,000 | $103,420 | $125,680 |
| Wyoming | $76,140 | $85,050 | $115,330 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
10 Online Resources for Ed Tech Students & Professionals
Staying current in educational technology is essential. These resources offer news, tools, and community support:
- Common Sense Education — Reviews of educational apps and digital citizenship resources
- EdSurge — News and research on ed tech trends
- Ed Tech Magazine — Case studies from K–12 and higher ed
- The Ed Tech Podcast — Interviews with global ed tech innovators
- Educational Technology and Mobile Learning (ETML) — Classroom tech tool reviews
- Edutopia — Evidence-based teaching and tech integration strategies
- House of #EdTech — Friendly podcast for practical tech use
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) — Standards, webinars, and educator communities
- Teaching in Higher Ed — Podcast focused on effective college teaching
- THE Journal — Long-running K–12 ed tech publication
Ranking the Best Online Master’s Programs in Ed Tech
Wilmington University
Best for: working students
Pittsburg State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Ball State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Saint Cloud State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Utah State University
Best for: working students
University of North Dakota
Best for: working students
Fort Hays State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
University of West Alabama
Best for: working students
Thomas Edison State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Morehead State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
