Secondary Education
“Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.”
— George Couros
Educational Technology is the driving force of the future of education. You can jump right into exploring the most outstanding programs in this field in our Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Degrees ranking.
What is Educational Technology?
Educational Technology (Ed Tech) includes pictures, graphics, animation, projectors, computers, cameras, simulations, phone apps, and videos. Ed Tech professionals develop and deploy modern technologies to engage students and streamline daily tasks.
As the world becomes more reliant on technology, a good education requires increased technological mastery. Schools are no exception. Teachers and educators at all levels must be comfortable utilizing technology in meaningful and impactful ways.
What are my job prospects with a degree in Educational Technology?
O*NET OnLine provides median salaries and future job growth for Ed Tech careers from 2014 to 2024. At the Bachelor’s degree level, Training and Development Specialists report a median income of $59,020. Jobs will continue to grow 5 to 8 percent.
Managers of Training and Development earn $105,830 with Bachelor’s degrees. Forecasts for job growth are 7 percent.
Most Educational Technology pros earn Master’s degrees. At this level, future Instructional Coordinators should anticipate 7 percent more positions and a median of $62,460. Distance Learning Coordinators who hold Master’s degrees report median incomes of $78,210. Expect 2 to 4 percent growth.
Chief Technology Officers earn a median of $181,210. Corporations, school districts, and government officers plan to create 58,400 new CTO positions by the conclusion of 2024. An Institutional Research Director with a Ph.D. or similar degree earns between $88,000 and $98,000.
What kinds of degrees can I earn in Educational Technology?
An Associate’s degree in eLearning Design teaches the creation of customized courses, multimedia lectures, and simulations. Students learn Adobe Photoshop, computer game development, and intercultural communication. To graduate with a 2-year degree, expect to complete 64 credit hours. An Associate degree leads to work as an eLearning Design Specialist but also helps teachers to become proficient at using technology in classrooms.
Bachelor’s programs cover simulations, presentation techniques, and project management. Bachelor’s degrees open the door to jobs as Career Training Developers, Health Personnel Educators, and Digital Experience Designers.
Most students complete a Master’s degree. The M.Ed. curriculum emphasizes theory and design for K-12. An M.A. or M.S. degree works well for a broad range of careers outside of teaching.
Doctoral programs include an Ed.D., Ed.S., or Ph.D. in Educational Technology. They shape future curricula, explore new uses for technology, and test theories on the educational value of technology. Doctoral graduates take on leadership roles in elementary schools through universities, businesses, healthcare, and the government.
What are my options for specializations in Educational Technology?
If you do not want a degree, undergraduate and graduate certificates average 15 to 18 credit hours. Look for certificates in eLearning Design, Training and Educational Technology, Instructional Technology Management, or Workplace eLearning and Performance Support.
Corporate Trainers work with employees to refresh skills or familiarize them with new technology. Hospitals and medical clinics hire Health Personnel Educators to teach medical professionals to use the latest in hardware, software, and medical equipment.
Government agencies involved in education want experts in developing curricula, tracking 21st century technology, and researching the impact of state or federal technology initiatives. Finally, Project Managers and Graphic Designers increasingly pursue Master’s degrees in Educational Technology to apply these specialized skills in their own careers.
Rankings
50 Best Online Master’s in Educational Technology Degrees for 2017
