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:

• Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
• Master of Education (MEd or EdM)
• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

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:

• Accreditation: The first thing you should ask about any educational program is, "Is it accredited?" Most schools that offer master's degree programs seek accreditation from private accrediting agencies that evaluate programs based on a pre-determined set of criteria. Accreditation is a stamp of approval that indicates to you--as well as future employers--that your program is legitimate and effective. You can search for accredited schools through the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
• Educational Format: Before you dig into the specifics of each program, decide what educational format you'd prefer--online, campus, or a combination of the two, known as a hybrid program. Your lifestyle and career goals are the most important factors to consider in making this decision.
  • Schedule: Do you plan to work full time while you're in school or focus on being a full-time student?
    • Full-time Job: If you plan on having a full-time job throughout your master's degree program, an online graduate school may be your best option. Many online schools cater especially to working adults, allowing you to earn a master's degree online with flexible class schedules and programs.
    • Full-time Student: A traditional, campus degree program can work well if you plan to enroll in school full time. With time to spend exploring campus and interacting with peers, you can take advantage of all that a campus program has to offer.
  • Career Goals: What do you plan to do with your degree? Are you hoping to advance as a professional in the industry or enter academia as a college instructor or researcher?
    • Professional Goals: Online degree programs are especially suited to students seeking professional advancement because students can continue working while attending school. This way, students can earn an advanced degree without sacrificing on-the-job experience.
    • Academic Goals: If you're aiming for a career in academia, campus master's degree programs offer the academic community, research facilities, and teaching opportunities to prepare you for an academic career.
• Location: Location is obviously an important factor for hybrid and campus degree programs. Ask yourself if you're willing to relocate to attend your perfect school or should you limit your applications to schools within commuting distance.

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:

• Faculty: Quality teaching can make a world of difference in your graduate school experience, so spend time researching the professors and instructors in each program. Use search engines and the school website to discover professors' specialties and publications, and note professors who seem to share your interests. You should also research professors' teaching qualities by speaking with current students.
• Program History: Use school websites and admissions counselors to find out how long the program you're considering has existed. While it's true that every program must begin somewhere, established programs generally have steady funding and a successful history that can offer you peace of mind.
• Reputation: Related to a school's history is its reputation. A school with a good reputation generally has a successful track record and is well respected, which makes a difference in the eyes of employers. A school's reputation can vary across industries, so be sure to ask experts in your given industry which schools they recommend.
• Graduation and Placement Rate: The success of former students can be used to indicate a school's effectiveness. School websites, admissions counselors, and program information packets can often give you statistics on a program's graduation and job placement rates. Consider applying to schools whose graduates frequently enter your field of interest.
• Funding: A program's facilities, faculty, and financial aid opportunities indicate its level of funding. Well-funded programs can enhance your graduate experience by providing more grant and research opportunities.

Researching all of these program attributes takes time, but it pays off with a smaller application load and more focused approach. It makes sense to begin your research with the Internet, but don't be afraid to contact a school admissions counselor for guidance. Admissions counselors can often send you information packets, answer your detailed questions, and put you in touch with current students willing to discuss their experience. After completing these steps, you should have a thorough yet manageable list of schools to apply to.

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:

• Prerequisites and Transcripts: In addition to a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in educational technology program may have fundamental education course prerequisites. Applicants must demonstrate successful completion of these courses by submitting official transcripts from every postsecondary school they've attended.
• Personal Statement: The personal statement is a 1 to 2-page explanation of your reasons for applying. It introduces admissions officers to the facts about you that can't be gleaned from your transcript alone, so it's important to make a positive impression.
• GRE Score: Many master's degree programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). This exam tests an applicant's verbal, math, and writing skills and allows schools to compare applicants to one another. To do your best on the GRE, you should expect to spend several months preparing with practice tests and study guides.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most schools require master's degree applicants to submit 2 to 3 letters of recommendation from former professors or colleagues. These letters are time consuming and should be sincere, so be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time (no less than a month or two) to write on your behalf.

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

• Association for Educational Communications and Technology
• Fischler School of Education and Human Services, Educational Technology
• International Society for Technology in Education
• Stanford University School of Education, Learning, Design & Technology
• The George Washington University, The Educational Technology Leadership Program
• University of Calgary, Educational Technology
• University of Maryland University College, Distance Education Teaching and Training
• U.S. Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
• Walden University, Integrating Technology in the Classroom
• WorldWideLearn, Educational Technology