Educational Technology (M.Ed.)

Educational Technology Master’s Degree Requirements

Students in the online Master’s in Educational Technology program study the practical and ethical use of technological resources, systems, and processes in educational settings.

Through a balance of educational foundation and technology specialization courses, the 33-credit online Educational Technology program empowers educators to assess classroom needs. This program also prepares teachers to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of a device or system, as well as train staff, students, and administration in its use.

The online MEd emphasizes practical educational technology internship experience. You’ll work in the field to apply your acquired knowledge in real classroom development projects and gain field hours that help you apply for certification as a PK-12 Instructional Technology Specialist in Pennsylvania.

Educational Technology Certificate

If you already have a master’s degree in education and hold an active Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Teaching Certificate, you can pursue a 21-credit Educational Technology Certificate online at YCP. Seven required certification courses focus on technological skills and integration methods and include an internship.

Like students pursuing the full Master of Education, at the end of the Certificate program, you will be able to apply for the PK-12 Instructional Technology Specialist Certification, recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. With a specialized certificate, you’ll be well-positioned to meet the demand for professionals who can use technology effectively in their classrooms or lead others in how to use the latest systems.

Learn more about the online Education Technology (PK-12) Certificate.

Education Technology Courses

Courses in the online Master’s in Educational Technology program elevate tech-driven skills, as well as foundational educational theory for a comprehensive look at how technology functions in classrooms—whether they are in person or based in remote learning.

You’ll take both pedagogical and technical courses, including:

• MED 501: Introduction to Educational Research
• MED 502: Development, Learning, and Inclusive Practices
• MED 503: Curriculum Trends and Issues
• MED 622: Education Transformation and Change
• MED 624: K-12 Computer Science Principles
• MED 626: Teacher Leadership
• MED 628: Educational Technology Systems Management

Engaged and Flexible Online Format

Online-only coursework accompanied by up to eight synchronous Zoom course meetings ensures students earn their Master of Education specializing in Educational Technology with the flexibility necessary to support busy lives and careers.

Earn a Master of Education in Educational Technology Online at York College of Pennsylvania

The online Master of Education in Educational Technology degree program at York College of Pennsylvania provides students with an informed perspective on current and new technologies, as well as practical strategies for adapting those modalities for all kinds of students.

To get started, request more information or begin your application today.

Educational Technology Career Preparation

YCP’s Master of Education degree specializing in Educational Technology trains students in contemporary education technologies, media and design, assessment and research methods, and systems development and leadership, positioning them as high-level technology integrators.

Educators who wish to bring tech into their classroom or alter their career trajectories can use the skills learned in the program to serve as formal or informal instructional or technology coaches, directors, or instructional designers in public or private K-12 settings and corporate contexts. Whether you are a current or aspiring educator, after completing your specialized MEd, you may qualify for roles such as:

• K-12 Classroom Teacher
• Educational Technology Specialist
• Educational Technology Coach
• Educational Technology Coordinator
• Faculty Mentor
• Online Learning Instructional Designer
• Online Learning Coordinator
• Educational Technology Consultant
• Remote Learning Specialist

In addition to working as classroom educators or coaches helping other teachers apply new and current technology, graduates of the educational technology master’s program can pursue roles in business, healthcare, government, and other professional settings that use technology to train or educate their employees.

Preparation for Doctoral Programs

While the Master of Education (MEd) degree program itself prepares students for career advancement in an essential field, it also provides an ideal foundation for students interested in furthering their education through doctoral programs. Beyond becoming fluent in current and emerging educational technologies, you’ll also receive instruction in training and development, as well as pedagogical leadership skills.

After graduating and working in educational technology, you may seek a Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree focusing on ed tech, instructional design, or education leadership. These advanced pathways can be ideal for students who aspire to work in leadership positions or work in academic or research settings. Roles that commonly require a doctoral degree include:

• Director of Educational Technology
• Professor of Educational Technology
• Director of Instructional Design
• Director of Distance Education
• Director of Teacher Development or Teacher Education

Educational Technology Career Outlook and Salary

Today’s educational landscape reflects the ubiquitousness of remote and online learning, which translates to rising demand for reliable and seamless educational technology systems and professionals who can manage their use from beginning to end. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment in education, training, and library occupations is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.

Become a tech leader in your school, academy, or district. Specialized master’s-level training in educational technology can increase the salary potential for educators. You can also pivot into specialist or management/coordination roles, corporate training, or private industry consulting. The BLS provides annual salary data for the following occupations in educational technology, instructional design, and related fields:

• Training and development specialists—$61,570/year
• Instructional coordinators—$63,740/year
• Post-secondary education administrators—$96,910/year
• Training and development managers—$120,130/year

Gain PK-12 Instructional Technology Specialist Certification in PA

Graduates of the Educational Technology master’s program who hold their Pennsylvania Teaching Certification will be eligible to gain Instructional Technology Specialist (PK-12) credentials. 

The Instructional Technology Specialist (PK-12) Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education qualifies holders to advise educational staff and faculty in technical information and the application of devices, software, or other tech regarding curriculum and instruction.

Integrated Educational Technology Internship

York College’s MEd in Educational Technology degree program’s core is experiential learning in professional contexts. Master of Education candidates engage in meaningful internship experiences to enhance their knowledge in a PK-12 environment using emerging educational technologies.

Students can complete the internship in their school district, bringing all course content together to advance their workplace with the use of technological tools and resources. Faculty support students in these efforts, whether they have a classroom of their own or are exploring new educational spaces.

Internship projects could include initiatives such as:

• Assessment of the effectiveness of a specific technology-enhanced pedagogical approach
• Planning the use of a significant curriculum element, such as an outcomes assessment or unit plan, in a way that integrates emerging technologies or computer science principles
• Development and delivery of a professional development module that improves other educators’ capabilities in deploying technologies or delivering computer science-related curriculum
• Working in a project management capacity related to a school- or district-level technology system

Graduate Research Opportunities

York College encourages our online Master of Education candidates to engage in student research regularly. If you’re excited by concepts like AI, gamification, augmented reality, technology diffusion, or digital classrooms, YCP is the place to dive into productive research projects that further the field.

Graduate students across campus decide their research path and may have the opportunity to share their findings at virtual and in-person conferences.

Expert Faculty

Our engaged online modality is distinguished by meaningful engagement with instructors and colleagues, from supportive faculty to regional technology leaders.

Our faculty lead the field in educational technology and leadership, sharing their experiences and knowledge as they coach you to be your best. In online class meetings, online communications, and through research projects and internship searches, learning from the expertise of faculty members and local professional networks can transform into lifelong connections.

Graduate Advisory Board

The Graduate Advisory Board is made up of current Master of Education students and recent graduates to advise program leadership and ambassadorship at networking events. The addition of this advisory board to the program’s resources facilitates up-to-date course content, unique collaboration opportunities, and connections to education professionals in the region and beyond.

Tuition Benefits

York College of Pennsylvania’s community partnerships with local organizations and businesses may provide employees with discounted graduate tuition. To find out if your employer is a participating partner, contact your Human Resources department or view our Tuition Discount Partnerships.

Learn Skills That Advance Educational Careers

The pedagogical theory and technological concepts learned in the Master’s in Educational Technology equip educators to enhance their classroom practice and prepare them for careers in educational technology and instructional design.

Whether you pursue further professional development or education at the doctoral level, or take your skills and knowledge directly back to your current or new career, find success through the critical development of skills, including:

• Collaboration and communication skills for interfacing with various colleagues and stakeholders, such as teachers, administrators, and other technology professionals
• Leadership and project management skills related to evaluating, planning, and implementing programs and integrating classroom resources
• Ethical digital citizenship, from understanding legal limitations and implications to promoting safe online learning environments
• Enhanced ability to create digital and multimedia course content for interactive lessons
• Foundational instructional design theory and data assessment methods for informed evaluation of potential educational technologies
• Ability to improve curriculum and student learning outcomes through meaningful integration of technology into various types of classrooms and educational settings

Educational technology is the application of various technologies in educational settings to support and enhance learning and teaching. In most classrooms today, you’ll commonly find educational technologies such as online resources and systems, multimedia lessons, computer hardware, and educational software.

Effective use of educational technology increases positive outcomes for students as they are more engaged and motivated to participate. Meaningful integration of technology into learning develops skills relevant to 21st-century careers and vital critical thinking abilities.

Instructional design differs from educational or instructional technology, which is the development side of digital educational resources. Instructional design, rather than focusing on the implementation and best use of educational technology, is a field of professionals who design and create instructional resources and materials using informed frameworks and methodology.

While you’ll also learn about the qualities and practices of effective instructional design as part of the Master of Education program, most of your time will be spent selecting, evaluating, and applying tech in classrooms and educational settings.

Current or aspiring teachers can earn a master’s degree in educational technology to improve their confidence in applying ed tech, boost student outcomes, and open career opportunities as educational technology or technology integration specialists in schools and libraries.

With a master’s in education specializing in educational technology, typical career paths also include curriculum development, educational consulting, and online learning, as well as the potential for career advancement to instructional or educational technology coach or coordinator.