25 Best Affordable Online Educational and Instructional Technology Degree Programs (Master’s) 2020

25. Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas

Website

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC, est. 1947) is a public institution and a member of the Texas A&M University System. It offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

TAMUCC has one low cost online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology (MS-IDET).

This is a top-value, 36-credit, online master’s degree program expected to take 1-2 years, and is delivered by the College of Graduate Studies. It is designed for a variety of professional educators in school (K-12, higher ed) or adult learning environments, including: e-learning specialists; instructional designers; teachers; and trainers. Students can consult their faculty advisor to customize the program for their own focus interests.

Sample online courses include: Studies in Equality of Educational Opportunities; Instructional Design and Educational Technology Foundations; Computer Applications in Education.

24. Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Texarkana, Texas

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Texas A&M University-Texarkana (TAMUT, est. 1971) is a public institution and a member of the Texas A&M University System. It offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs.

TAMUT has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MSIT).

This is an affordable, 36-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the College of Arts, Science and Education and expected to take two years. Students learn how to design, develop and implement courses using both existing and emerging technology. Knowledge gained can be applied to either school (K-12, higher ed) or for adult training in settings such as business and industry.

Sample online courses include: Instructional Technology Foundations; Teaching with Emerging Technologies; Designing Online Courses.

23. Marian University

Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

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Marian University (MU, est. 1936) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes. It serves students on this main campus and two learning centers, plus online, and offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

MU has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) degree with a focus option in Educational Technology.

This is a top-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program delivered in a 7-week accelerated format and expected to take at least 19 months. Students learn to utilize technology for more compelling and effective learning experiences, either in school or in professional settings (corporate training, etc.) Topics such as application development, game design, and instructional design are part of the curriculum.

Sample online courses include: Foundations of Educational Technology; Creativity and Innovations in Technology; Instructional Design and Project Development. A graduate project is part of the curriculum.

22. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia

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Kennesaw State University (KSU, est. 1963) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It serves students online and on multiple campuses, and offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

KSU has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology (MEd-IT), with an optional Certification track.

This is an affordable, 36-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Instructional Technology within the Bagwell College of Education, which can be completed in six semesters (two courses per). Graduates of this MEd will gain the skills to both utilize technology in their teaching, and to also assist other educators in utilizing tech.

Outcomes: Licensed teachers in Georgia receive an S-5 certification in Instructional Technology, and an upgrade from T-4 to T-5 certification.

Sample online courses include: 21st Century Teaching and Learning; Instructional Technology Leadership; Internet Tools in the Classroom.

Alternatives: Education Specialist (EdS) in Instructional Technology; Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Technology.

21. Arizona State University-Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona

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Arizona State University (ASU, est. 1885) is a public institution governed by the Arizona Board of Regents. Skysong, a research center, is home to some of ASU’s graduate programs. The university offers high-quality bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

ASU has one low cost online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Learning Design and Technologies

Delivered by Fulton Teachers College, this is a best-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program consisting of 10 courses (each 7.5 weeks long). Graduates of this online masters degree program build upon theories of learning, and utilize technology for the design and development of instructional content. Applicable settings include formal education, as well as business and industry.

Sample online courses include: Foundations of Learning Design and Technologies; Design and Development of Instruction; Modalities of Learning

Alternatives: MEd in Learning Design and Technologies.

20. University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

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University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW, est. 1947) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. It offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

UNCW has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MIT) with an optional choice of focus area:

• Business and Industry
• Government Agencies and Higher Education
• Public and Private K-12 Education

This is a top-value, 36-credit, 100% online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education within the Watson College of Education. This is a multi-disciplinary program that combines concepts from applied psychology, communication theory, computer science, instructional systems design, and systems theory. Students have a choice of Thesis or Capstone Project. The Internship requirement can be completed online as well. Students will also complete comprehensive exams. Students can choose one of the aforementioned focus areas, depending on the educational setting in which they plan to practice.

Sample online courses include: Instructional Systems Design – Theory and Research; Design and Development of Instructional Technology; Multimedia Design and Development.

Alternatives: Grad certificate program in Online Teaching and Learning; grad certificate in Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS); grad certificate in Multimedia and Instructional Web Development (MWD).

19. Utah State University

Logan, Utah

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Utah State University (USU, est. 1888) is a public institution and a member of the Utah System of Higher Education. It offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

USU has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences (ITLS)

This is an affordable, 36-credit, 100% online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences within the College of Education and Human Services. Students will complete a project and internship, and can study part- or full-time, with two start dates yearly. This MA is designed for professionals holding any bachelor’s degree and who want to increase their understanding of teaching, learning and the instructional technologies used, for any of the following settings: academia, community, government, home, military, online, workplace, etc. Students can choose a focus of administration, design work, development, or project management.

Sample online courses include: Instructional Design; Learning Theory; Innovative Integration of Technology in Teaching.

Alternatives: MEd, MS, EdS or PhD in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences.

18. University of North Texas

Denton, Texas

Website

University of North Texas (UNT, est. 1890) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Texas System. It offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

UNT has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Learning Technologies (MSLT) with nine Track options:

• Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Evaluation and Research (ER)
• Instructional Systems (IS)
• Instructional Systems Technology (IST)
• Instructional Systems Design (ISD)
• Project Management (PM)
• Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT)
• Team Science (TS)
• Workforce Leadership (WFL)

This is an affordable, 36-credit, 12-course online master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Learning Technologies within the College of Information. Thanks to eight courses offered in 8-week accelerated format, the MSLT can be completed in as little as 14 months, or up to two years at six credits per semester. Graduates will be prepared for both academic and corporate roles in Learning Technologies, with skills gained such as: courseware and media products design; instructional systems design, implementation and management; educational and instructional technology issue analysis and problem solving. Six certificate add-on options are available (see site for details).

Sample online courses include: Computer Tools for Learning; Computers in Learning Technologies; Foundations of Learning Technologies.

Alternatives: PhD in Learning Technologies.

17. Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

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Dakota State University (DSU, est. 1881) is a public institution governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. It offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

DSU has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science in Educational Technology (MSET) degree.

This is a best-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the College of Education. Students do not require a teaching certificate, and they can hold any bachelor’s degree. Graduates will learn about technological learning processes, relevant computing skills (hardware, software, programming languages), pedagogical approaches, etc., and can leverage this new knowledge for career opportunities outside of the classroom.

Sample online courses include: Instructional Technology for Active Learning; Systematic Design of Instruction; Multimedia Production.

16. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, Texas

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University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV, est. 2013) is a public institution and a member of the University of Texas System formed from the merger of two older UT institutions. UTRGV has a majority Hispanic student population (one of the largest such colleges in the country). It offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

UTRGV has one affordable online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Educational Technology.

This is a low-priced, 30-credit, online (coursework), accelerated master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Teaching and Learning within the College of Education. Graduates gain an understanding of instructional technology, design of instructional media, etc. Potential career roles include positions as a director, facilitator or a developer (instructional programs) in instructional technology. Students may also be interested in supplementing the MEd with any or both of the following grad certificate programs: E-Learning; Technology Leadership.

Sample online courses include: Research Methods in Education; Instructional Technology; Instructional Design. A capstone and a Practicum in Educational Technology are part of the curriculum.

15. Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Website

Western Governors University (WGU, est. 1997) is a private, nonprofit institution. It offers affordable bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs.

WGU has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a hybrid Master of Education (MEd) degree in Learning and Technology.

This is an inexpensive, 30-credit, hybrid master’s degree program consisting of 12 online courses, with some in-class requirements. The three primary areas of study in this MEd are: instructional design; research fundamentals; technology integration. Graduates become Ed-Tech experts with the skills to integrate a variety of hardware (computers, digital cameras, mobile devices), social media, etc., for producing more effective education programs. Career opportunities in education, corporations, non-profits, etc., are possible. No teaching license is required for admission, and the program is expected to take up to two years; however, nearly 3/4 of grads complete this in 18 months.

Sample online courses include: Foundations of Instructional Design; Issues in Technology Integration; Technology Production. A Learning and Technology Capstone is part of the curriculum.

Alternatives: MEd in Instructional Design.

14. Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas

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Arkansas Tech University (ATU, est. 1909) is a public institution offering low-priced associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

ATU has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Instructional Technology with two options: Library Media Specialist, K-12 (LMS); Instructional Design and Technology (IDT)

This is an affordable, 36-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and expected to take as little as four semesters. (A practicum is required for the LMS track.) Graduates learn to integrate technology and learning in order to improve the educational experience of learners over various platforms.

Sample online courses include: Production of Instructional Materials; Survey of Instructional Technology; Internet Resources.

13. University of West Alabama

Livingston, Alabama

Website

University of West Alabama (UWA, est. 1835) is a public institution. It offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

UWA has one low cost online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Learning, Design and Technology (LDT).

This is an inexpensive, 30-credit, online, non-certification, master’s degree program delivered by the College of Education and expected to take 1-2 years for completion. The MEd is designed for a range of ed-tech aspirants, in K-12 or higher education, or corporate environments. A few of the career opportunities for graduates include: course design specialist; instructor or director of instructional technology; instructional tech specialist; technology coach, etc.

Sample online courses include: Introduction to Online Teaching and Learning; Learning Theories and Instructional Design; Interactive E-Learning Design.

Alternatives: Graduate certificate programs in: Learning, Design, and Technology; Online Teaching.

12. Valdosta State University

Valdosta, Georgia

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Valdosta State University (VSU, est. 1906) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

VSU has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Instructional Technology and Training (MEd-IT2) with two Track options: P12 School Library Media; Non-P12 Technology Applications.

This is an affordable, 36-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Curriculum, Leadership, and Technology. It requires completion of a thesis and is expected to take 21 months. Graduates are prepared for technology coordinator or instructional technologist roles in business, education, government, industry, the military, etc. Note: Students taking the P12 track may be eligible for Georgia S-5 certification (GACE exam required, post-graduation).

Sample courses include: Instructional Design Models and Practices; Adapting Traditional Instruction to Online Environments; Digital Learning Environments.

Alternatives: Education Specialist (EdS) in Instructional Technology.

11. Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Website

Georgia College and State University (GC, est. 1889) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It offers best-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

GC has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Instructional Technology (IT) with two Track options: Higher Education, Corporate, Non-Profit; School Improvement Emphasis (Georgia Level S-5 Certification).

This is an inexpensive, 36-credit, fully-online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Professional Learning and Innovation within the Lounsbury College of Education. The program is particularly aimed at instructional designers, instructional technologists and professional educators. Potential work environments for graduates include corporations, higher education, and non-profits, depending on the Track selected. Students will complete a Capstone and Internship (combined).

Sample online courses include: Foundations of Instructional Technology; Instructional Design; Intro to Distance Learning.

10. University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Website

University of Sioux Falls (USF, est. 1883) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering economical associate’s through master’s level degree programs.

USF has one high-value online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Technology and Customized Learning (TCL).

This is a low-cost, 33-credit, online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by the School of Education. Applicants must hold a valid teaching certificate and have one year teaching experience. Admitted students will complete a practicum. The program builds key skills for using educational technology to provide personalized learning. Graduates of this MEd are eligible for the South Dakota K-12 classroom technology endorsement.

Sample courses include: Telecommunications in Education; Teaching and Learning with Technology; Applying Educational Technology.

Alternatives: Online MEd in Technology.

9. University of Central Arkansas

Conway, Arkansas

Website

University of Central Arkansas (UCA, est. 1907) is a public institution. It offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

UCA has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science in Instructional Technology (MS-ITEC) degree with three Concentration options:

• Online Teaching and Learning
• Computer Science Teaching and Learning
• Multimedia Design and Development

This is a top-value, 30-credit, 100% online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by the College of Education and expected to be completed within two years. Some classes are held live (synchronous), and/or have a live requirement such as video-conferenced meetings with instructors. This online master’s degree program covers different aspects of instructional technology, including history, theory, management and the actual technology. Graduates will be prepared to take on the role of K-21 edutech leaders or practitioners.

Sample online courses include: Copyright, Intellectual Property, and Digital Citizenship; Emerging and Disruptive Technology in Learning; Instructional Design using Technology.

8. Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, Texas

Website

Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK, est. 1925) is a public institution and a member of the Texas A&M University System. It offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

TAMUK has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MSIT).

This is a low-priced, 36-credit, online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling within the College of Education. Students will complete a grad research project, and a. Internship in Instructional Technology. Graduates gain skills crucial to their ability to plan, develop and implement instructional technology programs, be it in education (K-12, higher ed) or corporations, etc.

Sample online courses include: Introduction to the Digital Learning Society; World Wide Web Learning Environments; Principles of Instructional Design and Technology.

7. Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

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Fort Hays State University (FHSU, est. 1902) is a public institution governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. It offers best-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

FHSU has one affordable online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MIT).

This is an inexpensive, 36-credit, online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Advanced Education Programs. It is suitable for anyone seeking to be involved in instructional technology, including teachers and trainers, particularly using OERs (open educational resources). Skills gained include the use of multimedia tools and strategies for integrating multimedia into learning experiences (educational or training). Students can choose 4-, 8- or 16-week semesters, and will complete the degree with a comprehensive exam and an Instructional Technology Practicum.

Sample online courses include: Innovative Technology Integration; Instructional Technology Theory and Practice; Developing Web-based Instruction.

Alternatives: Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Instructional Technology.

6. East Central University

Ada, Oklahoma

Website

East Central University (ECU, est. 1909) is a public institution and a member of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. It offers high-value bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs.

ECU has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT).

This is a cheap, 32-credit, online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by the School of Graduate Studies. Courses run eight weeks each (total 2-year timeline), and students can transfer in up to nine qualified credits. This economical online master’s degree program is suitable for anyone interested in career opportunities in educational technology. Among the topics covered are emerging technologies, instructional design, instructional technology integration strategies, intellectual property, and multimedia technology. Graduates will be able to design, create and manage edutech-based learning environments.

Sample online courses include: Multimedia Technology; Advanced Educational Technology Strategies; Survey of Emerging Technologies.

5. Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, Missouri

Website

Missouri State University-Springfield (MSU, est. 1905) is a public institution and a member of the Missouri State University System. It serves students at multiple campuses and online, and offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

MSU has one cheap online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology (MSET), with Traditional or Accelerated tracks.

This is an affordable, 33-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Reading, Foundations, and Technology Department. It is suitable for individuals interested in being a leader in instructional and training strategies, including teachers and HR specialists. Graduates learn skills necessary to plan, develop and implement technology-centric learning programs, whether for K-12 classrooms or within corporations. They will also be able to mentor educators and build curriculum. Students will complete a comprehensive exam as part of the curriculum.

Sample online courses include: Digital-Age Learning Environments; Educational Applications of Computers for Teaching; Selection and Utilization of Educational Technology.

Alternatives: Online graduate certificate in Educational Technology.

4. North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina

Website

North Carolina Central University (NCCU, est. 1910) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. Designated an HBCU (Historically Black College/ University), it offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

NCCU has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Arts degree in Educational Technology (MAET) with two Concentration options: Online Instructional Design (OID; non-licensure). Instructional Technology (IT; requires A or M teaching license.)

This is a high-value, 36-credit online (coursework), non-thesis master’s degree program delivered by the College of Education, and does not require a teaching license for admission. (A thesis option is available and requires an additional six credits, at an extra cost). The online master’s curriculum is a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online courses. Students in the IT licensure track will complete an Instructional Development Practicum, which consists of an internship and portfolio. Both tracks prepare individuals for the application of edutech in an educational setting (K-12 or higher). Knowledge and skills gained in the OID track is also applicable to non-educational environments such as within corporations.

Sample online courses include: Instructional Design for Education and Training; Educational Technology for Digital and Visual Literacy; Hypermedia Game Design.

Alternatives: Dual MAET and Master of Information Science (MIS) degrees.

3. East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

Website

East Carolina University (ECU, est. 1907) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. ECU comes in third in our ranking of the most affordable, accredited, online master’s degrees in educational and instructional technology. It offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — including over 70 masters programs alone.

ECU has one low cost online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MSIT).

This is an affordable, 36-credit, 100% online (coursework), non-licensure master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Instructional Technology within the College of Education. It is suited to individuals pursuing edutech roles in business, government, higher education or industry, particularly in the development of computer-based instructional materials.

Sample online courses include: Analysis and Evaluation in Instructional Technology; Authoring Systems for Instructional Product Development; Web Teaching: Design and Development. A capstone is part of the curriculum.

Alternatives: Online Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology (requires teaching license and has internship); graduate certificate programs in: Computer-Based Instruction; Distance Learning and Administration; Special Endorsement in Computer Education.

2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

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University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC, est. 1946) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. UNCC earns second place in this ranking of online, accredited master’s degree programs in educational technology or instructional technology. It offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

UNCC has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Learning, Design and Technology (LDT) with three Concentration options: Online Learning and Teaching; School Specialist; Training and Development.

This is a low-cost, 33-credit, 100% online (coursework) master’s degree program that develops skills in instructional design, multimedia production, online learning, and technology integration. Graduates of the MEd can apply their knowledge to learning experiences in both educational and non-educational (corporate, government, healthcare, military, nonprofit) environments.

Sample online courses include: Foundations of Learning, Design, and Technology; Instructional Design; Instructional Multimedia Development.

1. North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina

Website

North Carolina A and T State University (NCAT, est. 1891) is a public institution and a member of both the University of North Carolina System and TMCF (Thurgood Marshall College Fund). NCAT wins first place in our ranking of affordable, online, accredited masters degrees in educational and instructional technology. Reputedly the country’s largest HBCU (Historically Black College University), it offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.

NCAT has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in educational and instructional technology: a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology (MSIT) with three track options:

• Instructional Technology Director
• Media Coordinator
• Business and Industry (this track requires no teaching license)

This is a low-cost, 33-credit, online (coursework) master’s degree program delivered by Department of Curriculum and Instruction within the College of Education. The program has two phases. The first phase covers teaching and learning concepts, including instructional design and teaching methods. The second phase covers instructional technology, assistive technology, design of online courses, and Internet use in education. Students in all tracks will complete a practicum and a comprehensive exam.

Sample online courses include: Instructional Design; Multimedia Development and Evaluation; Assistive Technology and Diverse Learners.

Alternatives: Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for teachers of Technology Education.