Information on Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree Program in Educational Technology
Majors Overview July 30, 2015This article talks about Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree programs in Educational Technology and their coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs in Educational Technology
Students interested in advanced professional studies aimed at developing and integrating instructional technologies into curricula would benefit from enrolling into Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Technology degree programs.
Many programs give students the opportunity for real world experiences and hands-on learning. Students enrolled in most programs are expected to complete a research project or portfolio before the completion of the program. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree.
The option for certification or endorsement is available in some educational technology programs. These credentials are obtainable through completion of a Master of Education (M.Ed.) program adhering to the standards set by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) or the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Coursework
Program coursework enables students to seek leadership positions through coursework in instruction, design, evaluation and professional development. Practical and theoretical methods are used to expand upon or introduce modes of using design, new media, and the Internet in the classroom. Coursework may cover numerous topic areas including curriculum applications, literacy, educational research and learning technologies. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•eLearning
•Web design
•Assistive technology
•Multimedia learning
•Technology issues
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek leadership roles in education. Armed with the necessary skill set in curriculum technology and design, they can seek careers in corporations, schools, government and associations. They may choose from possible job titles such as:
•Multimedia designer
•K-12 technologist
•School technology coordinator
•Educational Technologist
•Educational software designer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 13% has been predicted for instructional coordinators, also known as school technology coordinators (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). During the same period, multimedia artists are expected to see a six percent job growth. In May 2012, instructional coordinators brought in an average annual wage of $60,050, while multimedia artists earned $61,370 per annum, on average.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates who seek continuing education may want to earn a Ph.D. in Educational Technology, where they could gain an advanced education in administration, virtual teaching, learning leadership, and instructional design. A Ph.D. could lead to careers in research or academia in the field.