The Ultimate Guide to Educational Technology and Instructional Technology Programs
In an era where technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, education is no exception. Educational and instructional technology programs provide graduates with the tools and strategies to effectively integrate technology into classrooms, corporate training departments, educational technology companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and more. If you’re passionate about leveraging technology to shape the future of education but are unsure about what type of degree is right for you, you’ve come to the right place.
Why Enroll in Ed Tech and Instructional Technology Programs?
Let’s recognize the fundamental importance of ed tech and instructional technology programs in contemporary education before we delve into their specifics. These programs empower educators with the competencies needed to integrate technology into their instructional practices seamlessly. By embracing the latest technological advancements and pedagogical approaches, instructional technologists facilitate enhanced engagement, improved learning outcomes, enriched educational experiences and more accurate assessments of their programs. Graduates from educational and instructional technology programs collaborate with subject experts to create innovative learning environments that cater to diverse learner needs.
University of Florida’s Educational Technology Programs
The School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida College of Education offers a range of innovative doctoral, master’s and undergraduate programs designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in instructional technology. Additionally, we offer online certificates that both current UF students and non-degree-seeking students can earn.
We carefully design our programs to support a variety of career goals and fields, and you’re sure to find a pathway that caters to your unique needs and aspirations.
Available Ed Tech Programs (updated February 2024)
On-Campus Ph.D.
Our Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on educational technology is designed for aspiring researchers. Students embrace scholarship to address critical societal problems and desire to create and disseminate new knowledge via collaboration between and among disciplines. We instill a deep commitment to stewardship in our Ph.D. in educational technology program. In doing so, we empower students to contribute actively to the global academic community.
The program’s requirements include electives, quantitative and qualitative research courses, and dedicated dissertation hours. Faculty mentorship supports students as they go through the program. Students are encouraged to collaborate with multiple faculty mentors to develop courses, conduct research on nationally funded projects, and co-author peer-reviewed publications.
Career goals for this program’s prospective students include entering the academy as professors, instructors, or researchers.
The GRE is not a requirement for admission.
Online Ed.D.
The online Ed.D. in Educational Technology is designed for in-service educators and professionals seeking leadership roles that involve implementing and managing technology integration in educational settings. The research-based nature of the program, the excellent faculty, small group and individual mentoring, are strengths of this program. Additionally, there is an emphasis on connections between theory, research and practice. This program is ideal for professionals aiming to apply educational technology research to improve educational environments. Ideal prospective students are those who want to engage in an online community of inquiry while remaining in their professional roles.
This program is cohort-based, with students beginning the program during the Fall semester of even years. Students take six online credits with their cohort each semester (Fall, Spring and Summer). There are also several mandatory on-campus workshops throught the program that will take place at Norman Hall in Gainesville, Florida.
Graduates of this program are researching professionals and leaders in K-12, post-secondary, business, industry and not-for-profit environments.
The GRE is not a requirement for admission.
On-Campus MAE
The Master of Arts in Education (MAE) with an emphasis on educational technology is tailored for aspiring educational technology enthusiasts who are ready to dig deeper into scholarship. Students should be eager to bridge theory, research, and practice to enhance learning experiences in both formal and informal settings while attending classes in Gainesville, Florida. This is a 36-hour program that includes 30 hours of coursework and six hours of thesis or project in lieu of thesis work. Most full-time students are able to complete the program in two years.
Graduates of this program are instructional designers, e-learning specialists, development experts and leaders in professional learning and technology support.
The GRE is not a requirement for admission.
Online M.Ed.
For those interested in gaining research experience, we offer an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on educational technology. This program is ideal for students who embrace scholarship to address important societal problems and who desire to create and disseminate new knowledge via collaboration between and among disciplines. Required coursework includes Curriculum and Instruction Core and Educational Technology Core components. Additionally, students take elective courses tailored to their individual career goals. Lastly, this program includes a practicum experience offering hands-on learning opportunities. With flexible scheduling options, students can complete the program in as little as two years.
Graduates of this program often progress to doctoral programs, ultimately becoming college and university faculty. However, other successful graduates become researchers in educational organizations, instructional designers in industry and non-profit organizations or fill other leadership roles.
The GRE is not a requirement for admission.
Online Ed.S.
Our online Ed.S. program caters to practicing teachers, technology specialists, and K-12 professionals. Practitioners aspiring to enhance their curriculum with technology, assume leadership in tech implementation, and evaluate its implementation will thrive in this program. We integrate practical and theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences to enhance professional practice, specifically targeting those working in K-12 contexts. Supervised Research/Independent Study concludes the program. If we approve transfer credits from an education-related master’s degree, students can complete the Ed.S. program in about two years.
Graduates of this program are leaders at classroom, school, and district levels and leaders in educational technology organizations and companies.
The GRE is not a requirement for admission.
Online Certificate
We offer a range of certificates designed to enhance expertise in specific areas within the field. Available to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking individuals, certificates provide valuable credentials in specific areas of educational technology expertise.
Certificate Areas:
- Instructional Design
- K-12 Teaching with Technology
- Learning Analytics
- Managing Distance Education Environments
- Online Teaching and Learning
Additionally, there is a sister certificate program in Computer Science Education.
UF students can add certificates to their degree programs while Non-degree-seeking students can enroll directly by completing the University of Florida’s application for admissions. Furthermore, students who complete certificate programs can transfer 12 hours to the M.Ed. program— provided grades of B or better are earned.
B.A. in Educational Sciences with Educational Technology Specialization
The educational technology specialization, offered within our Education Sciences major, is designed to establish a background understanding of and to help cultivate the skills needed to succeed in one of the most in-demand fields in the 21st century. With fully online and face-to-face options available, students can tailor their learning experience to suit their preferences. Our undergraduate program equips students with the foundational knowledge and essential skills demanded by today’s rapidly evolving job market. We help learners cultivate overall technology skills essential for the digital workforce, going beyond just enhancing proficiency in educational technology. Upon completion, students will showcase their mastery through a comprehensive ePortfolio, positioning themselves as sought-after candidates for prospective employers.
From instructional design and multimedia to AI and virtual and augmented reality learning environments, we have carefully crafted a sequence of courses that will set you up for career success in a variety of growing fields.
Educational Technology Minor
This program is tailored for future professionals aspiring to pursue careers in business, corporate, or educational settings. It offers undergraduate students the opportunity to merge subject matter expertise with technological proficiency. Our minor enhances degrees students may earn from the Warrington College of Business or Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Students who successfully complete this minor will create a web portfolio. This showcase piece demonstrates their mastery in designing, developing and utilizing interactive multimedia products to enhance learning effectiveness.
Possible employment avenues include media specialist, instructional designer, technology trainer, media or web developer or eLearning consultant.
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Still have questions about our programs? Feel free to contact us today.
