The name of this degree program has recently changed from Instructional Systems — Educational Technology to Learning, Design, and Technology — Educational Technology.

Relevant Course Work

Penn State's online master of education degree in educational technology emphasizes the evaluation and improvement of technology's impact on the learning process and can provide you with the technical and research skills to analyze the effectiveness of technology integration in your classroom, school, or organization.

This 33-credit master's degree consists of 15 credits in foundational courses, 12 credits in advanced course work, and 6 credits of electives. The program culminates in a master's project, which will be your evaluation of a technology-based learning strategy that you have designed, developed, and implemented. If you are not actively working in a professional context with access to learners, an alternative master's project can be assigned with prior approval from your advisor.

Building on Existing Certificate Programs

Since 1999, Penn State has offered two technology certificates. Most certificate holders will find that they can count up to 12 of their certificate credits toward the requirements for the master's degree. Please contact an academic adviser for more information.

Building Collaborative Experience, Practical Applications

The educational technology curriculum and course format will help you develop practical applications of the topics you study. Students will design, implement, and evaluate technology-based projects in their own professional settings as part of their degree requirements. The program culminates in a master's project, which will be your evaluation of a technology-based learning strategy that you have designed, developed, and implemented. Students are encouraged to share their experiences with their classmates and colleagues, thus contributing to the public knowledge of effective teaching practices that use technology.