Technology is changing every aspect of our lives. It’s changing how we communicate, how we work, and how we learn. Classrooms at all levels, from preschool to doctorate programs, use technology to demonstrate ideas, work through problems, and convey information. In today’s world, nearly all classrooms use computers, connected devices, and software. Learn how to help students, teachers, schools, and districts utilize technology with one of the cheapest EdS instructional technology online programs.
The education sector, like the rest of the job market, needs technology experts. But it needs a special kind of expert. It needs people who understand the technical aspects of information technology, but also understand teaching concepts, effective learning, and the foundational principles of education. People who complete one of the cheapest EdS instructional technology online programs on our list are ready to fill this need.
We have identified 21 EdS programs from 18 schools that build your knowledge of instructional technology. If you have a master’s degree in education, technology, or a related field, you may qualify for one of these programs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$15,300
Least Expensive: University of West Georgia ~$8,664
Most Expensive: Regent University ~$27,400
Using data-driven research, we have created the most reliable collection of scientific rankings found on the web. We have calculated the total costs so that you have a clear understanding of tuition and other fees. If you are looking for an affordable EdS instructional technology online program, browse the degrees above the dividing line. These are all priced below the average cost.
The Cheapest EdS Instructional Technology Online Degrees
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $8,664.00 | All Students |
2 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $9,050.00 | All Students |
3 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $10,740.00 | All Students |
4 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $11,710.00 | All Students |
5 | Coastal Carolina University | (SC) | $12,570.00 $24,060.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,190.00 | All Students |
7 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $14,250.00 | All Students |
8 | National University | (CA) | $14,586.00 | All Students |
9 | Auburn University at Montgomery | (AL) | $14,660.00 $15,950.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Montevallo | (AL) | $15,390.00 | All Students | |
University of Maine | (ME) | $16,500.00 | All Students | |
University of South Florida | (FL) | $16,611.00 $32,658.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Boise State University | (ID) | $17,589.00 | All Students | |
University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students | |
University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $19,620.00 $23,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Regent University | (VA) | $27,400.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the EdS instructional technology online program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited EdS instructional technology online degrees. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the EdS instructional technology online programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published costs are estimated sticker prices for the EdS instructional technology online program, including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an EdS instructional technology online degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest EdS instructional technology online programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest EdS instructional technology online programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Choose an Instructional Technology EdS Online Program?
Wondering if one of these degrees is right for you? Not sure if choosing a specialty in instructional technology is the best choice? Here are a few reasons why people enroll in these programs:
- Gain vital technology skills: Technology is a critical part of modern education. With these degrees, you can become one of the most important experts in the teaching profession.
- Increase career options: With technology skills and knowledge, you’ll have more career options, which you can use in the private sector or for non-profit groups.
- Expand your leadership role: With these degrees, you can become a leader in education and training. You could move into management and leadership roles, which often have higher salaries.
What to Expect from an EdS Instructional Technology Online Degree
Technology is commonplace throughout education. Access to computers has become so universal that they have nearly replaced the pen and paper. Technology, when used correctly, can create effective change in the classroom. It can improve learning and create opportunities for connection and collaboration that was previously impossible. These degrees help get the best results from modern computers, tablets, and smartphones, which are all part of 21st-century learning.
Instructional technology is the theory and practice of technology used for education. It includes the design, development, application, and best uses for technology in education. It can include everything from electronic writing devices to connected tablets.
In these degrees, you’ll study how to implement and evaluate educational technology. But this learning won’t simply focus on the technology; it will also take into account the modern learner, helping you understand what they need for effective outcomes.
Most of these programs consist of 27 to 33 credit hours and require roughly two years to complete.
Courses in an Online EdS in Instructional Technology
Georgia Southern University – Education Specialist in Instructional Technology
This program requires 27 credit hours to complete, providing graduates with a strong understanding of the research and assessment of classroom technology. Completed over two years, the program consists of nine three-hour courses.
Classes in this program combine education theory and technology. Classes include “Lifespan Human Development” and “Human Performance Improvement.” Tech-focused classes include “Web Design for Instruction,” “Digital Media Production and Utilization,” and “Introduction to Distance Learning.”
National University – Education Specialist in E-Learning
This education specialist program from National University helps current educators fill the need for e-learning experts. The classes help students analyze technology and e-learning programs while giving them a deeper understanding of education principles.
Courses in this degree include “Principles and Practices in E-Learning,” “Instructional Design and Engaging E-Learning Activities,” and “Facilitating Adult Learning Online.”
University of Maine – Education Specialist in Instructional Technology
The University of Maine offers an online program that helps you become an expert in instructional technology. Consisting of 27 credit hours (nine classes), the program also has a capstone, which can you can complete instead of a thesis.
Courses in this program focus on digital technology and the modern learner. Classes include “Digital Age Teaching and Learning Methods,” “Assessment in the 21st Century Classroom,” and “Organizational Leadership for Educational Technology.”
Accreditation for These EdS Degrees
Even online learning, which tends to be more affordable and more convenient than in-person learning, can be costly and time-consuming. You need to know that your investment of money, energy, and time is worth it.
How can you trust that your education will meet a high standard? Look for accreditation.
Accreditation is a type of quality control for the education system. An accredited school has gone through a review process by an independent body that specializes in education. A degree from an accredited school is more likely to include high-quality instruction.
Schools can have institutional accreditation, while individual programs can have programmatic accreditation. Programmatic accreditation is granted by subject-specific groups. For example, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits business degrees.
The programs listed on this page, while focusing on technology, are, at their hearts, education degrees. This means they do not receive accreditation by technology groups like the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, but by education groups like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Programmatic accreditation is helpful but not necessary. Not all programs in this database have accreditation from the CAEP or the AAQEP. However, they all come from schools with institutional accreditation, so you can trust that they are legitimate degrees from high-quality colleges and universities.
Admissions Requirements for EdS Instructional Technology Online Programs
The only level of education that requires more from students is a doctorate. Because the degrees are so challenging, EdS programs have some of the highest admission standards in all of academia.
The main requirement is a master’s degree. You’ll need at least a master’s degree in education, technology, curriculum, or a similar topic to enroll in these programs.
But simply graduating with a master’s degree may not be enough. You’ll need a strong academic background, with a GPA that meets the school’s requirements. While some programs won’t have a minimum GPA, many require students to have at least a 2.5, 2.75, or 3.0 from their previous studies. Some may require a 3.25 or higher.
Some programs also require students to possess or be eligible for a teacher certificate.
Schools often require letters of recommendation, which must be written by previous or current education supervisors, such as principals, program directors, and superintendents. The colleges will also need a letter of intent, which describes your motivation for seeking this degree. This letter must be written by the applicant.
What’s the Program Cost for an Online EdS?
These programs can range from surprisingly affordable to highly expensive. However, these programs may be more affordable than you think, thanks to a variety of affordable EdS instructional technology online that deliver high-quality education.
These programs vary in price from less than $9,000 to over $27,000, so there is a wide range of costs. (All the more reason to do your research.) The average price is roughly $15,300. Assuming a two-year track, students are looking at roughly $7,650 a year for a typical EdS degree.
Many programs cost well below this price. There are ten programs below the average of $15,300, including three options priced below $10,000.
The most affordable EdS instructional technology online degree comes from the University of West Georgia, which charges $8,664 for its Education Specialist in Instructional Technology, Media & Design. This price is available to students living in any location, not just Georgia residents.
The most expensive EdS instructional technology online comes from Regent University. Its Education Specialist in Educational Leadership / Educational Technology & Online Learning costs $27,400. This is far and away the most expensive. The second most expensive (an EdS in curriculum and technology from the Tennessee Technological University) is less than $20,000.
College may seem expensive, but with grants and scholarships you can reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Using this ranking database, you can find programs that fit your needs and suit your budget.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
Licensing and certification is an important topic for education professionals. Many education experts, including teachers and principals (especially in public schools) need a state-mandated license, known as a certificate.
However, to enroll in these programs, you often need to hold, or be eligible for, a teaching certificate at some level. So for most students in these programs, the initial certification requirements are already complete.
These programs can also count towards continuing education requirements.
If you have licensure in the teaching industry, you’ll need to renew your certificate. Renewal is required every three to seven years depending on the state. Most require renewal after five years. To renew your certificate, you’ll need continuing education credits, which can take the form of classes or training. If you complete an EdS in educational technology, this education will likely count towards your renewal requirements.
Salary and Career Outlook for Instructional Technology Experts
Education is not considered a high-salary industry. Most go into the education industry because of their passion for teaching, not to earn a massive salary. That said, there are plenty of high-quality positions that bring surprisingly high incomes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the most reliable and consistent source for salary information, but it does not compile data specific to instructional technology specialists. Fortunately, there are other resources we can use.
Salary.com, for example, says that the average salary for an instructional technology specialist is $65,943, with the top 25% earning over $76,000 and the top 10% earning more than $86,000. Payscale.com says that the average base salary for an instructional technologist is $59,536. So the pay isn’t breathtaking, but with experience and dedication, you can earn some of the strongest salaries in education.
Other noteworthy salaries for these degrees include:
- Principal: $101,320
- Instructional coordinator: $66,490
- Librarian: $61,660
(Median salary, May 2022, BLS)
This education can provide a stable career as well. It may not see massive growth, but the overall job market is stable. The BLS says that employment in education is expected “to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.” Most openings will be created by the need to replace workers who retire or leave for other careers.
One thing is certain: there will be a constant, unending need for educators and education experts. Since education technology continues to grow in importance, it seems likely that people with advanced degrees in classroom software and connected devices will be in high demand for years to come.
The Next Step in Your Education
An EdS is an advanced degree that can lead to a wide variety of roles in education and training. For most people, it’s more than enough for a good career. However, you may consider expanding your education through a doctorate program.
These degrees, which come as doctorate of philosophy (PhD) in education or doctorate of education (EdD) programs, will build on your current knowledge and help you become an advanced expert in education.
A doctorate of philosophy is more time-consuming. They require as much as seven years of rigorous study and lead to careers as researchers and consultants in the education space. An EdD program is faster; these usually require about three years and are used to land positions as university presidents and deans.
Of course, tech is constantly changing, so you’ll need continuing education throughout your career. Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in educational technology will allow you to be a useful contributor to schools. Trade publications, industry seminars, and formal classes can help you remain at the forefront of this important sector.
Get Started Now!
With an attitude of constant learning, you can have a successful career in education technology! So, are you ready to become an expert in education? Then use the resources on GetEducated.com for more information on the cheapest EdS instructional technology online programs today!