Online Instructional Technology Degree Programs

Instructional Design and Educational Technology Degrees

An instructional technology degree equips students with the ability to use emerging technologies, such as web-based e-learning, to enhance traditional learning.

If you are the type of person who likes to use technology to help people learn, or help two groups of people better understand each other, then educational technology and instructional design degree programs would be a good fit for you.

Instructional Technology Degree and Design Scope

Instructional technology aims to create effective and efficient learning programs to benefit learners. Consequently, instructional technology degree programs are designed to teach students how to design instruction, apply learning theory to instructional design, select and implement delivery systems to reach learners where and when they need it, assess learners' behaviors, integrate instruction with factors that influence learners' performances, align curriculum objectives with learners' educational goals, and other learning processes.

Educational technology and instructional design technology careers are exciting options for individuals who are interested not only in technology, but also in the learning process. In fact, cognitive and behavioral psychology studies form the root of most instructional technology programs.

Online Instructional Design Degree Programs

Online Instructional Technology Degree courses are becoming more and more popular as colleges and organizations embrace e-Learning to deliver training modules to students in the most timely manner. Currently, most instructional design classes are geared towards the graduate level, with very few undergraduate programs available. Various degrees in educational technology and instruction are currently available, including master of science (MS), master of arts (MA), master of education (M.Ed), educational specialist (Ed .S), doctor of education (Ed .D) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs.

Coursework varies and different schools use different names for their programs such as: Computer Education, Learning Technologies, Educational Multimedia, Educational Technology, Instructional Design and Development (IDD), Instructional Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Systems Technology, Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation, Instructional Design and Technology, and Instructional and Performance Technology, among others.

Accredited Colleges Offering Online Instructional Technology Degrees, Design & Educational Technology Degree Programs

Capella University offers the following instructional technology degree online programs:

• EdS - Curriculum and Instruction
• MS in Ed - Curriculum and Instruction (For Licensed K-12 Teachers)
• MS in Ed - Instructional Design for Online Learning
• MS in Ed - Training and Performance Improvement
• PhD in Ed - Curriculum and Instruction
• PhD in Ed - Instructional Design for Online Learning
• PhD in Ed - Training and Performance Improvement

Walden University is an accredited institution that offers advanced online degrees to professionals working to advance the greater good. The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers the following online Instructional Design degree programs:

• M.S in Education - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12)
• M.S. in Education - Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K-12)
• Ph.D. in Education - Educational Technology
• Post Doctoral Certificate - Educational Technology

Fischler School of Education and Human Services offers the following online instructional technology and educational technology degree programs:

• Master of Science in Instructional Technology and Distance Education
• Ed. S - Educational Specialist / Curriculum and Teaching
• Ed.D. - Doctor of Education / Instructional Leadership
• Ed.D. - Doctor of Education / Instructional Technology and Distance Education

University of Phoenix offers the following online instructional design degrees and curriculum:

• Master of Arts in Education / Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Arts in Education / Curriculum and Instruction-Computer Education
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership / Curriculum and Instruction
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership / Educational Technology

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). In addition, the Arizona State Department of Education has formally approved all of the coursework offered at Grand Canyon University for the certification of elementary and secondary teachers and for the renewal of certificates. Financial aid programs are available for online college courses, as well. Grand Canyon University offers the following online instructional design degrees:

• MED in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading (No IR, No Cert.)
• MED in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology (No IR, No Cert.)

Strayer University offers the following online education degree programs:

• Master of Education - Educational Management
• Master of Education - Technology in Education

Marygrove college offers the following online education degree program:

• Master in the Art of Teaching - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, K-12 focus

American Intercontinental University(AIU) offers the following online instructional design degree programs:

• Master's (M. Ed.) - Curriculum and Instruction
• Master's (M. Ed.) - Educational Assessment and Evaluation
• Master's (M. Ed.) - Instructional Technology
• Master's (M. Ed.) - Leadership in Educational Organizations

Job Prospects for Graduates of Instructional & Design Technology Degree Programs

Due to the surge in online education, the need for instructional designers is most definitely on the rise. As a result, graduates of instructional design and technology degree programs will have many career options.

According to the 2008 Occupational Outlook Handbook, median salaries for entry level designers were around $54,560 in May, 2006, and the middle 50% earned between $41,270 and $72,610 at that time. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,510, and the highest 10% earned more than $82,970. Senior level designers command close to $71,000, with company employees earning slightly more than non-profit workers.

Pursuing a career in online instructional technology is a great way to integrate a love of teaching with the ability to use technology to reach a large target audience.

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