Educational Technology oversees the degree programs in Educational Technology and related certificate programs. Educational Technology also supports teacher preparation with technology-rich method courses for various preparation programs. Graduate courses are offered in both face-to-face and online formats. Face-to-face classes within the program generally meet once a week; evening classes are available to support local and commuting students that work full time. Programs may be pursued on a part-time basis (although there are specific University limits on total program length and continuous registration).
Educational Technology MA and Ph.D. programs are accepting applications on a continuous basis. Defining a new learning environment requires a set of technologies and social practices where meaning is delivered and consumed in new formats. The MA program provides a rigorous but practical experience in educational technology, innovation, and pedagogical practices. The Ph.D. program in Educational Technology builds a deep theoretical base in critical and innovative pedagogy as well as developed technology application skills. The Ph.D. program culminates in a dissertation of original research in the field.
Our faculty encourages collaborative research and other scholarly projects, and coursework offers opportunities to publish research and present it in scholarly venues. The goal of the programs is to develop education professionals and classroom teachers that have foundational theoretical knowledge of technology-infused pedagogy for transformative teaching and learning. Graduates work in a variety of learning contexts (K-12, higher education, online environments, military training, business/organizational, and international settings), as scholars, educators, professional developers, chief officers, program developers, and consultants.
Educational Technology M.A.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Technology provides an advanced degree in technology knowledge and pedagogical practices that culminates with a comprehensive exam. Graduates work in a variety of learning contexts (K-12, higher education, online environments, military training, business/organizational, and international settings) as scholars, educators, professional developers, program developers, and consultants. Collaborative research and other scholarly projects are encouraged among students and faculty. Students are encouraged to publish research and present it in scholarly venues. The program is designed to be rigorous but practical.
The faculty in the program review applications on a continual basis. The priority application deadline for spring program admissions is November 15; the application deadline for summer and fall program admissions is April 15. Applications require a two-page statement of intent, three letters of reference, and transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate work. The statement of intent should specifically address educational experience and future goals and how this program is a good match for your aspirations.
Program Admission and Completion Requirements:
Admission criteria follow the UNC Graduate School expectations and include the expectations of minimum GPA. Once admitted, the student will work closely with their academic advisor to develop a plan of study that meets the individual professional needs. While all students are expected to complete the core content and research courses, electives are selected to tailor the program to meet various professional foci within the field of educational technology. A MA degree in Educational Technology will be conferred with a minimum of 30 credits beyond the undergraduate degree and successful completion of a comprehensive exam. Once admitted to a program, students must maintain a satisfactory grade point average of 3.2.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Educational Technology, M.A.
Educational Technology Ph.D.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Technology provides a terminal degree in educational technology that culminates in a dissertation of original research in the field. Graduates work in a variety of learning contexts (PK-12, higher education, online environments, military training, business/organizational, and international settings) as professors, researchers, consultants, innovation officers, and scholars. Collaborative research, design, teaching, and other scholarly projects are encouraged among students and faculty. The program is research-focused and designed to be rigorous but practical. Students are expected to engage in theoretical and practical experiences throughout the program documented in the comprehensive exam process.
The doctoral faculty in the educational technology review applications in both fall and spring semesters. Admission criteria follow the UNC Graduate School expectations and include the expectations of minimum GPA. Applications require a two-page statement of career goals, three letters of reference, and transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate work. The statement of career goals should specifically address how this degree program will assist the applicant in furthering their skills and knowledge and applying them in the future.
The applicant must also complete a short interview scheduled with the doctoral faculty. The interview may be conducted in person or through digital technologies. International students are encouraged to apply early in order to be able to handle passports, visas, and other issues in a timely manner. Potential students with limited English abilities are encouraged to examine the application options available through the University’s Center for International Education. In many cases, students may be admitted to an academic program, but begin their studies in the Intensive English Program.
Once admitted, the student will work closely with their academic advisor to develop a plan of study that meets the individual professional needs. While all students are expected to complete the core content and research courses, electives are selected to tailor the program to meet various professional foci within the field of educational technology. Once admitted to a program, students must maintain a satisfactory grade point average of 3.2.
MA en route to Ph.D.
A student who has been admitted into the Educational Technology Ph.D. program may complete the ET Master’s degree en route to completion of the doctoral degree. Students are required to submit a plan of study for both the master's and doctoral degrees. Once admitted to the Ph.D., students seeking the MA en route to the Ph.D. will complete the 30 credit MA program but may participate in doctoral classes concurrently. Students must complete all program requirements (including the comprehensive examination) for the MA degree in addition to the minimum requirements for the Ph.D. No courses applied to the Educational Technology MA degree may be used in the Educational Technology Ph.D. plan of study. Students must be conferred with the MA degree prior to admission to doctoral candidacy.
Comprehensive Exam Expectations
Students must complete both Phase I and Phase II of the Comprehensive Exam Expectations in order to schedule a Comprehensive Oral Exam with the Graduate School. It is encouraged to complete Phase I prior to beginning Phase II, but it is acceptable to complete both Phases in the same semester. Phase II cannot be completed in a semester prior to the completion of Phase I.
Phase I - Electronic Showcase Portfolio
Students will work on constructing an electronic portfolio over the duration of their coursework. The expectation is that coursework may contribute to the items showcased in the portfolio, however, work beyond the course assignments is expected. Work conducted outside of a course is also acceptable. The portfolio is divided into 5 areas and may be completed in any order.
5 areas of portfolio:
- Applications of Educational Technology
- Engagement in Research Practices
- Demonstration of Innovative Pedagogy
- Participation in Professional Collaboration
- Awareness of Critical, Social, and Global Perspectives
Phase II - Written Exam
Students will complete a take-home written exam consisting of two questions. The exam will be conducted over a set two-week period each semester.
Dissertation Format Options
- Traditional 5-chapter format consists of Introduction, Literature Review, Method, Findings, and Discussion.
- Articles format consisting of Introduction, Literature Review, Method, at least three chapters containing one Publishable Article each, and Conclusion.
For degree and program requirements: see:
Educational Technology, Ph.D.
Educational Technology Graduate Certificate Program
The certificate available from the Educational Technology program provides an individual with focused expertise at the graduate level in Innovative Pedagogy. The Educational Technology graduate certificate program is intended for degree and non-degree seeking graduate students interested in developing specific expertise in digital education. It intends to meet the demands for technology-rich skills among professionals in educational contexts.
For program requirements, see:
Educational Technology - Innovative Pedagogy Graduate Certificate Program (Non-Degree)