Educational Technology Leadership Programs
Integrating Strategic Leadership with Online Learning and Instructional Design Expertise
Rapidly changing technology is creating a rising demand for forward-thinking teachers, trainers, instructional designers and leaders who can leverage these new tools (including the latest Artificial Intelligence) effectively in diverse learning environments. Whether you aspire to shape educational landscapes in schools, corporate settings, military training, or government agencies, our programs will empower you to harness the power of technology to be at the forefront of this dynamic field.
Explore the intersection of technology and pedagogy while delving into the organizational, cultural, ethical, and legal implications of technology in education. With a focus on innovation and universal design, our programs equip you with the skills and knowledge to design and implement technology-enhanced educational environments tailored to diverse learning styles and needs.
As a pioneer of distance-learning methods and a top-ranked program by U.S. News & World Report, our innovative online program provides a world-class education taught by expert faculty and the convenience of learning from your preferred location.
Discover the online program that fits your career goals:
Master's Degree in Educational Technology Leadership
This 30-credit hour program will equip you with the knowledge, skills and leadership abilities to drive educational innovation through technology integration. Course curriculum embeds core elements of emerging educational technology, educational research methods, instructional/curriculum design, project management, and leadership strategies that foster innovative and effective learning environments. Learn to promote digital citizenship and AI literacy, while incorporating an understanding of data privacy and security concerns, among students, teachers, and other stakeholders.
Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology Leadership
Prepare to lead educational technology initiatives, evaluate their impact on learning outcomes, and create engaging learning environments that leverage the power of educational technology. This 12-credit hour certificate in ETL* is ideal for those who are ready to build on their foundational skills as an educator, instructional supervisor, or a similar background to advance in a role or leadership position in an ed tech environment.
Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
Our 12-credit hour certificate in Instructional Design* will prepare you with the foundational knowledge and skills to lead all phases of instructional design projects in diverse organizational settings. Learn to assess needs, analyze learning objectives, and apply design theories, principles, models, tools and techniques to the development, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing management of effective instructional programs. With the integration of generative AI into your design processes, the ID graduate certificate will prepare you to lead education and training initiatives into the future.
Dual Degree: Master's + Graduate Certificate
Select one of the graduate certificate programs to coincide with the master's program. The certificate is awarded after the completion of the required 12-credit hours, allowing you to gain credentials and advance in your field faster. Learn more about graduate certificates and the advantages of the dual degree program below.*
- * Graduate Certificate Overview
A graduate certificate from GW is a short-term program of study that focuses on a specific area of knowledge or skill. It is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree and want to acquire additional knowledge or credentials in a particular field. Graduate certificates require fewer courses and less time than a full master's degree program, and can often be completed in one year or less if your schedule allows. The GW certificate programs provide you with specialized knowledge and skills that can help you more quickly advance your career or pursue further education.
The Educational Technology Leadership (ETL) master's and graduate certificate programs share the same courses. Upon successful completion of a certificate, students may apply to the ETL master’s program, and if accepted and all requirements are met, transfer all credits earned. Since application requirements are somewhat different, acceptance to a certificate program does not guarantee acceptance to the master's program.
Students in graduate certificate programs are not eligible for GSEHD provided or federal funding, along with many other financial aid opportunities. However, you can enroll in a dual degree program to earn both a certificate and a master’s degree, allowing you to apply only once and to be eligible for federal funding for the entirety of the program.
Accessible + Accredited
The Educational Technology Leadership programs, accredited by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education, are offered fully online, providing flexibility for your busy schedule and making this program available to you wherever you are in the world.
Tradition of Excellence
As one of the first online programs in the U.S., our program is celebrating 30+ years in leading cutting edge developments in instructional design and technology. U.S. News & World Report ranked our program #13 for Best Online Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Gain practical experience by integrating coursework and hands-on projects with their day-to-day professional roles, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, students actively engage with other industry professionals in the development of instructional design proficiencies.
Diverse Student Body
Our diverse student body comes together from multiple industries across the country, bringing a wide range of professional experience, skills, and enriching knowledge. With a predominant female student base, our programs emphasize the importance of diverse leadership in the ed-tech sector.
The GW Advantage
Our programs, taught exclusively by full-time faculty that are experts in the industry, offer a dynamic curriculum and interactive online engagement. Our hands-on approach and emphasis on real-world workplace skills bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring you graduate not just with a degree, but with a competitive edge to excel in today's job market. With a strong emphasis on leadership, we provide a cutting-edge education that can be applied across diverse industries.
Department:
Educational Leadership
Course Delivery:
Online
Program Entry:
Spring, Summer, Fall
- Degrees Awarded
- Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Educational Technology Leadership
- Dual Degree: Master of Arts in Education and Human Development and Graduate Certificate in the Field of Educational Technology Leadership
- Dual Degree: Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Educational Technology Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
- Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
- Our Mission + Program Outcomes
Our ETL programs provide students with leadership skills that allow alumni to successfully improve human performance and learning through technology. The curriculum is focused on teaching skills that will promote:
- The design, development, and delivery of truly effective learning experiences.
- The development of leaders in the global expansion of educational technology and distance education.
- An emphasis on practical technology applications in corporate, governmental, and educational settings.
- The effective management and leadership of projects, teams, and learning organizations.
As a graduate of our Educational Technology Leadership programs, you will:
- Lead your organization with a broad view of technologies and the results they can achieve.
- Solve complex challenges using systematic evidence-based approaches.
- Manage teams and projects that achieve meaningful results.
- Design solutions that leverage today's - and tomorrow's - technologies (such as generative AI).
- Curriculum: Master's + Dual Degree
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 6 credits in elective courses.
Code Title Required EDUC 6114 Introduction to Research EDUC 6368 Leadership and Education EDUC 6401 Foundations in Educational Technology EDUC 6402 Trends and Issues in Emerging Technologies EDUC 6403 Educational Technology Systems EDUC 6404 Computer Applications and Project Management EDUC 6405 Designing Digital Learning EDUC 6406 Instructional Design Electives Select two of the following: EDUC 6371 Education Policy EDUC 6421 Critical Issues in Distance Education EDUC 6422 Instructional Needs Assessment and Analysis EDUC 6425 Developing Effective Training with Technology EDUC 6426 Computer Interface Design for Learning EDUC 6427 Advanced Instructional Design EDUC 6428 Developing Digital Professional Portfolios - Curriculum: Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology Leadership
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 12 credit hours in required courses.
Code Title Required EDUC 6401 Foundations in Educational Technology EDUC 6406 Instructional Design EDUC 6404 Computer Applications and Project Management or EDUC 6428 Developing Digital Professional Portfolios or EDUC 6425 Developing Effective Training with Technology or EDUC 6403 Educational Technology Systems EDUC 6405 Designing Digital Learning or EDUC 6402 Trends and Issues in Emerging Technologies or EDUC 6368 Leadership and Education - Curriculum: Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 12 credit hours in required courses.
Code Title Required EDUC 6405 Designing Digital Learning EDUC 6406 Instructional Design EDUC 6422 Instructional Needs Assessment and Analysis or EDUC 6426 Computer Interface Design for Learning EDUC 6427 Advanced Instructional Design
Apply Now
GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >
To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at askdel
gwu [dot] edu (askdel[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.
| Apply Now | Register for Office Hour with Admissions Coach |
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.
- Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
- Resume
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Statement of Purpose
- One Letter of Recommendation (preferably from a faculty member or professional supervisor)
*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.
View more details about requirements:
Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Application Timeline Spring Summer Fall Priority Deadline Aug 1 Nov 1 Nov 1 Round 1 Deadline Sept 15 Dec 15 Dec 15 Round 2 Deadline Nov 1 Jan 15 Jan 15 Round 3 Deadline Dec 15 March 1 March 1 Round 4 Deadline N/A May 1 May 1 Round 5 Deadline N/A N/A June 15 Round 6 Deadline N/A N/A Aug 1 For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at askdel
gwu [dot] edu (askdel[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.
Tuition & Financial Aid
We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.
The tuition rate* for the online programs in Educational Technology Leadership program is $1,000 per credit hour.
- The Master's degree and the dual Master's/GC programs require 30 credits.
- The Graduate Certificate in ETL requires 12 credits.
- The Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design requires 12 credits.
Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.
*Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students for the master's and dual degree programs. Scholarships are not offered for students only enrolled in a graduate certificate program. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >
The fact that GSEHD’s ETL program is completely online provides accessibility and quality to individuals who want to pursue more education without leaving their paid, full-time or part-time positions.
JULIE LINDSAY
Founder and CEO | Flat Connections
Master’s in Education and Human Development, Educational Technology Leadership
Career Outlook
To reach today's learners effectively, educators need foundational knowledge and skills in how to integrate technology into instruction to enhance student learning, knowledge and skills. With a curriculum that is founded on the latest research-based approaches to education, technology and leadership, this program will equip you with the necessary skills to navigate the rapidly changing global environment of jobs in educational technology and to successfully guide the future of learning and technology in your organization.
- ETL Career Opportunities
Training and Development Manager
Leads the design and execution of training programs to enhance employee skills, knowledge, and career growth. Oversees staff training initiatives, curriculum development, and professional development strategies. Evaluates available training programs to identify the most effective options, ensuring employees receive the necessary knowledge and resources to excel in their roles and advance within the organization.- Earned a median $125,040 annual salary in 20231
Instructional Coordinator
These professionals develop effective curriculums and teaching materials to be utilized by educators and principles in elementary, middle and high schools. Their roles often involve analyzing data to determine the effectiveness of academic programs and materials.- Earned a median $74,620 annual salary in 20232
Additional Career Opportunities
- Curriculum Developer: Plans and develops educational curricula for schools, organizations, or training programs
- Instructional Designer: Develops educational materials and experiences for various learning environments
- Educational Technology Specialist/Coordinator for a School, County or District: Integrates technology into curricula and provides training for educators
- Director/Manager of E-Learning, Training or Instructional Services: Oversees the design, implementation, and management of instructional programs to enhance workforce development
- E-Learning Developer or Specialist: Creates online learning programs and resources for educational institutions or corporate training
- HR Training Specialist: Develops and delivers training programs to enhance employee skills and organizational effectiveness
- Instructional Technology Supervisor: Oversees the integration and implementation of technology to enhance teaching, learning, and training initiatives
- Academic Technologist: Supports the adoption and effective use of educational technologies within academic institutions
- Educational Consultant: Advises organizations on effective instructional strategies and educational technologies
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm (visited February 25, 2025).
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm (visited February 25, 2025).
- Instructional Design Career Opportunities
-
- Instructional Designer: Develops educational materials and experiences for various learning environments.
- Curriculum Developer: Plans and develops educational curricula for schools, organizations, or training programs
- Technical Writer: Prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
- Practitioners earned a median $80,050per year in 2023.3
3Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Technical Writers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm (visited February 25, 2025).
- Potential Employment Settings
-
- Companies/Organizations/Associations
- PreK-12 Schools and Districts
- Colleges and Universities
- Non-profit Organizations
- Government Agencies
- Military/Armed Forces
Ed Tech is AI Resistant
Forbes recently published, "6 College Majors That Will Thrive In An AI-Driven Economy." Per the article:
"While AI can personalize lessons and track student performance, it can’t replace the human side of education. Teachers mentor, motivate, and adapt - making critical, real-time decisions that shape how students learn and grow."
"Beyond the classroom, roles like Instructional Systems Designer are becoming increasingly important. These professionals assess learning needs and design systems for schools, companies, and training programs—blending educational insight with technical skills."
Associate Dean, Office of Student Life; Professor, Educational Technology Leadership
