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 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 inclusivity, 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.

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Discover the online program that fits your career goals: 

 

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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, incorporating an understanding of data privacy and security concerns, among students, teachers, and other stakeholders.

teacher leans forward to assist middle school student on tablet (Image credit: Freepik)

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.

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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.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dexter Robinson, 39th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, speaks with Airmen during course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)

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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

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 Program at a Glance

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.
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.
Required
EDUC 6114 Introduction to Quantitative Research
EDUC 6368 Leadership and Education
EDUC 6401 Foundations in Educational Technology
EDUC 6402 Trends and Issues in Emerging Technologies
EDUC 6403 Educational Hardware Systems
EDUC 6404 Computer Applications and Project Management
EDUC 6405 Designing Digital Learning
EDUC 6406 Instructional Design
Electives
Select two of the following:
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.

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 Hardware 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.

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
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 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 education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

Apply Now  Schedule Consultation with Admissions Counselor 

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 now being accepted for Summer and Fall 2024. 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 16 Jan 16
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 education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

 

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 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.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid 

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 $950 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 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

View the current fee chart  

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 >

 

 

Julie Lindsay headshot
quotation mark

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

 

 

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 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
Teacher leads class in educational video game projected on board in front of class

Training and Development Manager
Professionals in this position examine training and educational programs available to their company’s employees. Once they’ve chosen the most beneficial options, they are responsible for planning and executing the programs to ensure all employees have the proper knowledge to succeed in their careers.

  • Earned a median $120,130 annual salary in 20211

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 $63,740 annual salary in 20212

Additional Career Opportunities

  • Curriculum developer
  • Director or manager of e-learning, training or instructional services
  • Educational technology specialist/coordinator for a school, county or district
  • E-learning developer or specialist
  • HR training specialist
  • Instructional designer
  • Instructional technology supervisor

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 March 16, 2023).

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 March 16, 2023).

Instructional Design Career Opportunities
professional female presents data from graphs on a screen to a group of colleagues
  • Instructional designer
  • Curriculum developer
  • Technical writer: Practitioners earned a median $78,060 per year in 2021.3

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 March 03, 2023).
 

Potential Employment Settings
male professional speaks to group on virtual conference call in his office  - image by DCStudio on Freepik
  • Companies/Organizations/Associations
  • PreK-12 Schools and Districts
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Government Agencies
  • Military/Armed Forces

 

 

Educational Technology Leadership Faculty

Dr. Michael Corry

Professor, Educational Technology

(202) 994-9295
Dr. Natalie B. Milman

Associate Dean, Office of Student Life; Professor, Educational Technology Leadership

(202) 994-1884
Dr. Ryan Watkins

Interim Associate Dean of Research and External Relations; Professor, Educational Technology

(202) 994-2263

 

 

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