Technology Leadership

  • The Ed.D. in Instructional Technology Advanced Track is fully online and designed for educators who currently hold or aspire to hold a technology leadership position at the school, district, or state level. The Ed.D. is intended to deepen and broaden the educational technology leadership knowledge and skills of candidates. The program is based on the ISTE Standards for Technology Directors and the CoSN Framework of Essential Skills for K-12 CTOs.

    Today's educational technology leaders are known by many different titles such as Technology Director, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO). No matter the title, educational technology leaders have dual leadership roles--both instructional and technical--and according to CoSN, these roles encompass a broad range of skills including:

    • creating a vision for the role of technology;
    • implementing strategic planning and policy development;
    • having an understanding of teaching and learning, assessment, and professional development;
    • managing technology and support resources; and
    • possessing the political and interpersonal skills to effectively work with all stakeholders.

    The Ed.D. in Instructional Technology will prepare you for these roles and challenge you to grow as an educational technology leader!

    Students take two courses each semester, including summers. There will be a few ONLINE synchronous sessions per class each semester.

Applications are currently openfor the Fall 2025 cohort!

 

Transfer Credit

Students who complete their Ed.S. in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University may apply up to 15 hours of their Ed.S. to the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology. Students who have completed their Ed.S. at other institutions within the last 5 years may have their transcripts analyzed to receive transfer credit toward the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology at KSU.

Chalk & Wire Account

All students must purchase a Chalk & Wire account (~$82) online from the KSU Bookstore if they do not already have an active account.

 

  • Program of Study

    Core (15 hours)

    • EDUC 8100 Advanced Study of Learning
    • EDRS 8100 Qualitative I 
    • EDRS 8200 Quantitative I 
    • EDRS 9300 Conceptual Frameworks & Research Design

    • EDRS 9100 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
      or
      EDRS 9200  Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

    Advanced Technology Leadership Track (21 hours)

    • ITEC 8510 Teaching, Learning & Technology
    • ITEC 8520 Supporting Technology Infrastructure in Schools & Districts
    • ITEC 8530 Technology Leadership & Strategic Planning
    • ITEC 8540 Business Management & Staffing for Technology Programs
    • ITEC 8550 Designing & Evaluating Professional Learning
    • ITEC 8560 Digital Citizenship in Education
    • ITEC 8570 Managing Data Systems in Schools & Districts

    Advanced ITEC Courses (12 hours): 

    • ITEC 9100 Introduction to Doctoral Studies in Instructional Technology
    • ITEC 9400 Research & Theory in Instructional Technology.
    • For the remaining 6 credit hours, candidates may select from any 7000, 8000 or 9000 level ITEC courses approved by advisor.

    Guided Electives (9 hours)

    • Guided electives selected with consulation of advisor. 

    Dissertation (9 hours)

    • ITEC 9900 Dissertation Credit

    Total - 66 hours

    KSU CATALOG

  • Admission Requirements

    • An earned master’s degree in education or a closely related field.  
    • A professional teaching certificate OR a departmentally approved equivalent (for non-Georgia or non-certified individuals). The School of Instructional Technology and Innovation recognizes and appreciates that many charter, independent schools, IE2, and 21st century learning environments do not require educators to hold traditional state teaching certification. In such instances, the Department will make a case-by-case determination as to whether the educator’s qualifications are sufficiently equivalent to a traditional teaching certificate and/or whether the educator has the background necessary to ensure successful completion of the program.
    • At least three years of professional teaching or administrative experience (or a combination thereof), or a related role serving B-12 education (To facilitate candidates’ field experiences, current full-time employment as a professional educator is preferred.).
    • A competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score and Graduate GPA. The GPA and GRE will be utilized with other admission criteria to determine program eligibility. Although no minimum scores are required, candidates are encouraged to prepare and score well since admission to the program is competitive. Please note: The Analytical/Writing score one receives as part of the GRE exam is used competitively in the admission review process. GRE scores must be from within the last five years. It is strongly encouraged for applicants to do well on this portion of the exam.
    • If seeking GaPSC certification, applicants must obtain and submit a Mentor form indicating support from a qualified mentor who meets the GaPSC Mentor Requirements. Mentor requirements can be found on the ITEC Mentor form on the Graduate Admissions website for this program.
    • A professional resume documenting statement of purpose for wanting the degree, education, teaching experience, volunteer and service accomplishments, and record of leadership activities. Your resume MUST reflect, at least, three years of teaching and/or administrative experience.
    • A Professional Reflections Statement. Write a 1-3 single-spaced page(s) professional reflections statement which addresses the following questions:
      • Why are you interested in the field of instructional technology?
      • Why are you interested in pursuing a doctoral degree?
      • What are your career plans after completing your Ed.D. degree?
      • What areas of research are you interested in exploring and/or conducting?
      • Which faculty members would you be most interested in working with in regard to your research and/or career goals?

 

Instructional Technology Courses

  • This course introduces candidates to technology supported instructional models and strategies to maximize student learning. Candidates will develop digital-age learning experiences for students that incorporate research-based best practices, assessment, differentiation, diversity, and cultural understanding while advancing student technology literacy.
  • An important part of becoming a school system technology leader is a solid understanding of the academic and administrative technology that is so common in today’s educational setting. Further, appropriate skills related to project management, negotiation, and day-to-day management of staff and operations are critical. This course focuses on excellence in professional practice, systemic improvement, knowledge of certain technologies, and professional growth. Further, students will read, write, and collaborate about technology planning, implementation, operation, security, and disaster recovery. We’ll make special effort to examine communications technologies that are part of a modern school system and school.
  • This course prepares candidates to lead the development and implementation of a shared vision and a strategic plan for comprehensive integration of technology into instruction and business practices in their school district, state, region, or nation.
  • This course prepares aspiring technology leaders to manage large-scale budgets and address issues of recurring costs, ongoing maintenance, human resource management, and accountability pressures that are uniquely associated with managing district technology programs. Topics include (1) hiring, training, retaining, and evaluating technical staff; and (2) calculating total cost of ownership, value of investment, and return on investment models for technology purchases/programs.
  • This course prepares candidates to implement best practices that support planning and implementation of effective professional learning for key stakeholders in the K12 environment. Candidates will apply knowledge of professional standards and current research in professional learning, assessment, and evaluation to support continuous improvement in the effective use of technology in K12 schools and districts.
  • This course prepares technology leaders to create a culture of technology use marked by positive, ethical, and responsible digital citizenship in their school districts. Topics will include (1) fostering diversity, cultural understanding, and global awareness; (2) ensuring digital equity; and (3) promoting the safe, legal, healthy, and ethical uses of technology among all system members. The course will also address the high standards of integrity and professional conduct expected of technology leaders.
  • Data management is an increasingly important part of the job description of a technology director. This course is designed to explore and elaborate on the various aspects of a modern k-12 environment and the role data management plays. We will examine administrative and academic uses of data and how that data is gathered, filtered, stored, protected, interpreted, and made available to appropriate individuals. Particular emphasis will be given to data driven decision making at all levels of the school district.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Please gather your teaching certificate, evaluation form, mentor form, and resume before applying so you can upload these documents before submitting your application.

    1. Complete the Online Graduate Application.
    2. Submit GRE Scores from within the last five years.
    3. Obtain and submit official transcripts from EACH college attended, including those institutions where degrees were NOT earned. Official transcripts are those in a university sealed envelope. Your transcripts should reflect at least a Bachelor's degree with at least a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

      Official transcripts can be e-mailed directly from the institution to KSU at ksugrad@kennesaw.edu or maileddirectly from the institution to KSU at the address below:

      Kennesaw State University
      Office of Graduate Admissions
      3391 Town Point Drive
      Mailbox #9109
      Kennesaw, GA 30144

    4. Obtain and submit a copy of your Teaching Certificate or a departmentally-approved equivalent. To print a copy of your Georgia clear, renewable certificate, you may log onto www.gapsc.com. The Department of IT recognizes and appreciates that many independent schools and 21st century learning environments do not require educators to hold traditional state teaching certification. In such instances, the Department will make a case-by-case determination as to whether the educator's qualifications are sufficiently equivalent to a traditional teaching certificate and/or whether the educator has the background necessary to ensure successful completion of the program.
    5. Obtain and submit ONE Mentor Form.
      This should be from a current administrator, Instructional Lead Teacher, Instructional Technology Specialist, media specialist, teacher, etc. at the building or district levels with instructional technology knowledge and experience.
      (form provided above). 
    6. Obtain and submit a Professional Resume documenting statement of purpose, education, teaching experience, volunteer and service accomplishments, and record of leadership activities. Your resume MUST reflect, at least, ONE year of teaching experience.
    7. Write and submit a Professional Reflections Statement. Write a 1-3 single-spaced page(s) professional reflections statement which addresses the following questions: Why are you interested in the field of instructional technology? Why are you interested in pursuing a doctoral degree? What are your career plans after completing your Ed.D. degree? What areas of research are you interested in exploring and/or conducting? Which faculty members would you be most interested in working with in regards to your research and/or career goals?
    8. Submit a copy of the Transfer Credit Request Form if applicable.
    9. International Applicants Only: Please contact 770-499-3002 for all international admission requirements related to your citizenship or visa status OR link to the Graduate International Admissions page: http://graduate.kennesaw.edu/admissions/apply/international-students.php
  • The Ed.D. in Instructional Technology upgrades a Georgia S-6 to a S-7 and a T-6 to a T-7. While compensation should be reviewed with your school/district, under current regulations educators are usually paid on their highest certificate level (4, 5, 6, or 7). If your salary is based on your Georgia certificate level, you should receive a salary increase. According to the GaPSC, you do not have to hold an Instructional Technology position to receive the certificate upgrade. Please check with your school/district on any policies that may be contrary to this information. If you have questions regarding your individual certification status, you should check with the PSC at www.gapsc.com.
  • The GRE is required for the Ed.D. program in Instructional Technology. The GRE will be utilized with other admission criteria to determine program eligibility. Although no minimum scores are required, candidates are encouraged to prepare and score well, particularly on the Analytical/Writing score portion of the exam, since admission to the program is extremely competitive.
  • The program is 66 credit hours long. However, the length of the program varies depending on transfer credit and/or the length it takes for candidates to complete the dissertation.

  • Beginning Fall 2024, the e-tuition rate for the fully online doctoral program in Instructional Technology-Advanced Track is $393 per credit hour + $340 technology fee each semester. Books and one-time graduation fee ($50) are additional costs. The length and program of study for doctoral studies can vary based on transfer credit and the pace of dissertation completion. 

    Sample programs of study 

    Please, keep in mind that tuition rates are subject to change without notice. To see the latest cost per credit hour, please select the “E-Tuition and Fees” link on https://fiscalservices.kennesaw.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/tuition-fees.php.  After downloading the PDF, see "Graduate Online Student-E-Tuition Credit Hours."

  • Unfortunately, the legislature has discontinued Hope Scholarship for Teachers, but there may be other financial aid options for you. KSU has a financial aid office to assist you. Please, visit following website describing the financial aid options for graduate students: http://graduate.kennesaw.edu/admissions/If you are seeking financial aid and have questions or need assistance, please contact https://financialaid.kennesaw.edu/contact-counselor.php.

    If you find you are not eligible for financial aid, remember there are tax credits for continuing education, a salary increase following your graduation, and deferred payment on some student loans while still in school. If you are paying your own way, you will find Kennesaw’s public university tuition and fees are quite reasonable compared to private institutions. You also will find that paying over the course of a two-year program is more financially feasible than one-year, accelerated programs.

  • Our faculty members and instructors are typically former K-12 teachers, who are still active in partnerships with K-12 schools. Many have also held key leadership positions at the school, district, state, and national levels. We are familiar with schools. We use the tools you have in schools and help you understand district policies and planning processes related to technology. Our faculty have excellent academic credentials and are actively pursuing research in their fields of study. You will become part of a regional and national network of technology leaders. Our curriculum is practical—based on projects you will complete in your own schools. Our program will prepare you for advanced study, should you decide to pursue an Ed.S., Ed.D. or Ph.D. program in the future.

Deadline

April 1, 2025

Contact Us

For more information please email the Ed.D. Advanced Track Program Coordinator, Dr. Julie Moore or call the Department office at (470) 578-3262.