Program Overview


  • The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology 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.S. 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.S. 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.

     

Chalk & Wire Account

All students must purchase a Chalk & Wire account (~$60/year) online from the KSU Bookstore if they do not already have an active account.

LENGTH of the program is 5 semesters (2 classes per semester).

Candidates must either be working in a classroom/school/district or have access to a classroom/school/district in order to implement class projects, and complete the field experiences and capstone project. There will be a few ONLINE synchronous sessions per class each semester.

Georgia Educators

Georgia educators who wish to upgrade their Georgia certificate must already possess initial Georgia certification in Instructional Technology to improve their certificate level (5 to 6). The Ed.S. increases a Georgia T-5 to a T-6 and an S-5 to an S-6 IF you already have certification in Instructional Technology. Please check with the GaPSC to ensure you will receive an upgrade upon graduation. You should also check with your school/district to determine if you will receive a pay increase.

 

 

  • Program of Study

    Advanced Track (30 Hours)
    Ed.S. Core (9 Hours)

    • EDUC 8100 Advanced Study of Learning
    • EDRS 8000 Applied Qualitative & Quantitative Research
    • ITEC 8500 Issues, Trends & Research in Instructional Technology

    Instructional Technology Courses (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

    Total - 30 hours

    KSU Catalog

 

  • Admission Requirements

    The following are requirements beyond the general KSU Graduate Admissions requirements.

    • Earned master’s degree in professional education or a related field. Minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Official transcripts for all degrees must be provided.
    • A teaching certificate or departmentally-approved equivalent. The School of Instructional Technology and Innovation recognizes and appreciates that many independent or charter schools may not require educators to hold traditional state teaching certification. In such instances, the School 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.
    • A professional resume documenting statement of purpose for wanting the degree, education, and teaching experiences. Other information such as volunteer and service accomplishments and record of educational leadership activities are also welcome. Two years teaching experience is preferred. Current full-time employment as a K-12 professional educator or access to a K-12 educational setting is required to complete field-based assessments and experiences.
    • If seeking GaPSC certification, applicants must obtain and submit a ITEC 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.

    Admission Criteria for Unique Cases
    Currently there are no exceptions to the admission requirements.

Core Courses

  • The course deepens experienced educators’ knowledge of research-based best practices in diverse classrooms. This is an advanced course with in-depth study of classic and current research on learning theories and related topics in educational psychology as they relate to teaching and learning in schools. Focus is on those theories and research which have transformed and are reforming educational practice.
  • Candidates will develop a functional understanding of quantitative and qualitative research as applied to educational arena. Emphasis is placed on candidates acquisition of analytical and interpretive skills.

Instructional Technology (ITEC) - Advanced Track 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 district 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 specific to a school or district context. We’ll make special effort to examine communications technologies that are part of a modern school and school district.
  • 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 K12 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.
  • This course will provide candidates an overview of the field of instructional technology including history, research and current trends and issues. Candidates will develop strategies for keeping abreast of instructional technology issues and trends, engage in the professional literature of the field and research a current trend or issue in the field. Additionally, candidates will develop a proposal for their Capstone Project for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Instructional Technology satisfies requirements for an S-6 (Service) certification and an upgrade from a T-5 to a T-6. Candidates must pass the GACE for Instructional Technology to be eligible for the new S-6 certification and the upgrade to a T-6. While compensation should be reviewed with your school/district, under current regulations educators are 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 salary increase. 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 GaPSC at https://www.gapsc.com or email them at mail@gapsc.com.
  • No. You do not have to take the GRE for the Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in Instructional Technology.
  • The Ed.S. program takes 5 semesters to complete.
  • Beginning Fall 2024, the fully online Ed.S. program in Instructional Technology-Advanced Track costs $2698 each semester. The e-tuition rate is $393 per credit hour + $340 online learning fee each semester. Books and one-time graduation fee ($50) are additional costs. The length of the program is five semesters, so the total cost of the program (at current rates) $13,490. 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 fiscalservices.kennesaw.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/tuition-fees.  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: kennesaw.edu/financial-aid/
    • If you are seeking financial aid and have questions or need assistance, please contact  kennesaw.edu/financial-aid/
    • 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.
    • Paying for the rising costs of a college education is a concern for nearly every student and family. To help you meet your educational expenses, Kennesaw State University is pleased to offer Nelnet Business Solutions’ (NBS) convenient budget plan. This is not a loan program. There are no interest or finance charges, and there is no credit check. Enrollment in this plan is easy and available online. To enroll, please visit mycollegepaymentplan.com/kennesaw
    • 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. 

  • Applications do NOT require GRE scores, but do require the following:

    • Transcripts from each college attended
    • Bachelor's degree - 2.75 GPA
    • Clear Renewable Teaching Certificate or equivalent certificate and/or experience
    • Professional Resume
    • One Statement of Support Form
    • Mentor Form

  • The mentor operates as part of a learning team with the candidate and university faculty, ensuring the candidate has an opportunity to complete his or her field experiences and/or working with university faculty and candidates to identify appropriate alternative experiences. The candidate selects a mentor at the building or district level with instructional technology knowledge and experience and other qualifications listed below:

    • Teaching Certificate or Service Certificate
    • Minimum of 3 years teaching experience
    • Knowledge or experience in instructional technology
    • Previous experience with mentoring
    • Master’s Degree or Technology Certifications
    • Provide access to a wide range of instructional technology experiences required by the candidate’s degree program (such as participating on school data teams, serving on the school technology committee, and conducting a technology inventory).
    • Facilitate, as necessary, the candidate’s access to school and/or district resources necessary to complete his or her field experiences.
    • If the candidate is unable to complete field experiences assigned by university faculty due to district or school constraints, working with the candidate and university faculty to identify appropriate alternative experiences.
    • Provide time for meaningful reflection on field experiences with the candidate.
    • Provide, as necessary, feedback to the candidate and/or university faculty on the mentor’s perceptions of the candidate’s growth as a technology facilitator in the school.
    • Complete university-required assessments of the candidate’s progress by completing the Candidate Performance Instrument (CPI) and Candidate Disposition Assessment (CDA) during the 3rd and 5th semesters.
    • The Ed.S. Advanced Track only enrolls in fall semesters
    • The application deadline is July 1
  • Visit the following web site and begin your graduate application!

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Deadline

Enrollment for Fall 2025 - Deadline - July 1, 2025

*The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology is a highly competitive program. There is a limited number of applicants that we can accept per semester.  Once we meet our capacity for the enrolling semester, you may be asked to update your application to a future semester at no charge.

Contact Us

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