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Specializations & Curriculum
Master of Education Specialization: Technology and Innovation
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MEd SPECIALIZATION OVERVIEW: HARNESSING THE POWER OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Technology is rapidly changing the face of education — both by creating powerful new learning tools and strategies and by facilitating remote and virtual education. This Master of Education degree specialization is focused on helping educators develop a deep understanding of how traditional educational research, standards, frameworks, techniques and best practices can be integrated with technology to promote equitable and engaging digital learning experiences for all learners. The program supports degree candidates in developing the knowledge and skills to become transformative, networked K-12 educational technology leaders capable of integrating traditional pedagogical practices with current technology tools.
Course of Study
Earn this University of San Diego Master of Education degree by completing 10 courses (3 units each): 5 core courses, 4 EdTech specialization courses, and 1 (elective) from one of the following USD MEd specialization tracks:
- Inclusive Learning – Special Education and Universal Design (UDL)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM)
- School Leadership
A Capstone Seminar is the final course in the program and builds on knowledge gained in the research and specialization courses.
What Makes USD’s Master of Education in Technology and Innovation Different?
The program is designed with the latest tools and educational technology in mind, assuring that educators stay on the cutting edge as they enter the industry following graduation.
What Skills Will This Program Help You Gain?
From lessons in cognition and learning to social justice and educational equity, courses are designed to cover a wide range of topics throughout the program. Regardless of your specialty or background, these are some of the skills you can count on gaining:
- Leadership lessons to build confidence in overcoming challenges presented to you and your educational team
- Research methodologies — quantitative and qualitative, mixed and action research frameworks
- Analytical abilities, with a specific focus on diversity, inequality, conflict and social justice within a school setting
- Change-making skills, including a course that highlights how educational technology can help promote social change. Students are challenged to think about how technology impacts our daily lives and the ways in which we learn.
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicted a 7% increase in instructional coordinator positions from 2021 to 2031 — about as fast as the 5% average growth rate for all occupations. About 20,900 openings for instructional coordinators are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
The vast majority of people earning jobs in the field have a master’s degree, according to the BLS outlook. A master’s degree in educational technology and innovation qualifies graduates for a range of titles including:
- Technology teacher
- Instructional designer
- Virtual teacher
- STEM/STEAM teacher/coordinator
- School administrator
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important quality indicator for college and university degree programs, generally regarded as a stamp of approval that ensures you will be able to apply for financial aid and transfer your credits if you decide to switch schools. Most state universities and private non-profit universities will have a regional accreditation, which is the most widely accepted and trusted in terms of transfer credit and eligibility for employer tuition assistance programs. The University of San Diego has regional accreditation.
The WASC Senior College and University Commission – WASC is a regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as certifying institutional eligibility for federal funding in a number of programs, including student access to federal financial aid. Learn more about the importance of selecting a regionally accredited program.
Frequently Asked Questions
PROGRAM COURSE CURRICULUM
The Master of Education: Technology and Innovation specialization program spans five semesters and includes a mandatory orientation course. Each semester is 14 weeks and is split into two different 7-week courses. Below is a sample outline of what the span of the Master of Education: Technology and Innovation master’s degree specialization program may look like:
EDUC 519 – Instructional Design for Leaders is a 2023 Exemplary Course Program Award Winner!
Orientation
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This course introduces you to the University of San Diego and provides important information about the program. Throughout the orientation, … |
Semester 1
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Analysis of the American educational system with a particular focus on issues of diversity, inequity, conflict and social justice within a s… |
3 |
|
In this course, students plan, develop, evaluate and manage the implementation of technology in various learning environments so that all st… |
3 |
Semester 2
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Explore key cognitive studies on human cognition and learning. You will critically discuss research and contemporary debates on cognitive pr… |
3 |
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This course addresses the systematic design of learning experiences and environments. Students learn about the use of instructional design (… |
3 |
Semester 3
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to the major educational research methods and paradigms with an emphasis on reflective, practitioner-directed inquiry. The cour… |
3 |
|
This course will address virtual learning by using technology and digitized learning education material that is accessible for all types of … |
3 |
Semester 4
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Applied exploration of qualitative research methodologies such as ethnography, grounded theory, case-study and cross-case comparisons, surve… |
3 |
|
Changemaking involves taking creative action to solve a social problem. Schools and companies are incorporating emerging technologies (e.g.,… |
3 |
Semester 5
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
The capstone seminar is the final course in the on-line M.Ed. program sequence. This course supports candidates as they engage in an action … |
3 |
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In this course, students plan, develop, evaluate and manage the implementation of technology in various learning environments so that all st… |
3 |
|
Investigation of strategies used to build and sustain effective site-based professional learning communities. Targeted focus on how to struc… |
3 |
|
Examination of research, policy and practice of co-teaching and collaboration models that support general education and special education st… |
3 |
Only Capstone Seminar [EDUC 550] is a core course, students can choose any one elective from the other four listed courses for Semester 5.
DEGREE PLAN
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year to begin their program during one of three terms (spring, summer or fall). Students will take two courses during each 14-week term, focusing on one seven-week course at a time. This master’s degree program can be completed, on average, in five terms (20 months).
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term will be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
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