UCM Ranks Among Nation’s Best for Online Master’s in Educational and Instructional Technology

WARRENSBURG, MO – With its long-standing commitment to quality teacher preparation and professional development, the University of Central Missouri has been recognized as offering one of the nation’s Best Online Master's in Educational and Instructional Technology degrees.

UCM ranked 32nd among public and private colleges and universities throughout the nation that were included in this study conducted by Online Schools Report, a new authority in online education data.

In their online feature, Online Schools Report notes that the UCM program teaches students how to integrate technology into their classroom and manage current technological advancements.

Online Schools Report stated that in order to earn a master’s degree in educational and instructional technology, most programs will require applicants to show proof of an undergraduate degree prior to enrollment. Students are not required to have a certain undergraduate major in order to apply to most programs. Typically, applicants hold degrees in the study of education. Depending on the program, you may have to write a research-based thesis, take a capstone course, or pass an exit exam prior to graduating with your master’s degree.

“Best of all, this program can be completed entirely online, which means you can fit it into your schedule for maximum convenience,” according to Online Schools Report.

Ideally suited to educators who want to grow in their profession, UCM’s entirely online Master of Science in Educational Technology is designed to help individuals integrate technology into their teaching. It will help them with differentiated instruction, and it teaches them how to engage and motivate their students and assist students in obtaining higher-level learning. The online master’s degree builds upon a teacher’s prior educational coursework and supports their growth as an educator, allowing them to:

• Stay current with the fast pace of changing educational technology
• Improve their teaching, whether it be a k-20 classroom, library, or in the military or corporate training
• Become a leader in the school and be prepared to take on roles such as a technology coordinator or instructional coach.

In achieving its rankings, Online Schools Report synthesizes data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, and the College Scorecard. Ultimately, colleges are scored based on their commitment to online education, admission rates, student satisfaction, alumni debt, and specialty in the program in question.

Individuals who want to learn more about UCM’s MS in Educational Technology should contact Shantia Kerr Sims, associate professor of educational technology, at 660-543-4795 or skerr@ucmo.edu.