SUNY Potsdam Launches Online Master's Degree in Educational Technology Specialist

SUNY Potsdam Adds to its Growing List of Virtual Graduate Programs, with New M.S.Ed. in Educational Technology Specialist

Potsdam, NY (04/28/2022) — SUNY Potsdam continues to expand its growing list of flexible graduate programs, with the new fully online Master of Science in Education degree in educational technology specialist.

The program leads to professional certification, and prepares students to be leaders in K-12 schools, creating and managing highly engaging learning environments.

"This program prepares graduates for rewarding careers as educational technology leaders in the K-12 sector, and it brings with it New York State certification. We teach students that access to high quality learning is the most important problem facing education in the 21st century, and we give them the tools to help tackle the big problems in this space. Moving the degree 100 percent online will both help open up access to our programs, but also to help candidates in turn improve access to learning for their students. In short, we teach our students to go out there and make a difference and be a force for positive change," said Dr. Anthony Betrus '93 & '94, a professor of educational technology and management, who oversees the program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of instructional coordinators is expected to grow 10 percent over the next decade. The vast majority of people in the career field work in elementary and secondary schools, with a median annual wage of $75,840 for those working in K-12 educational environments.

"This program was the single most important foundational experience in my professional career. The skills I learned prepared me to better teach and develop curriculum for students and educators across the country, and the connections I made have lasted long beyond my time on campus," said Marshall Hughes '12, a Makerspace teacher for Cannon School in Concord, N.C.

For students holding an initial teaching certification, this degree leads to recommendation for an additional New York certification as an Educational Technology Specialist, and satisfies the academic requirements for professional certification. The educational technology specialist program meets the standards established by the New York State Education Department and is certified by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

"This is easily the most incredible program you can experience at SUNY Potsdam. I use the knowledge and skills I cultivated in this program every day in my instruction. It's one of the most valuable paths you can take," said Justin Toombs '16 & '18, a technology teacher at Lockport (N.Y.) City School District.

Courses are offered fully online, and include asynchronous, synchronous and extended reality interactions among the students and faculty. The program is jointly administered by the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Advanced Studies in Education.

The educational technology specialist program is 36 credits, and can be completed in as little as three semesters, full-time. Admission is on a rolling basis, and students can start in either the spring, fall or summer semesters. To find out more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS/BusinessAdmin/programs/msed-educational-technology-specialist.

SUNY Potsdam also offers a fully online Master of Science degree in instructional design and educational technology -- a great fit for individuals interested in the growing field, but who aren't interested in pursuing professional certification.

To find out about SUNY Potsdam's growing list of virtual graduate programs, visit www.potsdam.edu/online.

The School of Education and Professional Studies at SUNY Potsdam has been preparing educators for more than 200 years. Today, that legacy of educational excellence also stretches to undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, public health and human performance, to help students prepare for professions in the global economy. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS.

SUNY Potsdam's Department of Business Administration program provides students with an understanding of how for-profit and not-for-profit organizations function effectively and efficiently. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting, finance, human resources, law, management, marketing, information technology and operations. For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS/BusinessAdmin.

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