Education and Technology, Ed.S.

Program Description

The Education Specialist (Ed.S) in Education and Technology is an advanced degree program designed to empower educators with the specialized skills needed to innovate in today’s tech-driven educational environments.  This program prepares graduates for influential roles in educational institutions, providing them with the knowledge and skills to help their students navigate future tech-focused career opportunities.  The entire program is delivered online, allowing flexibility for working educators.

Location: Online
 

Teacher Certification

It is not necessary to have either an undergraduate degree in education or teacher certification to enter the ESET program. However, students without teaching degrees and/or certification should be aware that the ESET program does not lead to teacher certification in South Dakota in educational technology unless the individual holds or is eligible for a basic elementary, secondary, or K-12 teaching certification. The degree does prepare individuals for technology support positions in K-12 schools that do not require teacher certification (i.e., facilitator, integrationist).

ESET graduates may also be eligible for certification/endorsement in other states, but because teacher certification/licensure requirements vary among states, Dakota State University cannot guarantee the graduate will be immediately certified/endorsed in a particular state. To obtain specific requirements, contact the Certification Officer in the College of Education & Human Performance.

The ESET degree does have special benefits for individuals who hold or are eligible for teaching certification. These students may earn the K-12 Educational Technology Endorsement by completing specified courses within the ESET program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Ed.S. in Education and Technology program, students will demonstrate the following competencies from core courses:

• Design a technology integration plan that aligns with instructional goals, demonstrates best practices in active learning, and includes a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional technology.
• Analyze educational technology research and apply findings to evaluate and refine instructional practices or technology tools used in professional settings.

The ESET degree is an advanced degree designed to equip educators to be:

• leaders in educational technology;
• current in teaching and learning processes and practices;
• current in research technologies and instructional programming skills;
• knowledgeable of emerging technologies; and
• knowledgeable of current, technology-based educational tools and products.

Specifically by the end of the program ESET graduates will understand the capabilities of the computer (in all its forms) and its potential impact upon education. 

The program integrates a highly technological environment with a project-based curriculum. Its focus is supported by an institutionally systemic belief that there is a substantial role for technology in teaching and learning in all educational environments.

Program Completion

The program can be taken on a full or part-time basis, with classes offered in three academic terms, fall, spring, and summer. The time it takes students to complete their degree depends upon the number of credit hours they have taken per semester. Full-time students (6 credit hours per semester) will probably complete the 30-credit hour requirement in 3-4 semesters. Students must complete the program within 5 years of the semester of their admission.

Admission Requirements Specific to the ESET

The Dakota State University Education Specialist in Education and Technology program seeks highly motivated individuals with educational and professional credentials that will enable them to be successful graduate students. Admission to the program is based upon a combination of the following requirements:

1. Masters degree from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree (cannot be the MSET degree from DSU).
2. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on an alternative grading system).
3. Demonstrated basic knowledge of computers and their applications for educational purposes. Basic knowledge can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
   • Technology endorsement from an accredited university;
   • In-service position as full or part-time technology coordinator, integrationist, or facilitator in a public school;
   • Instructional designer/trainer, or distance education support specialist in higher education or business/industry, or
   • Personal or professional development experiences that indicate computer experiences.
4. Personal/Professional Statement of Educational Goals: Please attach a personal/professional statement describing your educational and personal goals in applying to the ESET program. This can include what you hope to achieve in the program, your educational objectives, skills and experiences using educational/instructional technology in the classroom, and your long-range career objectives as they relate to technology application for learning, training and instruction. The essay should be 250 to 400 words and should not exceed two pages.

Program Faculty:

Kindra Schneider (Department Chair), Katie Anderson, Tom Farrell, Mark Hawkes, Sheila Mulder, Jennifer Nash, Megan Schuh, Kevin Smith

Program Requirements

The program requires a total of 30 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. All students must take the following:

• Four required courses (12 credit hours); and
• One Specialization (18 credit hours)