Online Master's Program in Educational Technology is Ranked No. 18

An online degree program from the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas is ranked among the 25 Best Online Master in Educational Technology Degree Programs in the nation, according to The Best Schools website.

“It is great to get recognition,” said Cheryl Murphy, an associate professor in the educational technology program and director of distance education for the college. “It is a great program.”

TheBestSchools.org ranked U of A’s master’s degree in educational technology No. 18, based on academic excellence, range of available classes, faculty strength, rakings and reputation, according to the site. TheBestSchools.org is an independent organization, a leading resource for campus and online education information.

“Yes, we do have outstanding faculty, but we also have the curriculum that meets the needs of students and employers,” Murphy said. “The graduates who emerge from our program are well trained and very successful, and we are proud of that.”

The educational technology program, housed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, shows students how to use technology tools and teaching techniques to enhance and improve traditional learning methods, either online or face to face. It focuses on instructional design, distance education, training and development, teacher education and the use of instructional technologies. Students also submit an e-portfolio project.

“Our graduates are greatly enhancing our reputation because of their skills in the workplace,” Murphy said. “This recognition is as much of a reflection on the program’s graduates as it is of the program.”

Providing support services for online students is important to a program’s reputation too, Murphy said. U of A online students have access to tutoring, advising, career support, libraries, writing assistance and technology assistance. The Global Campus provides support to colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online and distance education offerings.

The master’s degree in educational technology is one of more than 30 programs offered completely or primarily online by the University of Arkansas.