The Instructional Technology (IT) Ed.S. degree allows candidates to obtain an advanced degree in the rapidly growing field of instructional technology. School media specialists, technology coordinators, and other educators or trainers with a master’s degree in any field are invited to apply. 

There are four concentrations associated with this degree, depending on the certification desired by the candidate:

  1. Technology Applications; 
  2. P-12 Technology Applications with initial IT Certification; 
  3. P-12 Technology Applications with an In-Field Upgrade; and
  4. P-12 Technology Applications with School Library Media Certification.

Concentration 1 is intended for higher education and corporate personnel as well as out-of-state educators. By completing this degree, the candidate will receive a specialist degree in instructional technology but will not receive certification in any Georgia teaching or service field.

Concentration 2 is intended for P-12 school personnel wanting to add instructional technology to their Georgia educator certificate. By completing this specialist degree and passing the Georgia Content Assessment for the instructional technology field, previously certified Georgia educators will be eligible to upgrade their certificate to level 6 and add this area of instructional technology to their certificate.

Concentration 3 is intended for P-12 school personnel seeking an in-field upgrade to their existing Georgia educator certificate in the field of instructional technology. By completing this degree, the candidates will be eligible to upgrade their existing instructional technology certification to level 6. This concentration will not result in the field of instructional technology being added to the candidates' existing certificate as it must already be in place prior to admission to this concentration.

Concentration 4 is intended for P-12 school personnel seeking dual initial certification in instructional technology and school library media. By completing this degree and passing the Georgia Content Assessments for both the instructional technology and school library media fields, previously-certified Georgia educators will be eligible to upgrade their certificate to level 6 and add both instructional technology and/or school library media areas to their certificate.

The online program offers participants the opportunity to complete all coursework and field experiences remotely using the Internet and the VSU Course Management System. Because the online learning system is available continuously, candidates access their courses at their convenience using any computer connected to the Internet by a web browser. Experiential learning and application of knowledge are vital components of each class.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all graduate institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT) if required, completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements as listed on the Graduate School website, submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.

Admission Deadlines

  • Fall Deadline: March 15
  • Spring Deadline: November 15
  • No summer admission

More information is available through the Department of Leadership, Technology, and Workforce Development website.

Requirements for the Education Specialist Program with a Major in Instructional Technology

Technology Applications (Concentrations 1-3)

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Candidates will demonstrate an adequate understanding of the knowledge expected in their fields and delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards while simultaneously demonstrating professional growth and leadership.
  2. Candidates will use data and research to inform their practices in creating and using instructional technology.
  3. Candidates will demonstrate professionalism by using their knowledge and skills to create positive, effective, technology-enhanced environments for teaching and learning.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge through course-based content assessments, a state-based content exam, and/or a portfolio.
  2. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to use data and research to inform their practice through application and analysis of research-based literature and action research.
  3. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to create positive environments for teaching, training, and learning during collaborative class activities and field-based projects related to digital learning environments and technology integration.

Technology Applications Concentration (Concentration 1)

Professional Education3
ITED 8100Theories, Models, and Perspectives of Instructional Design and Technology3
Instructional Technology Core12
ITED 8200Instructional Design for Training and Education3
ITED 8300Technology Tools for Training and Education3
ITED 8500Leadership in Instructional Technology3
ITED 8700Designing Creative Learning for Students and Adults3
Research-based Pedagogy6
ITED 8970Action Research Methods and Planning3
ITED 8999Action Research Project3
Guided Electives9
Total Hours Required for the Degree30

P-12 Technology Applications with Initial IT Certification (Concentration 2)

Professional Education3
EDUC 5999Professional Orientation0
ITED 8100Theories, Models, and Perspectives of Instructional Design and Technology3
Instructional Technology Core 12
ITED 8200Instructional Design for Training and Education3
ITED 8300Technology Tools for Training and Education3
ITED 8500Leadership in Instructional Technology3
ITED 8700Designing Creative Learning for Students and Adults3
Research (in area of professional certification)6
ITED 8970Action Research Methods and Planning3
ITED 8999Action Research Project3
Guided Electives9
Total Hours Required for the Degree30

Prior to recommendation for instructional technology certification, the applicant must pass the GACE for Instructional Technology. All course work in the research sequence must be completed in the area of the candidate's prior certification.

P-12 Technology Applications with an In-Field Upgrade (Concentration 3)

Technology-Based Pedagogy12
CIED 7601Course Management Systems for E-Learning3
CIED 7602Resources and Strategies for E-Learning3
CIED 7603Design and Delivery of Instruction for E-Learning3
ITED 8700Designing Creative Learning for Students and Adults3
Research-Based Pedagogy9
ITED 8960Supporting Best Practices with Innovative Technologies3
ITED 8970Action Research Methods and Planning3
ITED 8999Action Research Project3
Guided Electives9
Total Hours Required for the Degree30

P-12 Technology Applications with School Library Media Certification (Concentration 4)

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Candidates will demonstrate an adequate understanding of the knowledge expected in their fields and delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards while simultaneously demonstrating professional growth and leadership.
  2. Candidates will use data and research to inform their practices and enhance their leadership role in creating, using, and managing instructional technology.
  3. Candidates will demonstrate professionalism by using their knowledge and skills to create positive, effective, technology-enhanced environments for teaching and learning.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge through course-based content assessments, a state-based content exam, and/or a portfolio.
  2. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to use data and research to inform their practice through application and analysis of research-based literature and course-based assignments.
  3. Candidates will demonstrate effect on student learning through development of an internship portfolio as well as demonstrate their ability to create positive environments for teaching, training, and learning during projects related to digital learning environments and technology integration.

School Library Media Concentration (Concentration 4)

Corequisite: Special Education Course for the Exceptional Child

Professional Education6
EDUC 5999Professional Orientation0
CIED 7060Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Integration3
ITED 8100Theories, Models, and Perspectives of Instructional Design and Technology3
Instructional Technology Core12
ITED 8200Instructional Design for Training and Education3
ITED 8300Technology Tools for Training and Education3
ITED 8500Leadership in Instructional Technology3
ITED 8700Designing Creative Learning for Students and Adults3
Library Media Specialization12
ITED 7201Information Resources and Services3
ITED 7202Collection Development and Maintenance3
ITED 7203Administering School Media Centers3
ITED 7204Literature for the P-12 School Librarian3
Internship/Professionalism6
Guided Elective3
ITED 8299Internship School Media Center3
Total Hours Required for the Degree36

Prior to recommendation for library media certification, applicant must pass GACE Content Assessment Test for Media Specialist and complete an approved program for recommendation for certification.