Program Information

Our students include:

K-12 Educators

• K-12 educators integrating technology, leading school-wide innovation, or both
• Teacher librarians (or teachers aspiring to this role) preparing for roles that include digital technology leadership

Higher Education & Beyond

• Instructional designers and technology support specialists in higher education or nonprofit settings
• Technology coordinators and trainers seeking formal leadership preparation

Doctoral Preparation

• Anyone preparing for doctoral studies in educational technology or learning sciences

100% online. 100% connected.

The MS in Educational Technology & Media Leadership is designed for working educators and instructional professionals seeking career advancement and meaningful collaboration. Our synchronous class sessions—offered evenings and Saturdays for working professionals—mean you'll tackle problems together, debate strategies, and build relationships with peers across California and beyond. Experience the flexibility of online learning with the genuine engagement of real-time collaboration.

AI literacy and leadership—with critical perspective

Educational institutions are grappling with AI, often making adoption decisions without adequate critical analysis. We prepare you to do more than adopt new tools—we prepare you to ask the right questions and lead responsibly.  You'll gain hands-on experience using generative AI to enhance learning, while also examining critical questions too often left unexamined: How does AI affect educational equity? What are the implications for student agency and authentic learning? How do we balance innovation with privacy, bias, and ethical concerns? In a field moving fast, you'll graduate equipped to slow down, ask the right questions, and lead AI adoption that serves your learning community.

A specialized path for teacher librarians

PK-12 teacher librarians are technology leaders whether their job title says so or not. We offer the only MS in Educational Technology in California with a pathway to the Teacher Librarian Services Credential. This pathway emphasizes technology integration and includes coursework for Special Class Authorization in Information and Digital Literacies—ideal for teachers ready to expand their impact school-wide.

Experienced faculty with practical expertise

Our three tenured faculty members and four experienced instructors bring 100+ combined years at CSULB. They also bring real-world experience leading technology initiatives.

A career network that lasts

Join a community of current students and alumni working across California. Our graduates work across the educational spectrum, leading technology integration, instructional design, and digital innovation wherever learning happens.

Program Pathways
Students complete the program through one of two pathways.

1. Action Research Pathway
   Students in this pathway apply what they learn to a practical setting. Within this pathway, students may choose the Teacher Librarian option, which leads to the Teacher Librarian Services Credential and includes ETEC 580 Field Experience as a required course.
2. Thesis Pathway
   Students in this pathway conduct an original thesis research project. 

Electives
Electives apply only to students in the Action Research Pathway who are not in the Teacher Librarian option. These students select 6 units of electives in consultation with their faculty advisor. With advisor approval, up to 6 units of coursework completed for a post-baccalaureate teaching credential at an accredited institution may count toward this requirement.  Although all required core courses are offered online, electives may be taken online, in hybrid format, or face-to-face, depending on course availability and student interest.

Field Experience
Students can gain hands-on experience in K–12 and higher education settings. Field experience can focus on areas such as integrating technology into teaching, technology consulting and support, assistive technology, and K–12 librarianship. Field experience is required for students in the Teacher Librarian option and available as an option for other students. For details, see ETEC 580 Field Experience.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Disability Studies
MS students may also pursue additional training in disability studies through the Graduate Certificate in Applied Disability Studies.

What Our Alumni Say:

"This degree has given me the confidence and skills to use the latest technology in my classroom. I can adapt digital lessons for my visually impaired students with ease and have incorporated AI and virtual reality into my lessons. My administration and colleagues now come to me as a tech leader at our school."

- Ashley B., Middle School Teacher & Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Coordinator

“It had a tremendous impact being a student in the program, because it opened up a lot of doors…The leadership role that I’ve taken on now has really been framed and really molded by what I learned here.” 

- Javier D, Instructional Technology Coach, LBUSD

“Achieving the degree has given me a boost of confidence, both personally and professionally, that I use every day as I navigate within the world of academic technology. 

- Khaoi M., Interim Executive Director, North Orange County Community College District

"One of my most memorable experiences was the group work with fellow cohort members, who came from different areas of education. I learned immensely from my peers, who all shared unique perspectives. By hearing their stories, this enriched my learning experience."

- Regina I., Web and Social Media Manager, Santa Monica College

Our alumni have built successful careers across educational technology. 

See Our alumni Career Spotlight  for more information.