Program Description (Fully Online)

100% Online | 22 Courses | 66 Credit Hours

The Ed.D. in Instructional Technology Certification Track prepares candidates to effectively integrate technology into their own teaching practice and assist other educators in utilizing technology to improve the teaching and learning process. It also prepares candidates to model best practices in the use of instructional technologies and to provide high-quality professional learning experiences for others. Candidates will be prepared to integrate technology into their own classroom and serve in the role of a Technology Coach for a school or district.

At the state level, the Certification Track is aligned to the GaPSC Standards for Instructional Technology. Nationally, the Certification Track is aligned to the ISTE Standards for Educators (ISTE-E) developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Effective for Cohorts Starting FALL 2022:

The School of Instructional Technology & Innovation at KSU has been recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as an ISTE Certification Provider.  KSU is the first higher education program in Georgia to be awarded this distinction. What does this mean? Students enrolled in our Instructional Technology EDD certification track program will develop a portfolio based on the ISTE Standards for Educators (ISTE-E). Upon graduation, students may choose to submit their portfolio for $250 to ISTE for ISTE Certification. KSU will be the only institution in Georgia offering the opportunity to become certified by both the GaPSC and ISTE!

LENGTH of the program - Varies depending on the number of classes taken each semester and the length and scope of the dissertation.

Candidates must either be working in a classroom or have access to a classroom in order to implement class projects and complete the field experiences. Students take two courses each semester, including summers. There will be a few ONLINE synchronous sessions per class each semester.

Applications are now closed for the Fall 2025 cohort. Please consider applying for our Fall 2026 cohort. The application deadline for Fall 2026 is March 1, 2026

Georgia Educators

The Certification Track is designed for educators who are not currently certified in Instructional Technology. The Certification Track leads to the new S-7 certification (service field) in Instructional Technology and increases a Georgia T-6 certification to a T-7. To qualify for a certificate upgrade and salary increase (based upon the salary structure of your employing school system), you must pass the GACE assessment in Instructional Technology and add the new field to your certificate.

*NOTE - This program will NOT lead to initial GaPSC teacher certification.
*NOTE -  The GaPSC requires you to "pass" the GACE to add the new ITEC certification and upgrade your existing Georgia teaching certificate.
*NOTE - Please check with the GaPSC to ensure you will receive an upgrade. You should also check with your school/district to determine if you will receive a salary increase.
*NOTE - You do NOT need to be working in an Instructional Technology position to receive the upgrade! You can remain in the classroom. Please check with your district for any restrictions.

Transfer Credit

Students who complete their Ed.S. in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University may be able to apply 9 - 12 hours of their Ed.S. to the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology. Students who have completed their Ed.S. at other institutions within the last 5 years may have their transcripts analyzed to receive transfer credit toward the Ed.D. in Instructional Technology at KSU.

Chalk & Wire Account

All students must purchase a Chalk & Wire account (~$60/year) online from the KSU Bookstore if they do not already have an active account.

Program of Study

Core (15 Hours)

  • EDUC 8100 Advanced Study of Learning
  • EDRS 8100 Qualitative I
  • EDRS 8200 Quantitative I
  • EDRS 9300 Conceptual Frameworks & Research Design

  • EDRS 9100 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
    or
    EDRS 9200 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

Technology Coaching Track (27 Hours)

  • ITEC 7400 21st Century Teaching & Learning
  • ITEC 7430 Internet Tools in the Classroom
  • ITEC 7455 Digital Citizenship in Schools
  • ITEC 7305 Data Analysis & School Improvement
  • ITEC 7460 Professional Learning & Technology Innovation
  • ITEC 7480 Introduction to Online & Blended Learning
  • ITEC 7600 Personalized Learning in Technology-Rich Environments
  • ITEC 7500 Capstone Experience & Portfolio
  • ITEC 7485 Creating with Emerging Technologies

Advanced ITEC Courses (6 hours): 

  • ITEC 9100 Introduction to Doctoral Studies in Instructional Technology
  • ITEC 9400 Research & Theory in Instructional Technology.

Guided Electives (9 hours)

  • Guided electives selected with consultation of advisor. 

Dissertation (9 hours)

  • ITEC 9900 Dissertation Credit

Total - 66 hours

Instructional Technology Courses

  • In this course, educators will learn to utilize data to identify school improvement needs and make informed decisions in effectuating change. The ultimate goal of this course is to produce educational leaders who effectively collect, analyze and use data to improve schools through successfully demonstrated change models. In this course, educators will learn to systemically collect and analyze multiple sources of data to identify improvement needs, determine an effective response, monitor and correct progress, and demonstrate success to stakeholders. Additionally, students will learn to drive and sustain change in a collegial environment, culminating in students’ understanding of, and ability to use, a wide range of applicable leadership practices. Finally, students will learn a variety of technology tools to use for data analysis. They will also learn a variety of Web 2.0 tools to facilitate school communication.
  • This course introduces candidates to technologies available in schools and explores technology integration frameworks grounded in research-based pedagogical strategies to maximize student engagement. Candidates will design exemplary technology-supported learning experiences that foster higher-order thinking, collaboration, authentic/meaningful learning tasks, and achievement of student content and technology standards. Candidates will also learn how to coach other educators toward higher levels of technology implementation. Appropriate for classroom teachers and other educational leaders interested in increasing effective technology-supported instructional practices in their schools.
  • In this course, we use the design process to create learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, and support learner agency. We will explore how emerging technologies can be used to nurture creative expression. Topics in this course may include the following: active learning spaces, adaptive learning technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), coding, computational thinking, game-based learning, learning analytics, machine learning, open educational resources (OER), and other emerging trends. In addition, throughout the course, we will engage in digital tinkering in order to develop an innovative digital project with students.
  • This course introduces candidates to methods and strategies for using the Internet effectively in the classroom. Students will experience a variety of Internet technologies and develop strategies for classroom implementation. The course includes guided tours of some of the best educational sites on the World Wide Web and explores ways to integrate use of the Internet into an educational setting. This course introduces students to systematic instructional methods and models for using the Internet effectively in the classroom. Candidates will create lessons that are current, highly motivating, and mentally engaging.
  • To foster digital citizenship in P-12 schools and among their students, this course provides candidates with knowledge of digital citizenship and the skills and procedures to design and implement technology-enhanced learning that inspires students to positively contribute and responsibly participate while online and beyond. Through this course, candidates will explore multiple elements of digital citizenship to design and implement lessons that build relationships in online contexts and foster both digital literacy and media fluency, as well as mentor and model for students to facilitate appropriate online practices and protections.
  • This course prepares educators to join local and global learning networks for professional learning and serve as instructional technology coaches, providing quality instructional coaching to their peers. Learners are prepared to join local and global learning networks, build partnerships with school leadership, conduct individual need assessments of teacher technology use, establish coaching relationships, and design high-quality professional
    learning experiences that help other educators apply technology to enhance professional practice. Candidates learn to apply change models and diffusion theory in order to implement technology innovations in classrooms.
  • This course explores principles for effective online and blended learning and provides an
    introduction to key terms, issues, policies, challenges, and emerging trends in the field. Topics include published standards for quality online teaching and course design, accessibility to online courses, online assessment principles, accommodations for students with disabilities, strategies for supporting cultural and linguistic diversity, internet safety, student privacy and copyright. Candidates learn pedagogical strategies for use in an online learning environment and apply them to their certification field.
  • This three-credit hour course represents the culminating experience for the initial-certification programs in Instructional Technology. Through the creation of a portfolio, students document mastery of the Georgia PSC Instructional Technology standards. The portfolio documents the candidate’s ability to provide technology facilitation at the building level as well as their expertise as an Instructional Technology educator. The portfolio serves as a systematic, reflection-in-action approach to problem solving and decision-making, providing a detailed authentic picture of the candidate’s professional practice and reflective analysis of the integration of courses taken supported by theory. Changes in classroom practices and vision will be included.
  • This course introduces classroom teachers to personalized learning in technology-rich environments. Candidates will learn various theories and rationale for personalized learning as well as definitions, state standards, and key components of personalized learning. Candidates will devise a plan for implementing personalized learning. The plan will include personalized learning principles and learning standards to address instructional strategies and components of personalized learning and technologies that support personalized learning environments. This course provides the candidate with a broader initial understanding of how personalized learning came about and foundational knowledge of how to create a personalized learning environment enabled by technologies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Please gather your teaching certificate, evaluation form, mentor form, and resume before applying so you can upload these documents before submitting your application.

    1. Complete the Online Graduate Application.
    2. Submit GRE Scores from within the last five years.
    3. Obtain and submit official transcripts from EACH college attended, including those institutions where degrees were NOT earned. Official transcripts are those in a university sealed envelope. Your transcripts should reflect at least a Bachelor's degree with at least a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

      Official transcripts can be e-mailed directly from the institution to KSU at ksugrad@kennesaw.edu or mailed directly from the institution to KSU at the address below:

      Kennesaw State University
      Office of Graduate Admissions
      3391 Town Point Drive
      Mailbox #9109
      Kennesaw, GA 30144

    4. Obtain and submit a copy of your Teaching Certificate or a departmentally-approved equivalent. To print a copy of your Georgia clear, renewable certificate, you may log onto www.gapsc.com. The Department of ITEC recognizes and appreciates that many independent schools and 21st century learning environments do not require educators to hold traditional state teaching certification.  In such instances, the Department will make a case-by-case determination as to whether the educator's qualifications are sufficiently equivalent to a traditional teaching certificate and/or whether the educator has the background necessary to ensure successful completion of the program.
    5. Obtain and submit ONE Mentor Form.
      This should be from a current administrator, Instructional Lead Teacher, Instructional Technology Specialist, media specialist, teacher, etc. at the building or district levels with instructional technology knowledge and experience.
      (form provided above). 
    6. Obtain and submit a Professional Resume documenting statement of purpose for wanting the degree, education, teaching experience, volunteer and service accomplishments, and record of leadership activities. Your resume MUST reflect, at least, three years of teaching and/or administrative experience.
    7. Write and submit a Professional Reflections Statement. Write a 1-3 single-spaced page(s) professional reflections statement which addresses the following questions: Why are you interested in the field of instructional technology? Why are you interested in pursuing a doctoral degree? What are your career plans after completing your Ed.D. degree? What areas of research are you interested in exploring and/or conducting? Which faculty members would you be most interested in working with in regards to your research and/or career goals?
    8. Submit a copy of the Transfer Credit Request Form if applicable.
    9. International Applicants Only: Please contact 770-499-3002 for all international admission requirements related to your citizenship or visa status OR link to the Graduate International Admissions page.

    If you do not upload your teaching certificate, evaluation form, mentor form and/or resume before submitting your application, please e-mail them to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu or mail them to the address below:

    Kennesaw State University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    3391 Town Point Drive
    Mailbox #9109
    Kennesaw, GA 30144

  • The Ed.D. in Instructional Technology upgrades a Georgia S-6 to a S-7 and a T-6 to a T-7. While compensation should be reviewed with your school/district, under current regulations educators are usually paid on their highest certificate level (4, 5, 6, or 7). If your salary is based on your Georgia certificate level, you should receive a salary increase. According to the GaPSC, you do not have to hold an Instructional Technology position to receive the certificate upgrade. Please check with your school/district on any policies that may be contrary to this information. If you have questions regarding your individual certification status, you should check with the PSC at www.gapsc.com.
  • The GRE is required for the Ed.D. program in Instructional Technology. The GRE will be utilized with other admission criteria to determine program eligibility. Although no minimum scores are required, candidates are encouraged to prepare and score well, particularly on the Analytical/Writing score portion of the exam, since admission to the program is extremely competitive.
  • The program is 66 credit hours long. However, the length of the program varies depending on transfer credit and/or the length it takes for candidates to complete the dissertation.

  • Beginning Fall 2024, the e-tuition rate for the fully online doctoral program in Instructional Technology-Cert Track is $393 per credit hour + $340 online learning fee each semester. Books and one-time graduation fee ($50) are additional costs. The length and program of study for doctoral studies can vary based on transfer credit and the pace of dissertation completion. 

    Please, keep in mind that tuition rates are subject to change without notice. To see the latest cost per credit hour, please select the “E-Tuition and Fees” link on /fiscalservices.kennesaw.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/tuition-fees.  After downloading the PDF, see "Graduate Online Student-E-Tuition Credit Hours."

  • Unfortunately, the legislature has discontinued Hope Scholarship for Teachers, but there may be other financial aid options for you. KSU has a financial aid office to assist you. Please, visit following website describing the financial aid options for graduate students: graduate.kennesaw.edu/admissions/graduate/ If you are seeking financial aid and have questions or need assistance, please contact financialaid.kennesaw.edu/contact-counselor.

    If you find you are not eligible for financial aid, remember there are tax credits for continuing education, a salary increase following your graduation, and deferred payment on some student loans while still in school. If you are paying your own way, you will find Kennesaw’s public university tuition and fees are quite reasonable compared to private institutions. You also will find that paying over the course of a two-year program is more financially feasible than one-year, accelerated programs.

  • Our faculty members and instructors are typically former K-12 teachers, who are still active in partnerships with K-12 schools. Many have also held key leadership positions at the school, district, state, and national levels. We are familiar with schools. We use the tools you have in schools and help you understand district policies and planning processes related to technology. Our faculty have excellent academic credentials and are actively pursuing research in their fields of study. You will become part of a regional and national network of technology leaders. Our curriculum is practical—based on projects you will complete in your own schools. Our program will prepare you for advanced study, should you decide to pursue an Ed.S., Ed.D. or Ph.D. program in the future.

Admission Requirements

Must possess the following beyond the general KSU Graduate College Admission Requirements: 

  • Degree – Master’s degree in professional education or a related field.  
  • Certificate – Uploaded to graduate application. Current clear, renewable Georgia Teaching Certificate OR a departmentally approved equivalent (for non-Georgia or non-certified individuals). To print a copy of your clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificate, you may log into your MyPSC account.  Must NOT already hold the Instructional Technology field on your PSC certificate.  
  • Employment – Required full-time employment as a K-12 professional educator or access to a K-12 educational setting for the completion of field-based assessments and experiences.
  • Résumé or Professional Vitae – Uploaded to graduate application. Professional resume documents statement of purpose for wanting the degree, education, and teaching experiences. Other information such as volunteer and service accomplishments and record of educational leadership activities are also welcome.  
  • Experience – Minimum of THREE (3) years of professional teaching administrative experience (or a combination thereof), or a related role serving B-12 education.  
  • Mentor Form –  this program requires that you have a qualified mentor, who meets the GaPSC Mentor requirements, at each phase in your program. The ITEC Mentor Form provides instructions and requirements.  Completed form must be uploaded to graduate application. Individuals employed in a private school setting will need to reach out to the Bagwell Certification Officer for further guidance.  
  • Professional Reflections Statement – Uploaded to graduate application. Write a 1-3 single-spaced page(s) professional reflections statement which addresses the following questions:  
    1. Why are you interested in the field of instructional technology?  
    2. Why are you interested in pursuing a doctoral degree?  
    3. What are your career plans after completing your Ed.D. degree?  
    4. What areas of research are you interested in exploring and/or conducting?  
    5. Which faculty members would you be most interested in working with regarding your research and/or career goals?
  • GRE – Competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score and Graduate GPA. The GPA and GRE will be utilized with other admission criteria to determine program eligibility. Although no minimum scores are required, candidates are encouraged to prepare and score well since admission to the program is competitive. Please note: The Analytical/Writing score one receives as part of the GRE exam is used competitively in the admission review process.  It is strongly encouraged for applicants to do well on this portion of the exam. GRE scores must be from within the last five years.  

Tuition & Fees

Expenses include in-state tuition, out of state tuition, mandatory student fees and other special fees.

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Deadline

Enrollment for Fall - Deadline - March 1

 

 

Contact Us

For more information on graduate admissions, please email DegreeUp@kennesaw.edu.

For more information, please e-mail Dr. Julie Moore, Ed.D. Program Coordinator  or call the ITEC Department at (470) 578-3262.