Applications for Fall 2026 is closed.

Applications for Fall 2027 will open in August.

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).

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.

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.

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 – Preferred 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.
  • Interview – An interview may be required. If so, you will be contacted by the program to set up an interview.

Tuition & Fees

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

CHECK NOW

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.