Educational Communication and Technology

The Master of Arts in Educational Communication and Technology at New York University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students to become innovative leaders in the field of educational technology. This graduate program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, equipping students with the skills necessary to design, develop, implement, and evaluate educational and training programs across various settings, including K-12, higher education, corporate training, and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes understanding the cognitive and social processes involved in learning, alongside the technological tools that facilitate effective education. Students gain expertise in instructional design, multimedia production, e-learning development, and the integration of emerging technologies into pedagogical practices.

Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, enabling them to address real-world educational challenges. The program encourages collaboration among peers and faculty, promoting interdisciplinary approaches and fostering a global perspective on educational communication. Faculty members bring a wealth of practical experience and research expertise, guiding students through courses that cover topics such as instructional systems design, learning analytics, mobile learning, virtual reality, and the psychology of learning. The program also emphasizes research skills, preparing graduates to contribute to scholarly inquiry and to innovate within the educational technology landscape.

Students have opportunities to participate in internships, research assistantships, and collaborative projects with industry partners, which enhance their professional development and expand their networks. The Master's degree in Educational Communication and Technology aims to produce graduates capable of transforming educational practices and policies by leveraging technology effectively. Whether aspiring to work in academic institutions, corporate environments, or entrepreneurial ventures within educational technology, graduates will be well-equipped to lead projects and implement solutions that improve learning experiences globally. The program is committed to fostering lifelong learners who are dedicated to advancing the field through continuous inquiry, innovation, and leadership.

The Ph.D. in ECT is a 57 credit program, comprised of two major categories of course work: ECT coursework (21 credits); and "School-wide doctoral requirements" (36 credits), research- and dissertation-related coursework required of all doctoral students in The Steinhardt School. The Coordinator of the doctoral program and faculty academic advisors assist students in making course selections and planning course sequences both appropriate to general doctoral guidelines and relevant to students' individuals goals and interests (all ECT faculty serve as academic advisors to doctoral students). All courses taken must be at the graduate level which, at NYU, are numbered at the 2000- and 3000-levels (and at equivalent graduate levels in other schools at NYU, should doctoral students take their electives in NYU schools other than Steinhardt).

ECT Specialization Courses  (21 credits required)

Requirements

• ECT Foundations 
• E19.2174   Foundations of Cognitive Science  (3) 
• E19.2175   Foundations of the Learning Sciences  (3)

Doctoral Seminars 

• E19.3076   Advanced Seminar in Research & Practice in Instructional Technology (3)

Electives, selected remaining 12 credits from courses in these categories:

• ECT Foundations 
• Design Foundations 
• Design Electives 

Research Courses

Steinhardt Doctoral Requirements (36 credits required)

• Educational Foundations (6)
• Content Seminar, in ECT (3)
  E19.3311   Content Seminar: Research in Instructional Technology
• Research Electives  (15)
• Specialized Research Method (3)
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3)
• Cognates, professional electives related to specialization (6)

Requirements

The ECT PhD program is a highly competitive, fully funded program. Less than 5% of applicants are typically admitted. Applicants for the doctoral program are required to have:

1. A bachelor's and master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
2. A minimum cumulative grade credit average of 3.0 for the master's degree
3. Graduate Record Examination scores commensurate with graduate study
4. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take one of the following English proficiency exams and submit the scores: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. 

The following additional criteria will be used for all students:

1. Professional Interests and Career Goals
2. Knowledge of the Field of Educational Communication and Technology or Related Fields
3. Professional Experience in the Field and/or Contribution to Related Fields
4. Strong and Varied Communication Skills
5. Mature Professional Attributes
6. Scholarship and Research Potential

Part-time study is also possible when an individual's circumstances permit active participation in the scholarly community without allowing full-time participation in graduate studies (for example, when an applicant has full-time employment in a research-oriented job). The program is not focused on providing a credential to teach at the college level or on developing applied design skills beyond the Master's level; consider instead the Advanced Certificate. Part-time students are not eligible for fellowships or funding guarantees.

The Master of Arts in Educational Communication and Technology at New York University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for the program are competitive within the field of educational technology, and students are encouraged to explore multiple funding sources to offset costs. NYU provides various scholarships and fellowships specifically for graduate students, including merit-based awards for outstanding academic achievement and need-based grants to assist those with financial constraints. Additionally, potential students can apply for teaching assistantships and research assistantships, which often include stipends and tuition waivers, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience while reducing their financial burden. The university also offers external funding opportunities, such as government grants, private scholarships, and organizational sponsorships that students can pursue based on eligibility criteria. Students are advised to seek financial aid counseling through NYU’s Office of Financial Aid to navigate the application process effectively and to stay informed about deadlines and available resources. Furthermore, some students may consider student loans, which are available through federal or private lenders, to cover remaining costs not met by scholarships or stipends. The program's relatively flexible structure allows students to work part-time or engage in internships related to their field, providing additional income avenues. NYU’s financial aid policies emphasize transparency and support, aiming to make advanced education accessible to a diverse student body. Overall, prospective students should plan their finances carefully, considering the various scholarships, employment opportunities, and loan options, to ensure a manageable financial pathway through their Education Communication and Technology studies at NYU.

Educational Communication and Technology at New York University offers an innovative program designed to prepare students for advanced careers in educational design, technology integration, and media production within educational and corporate settings. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles from education, communication, and technology to foster effective learning environments. Students explore topics such as instructional design, multimedia development, e-learning technologies, and research methods, equipping them with both practical skills and theoretical foundations. The program aims to develop professionals capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating educational and training programs that leverage cutting-edge technological tools. Coursework often includes the development of interactive multimedia materials, analysis of learning theories, and the application of digital tools in educational contexts.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including media labs and instructional technology centers, that support hands-on learning. The program encourages collaboration with faculty involved in pioneering research and real-world projects, providing students with opportunities to engage in internships and industry partnerships. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work in various roles such as instructional designers, e-learning specialists, multimedia developers, corporate trainers, and education consultants. The program’s faculty consists of experts in educational technology, media production, and instructional design, ensuring updated and comprehensive instruction. The program also emphasizes research methods and the evaluation of learning interventions to ensure the continuous improvement of educational outcomes through technology. With an emphasis on practical application and innovative problem-solving, the Educational Communication and Technology program at NYU aims to cultivate a new generation of professionals capable of transforming education and training in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.