Frequently Asked Questions
For both Ed.S. and Ed.D. Programs
What is required to apply? Do I have to take the GRE?
The GRE is not required to apply to either program.
Do I have to come to Boise to take any classes, or participate in other activities like seminars?
We’d love to have you – it’s a great city! However, the program is entirely online, and there are no on-campus requirements, even in the summer.
How much does it cost?
We provide exceptional value for our masters degree program, and this will continue for the doctorate. Our current tuition rates are found here: https://www.boisestate.edu/education-edtech/future-students/. You may note that 600-level classes have a different fee than 500-level classes. The 600-level classes are EdS and EdD core courses, whereas 500-level courses are used by any graduate student to either complete a cognate, electives, or even a formal certificate program if one so desires.
NOTE: Benefit-eligible employees at Boise State and other participating Idaho institutions CAN use the tuition waiver benefit to pay tuition costs. Please talk to your HR representative for more details.
When can I start?
Ed.D. : We start once per year, in the fall semester.
Ed.S. : Students can start the Ed.S. in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Can I transfer courses from my other graduate work?
Yes. See the Transfer Course Policy and Carry-over Course Policy in this document for more details.
How long does it take to complete?
This will vary from student to student, but students who enrolled part-time can potentially complete the Ed.S. program in 1.5 to 2 years. The doctoral program takes most students 3.5 to 4 years to complete (this is not a guarantee and it depends on courses a student must take and her or his choice of dissertation study).
Do I have to have a master’s degree in EdTech or background as a teacher?
Though some preference will be given to those with a background in educational technology or in teaching / educational leadership, it is NOT a requirement for admittance to either program.
Can I get a graduate assistantship while in the program?
A very limited number of assistantships will be available, and the selection for them is very competitive. The availability is in large part based on grants or contracts being undertaken by departmental faculty.
Are classes synchronous or asynchronous?
Nearly all of our classes are almost entirely asynchronous, which means there are very few times during a semester that you have to be online on a specific day at a specific hour. We do have some mandatory sessions, however, mostly related to helping 1st and 2nd year students understand more about research, finding resources, and expectations we have about various milestones. We also use synchronous sessions to help build community. In any given semester, there might be 4-5 such synchronous session. These mostly happen on a Wednesday or Thursday evening, starting about 6:30 pm Mountain Time. If a student lives in a place that makes attendance at the sessions impossible (for example, they are at 3:00 am local time), we will work with the student to get credit for the synchronous requirements.
Which Learning Management System do you use? What other softwares / technologies do you use?
We use Canvas for our LMS, and we use Zoom for synchronous communication. We rely quite heavily on Boise State’s instance of GoogleDrive. Students eventually have to get access to SPSS when they take EDTECH 651, which has a student license available. If students take the advanced qualitative analysis course (which is a choice they have in their 3rd year), they are expected have a license for NVivo. Students are expected to have a newer computer, working camera & mic, and regular access to high-speed internet.
Doctoral Program Specific Questions
What is a Cohort? How strict is it?
A cohort is a group of doctoral students who start in the fall semester of a given year. Some might have already completed a number of credits that can be used for the doctoral program, whereas others might be relatively new to the field of educational technology or might not have credits they can use. As such, cohort members achieve milestones at different times, which is acceptable. Our cohorts take most of the same courses together for the first four semesters, including EDTECH 698: Doctoral Seminar. Our purpose in creating a cohort is to help build a network of collaborative professional students who can share ideas (and encouragement) with each other. If a student must take a leave of absence (due to a serious medical issue or family event, etc.), this can be approved by the program coordinators. While the “cohort” does not change if a leave is taken, the student will necessarily be enrolled in classes at a future point with students in newer cohorts. The EdS program does not have a cohort system.
Am I expected to stay within a cohort?
Incoming classes start at the same time (in the fall), and all new students will take at least the first course together (EDTECH 601), but students do not have to take certain courses at certain times. There is an expectation that students will enroll in 7 credit hours per semester in their first four regular semesters. Even though students can choose classes as they need them, not all classes will be available each semester – so students must pay particular attention to the “Program Development Form” that they will create with their advisor once they enroll.