By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO—Beginning in fall of 2014, the University of Montevallo will offer an educational specialist degree in instructional technology.

The new degree is designed to “address identified regional and national needs as the use of technology in schools and other educational settings continues to grow,” according to a statement from the university.

“For years, Montevallo has delivered a quality program for the development of leaders for Alabama’s schools,” Dr. Anna McEwan, dean of the college of education, wrote in a press release from the university. “Launching a program that focuses on technology leadership seemed to be a natural extension for us.”

The program is designed to “meet the requirements of working professionals in a variety of settings, but will focus on preparing technology leaders for P-12 schools and school district offices,” according to the university.

The two faculty members assigned to the program hold doctoral degrees in instructional technology and, combined, have 12 years of experience as technology specialists in local school districts. Both are members of the International Society for Technology in Education and the Alabama Educational Technology Association.

The degree will be delivered entirely online and may be complete in five to six academic terms. To be eligible to enroll in the program, and individual must hold a master’s degree.

For more information about the program, visit Montevallo.edu or call 665-6360.