Program areas
PLA credits are available within the following program areas.
As a first step, be sure to review the PLA program details for your program of interest and then contact the program coordinator to discuss your prior learning and work experience.
Early Childhood Education
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Early childhood certification seekers who have extensive experience in prekindergarten classrooms prior to their PreK internship are eligible for PLA credits.
Application must be submitted and vetted prior to the time they would expect to take their preK internship (ED 4090/4700).
Educational Leadership
PLA credits are available within five different Educational Leadership graduate degree programs:
- Ph.D. in Educational Leadership: K-12 Leadership
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Central Office Leadership
- MA in Ed. Leadership: K12 School Principal Leadership
- MA in Ed. Leadership: K12 School Principal Leadership and Interscholastic Athletics
Programs are offered in an online and traditional format.
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Educational Technology
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Eligible Educational Technology degree programs:
- PhD in Education and Human Development with an emphasis in Educational & Instructional Technology (students can earn up to 9 of 21 Emphasis Area credits via PLA)
- MA in Educational & Instructional Technology (students can earn up 15 of 30 credits via PLA)
- Graduate Certificate in Educational & Instructional Technology (students can earn up 9 of 18 credits via PLA)
Programs are offered in an online and traditional format.
Literacy Studies
M.A. Literacy Studies program allows graduate students to obtain credit for their prior experiences in the field. Students are able to obtain up to 50% of the total program credit hours.
Program is offered in an online and traditional format.
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Sports Coaching
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M.A. Coaching Sport Performance program allows graduate students to obtain credit for their prior experiences in the field. Students are able to obtain up to 50% of the total program credit hours.
Program is offered in an online and traditional format.
Teacher Development
This option is for educators who desire to be in-house trainers in their school districts and have engaged in intensive professional development in their district.
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Workforce Education and Development
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Eligible Workforce Education and Development degree programs:
- BS in Workforce Education and Development – Occupational Education Studies Concentration (students can earn up to 30 credits via PLA)
- PhD in Education and Human Development – Workforce Education and Development Concentration (students can earn up to 9 out of 21 Concentration credits via PLA)
- MA in Workforce Education and Development - non-certified (students can earn up to 15 out of 30 credits via PLA)
- MA in Workforce Education and Development - certified (students can earn up to 18 out of 36 credits via PLA)
- Professional Workforce Educator Program (students can earn up to 3* out of 9 Concentration credits via PLA)
Programs are offered in an online and traditional format.
General questions?
PLA Portfolio Development Course
Most students seeking PLA credits for eligible programs within the College of Education and Human Development are required to complete a “PLA Portfolio Development Course.”
Register for the PLA Portfolio Development Course
About the College of Education and Human Development
As the cornerstone of Western Michigan University, the College of Education and Human Development continues to build upon its rich tradition of excellence by facilitating the preparation and growth of pre K-12 teachers, human service professionals, innovative designers, and health and wellness specialists.