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Workforce Education and Development, MA

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Overview

The master of arts in workforce education and development at Western Michigan University is designed to align with contemporary legislation, national trends, and the critical issues shaping today's state and national labor markets. This graduate program allows students to specialize in workforce development program administration or gain advanced competencies in instructional design for career-related training. By focusing on school-to-work initiatives, student leadership development, and support for special populations, WMU prepares educators and administrators to lead in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

The program’s core curriculum is built upon a robust body of professional research, empowering students to master workforce education pedagogy and curriculum implementation. Whether you are working at the secondary or post-secondary level, the coursework strengthens your ability to develop innovative programs that meet modern industry standards. Graduates emerge ready to influence the future of career and technical education (CTE) by designing high-impact curricula that bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world.

To become a certified middle or high school CTE teacher in Michigan, candidates should pursue the 36-credit post-baccalaureate pathway, which provides certification in business, marketing, management, and technology; family and consumer sciences; and industrial technology.

Why apply?

Ultimate flexibility: Design your education around your lifestyle with the choice of in-person, 100% online, or hybrid learning models.
A proven track record: Join a program with a 100% success rate, where every graduate is either employed or continuing their education within three months of finishing.
Fast-track your leadership: Take advantage of an optional leadership development program specifically designed to catapult you into high-level administrative roles at the secondary or post-secondary level.
Bridge to a Doctorate: Build a rock-solid foundation for advanced academic pursuits, including a direct pathway into the Educational Leadership Doctoral program.

Who should apply?

Professionals looking to expand their expertise and acquire advanced curriculum and instructional competencies in career related training programs, school-to-work initiatives, student leadership development and special populations.

Those seeking to become a certified Michigan middle or high school CTE teacher.

Admissions requirements

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage.

Accelerated graduate degree program

The Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP) in Workforce Education and Development (WFED) allows qualifying students to begin accumulating credits toward completion of a Master of Arts degree in Workforce Education and Development while still enrolled as undergraduates in the WFED major. Undergraduate students admitted to the AGDP, with senior standing, may take up to 12 credit hours of designated 5000-level courses for graduate credit. These designated courses may be used in completion of both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree.

The 30 hour program of study is identical to the MA in Workforce Education, Development, and Leadership described above. Students will pay undergraduate tuition for designated AGDP 5000-level courses as undergraduates, and the courses will be included in the flat tuition rate. On completion of the undergraduate degree, the student will be re-classified as a graduate student and then will pay graduate tuition rates for additional courses leading to the MA. Students who previously have received their baccalaureate degrees will be ineligible to apply for this program and retroactively claim credits toward the M.A. degree.

Admission criteria

Apply for the accelerated graduate degree

Cost & funding

Our faculty

Dr. Adam Manley

Graduate Advisor and Department Chair

Contact Dr. Manley

Charles Bruce

Faculty Specialist II

Contact Charles Bruce

For a full list of faculty, visit our directory.

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Accelerated Graduate Degree Program

The accelerated workforce education and development master's program at Western Michigan University offers an exciting path to get your master's degree sooner. As a qualified WMU undergraduate, you can start taking graduate-level courses in your senior year. This allows up to 12 graduate credits to count toward both your bachelor's and master's degrees, significantly reducing the time it takes to complete your graduate studies. This program is ideal for motivated students who want to fast-track their education and career.

Learn more about the accelerated graduate degree program