About

The Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology (ELRT) at Western Michigan University is comprised of six different programs, offering degrees at different levels. ELRT offers a Ph.D. degree in Educational Leadership in four different concentrations: K-12 leadership; higher education leadership; organizational analysis; and, workforce education and development (formerly CTE, in conjunction with the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences). ELRT offers an educational specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership in K-12 leadership. The Department also offers a Master’s degree Educational Leadership with concentrations in K-12 leadership (geared to prepare prospective principals); higher education student affairs (HESA) leadership; Educational and Global Leadership (EGL); and K-12 Principal & Interscholastic Athletic Administration. Finally, the Educational Leadership program offers one undergraduate minor in Leadership for Social Change.

In addition, ELRT offers a Ph.D. and master’s degrees in Evaluation, Measurement and Research (EMR). Two additional master’s degrees are offered in Educational and Instructional Technology (EDT), and Organizational Change Leadership (OCL).

Finally, there are three graduate certificates offered through the department: HESA Leadership, Educational & Instructional Technology, and Educational Leadership: School Administrator Certificate and Central Office endorsement.

Mission

The Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology is a graduate intensive department that develops diverse, ethical leaders and scholars who have the skills and knowledge to bring innovative solutions to current problems and challenges.

Vision

ELRT will offer distinctive graduate programs that are the first choice for individuals seeking to be transformational leaders and scholars.

Core values

ELRT is a community of scholars and learners who value:

  • Action
  • Diversity
  • Ethics
  • Innovation
  • Service

Five main strategic priorities

Goal one

Provide program offerings that better serve the demands of a changing population and market by engaging in an ongoing process of assessment, evaluation, alignment and re-alignment.

Goal two

Increase student satisfaction, retention and contributions by developing a greater "sense of community" within programs, the ELRT department and WMU.

Goal three

Reach and maintain optimal enrollment numbers and graduation rates through effective and efficient recruitment and program support emphasizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive community.

Goal four

Enhance innovative and discovery-driven teaching, scholarship and service through faculty selection, development and increased levels of support.

Goal five

Better support the work of the department by leveraging existing and new resources.