Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Educational and Instructional Technology, Graduate Certificate – Online

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Overview

WMU’s Graduate Certificate in Educational and Instructional Technology (EDT) is 9 credit-hour program designed for individuals interested in improving their skills and knowledge in the strategic use and application of technology tools to help people learn in a variety of contexts including corporations, K-12 education, higher education, nonprofits and other organizations. Credits earned in the Graduate Certificate program can be applied to a Master of Arts degree if you decide to continue your studies. The Graduate Certification in EDT allows you the flexibility to complete all of your coursework online. You also have the option to enroll in elective courses offered on campus, allowing for additional flexibility and opportunities for in-person learning experiences.

Additionally, we also offer a fully online Master of Arts degree in EDT, allowing you to further expand your expertise and advance your career with the flexibility of remote learning.

Meet John

"My time at WMU gave me a deeper understanding of educational principles along with effective strategies for using them in my classroom."

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Why apply?

Our program stands out for its flexibility, customization, and practical focus, designed to meet the needs of educators and professionals in a rapidly changing field. Students can tailor their coursework to match personal goals and professional interests while gaining hands-on experience that bridges theory and real-world application. Courses are led by expert faculty and instructors who bring both scholarly insight and practical experience to every class.

Program of Study

Students in the Educational and Instructional Technology program complete a planned program of study totaling nine credit hours. Coursework emphasizes both the foundations of instructional technology and opportunities for specialized exploration in areas such as instructional design, leadership, and adult learning.

The program is designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing students to select courses that best align with their professional goals and interests. Throughout the program, students gain practical, applied experience that connects theory to real-world educational settings.

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Career Outcomes

The Educational and Instructional Technology program options are designed to lead to a career in Educational and Instructional Technology by helping to prepare you for jobs such as:

Career technical supervisor
Chief learning officer
Chief technology officer
Corporate trainer
Corporate training support specialists
Curriculum and assessment director
Curriculum coordinator
Curriculum director
Curriculum facilitator
Curriculum instruction director
Curriculum specialist
Educational and Instructional Technology coordinator
Instructional system specialist
Professional development director
School standards coach

Is financial aid offered for these programs?

Various types of scholarships are available at various levels (e.g., program, department, college, and university). More information about scholarships and other funding opportunities can be found here.

How are the elective courses for the educational technology minor core determined?

Elective courses are determined in cooperation with your assigned academic advisor and must match the career goals of the student as well as the degree requirements of WMU.

I am a K-12 teacher and I need to fulfill my reading course requirement. Is there a course I can take in one of these programs that will fulfill this requirement?

Yes, if you are enrolled in the EDT Master’s degree program, you can take LS 5160 - Professional Symposium in Reading as one of your two Elective courses. More information about this can be found at the Teacher and Administrator Certification page.

Cost & funding

Admissions requirements

Full requirements

Prior Learning Assessment

Graduate students in WMU’s Educational and Instructional Technology programs may be eligible to earn Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits for prior professional experience. PLA credits can apply to the PhD, MA, or graduate certificate programs, with limits of up to 50% of total program credits (e.g., up to 15 credits for the MA, 9 credits for the certificate). Eligible courses include foundational and core EDT courses such as instructional design, online learning, and technology leadership. Interested students must first contact Dr. Brian Horvitz to discuss eligibility and the application process, then submit a portfolio through the PLA registration system. Fees apply ($400 for the first portfolio, $100 for each additional or resubmitted portfolio).

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Take it further!

Obtain your master's degree.

By completing this graduate certificate, you’ll be nearly one-third of the way toward earning your full master’s degree in Educational and Instructional Technology. Every course in the certificate fully applies to the MA program, making it an efficient and strategic next step. This streamlined pathway allows you to build on your existing coursework as you deepen your expertise and advance your career.

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