Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Educational and Instructional Technology (Online), Master of Arts

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Overview

The Educational and Instructional Technology master’s program at Western Michigan University prepares educators and professionals to design, implement, and evaluate technology-enhanced learning environments. Offered fully online, the 30-credit-hour program provides flexibility for working professionals while still maintaining a strong focus on applied, hands-on learning. Students explore instructional design principles, digital learning tools, and strategies for effective technology integration across diverse educational and organizational settings. Courses emphasize practical application, enabling students to immediately connect theory to their own professional contexts. Guided by expert faculty, students learn to analyze learner needs, design engaging digital content, and evaluate technology-driven instructional solutions.

Whether you aim to enhance classroom teaching, lead technology initiatives, or advance in training and development roles, this program offers a clear pathway to expertise in educational technology and instructional innovation.

Meet Monique

Monique Colizzi serves as an Instructor of Business & Risk Management at the Wilson Talent Center (WTC).

Alumni testimonials

Why apply?

WMU's Educational and Instructional Technology program is nationally recognized and ranked No. 5 in the nation for 2024 by OnlineMastersDegrees.org. Students benefit from:

Program Flexibility – Complete your degree online to fit your schedule.
Practical and Applied Knowledge – Gain hands-on experience with instructional design and technology integration.
Expert Faculty and Instructors – Learn from professionals who bring both academic insight and real-world experience.

Whether you’re advancing in education, training, or leadership, WMU’s program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and credibility to succeed.

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

Program of Study

The Educational and Instructional Technology (EDT) master’s program is designed to provide a strong foundation in instructional technology while allowing students to customize their learning to align with career goals. The program consists of 30 credit hours, including:

Major Core (24 hours): Foundational courses that provide essential knowledge and skills in instructional technology, design, and adult learning.
Electives (6 hours): Choose courses related to your career goals. Options may include online or traditional courses, EDT, Organizational Change Leadership (OCL), or other approved programs.

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Prior Learning Experience

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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Admissions Requirements

Applications for the M.A. and Graduate Certificate in Educational and Instructional Technology are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must submit a resume or CV, a personal essay describing their technology skills, professional experience, career goals, and educational philosophy, as well as official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency, though conditional admission may be considered for those who do not yet meet the minimum scores. The program does not require graduate test scores or recommendations.

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Cost & funding

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.

Zoetis Partnership

Students in the program have the opportunity to benefit from a partnership with Zoetis, gaining hands-on experience through the Zoetis Instructional Design Practicum. This collaboration allows graduate students to apply and expand their instructional design knowledge in a real-world corporate setting, working on meaningful projects that address organizational learning needs. Under the mentorship of industry professionals, students engage in all phases of instructional design—from conducting needs analyses and developing multimedia learning materials using tools such as Articulate 360 and Canva, to evaluating training effectiveness through data. This partnership not only strengthens students’ technical and design skills but also fosters professional connections and collaboration across departments, preparing them for successful careers in instructional design and workplace learning.