Educational Technology (MA)

Why UM-Flint

What Sets UM-Flint's Educational Technology (MA) Program Apart?

The program is flexible and relevant for current and future education professionals of all types such as teachers, instructional technologists, educational administrators, instructional designers in companies and non-profit organizations. Teaching certification is not required for admission, though Michigan teaching certificate holders can earn an NP (Teaching with Technology) endorsement with 21 credits, as part of the MA program or independently.

online FLEXIBILITY

The program offers two tracks: (1) "Developer" for those who want to learn how to design innovative learning environments and activities, using existing and/or custom-built software, media mobile apps, and other technological tools, with a focus on practical uses in classrooms and other learning contexts; and (2) "Curriculum & Instruction" for those who want to focus on meaningful use of technology but not as much time on designing software or educational media.

All courses are offered online except for intensive "gatherings" held periodically in Michigan and around the world, which are focused on development and community-building. Attendance at a minimum of two gatherings is required for those in the Developer track; attendance is optional for those in the Curriculum & Instruction track.

FOCUS ON INNOVATION

The Educational Technology program empowers aspiring educational leaders to focus on the design of innovative educational projects within learning environments, and build a long-term network of creative educators. Students and alumni of the Educational Technology program automatically become part of our Institute for Innovation in Education: an incubator of ideas, projects, and partnerships at the intersection of technology and learning. Read more about the exciting Ed Tech innovation here.

EXPERT FACULTY

Educational technology courses are taught by highly experienced professionals who bring real-world knowledge and experiences to their instruction. To help ensure your success in the program, our faculty experts make themselves available to you online as well as in person.

U-M RESOURCES

As part of the world-renowned University of Michigan system, UM-Flint can tap additional resources, expertise, and contacts at our sister campuses in Dearborn and Ann Arbor to assist our students, their research, and other initiatives.

Courses

Requirements

Completion of one of the two tracks below (at least 33 credits). A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B) and passing grades in all courses are required.

Developer Track

The focus of the Developer Track is on creating meaningful learning experiences, with technology playing a supporting role. The track is online except for Innovation in Education Gatherings (in Michigan and overseas). It is appropriate for those wishing to design innovative tools, activities and programs for learners of any kind. Some technical work is required, but extensive technical knowledge is not a prerequisite. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are required for the NP endorsement.

A. Core Courses (20 credits)

EDE 504 - Learning in the 21st Century (3)*
EDT 510 - Foundations of Technology in Education (3)*

One of the following (or both, with one counting as an elective):

EDT 575 - Introduction to Web Development (3)
EDT 576 - Introduction to Mobile App Development (3)

EDT 660 - Classroom Enactment of Educational Programs (3)*
EDE 670 - Research Seminar (3)*
EDT 631 - Online Project Collaboration Methods and Tools (1)
EDT 632 - Professional Seminar (1) (taken at least twice)
EDT 630 - Institute for Innovation in Education (1-6) (elected for 2 credits)

B. Electives (13 credits)

Thirteen credits from:

EDT 520 - Mentor Seminar for Educational Programs (3)*
EDT 525 - Investigations in Open Education (3) (elected for up to 6 credits)
EDT 535 - Online Course Design (3)*
EDT 544 - Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs (3)
EDT 580 - Independent Study in Educational Technology (1-3)
EDT 585 - Special Topics in Educational Technology (1-6)
EDT 630 - Institute for Innovation in Education (1-6)
EDT 640 - Digital Media Production (3)*
EDT 641 - Technology: Focus on Literacy Learning and Instruction (3)
EDT 650 - Project Design and Fieldwork (3-9) (elected for 3-9 credits)
EDT 699 - Leadership of Educational Programs (3)
Cognate elective (advisor approval required)

C. Thesis (optional)

Curriculum and Instruction Track

The Curriculum and Instruction Track is appropriate for those wishing to use technology in meaningful ways for learning, but with less emphasis on extended team project work and technical development. The track is fully online. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are required for the NP endorsement.

A. Core Courses (18 credits)

EDE 504 - Learning in the 21st Century (3)*
EDT 510 - Foundations of Technology in Education (3)*
EDT 520 - Mentor Seminar for Educational Programs (3)*
EDT 640 - Digital Media Production (3)*
EDT 660 - Classroom Enactment of Educational Programs (3)*
EDE 670 - Research Seminar (3)*

B. Electives (15 credits)

Fifteen credits from:

EDT 521 - Technology Skills for Educators (1-3)
EDT 525 - Investigations in Open Education (3) (may be taken twice)
EDT 535 - Online Course Design (3)*
EDT 544 - Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs (3)
EDT 580 - Independent Study in Educational Technology (1-3)
EDT 585 - Special Topics in Educational Technology (1-6)
EDT 630 - Institute for Innovation in Education (1-6) (attendance at Institute Gatherings; advisor approval required)
EDT 641 - Technology: Focus on Literacy Learning and Instruction (3)
EDT 650 - Project Design and Fieldwork (3-9) (elected for 3-9 credits)
EDT 699 - Leadership of Educational Programs (3)
Cognate elective (advisor approval required)

C. Thesis (optional)

Additional information on the Master of Arts in Educational Technology including course descriptions can be found in the catalog.

Admission

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
If applying for the NP endorsement, a Michigan teaching certificate is required; otherwise, certificate not required

STATE AUTHORIZATION FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in an online program, please visit the State Authorization page to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.

teaching certification

Teaching certification is not required for admission to the MA in Educational Technology program, nor do students need to enter with an extensive technical background. However, Educators with Michigan teaching certificates are welcome to apply to earn an NP (Teaching with Technology) endorsement with 21 credits, either as part of the MA program or independently.

Applying

To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library:

Application for Graduate Admission
$55 application fee (non-refundable)
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Statement of Purpose describing your goals for entering the graduate program and how these goals connect to your views on teaching and learning
Résumé
Three letters of recommendation, preferably with at least one from an academic reference and one from an individual familiar with your teaching or professional work
A copy of your teaching certificate is required if you will be applying for the NP endorsement
International Students: Submit additional documentation. Visit umflint.edu/international for details. This program is an online program. Students admitted to this program are not eligible to obtain a student visa (F visa). Students with all other visa types are eligible.

Application Deadlines

The program has rolling admissions and reviews completed applications each month.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Fall (early deadline*): May 1
Fall (final deadline): August 1
Winter: November 15
Spring: March 15
Summer: May 15

*You must apply for admission by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships. The final deadlines for international students are May 1 for the fall semester, September 1 for the winter semester, and January 1 for the spring term.

What sets the Educational Technology program apart is that it gives you a complete view of what technology is, what it is capable of, its history, its roots, and then lets you experiment and explore the possibilities it provides in the classroom. The program also presented me with the concept of learning through play. This one idea changed much of what and how I was teaching. The rigor and the specific challenges the program introduced aided in my development as a student and as a teacher.

Educational Technology Certificate Endorsement

For individuals with teaching certificates from the State of Michigan, successful completion certain courses fulfills the State of Michigan requirement for an endorsement in Educational Technology (coded NP in Michigan).

Note: The endorsement program in Educational Technology can be pursued as part of the master's program in Educational Technology or independently. However, to qualify for federal financial aid (including loans), one must be enrolled in the master's program

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