Educational Technology (MA)

http://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/educational-technology-ma

Education Department information   

The Master of Arts in Educational Technology Program is designed for individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in the use of technology as it relates to education, and it prepares Michigan teachers for Educational Technology endorsement. The program focuses on the design of innovative projects within learning environments, while providing opportunities for students to create individualized projects and build a network with other innovative educators. 

It is designed for teachers, instructional technologists, educational administrators, and others who seek relevant, practical grounding in tools and concepts related to the use of technology in educational settings. Teaching certification is not required nor do students need to enter the program with an extensive technical background.

The program has two tracks: “Developer,” for those who want to learn how to design pedagogically sound, innovative programs, applications, and media for the web, mobile devices, and other platforms with a focus on practical uses in classrooms and other learning environments; and “Curriculum & Instruction,” for those who want to focus on meaningful use of technology but do not wish to focus on designing software or educational media.

All courses are offered online, except for 4-5 day intensive “gatherings” held periodically in Michigan and around the world, which are focused on project 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. Developer track students are required to join or form a project team, and may need to attend additional in-person meetings or do fieldwork, depending on the project.

Admission Requirements

The Educational Technology Program accepts applicants for Spring of odd-numbered years.  Application materials must be submitted by January 1 for the upcoming Spring.  Admission for all programs is selective and is determined by the Education Department. 

Applicants meet the following requirements to apply for admission:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. A teaching certificate, if the student is seeking a state endorsement.  (Students may be admitted to Early Childhood Education and Technology in Education without teacher certification if they do not wish to earn an endorsement.)
3. A 3.0 or higher undergraduate overall grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.
4. Completion of an application form for the Education Master of Arts Programs (available in the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 FWTL). This application must be accompanied by:
   • An official transcript from each college or university attended
   • An updated resume
   • Three letters of recommendation
   • A personal statement of purpose
   • A copy of a currently held teaching certificate (certified teachers only)
   • A $55 application fee

Admission Deadline

The program accepts applicants for Spring in odd-numbered years; application materials must be submitted by January 1 for the upcoming Spring.  

Time Limit for Completion

A student in any master’s program is expected to complete all work within five years from the date of first enrollment in the program. Students exceeding this time limit must file a petition with the SEHS Academic Standards Committee. Petitions must describe explicitly the amount of work remaining and a timeline for completion. A student who fails to complete degree requirements within five years may be withdrawn and required to reapply for readmission. Courses that are older than five years may not be counted toward degree requirements.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit (including coursework as a UM-Flint non-candidate for degree or “Lifelong Learning” student) may be accepted for transfer.  All credit transfers must be approved by the Education Department faculty.  Students seeking to transfer credits not designated as program requirements or electives should contact the appropriate faculty advisor.

Academic Rules and Regulations

See Education (EDU)  and Graduate Study  for additional rules and regulations pertaining to Education Department graduate programs.