The Department of Teacher Education
& Professional Development
at Central Michigan University

Program Description
Graduate
Certificate in Educational Technology

This option prepares educators and other professionals to effectively utilize new learning technologies as aligned with the Michigan Technology Standards.  The technologies addressed in this program include multimedia, handheld devices, distance, and telecommunications in education.  Designed to meet the needs of educators and other professionals, this program also prepares individuals for technology leadership roles.

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology would also allow educators and other professionals to continue their studies for a Master of Arts in Educational Technology seamlessly as the required certificate courses are also required for the masters program.

Degree Requirements

To qualify for graduation, candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology degree must demonstrate significant scholarly ability.

This program requires a minimum of 15 semester hours of required core courses that will be offered online, internationally and on campus.  A capstone project completed in conjunction with EDU 643 is required to earn this graduate certificate.  Capstone educational technology projects must demonstrate effective uses/integration of technology in the profession.

All credits must be completed in the four-year period immediately preceding the granting of the certificate.

Admission Criteria

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology program must have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.

Regular admission is required for assignment to a faculty advisor.  Since the advisor and student must discuss and sign the program requirements, individuals interested in obtaining this certificate should seek admission to the appropriate program early in their studies.  Applications for admission to this certificate program are accepted throughout the year.  Click here for application materials.

Other Degree Options

The Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development also offer Master of Arts degree programs in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Secondary Education, Reading & Literacy K-12, and Educational Technology.  Please click on any of the links above for more information on these programs.

Non-Degree Professional Development

Eligibility for the Michigan Professional Education Certificate requires the holder of a provisional certificate to either obtain a degree at the master’s level or higher or to complete 18 semester hours in a planned course of study within the first six years  of the teaching career.  These programs are often called 18 hour planned programs.  Other planned programs that satisfy the requirements of the Michigan Professional Certificate for teaching may emphasize study in early childhood and elementary education, effective teaching and instruction, middle level education, and secondary education.

Education professionals in Michigan have career-long needs for professional development opportunities because the professional education certificate is valid for five years.  To renew a professional education certificate, individuals must complete six semester hours of credit (or the equivalent in continuing Education Units) every five years.

The Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development offers courses and workshops to help teachers meet these requirements.  Educational computing and technology, cooperative learning, a whole-language approach to reading and literacy, and teaching writing and thinking are among topics of current interest.  Enrollment in these courses requires admission to the College of Graduate Studies as a non-degree student. 

There is no residency requirement for non-degree professional development programs, and courses are offered through the Division of Professional Education (formerly the College of Extended Learning) at locations throughout the state, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, Cadillac, Alpena, Oscoda, Bay City, Saginaw, Mount Clemens, Port Huron, Grand Rapids, Ionia, and Lansing.

Some courses taken for professional development or to meet continuing certification requirements may later be used to satisfy the requirements of a degree program.  The number of courses that can be used in this way and the length of time in which these courses are valid as part of the degree program are strictly limited.  Individuals considering a degree program are encouraged to apply for admission to the specific program option early in their graduate study.

For Additional Information

Individuals with specific questions about graduate study in the Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development may write to:

Coordinator of Graduate Studies
Teacher Education & Professional Development
Central Michigan University
208 Ronan Hall
Mt. Pleasant, MI  48859
email: 
tepd@cmich.edu

CMU (an AA/EO institution) encourages diversity and resolves to provide equal opportunity
regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or other irrelevant criteria.

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