What is the Hybrid Summer Cohort program?

Each summer we welcome two cohorts of educators to the beautiful College of Education at Michigan State University for two weeks of extraordinary face-to-face learning. After these two on-campus weeks, students return home to complete four more weeks of learning with their cohorts online. At the end of the summer, all students return to campus for one day to present their best work, and to share in celebrations of their successes. We call this a hybrid cohort program because it blends face-to-face and online learning experiences. The cohort model allows students to forge strong professional connections to a group of colleagues who are working through a common set of courses together.

MAET degree students who complete both the Mindsets for Innovation and Theory, Research, and Practice Strands earn 18 graduate credits toward their degree over two summers. They can complete the other 4 courses (12 credits) required for the MAET degree online, or by blending Overseas and online learning options. Graduates of MSU’s teaching internship may also be able to transfer credits toward their degree. 

How is the Hybrid Summer Cohort Program structured?

The Hybrid experience is an integrated approach to curricula from three graduate-level courses that are blended together. Assignments across courses within each strand are woven to emphasize the relationships among ideas, and to provide a connected learning experience that flows as a whole.

Mindsets for Innovation Strand

Upon successful completion of the Mindsets for Innovation Strand, you will earn your Graduate Certificate (GC) in Educational Technology. This GC prepares you to work with students in a range of educational settings to help students become powerful digital-age thinkers, makers, and problem solvers. You will acquire foundational knowledge and skills that will transform your thinking about how, why, and when to integrate a range of digital technologies to support student learning. GC students and MAET students can enroll in this strand.

You will complete 3 courses (9 credits):

• CEP 810: Teaching for Understanding with Technology
• CEP 811: Adapting Innovative Technologies in Education
• CEP 812: Applying Educational Technology to Issues of Practice

Theory, Research, and Practice Strand

The goal of the Theory, Research, and Practice Strand is to develop your expertise in educational theory and research by applying your knowledge to your context and practice. You will explore various uses of technology and what is currently known–or believed–about human learning and development. This strand is comprised of two different pathways that lead towards the master’s degree: Leadership and Creativity. Part of your day will be spent on your core courses (CEP 800 and 822), and the remainder of your time will be spent with your smaller pathway group, focused on leadership or creativity. MAET students can enroll in this strand.

You will complete 3 courses (9 credits):

• CEP 800: Learning in School and Other Settings
• CEP 822: Approaches to Educational Researchn
• CEP 815 OR CEP 818 depending on your selected pathway

Leadership Pathway: This pathway will allow you to develop your leadership abilities and deepen understanding of the ethical and societal implications of technology integration. You will be prepared with strategies for facilitating professional development based on a forward-thinking vision. You will complete CEP 815: Technology and Leadership as your third course.

Creativity Pathway: This pathway prepares you with thinking tools that support creative teaching as well as nourish students as creative thinkers and producers. You will gain an understanding of the creative process and discuss practical and societal challenges regarding creativity in education. You will complete CEP 818: Creativity in Teaching and Learning as your third course.

During the face-to-face time, classes do not meet on the weekends.

Why should I do it?

Many teachers tell us that the connections they build to other teachers through our hybrid summer cohorts enrich their professional lives long after the courses are over.

Teachers also tell us that summer hybrid programs allow them to focus on their professional learning exclusively without having to balance their regular teaching responsibilities at the same time. Many teachers appreciate the chance to fully immerse themselves in learning again!

What do students say about our programs?

“The MAET program provides a complete package when it comes to a degree. Not only does it provide research and hands-on practice, but it creates an atmosphere where the students are collaborating with classmates, connecting with professors and using educational experiences immediately in the classroom. I left the MAET program with professional connections and learning that will make a huge impact not only on me, but also on my students and district.”
~Ashlie O’Connor, MAET ’16, Instructional Technology and Data Specialist, Alpena, MI

“This program exceeded my expectations in so many ways. It has truly changed my life. The quality of the courses was excellent. The projects and lessons were relevant and pushed me to learn and grow. However, the thing that I value most about this program is the connections I have made, both with the professors and other students. My PLN is incredibly strong as it has branched out from the base of MSU MAET. Everyone I have interacted with at MSU has been incredibly kind and supportive.”
~2016 Alumni Survey

How much is it?

Depending on the application path you choose and where you live, tuition rates differ. Please visit our tuition page for a listing of all current tuition rates.

How long will it take me?

Hybrid Summer Cohort programs last six weeks during the summer.

When can I start?

Our Hybrid summer program begins in July each year. Students who wish to enroll in the Hybrid program should contact MAET advisors at askmaet@msu.edu or by calling (517) 432-7195 to enroll in the correct sections.

Course Cancellation

The department reserves the right to cancel a course for which there is insufficient enrollment. Notification of cancellation is normally provided at least a week before a course is set to begin. Paid tuition and registration fees will be refunded for a course that is cancelled by the department.

How do I apply?

If you are new to the MAET program, you must decide whether to apply directly to the MAET degree program or whether you would like to enroll as a Graduate Certificate Student. This will depend on your career goals.

Applications for the MAET degree program will be accepted on a rolling basis, with an application deadline of June 1. All information about applications to the MAET degree program can be found on our apply page.

Applications for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology are also accepted on a rolling basis, up to one month before the program officially begins (i.e., mid-June). All information about applications to the Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology program can be found on our certificate application page.

Whether you are currently an MAET student or are applying to the program, please complete complete the Hybrid 2020 Reservation Form.

What options exist for staying on campus during the face-to-face portion of the program?

For the focused study on-campus, students may choose to live on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University, taking advantage of the numerous cultural and recreational opportunities available here during the summer. Housing for the summer cohort will be reserved with the Owen Hall Graduate Student Residence Visiting Scholar Rooms on campus. More information on how to reserve housing will be provided in hybrid email updates as the summer approaches.

Meals will be at your discretion, but you may choose to dine in the newly renovated Riverwalk Market at Owen Hall, Shaw Vista or other wonderful EatAtState locations around campus.