Courses
The MES consists of ten graduate-level, 3-credit courses: eight core courses completed in sequence with your cohort, and two approved electives, taken at your discretion. Four of the eight core courses are delivered during two 3-week summer residencies (in-person or online); the remaining four core courses are delivered online in the fall and winter semesters, with both synchronous and asynchronous components, including online (Zoom) class sessions. Dates and times are determined by the instructor (see course schedule below).
Note: Any synchronous sessions are in Mountain Time (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada). Dates and times are determined by the course instructor.
Year One
Introduces the current state of knowledge, research, and theory in the field of education. Focuses upon teaching and learning within schools and other educational organizations in ways that synthesize educational experience with professional research knowledge. Studies educational change that improves organizations.
Note: This course runs for the first three weeks of July, full-time (either online in Zoom, or on-campus).
Examines the historical context of current thinking about educational leadership, how leadership literature informs practice, and critically examines associated literature from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Analyzes values and ethical principles in school leadership and complex dilemmas of educational leadership.
Note: This course runs for the first three weeks of July, full-time (either online in Zoom, or on-campus).
Year Two
Introduces the relationship of research to educational leadership, explores the role of educational research in school improvement of school, and focuses upon synthesizing extant research literature and the need to address a specific leadership need within a school site using appropriate research methods. Studies how educational research can inform leaders in carrying out school improvement and bringing about educational change.
Note: This course runs for the first three weeks of July, full-time (either online in Zoom, or on-campus).
Explores how educational research can enhance educational change toward school improvement and focuses on utilizing appropriate research methods to create a site-based research proposal for a specific site.
Note: This course runs for the first three weeks of July, full-time (either online in Zoom, or on-campus).
A reflection and synthesis of learning from the Master of Education in Educational Studies in relation to the concepts of leadership and school/educational improvement that are the foundations of the program.
Electives
Students are required to complete two ★3 graduate-level electives. A list of electives is offered by Professional Learning. Students wishing to take electives outside of the University of Alberta should consult with the MES Graduate Administrator to determine whether they will be approved for transfer.
Note: Electives must be taken prior to taking EDU 900, unless permission has been received from the Director of Professional Learning for an altered course of study. Not all electives are offered each semester; check the website for current offerings.
Ethics Requirement
In addition to the core and elective courses, all Master's students are required to take INT D 710: Ethics and Academic Citizenship.
- 6 hours
- Online
- Asynchronous
- Credit/No Credit
Students will be enrolled automatically in their first term.
Grading
The program uses the University of Alberta's 4-point scale grading system. For more information about the University of Alberta grading system, see the grading system at the Office of the Registrar.