Specialization in Indigenous Peoples Education (IPE)

Grounded in the traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of Alberta, the international and interdisciplinary focus of this specialization attracts Indigenous students from a variety of disciplines and locations. This specialization combines the conventional parameters and standards of university education with the collective efforts of Indigenous students, scholars, and Elders.

Its aim is to facilitate and support Indigenous scholars whose work is grounded in the values, integrity, and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples locally and globally. Cultural activities include orientation weekends, sharing circles, Elders support and ceremony.

In keeping with Indigenous cultural norms, all applicants to the Peoples Education program have the opportunity to explore the program by meeting with Indigenous faculty members, student representatives and an Elder prior to admittance.

The IPE specialization is available in both the Doctoral and Master's programs.

Master's Program

Grounded in the traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of Alberta, the international and interdisciplinary focus of this specialization attracts students from a variety of disciplines and locations. This specialization combines the conventional parameters and standards of university education with the collective efforts of Indigenous students, scholars, and Elders.

Program structure

The MEd degree requires a minimum of ★36 for course-based programs, or ★24 for thesis-based programs. This includes ★6 in the department core courses and ★6 in the specialization core courses. Each student's program includes study in core areas, research methods, electives, and a thesis or capping exercise.

Educational Policy Core Courses

  • EDPS 580 - Contemporary Issues in Education: Perspective & Practice
  • EDPS 581 - Introduction to Evaluating Educational Research

Specialization Core Courses

Three of the following courses for Master's students form the core of the specialization:

  • EDPS 535 - Indigenous Research Methodologies
  • EDPS 537- Issues in Indigenous Education
  • EDPS 538 - From Oral Tradition to Written Text
  • EDPS 539 - Revitalizing Indigenous Language

Specialization Electives

  • EDPS 601 - Cree Language Course

Options/Electives

500-level and above courses taken across the department or faculty, chosen in consultation with the supervisor or program advisor.

Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval by their advisor/supervisor and the Graduate Coordinator. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.

A list of courses to be offered throughout the year can be found by accessing Bear Tracks.

Course-Based Program

EDPS 900 - Directed Research Project

Thesis-Based Program

Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a thesis-based Master of Education shall present a thesis embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor.

Doctoral Program

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Faculty of Education will only consider applicants to the PhD program with full-time status if they meet one of the following conditions: 

  • Remains professionally employed at or above .5 FTE (this includes four over five arrangements) during their studies. 
  • Has a supervisor who has expressed in writing the ability and intention of funding the student to $25,000 for each of the first two years (this includes financial co-sponsorship with another faculty member).
  • Is applying as an Indigenous student (1 studentship) or a member of an equity-denied group (1 studentship). 
  • Is sponsored by an external agency at or above $25,000 per year or has an external scholarship at or above $25,000.

Grounded in the traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of Alberta, the international and interdisciplinary focus of this specialization attracts students from a variety of disciplines and locations. This specialization combines the conventional parameters and standards of university education with the collective efforts of Indigenous students, scholars, and Elders.

Program Structure

The EdD and PhD degrees across the Faculty require a minimum of ★36. This normally includes a minimum of ★24 in graduate courses and a dissertation.

At this time, the IPE program is only admitting to the PhD route.

Educational Policy Core Courses

  • EDPS 680 - Policy Research and Education
  • EDPS 681 - Frameworks for Research in Educational Policy Studies

Specialization Core Courses

  • EDPS 535 - Indigenous Research Methodologies
  • EDPS 537 - Issues in Indigenous Education
  • EDPS 538 - From Oral Tradition to Written Text
  • EDPS 539 - Revitalizing Indigenous Language

Options

  • 500-level or 600-level courses taken across the department or faculty chosen to enhance the program

A list of courses to be offered during the Fall Session (September to December) and Winter Session (January to April) can be found through Bear Tracks, the University's secure online service for students, applicants, and staff. Information about courses offered during the Intersession (May to August) will be available on Bear Tracks when the University publishes its Spring/Summer Guide, normally by December.

Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.

Dissertation

Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a doctoral program are required to present a dissertation embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor and supervisory committee.

Candidacy examination

The completion of coursework, the Academic Integrity and Ethics Training and the Candidacy Exam must be completed within three years of the start of the program. For part time students, these requirements must be complete within four years of the start of the program.

Contacts

Graduate Advisors:
Please direct admissions questions, program inquiries, etc., to essgrad2@ualberta.ca.

Graduate Coordinator:
Dr. Bill Dunn
wdunn@ualberta.ca