Specialization in Studies in Educational Leadership (SEL)

This specialization provides advanced study for Canadian and International candidates in preparation for a broad range of administrative, supervisory, and leadership positions in public and non-government sectors, and in K-12 and post-secondary education institutions in Canada and world-wide.

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

There are two graduate programs in the SEL specialization:

  • Master’s program (course based and thesis)
  • PhD program

Specialization Change

Prior to 01 July, 2022, Studies in Educational Leadership (SEL) was known as Education Administration and Leadership (EDAL).

Master's Program

The SEL Master’s program provides advanced study in preparation for a broad range of administrative, supervisory, and leadership positions in public and non-government sectors, and in K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions in Canada and world-wide.

Qualifications

The Studies in Educational Leadership specialization requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of teaching experience or equivalent. Equivalency could be, for example, a minimum of two years of independent teaching and/or leadership experience in K-12 or post-secondary classrooms or environments. Interested applicants who do not have teaching experience (or equivalent) should consider whether the Adult, Community and Higher Education (ACHE) program is a more appropriate option.

Program Structure

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

SEL Specialization Courses

  • EDPS 511 – Evolving Concepts in Educational Administration and Leadership
  • EDPS 512 – Organizational Theory and Education
  • EDPS 501 – Conference Course: First Nations, Metis, Inuit Education for School Leaders
  • EDPS 501 – Conference Course: Parent/Caregiver Participation in Schooling
  • EDPS 501 – Conference Course: Rural Education
  • EDPS 501 – Conference Course: School Leadership and Supporting Diverse Learners
  • EDPS 509 – Research Data Collection & Analysis
  • EDPS 513 – Educational Policy and Reform
  • EDPS 531 – Supporting Educator Professional Growth
  • EDPS 547 – Leadership for Social Justice
  • EDPS 548 – Global Governance & Issues in Educational Administration and Leadership
  • EDPS 541 – Organizational Learning and Change
  • EDPS 553 – Legal Aspects of Educational Administration
  • EDPS 572 – Administration of Post-secondary Institutions
  • EDPS 571 - The organization of Post-secondary Education
  • EDPS 635 – Organizational Theory
  • EDPS 672 – Issues in Post-secondary Education

Options/Alternative Electives

Courses at the 500-level and above taken across the 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. Students must have already completed at least one course (★3) in their program in order to receive permission. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.

Further listings of courses offered throughout the year are found in Bear Tracks.

Course-Based Program 

All students admitted to the SEL Master’s program are admitted as course-based students. If a student wishes to transfer to the thesis-based MEd program, please refer to this document for further information and guidelines.

Upon completion of the required coursework, course-based Master’s students will complete a capping project. A capping project serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students who are in their final year of the MEd program

Please refer to this document for further information and requirements on the capping project. Registration in EDPS 900 - Directed Research Project (★3) is required for course-based Master’s students.

Thesis-Based Program 

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. Registration in 900-level THES is required for thesis-based Master’s students

Further information on Master’s program routes can be found here.

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.

This specialization prepares Canadian and international candidates for a broad range of leadership positions in schools, school systems, postsecondary institutions, departments of education, other government agencies, professional associations, and similar organizations.

Before completing an application for the PhD program, please refer to the following checklist:

Document Checklist for PhD Admission Applications

Qualifications

The Studies in Educational Leadership specialization requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of teaching experience or equivalent. Equivalency could be, for example, a minimum of two years of independent teaching and/or leadership experience in K-12 or post-secondary classrooms or environments. Interested applicants who do not have teaching experience (or equivalent) should consider whether the Adult, Community and Higher Education (ACHE) program is a more appropriate option.

Program Structure

The PhD degree requires a minimum of ★36 which normally includes a minimum of ★24 in graduate courses and a dissertation.

Specialization Core Courses

  • EDPS 635 - Organization Theory I
  • EDPS 511 - Evolving Concepts in Educational Administration and Leadership
  • EDPS 512 - Organizational Theory and Education

A list of courses to be offered during the Fall Session (September to December) and Winter Session (January to April) can be found through BearTracks. Information about courses offered during the Intersession (May to August) will be available on the BearTracks system 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.

Leadership Certification 

Alberta has two types of leadership certification for school leaders: principal certification and superintendent certification. For more information see Leadership Certifications (Government of Alberta) or download the PDF information sheet.

Note to all applicants

Describe in your statements of intent: 

  • How you will be making adequate space in your lives to fully engage in your studies 
  • Proposed timelines for your program of study

Contact Us

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