Your Program Plan
Elementary Four-Year Program
General Overview
The Four-Year Elementary Program consists of 120 credits. Although the program is referred to as a four-year program you do not have to complete it in four years. The four-year model is based on the completion of 30 credits every Fall/Winter but you can set your own pace. Regardless of the pace at which you progress through the program, you will follow the general order of courses/requirements outlined below.
All of our degree programs are designed to be completed in the Fall/Winter terms, as this is when most courses are offered. There are limited course offerings in the Spring/Summer terms which make these terms ideal for taking one or two courses.
Years 1 and 2
During the first two years of the program, you will complete three introductory Education courses (EDU 100, EDU 210 and EDU 211) that are designed to increase your knowledge of and understanding about the field of education and teaching in Alberta, technology in the classroom and Aboriginal/Indigenous Education.
In addition, you will take courses related to the subject areas taught in elementary schools. These courses, referred to as the Non-Education Elements, related to the following areas: Aboriginal and Indigenous Histories and Culture, Fine Arts, Language/Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, Physical and Health Education, and Social Science. The Non-Education Elements make up almost half of your program which means that the majority of your first two years will be dedicated to taking courses in these subject areas.
Years 3 and 4
During the last two years of your program you will complete several senior-level Education courses related to:
- teaching the different subject areas in the elementary classroom
- studying how children develop and learn
- assessing student progress
- adapting your teaching to meet the learning needs of all students
- learning about the ethical and legal responsibilities of teachers
Within these last two years of your program, you will also complete two field experience components (one five weeks in length and the other nine weeks). The field experience part of the program provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a classroom setting while under the mentorship of a teacher. For more information about field experience, please refer to the Field Experiences’ website.
Secondary Four-Year Program
General Overview
The Four-Year Secondary Program consists of 120 credits. All students in Secondary follow a program specific to their major and minor subject areas. Although the program is referred to as a four-year program you do not have to complete it in four years. The four-year model is based on the completion of 30 credits every Fall/Winter but you can set your own pace. Regardless of the pace at which you progress through the program, you will follow the general order of courses/requirements outlined below.
All of our degree programs are designed to be completed in the Fall/Winter terms, as this is when most courses are offered. There are limited course offerings in the Spring/Summer terms which make these terms ideal for taking one or two courses.
Years 1 and 2
During the first two years of the program you will complete three introductory Education courses (EDU 100, EDU 210 and EDU 211) that are designed to increase your knowledge of and understanding about the field of education and teaching in Alberta, technology in the classroom and Aboriginal/Indigenous Education.
In addition, you will take courses related to your major and minor subject areas. We recommend starting with the the introductory courses, such as 100-level (junior) courses, as these are often pre-requisites to senior-level (200 or higher) courses. Typically, students average about 1-3 courses per term in their major subject area and 1-2 courses per term in their minor. By the end of the program, you will have 36 credits (usually 12 courses) in your major and 18 credits (usually 6 courses) in your minor.
Years 3 and 4
During the last two years of your program you will complete several senior-level Education courses related to:
- teaching your major and minor in a secondary school classroom
- studying how adolescents development and learn
- assessing student progress
- adapting your teaching to meet the learning needs of all students
- learning about the ethical and legal responsibilities of teachers
You will also complete any major or minor requirements that are still outstanding.
Within these last two years of your program, you will also complete two field experience components (one five weeks in length and the other nine weeks). The field experience part of the program provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a classroom setting while under the mentorship of a teacher. For more information about field experience, please refer to the Field Experiences’ website at www.fieldexperiences.ualberta.ca.