MEd Course-Based

The Master of Education (Course-based) program is an advanced degree for educators who are concerned with professional matters of curriculum, teaching, and pedagogy. It is designed to develop competencies as master teachers, educators in specific disciplines, and curriculum and instruction specialists. The program is especially suited for professionals who want to expand their knowledge base in relation to their current practices, leadership roles, and future responsibilities. The course program is flexible and provides opportunities for combining periods of scholarly reflection with practical involvement and self-initiated field work and study projects.

The Master of Education (MEd) program is relevant to a broad range of interests such as school-based professional practice, educational technology, curriculum development, pedagogical programs and practices, and teaching in a variety of contexts in subject matter specializations. 

Study towards a course-based MEd degree with a focus in the area of curriculum, teaching, and pedagogy is eminently suited to be undertaken by individuals who are currently teaching or who are planning to take a sabbatical or personal leave. A wide variety of courses applicable to this degree are available late afternoons or evenings. Selected courses are offered during Spring and Summer sessions. Please check BearTracks for the most up-to-date course offerings.

Program

  • Each course-based MEd is an individual program structured to meet the needs of the individual student. Students are required to complete *27 of graduate-level courses (the equivalent of nine 3-credit courses) and a final project (equivalent to 3 credits).
  • EDSE 503: Curriculum Foundations, EDSE 504: Curriculum Inquiry, EDSE 510: Research Methods and EDSE 900 (final project) are required as part of the program.
  • Other courses to be taken by the student will be determined in consultation with the advisor with due consideration for the student's general academic background and the requirements of the proposed project. The number of Individual Study (EDSE 502) courses is limited to 3 credits per semester and 6 credits per program.
  • Students have an opportunity to include in their programs courses offered by other Departments and Faculties that are related to their field.
  • Ethics Requirement: Ethics is met through the completion of INT D 710: Ethics and Academic Citizenship, a self-paced, zero credit course available through BearTracks. This should be completed by the end of your first term in the program.
  • Research Ethics Review: Not applicable to course-based MEd students. Final projects cannot involve research with human participants. Exceptions are possible on the recommendation of the student's advisor.
  • This is normally a two-year program but part-time students have up to six years to complete.
  • There is no residence requirement for the course-based MEd program.

 Master of Education - Online Program

K-12 Science Cohort

The Secondary and Elementary Education graduate program areas plan to offer a fully online Master in Education cohort in K-12 science education commencing September 2022. The program and its proposed start date are contingent on sufficient enrollment. The cohort model allows for increased specialization in subject areas, a clearly-defined educational path, and the creation of communities of practice.

The program consists of 10 graduate-level courses (total of 30 credits). The K-12 science education cohort will allow students to complete the MEd degree in three years with courses offered online in Fall, Winter, Spring and/or Summer terms.

The courses in the K-12 science education cohort will include the following:

  • Required courses (12 credits)
    • EDSE 503: Curriculum Foundations
    • EDSE 504: Curriculum Inquiry
    • EDSE 510: Research Methods
    • EDSE 900: Final Capping Project
  • Science education focused-courses (15 credits). Possible courses may include:
    • EDES 509: Teaching science in Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • EDSE 566: Philosophy of Science: Implications for Teaching
    • EDSE 567: STSE: Implications for Teaching
    • EDEL 530: Language, Inquiry, and School Science
    • or other courses that will be offered by the Science Education Professors
  • Elective (3 credits), as determined in consultation with the student’s program advisor

Application Deadline: March 1, 2022. More information on applications and admission requirements can be found on How to Apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will having a MEd affect my salary?
If you teach in Alberta, the Teacher Qualifications Service (TQS) will make that determination for you, as this varies from person to person. You can contact the TQS via the ATA website.

I cannot select the ‘K-12 Science Online Cohort’ in the GSMS application portal. How do I clarify my intent to be considered for admission to this cohort?
Students should indicate their interest in the K-12 Science Online Cohort in their statement of intent. If you have a preference for a program advisor, or someone you have already communicated with, please also include their name in your statement.

I have already completed some graduate courses. Can I transfer these courses into the K-12 Science Online cohort?
A maximum of six approved graduate level credits (two courses) could be transferred into a course-based MEd program, taken as an Open Studies/Special Studies student or from a non-conferred program. Any courses transferred must have been completed in the last six years and must be appropriate to the program as determined by the advisor, with final approval granted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research.

I noticed that the cohort is set up for students to complete a capping paper instead of a thesis. Can I do a thesis in the K-12 Science Online Cohort?
We anticipate that most students will elect to do a capping paper. Any students who prefer to complete a thesis should talk with their program advisor.

I do not intend to register for the K-12 Science Online Cohort, but I would like to take some courses as part of my graduate program. Can I register for some of the MEd cohort courses or do I have to be part of the cohort?
You do not have to be part of the cohort to register in some of the courses, however, preference will be given to current students and those in the MEd K-12 Science Online Cohort.

If there is insufficient enrollment for the cohort, what will happen to my Application?
If there is insufficient enrollment for the cohort to proceed, your application will be processed with the rest of the pool of applications for the MEd program in Secondary Education. Please note that although there may be courses scheduled online in the Faculty, this would not be designated as a fully 'online' program, and completing everything at a distance could not be guaranteed. If you are accepted into the MEd program, you may also consider requesting a revised admission start date for up to one year, which could provide more time to get the K-12 online cohort numbers up for 2023-2024.

Contact

For questions or more information on the K-12 Science Online Cohort please contact:

Supervision

Upon admission, all MEd course-based students are assigned a program advisor in their area of study.

Examinations

Normally, each candidate for the course-based MEd will present their project in a public forum.

Graduate Program Fees

For tuition and sample fee assessments, please see the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) - Tuition & Cost of Living Estimates.

Contact

Graduate Advisor:
Email: essgrad3@ualberta.ca