Led by internationally renowned scholars,  Secondary Education programs offer classes, seminars, discussion groups and supervision which provide graduate students with extensive opportunities to engage in thoughtful and critical scholarship into curriculum and pedagogy.

We offer programs leading to the Master of Education (MEd) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Graduate instruction in these programs develops scholarship and inquiry in curriculum theory and pedagogical subject-specific disciplines. Graduate programs typically involve advanced study in one or more of the following areas:

  • Curriculum Studies
  • Aboriginal and Indigenous Curriculum Perspectives
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
  • Digital Technologies in Education
  • English Language Arts Education
  • Fine Arts Education and Media Studies
  • Mathematics Education
  • Physical and Health Education
  • Science Education
  • Second Languages and ESL
  • Social Studies Education
  • Teacher Education

Master's Program

Master of Education (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.

FGPS Requirements

  • INT D 710: Ethics and Academic Citizenship, a self-paced, zero credit course available through BearTracks

Required Courses (★9)

  • EDSE 503: Curriculum Foundations
  • EDSE 504: Curriculum Inquiry
  • EDSE 510: Research Methods in Secondary Education

General Electives (★18)

In consultation with their advisor, students select 500-level and 600-level electives from course offerings within or outside the Faculty of Education.

Capping Exercise (★3)

EDSE 900: Research/Capping Exercise

View MEd Course-Based Program Planning Sheet

Master of Education (Thesis-Based)

The Master of Education (Thesis-Based) program is an advanced degree for educators concerned with professional matters of curriculum, teaching, and pedagogy. It is designed to develop competencies as master teachers, educators in specific disciplines, curriculum and instruction specialists, and educational scholars and researchers. 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, as well as those who aspire towards further graduate work at the doctoral level.

The Master of Education (Thesis-Based) requires a minimum of ★21 in graduate-level coursework and ongoing thesis registration. 

FGPS Requirements

  • INT D 710: Ethics and Academic Citizenship, a self-paced, zero credit course available through BearTracks

Required Courses (★12)

  • EDSE 503: Curriculum Foundations
  • EDSE 504: Curriculum Inquiry
  • EDSE 510: Research Methods in Secondary Education
  • EDSE 511: Research Design in Secondary Education

General Electives (★9)

  • In consultation with their advisor or supervisor, students select 500-level and 600-level electives from course offerings within or outside the Faculty of Education.

Thesis Registration (THES 903, 906, or 909)

Full-time students in thesis-based programs must register in each term (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer).

Fall/Winter Terms

To be considered full-time, students must be registered in a minimum of 9 credits. This will be comprised of coursework and/or thesis registration: 

  • 9 credits of coursework + no thesis registration
  • 6 credits of coursework + THES 903 (★3)
  • 3 credits of coursework + THES 906 (★6)
  • 0 credits of coursework + THES 909 (★9)
Spring/Summer Terms

To be considered full-time, students must be registered in a minimum of 6 credits. FGPS will automatically add registration in THES 906 (★6) to each thesis-based student’s BearTracks account. Courses taken in Spring/Summer, are assessed at an additional cost

View MEd Thesis-Based Program Planning Sheet

Examinations

Final Examination: Masters students complete a thesis, which must be successfully defended in an oral examination of their thesis. See the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies' website for information on required components and thesis formatting.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD program is geared towards developing a scholarly knowledge base in education, becoming skillful at engaging in educational research, and preparing for research and scholarship in higher education contexts. The doctoral program is flexible, encouraging the pursuit of both personal and professional interests and creative scholarship. It is designed to develop significant depth and expertise in the candidate's particular area of study.

The PhD program focuses on the following components:

  • Curriculum and teaching: required courses in curriculum foundations and curriculum inquiry.
  • Research: courses are available that offer general research perspectives, as well as more in-depth study of approaches such as narrative inquiry, action research, hermeneutics and phenomenology, arts-based research, participatory research, ethnography, gender theory, empirical inquiry, deconstructionism, and critical inquiry.
  • Subject matter or specialty focus: math, English, social studies, second languages, music, art, drama, science education, career and technology, physical education, educational technology, adult professional practice, curriculum studies, pedagogy.
  • Dissertation interest scholarship: students are encouraged to select coursework specific to their research focus and interest.

The Doctor of Philosophy program requires a minimum of ★21 in graduate-level coursework and ongoing thesis registration. 

FGPS Requirements

Self-paced, zero credit courses available through BearTracks

  • INT D 710: Ethics and Academic Citizenship
  • INT D 720: Advanced Ethics and Academic Citizenship

These should be completed by the end of your first term in the program.

Required Courses 

Note: Students who have not completed EDSE 503 and EDSE 504 (or equivalent) prior to admission are expected to take these courses as a component of their doctoral program.

  • EDSE 503: Curriculum Foundations
  • EDSE 504: Curriculum Inquiry
  • EDSE 610: Advanced Research Seminar in Secondary Education I
  • EDSE 620: Advanced Research Seminar in Secondary Education II

General Electives 

  • In consultation with their advisor or supervisor, students select 500-level and 600-level electives from course offerings within or outside the Faculty of Education.

Thesis Registration (THES 903, 906, or 909)

Full-time students in thesis-based programs must register in each term (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer).

Fall/Winter Terms

To be considered full-time, students must be registered in a minimum of 9 credits. This will be comprised of coursework and/or thesis registration: 

  • 9 credits of coursework + no thesis registration
  • 6 credits of coursework + THES 903 (★3)
  • 3 credits of coursework + THES 906 (★6)
  • 0 credits of coursework + THES 909 (★9)
Spring/Summer Terms

To be considered full-time, students must be registered in a minimum of 6 credits. FGPS will automatically add registration in THES 906 (★6) to each thesis-based student’s BearTracks account. Courses taken in Spring/Summer, are assessed at an additional cost.

View PhD Program Planning Sheet

Examinations

  • Doctoral Candidacy Examination: Students must prepare and orally defend a written candidacy paper outlining the proposed study and reviewing the relevant research and theory. This examination will assess the student's knowledge of the discipline and subject matter relevant to the dissertation and their ability to pursue and complete original research at an advanced level.
  • Final Doctoral Examination: Doctoral students complete a thesis (dissertation), which must be successfully defended. See the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies' website for information on required components and thesis formatting. 
Doctor of Education

The EdD program is especially suited for professionals who want to expand their knowledge and understanding in relation to their current practices, leadership roles, and future responsibilities. It aims to be relevant to a broad range of interests, such as school-based professional practice, curriculum development and leadership, educational technology, teacher education, professional development, educational consultancy, resource development, pedagogical relations, pedagogical programs and practices, and teaching in a variety of contexts.

Study towards an EdD is suited to be undertaken as part of a sabbatical or personal leave program. The one-year (continuous) residency requirement can be arranged to fit into the context of career schedules and plans.

The following detailed information is of relevance to prospective EdD students. The majority of these regulations are in addition to those of the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS). Applicants should familiarize themselves with the pertinent regulations from the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, found in the current University of Alberta Calendar.

  • An EdD degree is equivalent to a PhD degree. The research component, however, may be more practically oriented than that of the PhD.
  • Each EdD is an individual program, structured to meet the needs of the student. An EdD student can expect to complete approximately two years of coursework. The doctoral dissertation is a major component of the program.
  • Residency: The minimum period of residence for the EdD program is twelve consecutive months of full-time registration. During the Fall and Winter terms, students must carry a minimum nine-credit load per term. During the Spring (May-June) and Summer (July-August) terms, students must carry a minimum six-credit load per term. The one-year residency requirement for EdD students is in place so that students can become part of the community of scholars to which the Faculty supports and belongs.

FGPS Requirements

Self-paced, zero credit courses available through BearTracks

  • INT D 710: Ethics and Academic Citizenship
  • INT D 720: Advanced Ethics and Academic Citizenship

These should be completed by the end of your first term in the program.

Required Courses 

Note: Students who have not completed EDSE 503 and EDSE 504 (or equivalent) prior to admission are expected to take these courses as a component of their doctoral program.

  • EDSE 503: Curriculum Foundations
  • EDSE 504: Curriculum Inquiry
  • EDSE 610: Advanced Research Seminar in Secondary Education I
  • EDSE 620: Advanced Research Seminar in Secondary Education II

General Electives 

  • In consultation with their advisor or supervisor, students select 500-level and 600-level electives from course offerings within or outside the Faculty of Education.
  • The number of Individual Study (EDSE 602) courses is limited to 3 credits per semester and 6 credits per program.

Thesis Registration (THES 903, 906, or 909)

Full-time students in thesis-based programs must register in each term (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer).

Fall/Winter Terms

To be considered full-time, students must be registered in a minimum of 9 credits. This will be comprised of coursework and/or thesis registration: 

  • 9 credits of coursework + no thesis registration
  • 6 credits of coursework + THES 903 (★3)
  • 3 credits of coursework + THES 906 (★6)
  • 0 credits of coursework + THES 909 (★9)
Spring/Summer Terms

To be considered full-time, students must be registered in a minimum of 6 credits. FGPS will automatically add registration in THES 906 (★6) to each thesis-based student’s BearTracks account. Courses taken in Spring/Summer, are assessed at an additional cost.

Examinations

  • Doctoral Candidacy Examination: Students must prepare and orally defend a written candidacy paper outlining the proposed study and reviewing the relevant research and theory. This examination will assess the student's knowledge of the discipline and subject matter relevant to the dissertation and their ability to pursue and complete original research at an advanced level.
  • Final Doctoral Examination: Doctoral students complete a thesis (dissertation), which must be successfully defended. See the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies' website for information on required components and thesis formatting. 

Admission Requirements

Master's Program
  • a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
  • a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale in the most recent two years of full-time study (60 units) or equivalent
  • a program advisor (course-based) or thesis supervisor (thesis-based) who is willing to assist with program planning and to supervise the student's project or thesis research.
  • English language proficiency
  • two years teaching experience or equivalent
Doctoral Programs

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Faculty of Education will only consider applicants to the Doctoral programs 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.

Minimum Admission Requirements 

  • a master's degree or its academic equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
  • a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4 point scale in the most recent two years of full-time study (60 units) or equivalent
  • a dissertation supervisor who is willing to assist with program planning and supervise the student's research
  • English language proficiency

In addition, it is highly recommended that applicants have two years teaching experience or equivalent experience in a formal or informal educational context.

Financial Assistance

  • The Faculty of Education is unable to guarantee financial assistantships to all students; however, we are able to offer a substantial number of graduate teaching or research assistantships on a competitive basis in exchange for research assistance for faculty members, teaching assistance in the undergraduate program. Decisions about assistantships are based on the needs of the Faculty in relation to teaching and research, our current resources, and the student’s background experiences/merit.
  • International applicants are strongly advised to secure funding for their program from external sources prior to applying to this program. Any funding we may be able to provide will be insufficient to cover all expenses of life and school for the duration of the program; therefore, you must have other funds available to you.
  • Students are expected to apply for all internal and external awards for which they qualify.

Application Process

Check Your Eligibility

Please review the admissions requirements to confirm your eligibility. An applicant's undergraduate academic performance, letters of reference, work experience, letter of intent, and areas of academic interest are all taken into account during the selection process for all graduate programs. Due to the necessity for quotas in many program routes and the limited resources of the Faculty, many highly qualified applicants cannot be admitted. While the Faculty encourages as many applicants as possible, it also recommends applicants apply to other universities in the event they cannot be admitted to the University of Alberta.

Obtaining Supervision

Masters Programs

All graduate students applying to the MEd Thesis program are encouraged to reach out to faculty members prior to applying in order to secure a supervisor. This is not required but strongly recommended. Course-based students do not need to reach out.

Doctoral Programs

Graduate students applying to the PhD program are strongly encouraged to reach out to a potential supervisor from our list of Faculty Staff to discuss your application in advance of applying to the Doctoral program.

Applying Online & Submitting Documents

Once you have verified your eligibility, please apply for admission through the Graduate Studies Management System (GSMS). The  Graduate Studies Management System is managed by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) which plays a key role in providing final admissions approval for all graduate students across the University of Alberta. 

All items must be received by the application deadline, including reference letters. Therefore, please ensure that your application for admission is submitted at least two weeks before the deadline.

Please note that the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies requires all transcripts and mark sheets to meet specific guidelines.

In order to successfully submit your application for admission, you will be required to upload the following supporting documents to the online application system:

Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Must specify at least one Research Area (listed above) and include plans for study in the Secondary Education graduate program.
  • Should describe your interest in graduate study in Secondary Education, the reasons for wanting to pursue advanced study in this specialization, an indication of your research interests.
  • Doctoral students must also include a statement outlining how and when the residence requirement will be fulfilled.
  • Doctoral students must also identify a potential supervisor in their Statement of Intent.
  • Master's students are not required to identify a potential supervisor (thesis-based) or program advisor (course-based) in their Statement of Intent, but it is recommended.
  • Maximum length of 3 pages.

Three letters of reference

  • From persons qualified to comment on the applicant's academic work and potential for graduate study. Where possible, one or more of the letters should be from persons at the institution last attended.
  • Within the online application system, applicants must provide e-mail addresses for three referees. Referees will automatically receive an e-mail request to complete both an online form and upload a letter of reference in PDF format.

Transcripts

  • The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies requires all transcripts and marksheets to meet specific guidelines.
  • Official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions attended. Scan and upload each page (front and back) of all official academic transcripts in PDF format.
  • International Applicants must scan and upload the following in PDF format:
    • Transcripts or Marksheets -- Original Language
    • Transcripts or Marksheets -- English Translation (if original is not English)
    • Degree Certificate -- Original Language
    • Degree Certificate -- English Translation (if original is not English)
  • Please note that if admission is approved, applicants will be required to submit original official copies of all transcripts to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies prior to the start of the program.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

  • English Language Proficiency: The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) requires all applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency. Applicants with degrees/qualifications in a language other than English need to demonstrate English Language Proficiency by completing an approved English language exam.
  • To be admitted to this program, applicants must meet the minimum exam scores as outlined below:
    • TOEFL: a total score of 93 with a score of at least 24 on speaking and writing and 21 on reading and listening (internet-based)
    • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 on each band
    • CAEL: overall minimum score of 70, with at least 60 on each subtest
    • PTE (Academic): overall minimum score of 64
    • Duolingo: minimum score of 120, with no subscore below 100.
      • Please Note: If you are in a region impacted by Pearson, IELTS or TOEFL test centre closures due to COVID-19, the university will temporarily accept the Duolingo English Test as one of the ways to meet our English Language Proficiency requirements. This option is currently available until Winter 2024 admission. See FGPS for more information.
  • Note: Applicants with qualifications from certain countries and international universities may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirements.

Statement of Intent

  • Must specify at least one Research Area and include plans for study in the Secondary Education graduate program.
  • Should describe your interest in graduate study in Secondary Education, the reasons for wanting to pursue advanced study in this specialization, an indication of your research interests.
  • Doctoral students must also include a statement outlining how and when the residence requirement will be fulfilled.
  • Doctoral applicants must also identify the potential supervisor in their Statement of Intent who has agreed to supervise their program and research.
  • Doctoral applicants must address how they meet the funding requirements in their letter of intent. If you are a working professional employed at or above the 0.5 FTE, please upload the Confirmation of Employment form into the GSMS portal, or email the signed copy to essgrad3@ualberta.ca to be added to your application.
  • Master's students are not required to identify a potential supervisor (thesis-based) or program advisor (course-based) in their Statement of Intent, but it is recommended.
  • Maximum length of 3 pages.

 

 

Await the Official Admission Decision

Once we have received all of the required documents, your application is considered complete and the application will move forward to the review process. Applicants will be notified in the GSMS Application Portal once an official decision has been made.

Successful applicants will receive the official letter of acceptance issued by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) in the GSMS portal. A department letter will follow that will outline further details of the admission including potential information such as funding offers or program information. Successful international applicants will require the letter of acceptance from FGPS in order to proceed with the application for travel documents such as a study permit and VISA.

IMPORTANT: Official documents (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.) may be required upon receiving the conditional offer of admission letter. Documents must be sent directly from the post-secondary institution to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies office. Detailed instructions will be outlined in your offer letter.