MEd Thesis-Based

The Master of Education (Thesis-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, 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 for those who aspire towards further graduate work at the doctoral level.

The MEd program is flexible and 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 thesis-based MEd degree with a focus in the area of curriculum, teaching, and pedagogy is particularly suitable for individuals who are planning to take a sabbatical or personal leave, although many courses applicable to the 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. Need help? Visit uab.ca/reg for more information.

Program

  • Each thesis-based MEd is an individual program structured to meet the needs of the individual student. Students in the thesis-based route must complete a minimum of *21 of graduate-level courses (equivalent to seven 3-credit courses) and prepare and defend a thesis (equivalent to 9 credits).
  • EDSE 503: Curriculum Foundations, EDSE 504: Curriculum Inquiry, EDSE 510: Research Methods, and EDSE 511: Research Design are required as part of the program.
  • Other courses will be determined in consultation with the supervisor with due consideration for the student's general academic background and the requirements of the proposed thesis. 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: All students conducting research with human subjects must submit and have a Research Ethics Review​ ​approved prior to commencing research via the​ ARISE ​(Alberta Research Information Services) system.
  • There is no residence requirement for the thesis-based MEd program; however, a period of residence is strongly recommended for writing the thesis.
  • This is normally a two-year program but part-time students have up to four years to complete.

Supervision

Upon admission, all MEd thesis-based students are assigned a supervisor in their area of study.

Examinations

Each candidate for the MEd (thesis) must successfully complete an oral examination of their thesis.

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