Nov 05, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2024-2025 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2024-2025

Master of Education with a specialization in Studies in Educational Leadership (Educational Policy Studies)


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.

Program Requirements


In addition to the program core courses (6 units), students must complete specialization core courses and optional courses for a total of 33 units for course-based programs, or 24 units for thesis-based programs.

Specialization electives (Course-based programs require 9 units; Thesis-based programs require 6 units):


*These courses are to be chosen in consultation with the student’s supervisor/advisor or the Graduate Coordinator.

  • EDPS 501  - Courses proposed and taught by EDAL faculty (only applicable to 501s offered from Fall 2020 onward)
  • EDPS 501  - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education for School Leaders
  • EDPS 501  - Parent/Caregiver Participation in Schooling
  • EDPS 501  - School Leadership and Supporting Diverse Learners

Course-based Programs:


In addition to the program core courses (6 units), specialization core courses (6 units) and specialization electives (9 units), students in the course-based program are required to complete the following:

Coursework (12 units)


  • Minimum of four 3-unit 500-level and above courses taken from 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 units) in their program in order to receive permission. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.

Capping Exercise (3 units)


Thesis-based Program:


In addition to the program core courses (6 units), specialization core courses (6 units) and specialization electives (6 units), students in the thesis-based program are required to complete the following:

Thesis


  • Registration in 900-level THES. 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.

Laddering into the course-based MEd with specialization in Studies in Educational Leadership


Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership or equivalent in good standing may be able to use the courses from the certificate to receive up to 12 units in advanced standing in this program. Completion of the certificate does not guarantee admission to a master’s degree program. The certificate may be used for both the basis of admission and laddered into the course-based master degree. Details on laddering  can be found in the Calendar under Regulations of the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies .

Ethics Requirement


Students in both the course-based and thesis-based Master of Education with a specialization in Studies in Educational Leadership must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement  through the completion of INT D 710  (for both master’s and doctoral students) by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Professional Development Requirement


Students in both the course-based and thesis-based Master of Education with a specialization in Studies in Educational Leadership fulfill the GPS Professional Development Requirement  through their program.

Length of Program


The maximum time to complete the course-based MEd program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.

The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MEd program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years.