phd in educational leadership in canada

School of Graduate Studies

Educational leadership and policy, program overview.

The Educational Leadership & Policy (ELP) program is devoted to the study and development of policy, leadership, change, and social diversity in elementary and secondary schools and other educational settings for children and youth. A combination of theory and real-world practice will enable students to tackle the complex challenges of current education policy, leadership and reform. Program strengths include:

• A focus on equity, anti-oppression and educational justice;
• Deep expertise in both the Ontario educational context and in comparative, international and global contexts; and
• Training in advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The ELP program is designed to develop critical and highly skilled educational leaders, policy analysts, and researchers who will make positive change in schools, school boards (districts), government ministries, foundations, nongovernmental agencies and international organizations in Canada and around the world. Within the program, students are able to explore the field more broadly or focus on one of four thematic areas: Policy, Leadership, Change and Social Diversity. Students have four degree program options within ELP: MEd, MA, EdD and PhD.

Quick Facts

Educational Leadership

Professional doctor of education (ed.d.), research supervisors and cohort-learning model, tuition and funding, admission requirements, application process.

Applications for the next intake for spring (May) 2025 open Sept. 15, 2024. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2025.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership is intended for professionals seeking to solve problems of practice within their profession. The program is intended to equip graduates for improved educational leadership and applied educational research in their current and future organizations with educational mandates.

The program is facilitated over three years with a blend of online and in-person courses to allow working professionals to enroll and to maintain work commitments. Upon completing this program, graduates will be well positioned for advancement in a variety of K-12, postsecondary and social sector settings where evidence-based and solution-oriented educational leadership is valued.

Please be advised that a graduate degree from the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Saskatchewan does not lead to a qualification for licensure for teaching in Saskatchewan or Canada.

Please note: the program courses are offered sequentially and attendance is mandatory for the initial in-person training. As well, this program is offered online with the exception of the first 2 week course in Summer, and students are responsible to ensure that have the correct immigration permits to attend for that portion of the program.

By completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate that they have the capacities to:

• Provide value-rich and competent leadership in their organizations to make positive differences in the lives of individuals, communities, and across the human service professions
• Recognize leadership as collaboratively co-constructed, as practical and respectful engagement with specific contexts and circumstances
• Model positive relationships and responsive communication strategies to authentically engage others in reciprocal learning and mission attainment
• Use practice-based research and theory to examine and activate change, blending practical wisdom with professional skills and knowledge
• Contribute to the development of a knowledge base focused on research-informed leadership practice
• Ethical leadership
• Social justice and equity
• Indigenous ways of knowing and contexts
• Comparative and international contexts and challenges

Program structure

Over the course of three years, students will join a cohort of peers through 10 courses while designing and conducting research into a problem of practice.

In the first year, students will develop a disciplinary breadth and depth in the field of Educational Leadership. The summer courses will take place in person over two weeks. In addition to the courses below, students must maintain continuous registration in EADM 998.0 Problems of Practice Professional Research in every term of the program.

In the second year, students will identify a problem of practice and design a study to investigate the problem. The coursework will focus on developing the research skills necessary for the final year of the program. The summer courses will take place in person over two weeks. In addition to the courses below, students must maintain continuous registration in EADM 998.0 Problems of Practice Professional Research in every term of the program.

In the final year of the program, students will carry out their research project and defend their disseration. The summer courses will take place in person over two weeks. In addition to the courses below, students must maintain continuous registration in EADM 998.0 Problems of Practice Professional Research in every term of the program.

Throughout the program, the EADM 990 Seminars will be used to develop a portfolio demonstrating evidence of learning and development. Students will be assessed through comprehensive exams at the beginning of year two to demonstrate mastery of the field of educational leadership and readiness for evidence-based inquiry.

You will not need to identify a potential supervisor to apply to this program. These assignments will take place as the program unfolds. However, you are encouraged to review faculty research and writing areas to better understand the research interests and expertise of our department. In this unique applied program, you will participate in a cohort model of learning with others who have demonstrated direct educational leadership experiences. Cohorts are estimated to range from 16 to 32 students in any given year. Within your EdD cohort, you will form a Doctoral Learning Team with six to eight others and be supervised by two faculty members and an adjunct faculty member or professional affiliate.

Due to the cohort model and the subject matter of courses in the EdD program, students from other programs will not be permitted to enrol in the EdD courses.

David Burgess

Associate professor, department head, director of saskatchewan educational leadership unit (selu).

[email protected] Faculty website

Areas of specialization

Organizational Theory, Modelling and Analysis, Educational and Administrative Law

Egan Chernoff

Associate professor.

[email protected] Faculty website

Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

Michael Cottrell

Associate professor (ba, ma, phd).

[email protected] Faculty website

Native-newcomer Relations, Indigenous Education, International and Comparative Education, Educational Leadership

Gordon Martell

[email protected]

Indigenous Education, Leadership and Organizational Development, Network Leadership and Learning Improvement

Paul Newton

Professor and department head (bmus[mused], med, phd).

[email protected] Faculty website

School Improvement, The Principalship, Leadership, Staff Development

Janet Okoko

Assistant professor (bed, med, phd).

[email protected] Faculty website

School leadership development, immigrant & minority education, socially empowered learning, monitoring and evaluation of education initiatives

Vicki Squires

[email protected] Faculty website

Post-secondary education, leadership, assessment and evaluation, organizational theory, scholarship of teaching and learning

Keith Walker

Full professor, cross-appointment with johnson-shoyama graduate school of public policy.

[email protected] Faculty website

Leadership & followership systems, development of flourishing learning organizations, fostering well-being, good governance & ethical decision making

Dawn Wallin

[email protected] Faculty website

Educational administration and leadership, rural education and governance, equity issues in education

Assistant Professor (BA, MA, PhD Candidate)

[email protected] Faculty website

Comparative and international education, governance and administration in post-secondary education

In your application, you should identify your financial status, and state if attendance is contingent on receiving financial aid. Students are supported in applying for university funding after acceptance through a limited number of scholarships and assistantships. You are encouraged to investigate all options for funding.

Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.

• Scholarships

Tuition will be assessed at a rate of $3,500 CAD per term.

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website .

Doctor of Education

• A master's degree from a recognized college or university
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
• Proof of English language proficiency will be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
• A minimum of five years direct educational leadership experience in organizational and educational contexts
• Statement of educational leadership development goals
• Statement of problem of practice interests
• Writing samples
• A curriculum vitae or resume that includes detailed evidence of leadership experience
• Letters of recommendation

Submit an online application

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

During the application, you'll be asked for:

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.

At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received .

• Begin an application
• Detailed application instructions

Submit required documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.

Transcripts

Preliminary Statement of Marks

• Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you  check your application status .
• The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
• All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
• Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you  check your application status .

Uploading documents

Post-secondary Transcripts

If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.

College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place  Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9

• Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
• Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.

Proof of English language proficiency (if required)

Proof of English language proficiency  may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.

For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:

• It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
• Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
• Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.

If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.

College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9

Required documents

• A curriculum vitae or resume that includes detailed evidence of leadership experience
• A statement/letter of intent: Statement of educational leadership development goals that includes reasons for applying to the EdD program (500 word maximum)
• A research statement: In fewer than 500 words, a statement describing your academic interests in the study of the administration or leadership of schools, educational programming, or educational systems.
• Writing samples: Samples of professional and scholarly work (minimum of two, maximum of five) that demonstrate professional and scholarly capabilities

The application will receive a holistic review by the Department of Educational Administration Graduate Programs Committees. Reviewers will comment on the evidence presented. Comment will be sought on the following:

• Five or more years of professional experience in educational leadership roles
• Competence for professional communication suited to mid-level managers and beyond
• Commitment to education leadership development
• Academic standing
• Relevance of disciplinary backgrounds
• Demonstrated writing ability
• Demonstrated ability for independent though, advanced study, and independent research
• Experiences related to topic threads of Indigenous ways of knowing and contexts, comparative and international contexts and challenges for education, social justice and equity, and ethical leadership
• Special talents, skills or aptitudes for cohort-based learning

Following the first review of applications, successful candidates will be asked to participate in an interview and portfolio review.

• After you've applied

Department of Educational Administration University of Saskatchewan 28 Campus Drive, Room 3079 University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X1

Graduate Chair Dr. Jing Xiao Email: [email protected]

Graduate Administrator Katrina Hutchence Email: [email protected] Telephone: 306-966-2509

• Educational Administration Learn more about the academic unit offering this program
• Program and Course Catalogue To view official admission and program requirements

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• Faculty of Education

Ph.D. Program

Online applications for the 2025 Academic year are now open. 

Note that the Joint Ph.D. in Educational Studies Office of the Secretariat will be housed at the University of Windsor for the next five years. All applications (home university choice of Brock University, Lakehead University, or the University of Windsor) will be initially processed through the University of Windsor online application system. >  Apply Here .

The application deadline for the 2025 Academic Year will be October 1, 2024.

The Joint Ph.D. in Educational Studies is offered by Brock University, Lakehead University, and the University of Windsor. The Faculty of Education, University of Windsor, invites students to complete the Joint Ph.D. in Educational Studies degree in one of three Areas of Specialization:

• Policy and Leadership
• Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education
• Cognition and Learning

We are committed to methodological advances in educational research and the integration of theory and practice. We nurture our students as developing scholars and leaders in faculties of education, school systems, and other institutional settings, thereby contributing to the growth of research and scholarship in Canada and internationally. We promote professional development through collaboration among scholars, practitioners, educational institutions, and faculties of education, thus fostering links between schools and universities, and promoting partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally. We are committed to excellence in our students and faculty and to producing graduates who are life long learners.

Program Highlights

• Individualized plan of study
• Multiple approaches to course delivery
• Site-based, rotation across home universities
• Distance Education (computer literacy required)
• Inter-university teams of instructors and supervisory committees
• Comprehensive portfolio - an innovative personalized approach to comprehensive examinations
• Unique opportunities for collaboration and networking

For information about tution and funding, please reference the Faculty of Graduate Studies funding page .  For example, the link below provides information regarding the Vanier Scholarship to which both Domestic and International students can apply for if eligible.

Search type

University Wide

Faculty / School Portals

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)

Join our inclusive research community of education experts. Our PhD program works on a mentorship model where new scholars work closely with established experts and collaborative research groups. Coursework is completed under the supervision of leading experts across the education spectrum. Our PhD graduates contribute innovative work transforming theory, policy and practice. We offer competitive funding packages and opportunities for our PhD students to be teaching or research fellows, as well as research or teaching assistants.

Research Expertise

Our faculty brings together diverse perspectives on education and foster multidisciplinary expertise in the following areas:

• Arts Education
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Curriculum Studies
• Early Childhood Education
• Exceptionalities
• History and Philosophy of Education
• Indigenous Education and Land-Based Learning 
• International Education
• Language and Literacy
• Leadership and Policy Studies
• Math, Science and Technology in Education
• Outdoor Education
• Social Justice and Inclusion
• Our program structure:  Our full-time, four-year, on-campus program has three terms per year. You will take courses for the first year, then complete two comprehensive examinations before beginning your dissertation.
• Funding: All of our PhD students are provided with a minimum funding package of $20,000 per year, with average funding of $25,000 per year including teaching opportunities and research assistantships.
• Quality supervision and support: Before you apply, you will contact a supervisor who supports your studies and research throughout the program.
• Small classes: Our courses are seminar style, small, and consist of 36 instructional hours. To view our courses, visit the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs calendar .
• Gain teaching and research experience: Many of our graduate students have the opportunity to teach within our Bachelor of Education programs and gain experience and funding in the process.
• Join an active research community: As part of your PhD, you will be immersed in an active research community with opportunities to work in research groups and attend academic conferences. 

Learn about our current students and recent alum

Join us for a Webinar

Want to learn more about our programs? 

• Wednesday, September 25, noon - 1 pm EST

Webinar Registration

Applications to all graduate programs are made through the  School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website  starting in September for admission the following year. 

In addition to the online application and application fee, PhD applicants are required to submit the following documentation via email to  [email protected] :

• Fill out the PhD in Education Research Proposal form.
• an electronic PDF copy of resumé/curriculum vitae 

If you have questions, please contact the  Graduate Studies & Research Office .

Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of a Master's degree in Education or equivalent advanced-level credential with first-class standing (A- or 80% or higher) at a recognized university
• Professional experience in education or a related field is an asset
• Applicants are required to submit a brief research proposal (one to two pages maximum)
• Applicants must identify and contact a potential supervisor who has expressed a willingness to supervise their work if they apply for admission and receive an offer of admission. 

Application Deadline and Start Dates

Completed applications (including submission of transcripts, references, CV and research proposal form) are due by January 15 . Late applications are not considered.  Our program begins in September of each year.

Prospective PhD Students: Need Help Finding a Supervisor?

Use the checklist below to assist you in your search for a supervisor in our graduate studies program.

• Get to know our Research Faculty – Review our researcher profiles. Understanding who might be a good fit for you is a key first step in the process!
• Once you have identified potential fits from our researcher profiles page, examine some of their recent research to identify their areas of interest and expertise. This will help you to determine how they might support your own program of growth. Read through prospective supervisors’ research and professional publications before deciding if they would be a good fit for your research. You may be expected to explain to your potential supervisor how they are best suited to supervise your project with specific reference to the research faculty’s scholarly work.
• Express your interest in our program and in having them supervise you for a specific program start date.
• Briefly summarize your aims and research purpose.
• Identify links between their research and your own, particularly using some of the published work.
• An invitation to connect for a conversation.
• A 1–2-page proposal that provides more detail than your description in your email. Your proposal should articulate your research questions, your reasons for pursuing these questions, the purpose and aims of your prospective project, your research methodology, and the significance/impact of this research.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) to provide the potential supervisor with some of your background information, including past studies and professional experience.
• Review your email to ensure you have said everything you need, and attached everything you want, and send it out! Ensure you have adequate time to order transcripts, complete your IELTS examination (for international applicants), request 2 academic references, etc.
• Be patient – Given that the potential supervisor is reviewing your work, understand that it may take at least ten business days to hear back.

Financing your studies

Funding packages.

Funding packages are awarded to students based on academic merit and they may consist of any or a combination of the following: scholarships, fellowships, external awards the student may bring with them, internal awards, research assistantships, teaching assistantships or graduate teaching fellowships.

The minimum guaranteed funding package for eligible full-time PhD students is $20,000 per year  (first 12 terms), with most students receiving additional funded opportunities.

It is important to note that you must apply for all major external and internal scholarships (where appropriate) for which you are eligible in order to qualify for the minimum guarantee. Any external awards received will be applied to funding offers (i.e., the external award is not on top of the original $20,000 minimum guarantee); however, funding offers overall for students with external awards are likely to be higher than those who do not receive them.

Normally, if students apply for and successfully obtain a Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Teaching and/or Research Assistantship the average funding for eligible PhD students is approximately $25,000 per year.

Exact funding package details are communicated to students normally in early summer.

For more information on sources of funding, please see the Funding page.  

Tuition, Fees and Costs

Information on tuition, fees and costs as well as the financial support offered to graduate students from the University and external agencies is provided by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs:

• Tuition, Fees and Cost of Living
• Funding for Queen's Graduate Students  

There are a number of internal awards available to our PhD students including travel fellowships and awards. 

Teaching Assistant or Graduate Teaching Fellow

Graduate students who want to be considered for a teaching assistant or graduate teaching fellow position as part of their funding package are required to apply for one or more of the postings listed under  Work at Queen's .

Graduate Studies and Research Office  

PhD in Educational Studies

• EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy
• MA in Educational Studies
• MEd : (ALE) Adult Learning and Education
• MEd : (ALGC) Adult Learning and Global Change
• MEd : (CULE) Curriculum and Leadership
• MEd : (EDAL) Educational Administration & Leadership
• MEd : (HIED) Higher Education
• MEd : (SCPE) Society, Culture & Politics in Education
• MEd : Ts’‘Kel Concentration
• Adult Learning and Education Diploma
• ALE Graduate Certificate Program
• HIED Graduate Certificate Program
• ALE Undergraduate Certificate Program
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Graduate admission

• Requirements

The PhD in Educational Studies is a research-oriented doctoral program for students interested in any of the study areas offered in the department.

Students are required to take three doctoral seminars. All other courses in a student’s program are determined in consultation with faculty. Students in the PhD program typically devote two years to coursework, and two to four years to developing and carrying out a research project designed to make an original contribution to knowledge in the study area.

The university allows doctoral students up to six years to complete program requirements. There is no set number of credits required for PhD programs at UBC.

For further facts and figures about the PhD in Educational Studies, please click here .

Admissions Requirements for Graduate Study

All graduate program applicants in the Department of Educational Studies (EDST) must meet the minimum entry requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, which oversees graduate work at UBC. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will be considered for admission only in exceptional circumstances.

Admission to the PhD program is highly competitive, based on the pool of applicants considered by the Admissions Committee, and subject to university and departmental requirements and departmental capacities for supervision.

More Info: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/graduate-degree-programs/phd-educational-studies

Please note: Applicants with full-funding from scholarships, fellowships, or alike, are still required to complete the PhD application process in the Department of Educational Studies (EDST).  In addition, all applicants will undergo adjudication by the PhD committee to determine admission. To be clear, applicants who bring full-funding with them are not automatically admitted .

General Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to a PhD program at UBC, applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability or potential; or a bachelor’s degree with one year of study in a master's program with 12 credits of first class average, of which 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing and clear evidence of research ability or potential. (For more detailed admissions requirements, please see the links below).

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - Minimum Academic Requirements: Canadian or U.S. Credentials http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/minimum-academic-requirements-canadian-or-us-credentials

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - Minimum Academic Requirements: International Credentials http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/minimum-academic-requirements-international-credentials

English Requirements

English Proficiency Test Score: Applicants whose degrees are from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), 92 with a minimum of 22 in each component (iTB) is required for admission to all programs in Educational Studies. Visit TOEFL’s website
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): Minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no other component score less than 6.0.
• MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): Minimum overall score of 81.

The applicants must have an official report of their score on one of these tests sent directly from the testing service to the Graduate Program Assistant, Department of Educational Studies at the address below by the application deadline. Score reports more than two years old will not be accepted.

More Information: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/english-proficiency-requirements

Most importantly with regard to a PhD application, please note that among other applicable requirements requested by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and by other UBC competent jurisdictions, as part of such an application you must submit:

• A Statement of Intent (800-1200 words) which clearly shows that your research topic/interest fits within the department in terms of prospective supervisors and areas of interest. Such a statement should also articulate the general research directions you would like to pursue during your program, if admitted. This statement should be 800-1200 words.
• A sample of your writing and engagement with research  (maximum 5,000 words without references). The intent is to demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas and your interests in a clear way. Writing samples typically take the form of an excerpt from a chapter from a masters thesis, a published article, or a substantial scholarly paper
• Entries on your transcript showing evidence of having taken courses on research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, ethnographic or philosophical) and research more generally at the Masters level.

Also, while this is not a requirement, it is very important for you to contact at least one faculty member who could be a potential supervisor of your work (has expertise and interest in the area and/or topic you want to focus on) and inquire whether they would be willing to supervise your work ( see list of faculty and areas of expertise at: https://edst.educ.ubc.ca/faculty-staff/faculty ). Even if they do not commit to supervising your work, you could list such a faculty member (one or even two is acceptable) as a potential supervisor when you apply (which would provide further proof of your suitability for the PhD and familiarity with the programmes and areas of expertise of faculty).

In May 2017 the UBC-V Senate approved the establishment of a university-wide minimum funding level for all PhD students. Specifically, all full-time students who begin a UBC-Vancouver PhD program in September 2018 or later will be provided with a minimum funding package equal to $18,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships.

For more information, see:

https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/minimum-funding-policy-phd-students

Doctoral students are also expected to apply for and obtain  funding. Our faculty are very supportive in this regard, and are able to help their supervised students build their applications, as well as supporting them by writing letters of appraisal.

If you do not live in Vancouver at present, you may want to consider the cost of living in Vancouver, and obtain further information from the website of the Faculty of Graduate Studies ( http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students ).

Program Requirements

Program Worksheets are available here: https://edst.educ.ubc.ca/resources/policies/

Doctoral Seminar and Colloquium

There are three required courses in the PhD program.

The first doctoral seminar (EDST 601A) is designed to help beginning students become familiar with the department, policies and procedures related to doctoral studies, and for an examination of critical theoretical traditions and conceptual problems in the social sciences as applied to education.

The second doctoral seminar (EDST 601B) exposes students to positivist, interpretive, historical, and philosophical methods, and a deep understanding of current methodological issues and debates.

The third doctoral seminar (EDST 602) explores what it means to engage in a doctoral experience with particular focus on scholarly writing, preparing for comprehensive exams, and thesis proposals.

Coursework in Specialization

Students in the PhD program are expected to take courses in their specialization so that they are familiar with current theory and research. Courses are selected in consultation with an adviser or program advisory committee.

Courses in the student’s specialization should be completed in the first year of the program.

Other Coursework

PhD students typically take additional courses to give them the breadth and depth of understanding of contemporary educational theories. Doctoral study is oriented toward the thesis research, but relevant coursework beyond the student’s specialization is recommended.

Research Methods

PhD students are expected to be familiar with the various methods used in contemporary educational research and to master the particular methods relative to their research. Developing proficiency in research methods normally requires enrolling in available courses and reading widely in the research methods literature. Before research proposals are approved, students are expected to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully carry out their research plan.

Comprehensive Examination

All students in the PhD program are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination after their coursework and before they present their research proposal. The examination is prepared by the student’s program adviser or research supervisory committee. Details about the mechanics of the examination and the options in format of the examination can be obtained from advisers or the department’s Graduate Program Assistant.

The PhD thesis is an original piece of research in the student’s area of specialization. Students develop research proposals which must be approved by a research supervisory committee of a supervisor and at least two other committee members. Research supervisory committees provide direction to the student, read and critique drafts of the thesis, and participate in the final oral examination.

PhD Residency

There is no residency requirement per se, but PhD students are expected to make steady progress through their coursework, comprehensive exams and thesis research. Current policies require PhD students to achieve candidacy by the end of their third year of study. Achieving candidacy involves completing all coursework, passing the comprehensive exam and having an approved research proposal.

Apply Online: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/online/

Admission to the PhD program is on a competitive basis, within the broader context of the pool of applicants considered by the Committee, subject to university and departmental requirements and to departmental capacities for supervision.

Applications should be submitted online at  www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/online . All of the following components of an application must be received by the department’s Graduate Program Assistant before the file can be reviewed by the appropriate admissions committee. Without complete documentation, the application review process cannot begin.

a. Online UBC application form . When you submit an online application at  www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/online , the completed form is automatically forwarded to the Department's Graduate Program Assistant. A non-refundable processing fee payable is to UBC: see the cover of the official UBC application form for the exact amount.

b. Upload digital copies (.pdfs) of official transcripts.  See Digital Copies of Official Transcripts tab for details

c. Three references –  The purpose of the references is to provide a comprehensive portrayal of your relevant background and capacity to complete the PhD. Letters of reference should speak to your ability to pursue research and produce scholarly writing at the doctoral level. Suitable referees include professors, supervisors, principals, or other persons to whom you are, or have been, accountable academically in employment or as a volunteer. Academic references are preferred. If the original letter is in another language, the letter must be accompanied by a certified English translation. There are three possible formats for references:

• Electronic references : In the online application system, applicants are asked to provide an email address for each referee. Once the online application has been submitted, a unique link will be emailed to each referee, allowing her or him to log in to a secure site and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment.
• Letters of reference (hard copy or email attachment) : Your referee may wish to send a paper letter. Paper letters of reference should be on referee’s official letterhead and must be mailed directly by the referee to the Graduate Program Assistant (see address below) in a sealed and endorsed envelope, or as a .pdf email attachment.
• Reference forms (hard copy or email attachment) : UBC provides a  general reference form . Your referee may fill out this form and mail it directly to the relevant program in a sealed and endorsed envelope, or send it as a .pdf email attachment.
• All references must be sent by referees directly. Reference letters or forms submitted by the applicant will not be accepted .
• The application system and department are unable to accept referee emails from Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, MSN or other free email accounts.
• By “sealed, endorsed envelope” we mean that the envelope needs to be sealed and that the signature of the referee be placed over the seal (i.e., partially on the flap and partially on the rest of the envelope).

Note: It is advisable to contact referees and inform them of the Admissions deadline early in your process.

d. Statement of intent.  You need to describe your specific interests in pursuing a PhD and precisely why you are applying to the Department of Educational Studies and to the program or concentration you have selected (800-1200 words). This statement should highlight the following:

• Your engagement with graduate research , which clearly shows that your research topic/interest fits within the department in terms of prospective supervisors and areas of interest.
• The general research directions you would like to pursue during your program, if admitted.
• Name(s) of faculty member(s) with whom you have been in contact and/or who you identify as being suitable as research supervisor

e. Writing Sample (maximum 5,000 words without references)

• The intent is to demonstrate your engagement with research and your ability to communicate your ideas and your interests in a clear way. Writing samples typically take the form of an excerpt from a chapter from a masters thesis, a published article, or a substantial scholarly paper.

f. Curriculum Vitae / Resume

Please provide a CV as evidence of your potential to succeed in EDST at the graduate level.

After submitting your application, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all supporting materials are submitted by the application deadline. The Admissions Committee will only review completed applications. You can check the status of your application and supporting materials through the online application system .

Applicants from outside Canada should be aware of additional requirements that may apply. Please read the following to determine which of these requirements may apply to you.

International Credentials Equivalency

Please see the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/minimum-academic-requirements-international-credentials

International Transcripts and Translation Requirements

See International Transcripts and Translation Requirements tab for details

Entering Canada

To enter Canada, a “Student Authorization” (Student Visa) is required. Apply as soon as possible to the nearest Canadian Consular or Immigration Office since it may take 8–10 weeks for processing. For applicants applying from the People’s Republic of China it may take 3–6 months. Applying for a Student Authorization requires a UBC letter of admission/acceptance; a valid passport; and evidence of adequate funds for tuition, maintenance of the student and, if married, the student’s spouse and children, plus travel funds to and from Canada. Please consult the Immigration Canada website:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp .

If the application for a visa is approved, the UBC letter of admission/acceptance will be returned to the student and must be retained for presentation to the Immigration Officer at the Canadian point of entry.

Canadian Transcripts

UBC has changed its application document requirements.

If you are applying to begin study in 2016 or beyond, you will normally scan and upload digital copies (.pdfs) of official required documents in the application system. These are considered "unofficial documents". These uploaded copies of your official documents will be used for initial evaluation of the applicant.

Conditional admission offers may be made based on documents uploaded to the application system. However, admission offers will not be finalized and applicants will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until one set of all required official academic records are received and validated by the University.

UPLOADING UNOFFICIAL COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS IN THE APPLICATION SYSTEM

Applicants with Canadian transcripts (other than UBC) must obtain an official paper transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended.  UBC transcripts are not required.

Each transcript should be scanned as an individual .pdf file and then uploaded to the application system as indicated. They should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Kelly Smith-University of Waterloo Transcript.pdf Kelly Smith-CV.pdf Kelly Smith-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

Transcripts must be scanned front and back. All pages of one transcript, front and back, should be uploaded as a single file (rather than a separate file for each page).

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

To be considered official, academic records must either be received in official university envelopes, sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution, or be sent via secure electronic delivery by the issuing institution.

If you have been offered admission conditional upon receipt of official documentation, you must provide UBC with one set of official transcripts for every postsecondary institution you have attended for the equivalent of one year or more of full-time study. UBC reserves the right to also require any individual applicant to provide official transcripts for study of less than one year duration. Do not send official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission unless you have received special instructions from the graduate program to which you have applied.

Documents being provided to meet conditions of admission should be sent directly to:

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies University of British Columbia 6371 Crescent Rd Vancouver, BC CANADA  V6T 1Z2

CURRENT AND FORMER UBC STUDENTS

You do not need to submit UBC transcripts as part of your graduate application, as this data is already available through the student database system. However, be aware that you are still responsible for submitting transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions that you have attended (e.g., exchange year, transfer year, etc.).

International Transcripts and Translations

UPLOADING UNOFFICIAL COPIES OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN THE APPLICATION SYSTEM

Applicants with transcripts from non-Canadian post-secondary institutions must obtain an official paper transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended.

Each transcripts should be scanned as an individual .pdf file and then uploaded to the application system as indicated. Otherwise, they should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript.pdf Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript English Translation.pdf Peng Zhang-CV.pdf Peng Zhang-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

If you have transcripts that are issued in a language other than English, then in addition to uploading digital copies of the documents in their original language, you must also upload a certified literal English translation of your transcripts from your home university's translation service or certified English translator.

Please consult the document scanning and uploading instructions provided within the online application for detailed instructions.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

After being offered admission: If you have been offered admission conditional upon receipt of official documentation, you must provide UBC with one set of official transcripts for every postsecondary institution you have attended for the equivalent of one year or more of full-time study. UBC reserves the right to also require any individual applicant to provide official transcripts for study of less than one year duration.

If an official transcript does not indicate the degree name and the degree conferral date, then an official copy of the degree certificate must also be submitted

If your university issues only one original copy of transcripts/degree certificates:

Make photocopies of your original academic records and send them to your home university. Ask your home university to:

• verify that the photocopies are consistent with their records.
• attest that the copies are true photocopies and stamp them with an official university stamp.
• put the attested, stamped photocopies in sealed envelopes endorsed by the Registrar.
• mail the sealed, endorsed envelopes directly to Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

If your transcripts are issued in a language other than English:

• arrange to have a set of all official transcripts issued in their original language.
• obtain a certified literal English translation of your transcripts from your home university's translation service.
• send both the original transcripts and the literal English translation to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

If your home university does not provide English translations of transcripts:

• make a photocopy of your copy of your transcripts. Do not open a sealed, endorsed envelope containing transcripts intended for submission to your program.
• take the copy to a certified English translator and ask them to provide a complete, word-by-word, literal English translation.
• tell the translator to put both the original language photocopy and the English translation into a sealed envelope, and endorse the envelope by signing across the seal.
• send the sealed, endorsed envelopes from the translator to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
• send your original transcripts in the original language to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Note: Academic records must be translated in their entirety, including any information that appears on the reverse side of any document.

UBC does not accept the following:

• photocopies that have not been stamped, attested and endorsed by the Registrar at your home university
• documents in envelopes that have been opened
• documents that do not arrive in sealed envelopes endorsed by the issuing institution or certified translator
• documents that arrive without the official seal of the university
• photocopies notarized by a notary public
• photocopies endorsed by a lawyer, professor, judge etc.
• unofficial translations
• non-literal translations

Do not send academic records that are not in sealed and endorsed envelopes. It will only delay the processing of your application.

Documents being provided to meet conditions of admission  should be sent directly to:

Tuition for PhD and EdD Programs

Tuition fees for PhD and EdD Programs are found on the UBC Calendar  website .

Note that fees are subject to change by the University.

Deadlines for applications

Deadlines for the EDST PhD program can be found on the EDST website .

Quick links:

Graduate Program Assistant Email:  [email protected] Tel: 604.822.6647

Department of Educational Studies Faculty of Education The University of British Columbia 6445 University Boulevard, V6T1Z2

Dr. P   Taylor   Webb , PhD Management Chair Email: [email protected] Tel: 604–822–6381

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Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies

Graduates of the PhD in Educational Studies degree program develop the competence and expertise needed to assume positions of leadership, such as educational researchers in institutional and non-institutional contexts; teacher educators; curriculum and instructional leaders in school boards and private industry; and school, school board, and governmental educational administrators. This program also promotes collaborative work with colleagues in educational endeavours and lifelong professional development.

Need more information about Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies?

The personal information requested on this form is collected under Section 31(c) of the PEI Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Read our Disclaimer .

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies is a research degree requiring a dissertation on original and significant research within traditional educational and community-based educational contexts extending from early childhood through mature adulthood.

The general goal of the Doctor of Philosophy program in Educational Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island is to examine education at an advanced level from a variety of perspectives, including, but not limited to, the investigation of theoretical and practical aspects of policy, curricula, teaching and teacher education, administration, and professionalism.

Graduates of the PhD in Educational Studies develop the competence and expertise needed to assume positions of leadership, such as educational researchers in institutional and non-institutional contexts; teacher educators; curriculum and instructional leaders in school boards and private industry; and school, school board, and governmental educational administrators. This program also promotes collaborative work with colleagues in educational endeavours and lifelong professional development. The program provides learning opportunities in which the candidate, in supervisory and collegial relationships with one or more faculty members:

• develops a critical and comprehensive understanding of significant trends and major concerns in the field of education, and formulates and expresses, both orally and in writing, personal and professional positions in relation to how these trends and concerns are manifested in their area of interest;
• develops in-depth knowledge and understanding of different philosophical stances in education and educational research and their sociopolitical and practical implications;
• develops an understanding of, and ability to use and evaluate, a wide range of research methodologies used in educational research;
• designs and presents a proposal for an original research project of significance in the field of education;
• completes the proposed research under faculty supervision, then writes and orally defends a dissertation;
• develops competencies in clear and logical writing skills that allow for disseminating knowledge to a variety of audiences;
• develops competencies in leadership roles within formal and/or informal educational institutions, agencies, or communities.

Submission of Dissertation

When the dissertation, in its final form, has been prepared after the final oral examination, the student brings six unbound copies to the Co-ordinator of Graduate Studies at least four weeks prior to Convocation.

Each copy must be submitted in a separate folder with the pages numbered and arranged in the appropriate order. The dissertation must be free from typographical and other errors. All copies must include the Certificate of Approval signed by the Examination Committee and the members of the Supervisory Committee. Also included must be a brief Abstract and a copy of the circulation waiver and the copying licence.

When accepted by the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, one copy is retained for microfilming and deposited to the University Library after being bound. A second copy is released to the Faculty of Education. A third copy is released to the student’s supervisor and three copies are released to the student.

Publication

The University requires publication of the dissertation in the following manner:

One unbound copy of the dissertation is forwarded to Library and Archives Canada, together with an agreement form signed by the candidate authorizing Library and Archives Canada to microfilm the dissertation and make microfilm copies available for sale on request. Library and Archives Canada film the dissertation exactly as it is and list the dissertation in Canadiana as a publication of Library and Archives Canada. A fee is charged by Library and Archives Canada to offset the cost of microfilming.

A Library and Archives Canada Microfilm Agreement form is sent to the candidate prior to the PhD Dissertation, to be signed and submitted to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies immediately after the successful completion of the examination.

The student, in consultation with the Supervisor and the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, shall have the right to request that circulation and/or copying of the dissertation in any form be withheld.

Circulation and Copying of Dissertation

In normal circumstances, as a condition of engaging in graduate study at the University, the author of a dissertation grants certain licences and waivers in respect to the circulation and copying of the dissertation:

• to the University Librarian, a waiver permitting the circulation of the dissertation as part of the Library collection;
• to the University, a licence to make single copies of the dissertation under carefully specified conditions;
• to Library and Archives Canada, a licence to microfilm the dissertation under carefully specified conditions.

Copyright Provision Copies of the dissertation shall have on the title page the words “In partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of PhD in Educational Studies.” The international copyright notice, which consists of three elements in the same line — the © symbol (the letter “C” enclosed in a circle), the name of the copyright owner (the student), and the year — should appear as a bottom line on the title page of the dissertation.

Students are enrolled in the UPEI PhD program in Educational Studies as a full-time student for three years. This program also requires a residency of three semesters, normally completed consecutively. If, after three years, students have not completed all degree requirements, they continue to pay a maintenance fee to UPEI until all requirements are completed. Students have a maximum of seven years to complete all degree requirements.

The UPEI PhD in Educational Studies includes these courses, a comprehensive examination consisting of an ePortfolio and oral defence, and a dissertation.

Required courses:

• ED 7000 - Advanced Quantitative Methodology and Methods in Education Research
• ED 7010 - Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Methods in Education Research
• ED 7020 - Directed Studies in Educational Research Methodology and Methods
• ED 7034 - Theory in Education Research
• ED 7040 - Graduate Seminar in Educational Studies
• ED 7050 - Comprehensive Examination (ePortfolio and oral defence)
• ED 7060 - PhD Dissertation

Candidates for admission to the PhD in Educational Studies must have demonstrated high academic standing and evidence of ability to conduct original, independent and sustained research. Normally, the basic requirements are:

(i) First class standing (e.g., a minimum academic average of 80%, or A-, or a GPA of 3.7) or equivalent, in a Masters program conferred by an accredited university (students with Pass grades must request that former professors complete a narrative assessment form to confirm first class standing equivalence and potential for admission to a PhD program).

(ii) A Masters thesis. An equivalent research report such as a Masters project, or a substantial research-focused technical report, authored solely by the applicant, may also be considered.

(iii) Evidence of a minimum of 5 years professional experience in field deemed relevant to the field of educational studies.

In addition, prospective students must complete a Statement of Intent as part of their application materials. 

All applications to the PhD program are assessed on a competitive basis. Satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Due to the nature of the program, deferral of admission will normally not be possible. Although the Faculty of Education endeavours to provide some financial support to candidates admitted in the PhD program, students should be prepared to fully self-finance their tuition and cost of living in PEI, as funding is not guaranteed nor sufficient to address tuition responsibilities.

Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.

Students are expected to be proficient in the use of English, both written and oral, when they begin their studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. Please review the English Language Requirements for graduate programs .

Applicants do not require a supervisor in advance of this application, upon successful acceptance to the program a supervisor will be assigned.

Application opens July 1, and closes January 15 (program begins the same year in September).

All application documents and materials must be received no later than January 15 of the year for which admission is sought.

PhD in Educational Studies -  $14,506 per 3 year program International students pay $8,410 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Science, visit our  Tuition and Fees page .

Scholarships and Awards

UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Search the complete list of scholarships  for information and application forms.  

UPEI has about 250 faculty—exceptional scholars, teachers, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the quality of our people. Award-winning faculty from around the globe have made UPEI home. Here, you’ll learn directly from these world-class professors and researchers in small classes where you’ll have easy access to them.

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• Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership (MEd)
• Graduate School
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Go to programs search

The  Educational Administration and Leadership Program  (EDAL) is a graduate program of interest to persons who seek to exercise leadership in a wide array of formal and informal educational settings. Graduates will be prepared to provide leadership as educators, administrators and facilitators of educational change within schools and communities.

As a community of scholars and practitioners, we come from different disciplinary traditions (philosophy, law, educational administration and management, organizational studies, sociology, policy studies, media studies, Indigenous education). We bring to the Program an engagement with education undertaken in national and cultural settings in different regions of the world (South East and Western Asia, North America and the Pacific). We believe that this diversity enriches our teaching and exposes students to both Canadian and international experiences and approaches in the field of educational leadership.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

Quick Facts

Program Enquiries

Admission information & requirements, program instructions.

Please ensure you follow the instructions in the online application system. After submitting your application, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all supporting materials are submitted properly and by the application deadline. The Admissions Committee will only review complete applications. You can check the status of your application and supporting materials through the online application system.

1) Check Eligibility

Minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 92

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

• Supervision

Course-based programs do not have a thesis component. While they may assign academic advisors to students, they do not require applicants to reach out to individual professors / faculty members to seek commitment as their thesis supervisor. Please do not contact faculty members for the purposes of thesis supervision if you are applying to this program.

Citizenship Verification

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.

Program Funding Packages

We do not offer any scholarships within the department for our MEd programs, however you can check out the information on the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Graduate Awards website about possible funding opportunities.

Employer support

Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership (MEd). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion Rates & Times

Related programs, same academic unit.

• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy (EdD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD)
• Graduate Certificate in Adult Learning and Education (GCALE)
• Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (GCHIED)
• Master of Arts in Educational Studies (MA)
• Master of Education in Adult Learning and Education (MEd)
• Master of Education in Adult Learning and Global Change (MEd)
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Leadership (MEd)
• Master of Education in Educational Studies (MEd)
• Master of Education in Higher Education (MEd)
• Master of Education in Society, Culture and Politics in Education (MEd)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

• Master of Education, Master of Arts in Education (MEd, MA)

Further Information

Specialization.

This is a program for experienced educators. Graduates will be prepared to provide leadership as educators, administrators and facilitators of educational change within schools and communities. As a community of scholars and practitioners, we come from different disciplinary traditions (philosophy, law, educational administration and management, organizational studies, sociology, policy studies, media studies, Indigenous education). We bring to the Program an engagement with education undertaken in national and cultural settings in different regions of the world (South East and Western Asia, North America and the Pacific). 

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Curious about life in Vancouver?

Find out how Vancouver enhances your graduate student experience—from the beautiful mountains and city landscapes, to the arts and culture scene, we have it all. Study-life balance at its best!

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Educational Leadership (M.A.)

Program description.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Leadership (Thesis) offered by the Department of Integrated Studies in Education in the Faculty of Education is a research-intensive program that emphasizes advanced and stimulating learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature review, out-of-the-box thinking, and academic writing to either continue their studies or pursue professional opportunities.

The program may also be taken as an option in Gender and Women's Studies where students focus their coursework and research on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods.

Unique Program Features

• The program is designed to prepare leaders in the field of education who are committed to personal and institutional improvement in schools and other sites of formal or informal learning. A central theme of the program is the impact of policy on educational practice at local, national, and international levels;
• The thesis option is recommended for students interested in undertaking a more in-depth independent study or in moving on to a PhD upon completion of their Master's degree.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

MA in Educational Leadership website

Department Contact

Graduate Program grad.dise [at] mcgill.ca (subject: MA%20in%20Educational%20Leadership%20(Thesis)) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

• Application Steps webpage
• Submit Your Application webpage
• Connecting with a supervisor webpage
• Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy

• Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy (International Education Leadership & Policy Field)

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy (International Education Leadership & Policy Field) Overview

Are you a mid-career professional working in an international education setting looking to create impact and mobilize new solutions to real-world problems .

This online doctoral cohort is specifically designed for mid-career professionals who work for international organizations, governments, foundations and nongovernmental agencies looking to enrich their education and improve their practice. The program concentrates on those elements of theory and research that are of direct assistance in understanding and resolving problems and issues confronting educational policy makers, practitioners and leaders in international settings.

The next intake for this program will be Fall 2026.

Cohort Program

Key aspects of the cohort program approach include:

• Cohort model : a cohort-based model provides a more structured academic experience, sense of community and enhanced networking opportunities and access to student support.
• Blended delivery mode : with short on-campus institutes and the majority of courses offered online, the blended delivery mode allows working professionals to work and study at the same time and balance their professional and academic pursuits.
• Doctoral Research Institute : Students will meet for a two-week intensive program at the University of Toronto. These institutes will combine instructional modules with orientation, planning, leadership, and cohort building activities.
• Sequence : 8 half courses will be offered over 3 terms each year. The third year will include a year-long Pro-seminar/Dissertation course with workshops and meetings on alternative weeks. The course will include modules on thesis writing and preparation; opportunities for structured peer review of thesis chapters; as well as specialized webinars on relevant leadership skills and topical issues in international education policy from guest speakers who are senior policy makers and researchers in the field. Comprehensive exams will occur at the end of year two; and thesis proposal development will occur at the beginning of year three; the remainder of the time will be devoted to thesis research and writing.
• Thesis (dissertation in practice) : The culminating component of the EdD, the thesis (dissertation in practice) includes the identification and investigation of a problem in practice, the application of theory, research and policy analysis to the problem of practice, and a proposed plan for action to address the problem of practice. The dissertation in practice will have meaningful generative impact on education practice and policy and be used by others in the field.

We welcome applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

For detailed information about the program, please consult the  School of Graduate Studies Calendar .

At a Glance

Study Options Full-time (4 years) Program Requirements Coursework Comprehensive Exam Thesis Proposal Thesis  Funding and Tuition For current information about tuition fees, funding, and financial support, visit  Tuition & Financial Support .  

Deadlines This program is not accepting applications for 2024-2025 or 2025-2026. The next intake will be in Fall 2026. 

Ready to join one of the world’s top universities? Take the next step in your academic journey and start your application to graduate studies at OISE.

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Have questions about our program, admissions, financial support or career options after graduation? Our team has the answer you’re looking for. Contact us for one-on-one support.

Attend an Info Session

We host information sessions, open houses and tours throughout the year. Come discover what it's like to study at OISE. Explore campus and meet our community.

Why I Chose Leadership, Adult & Higher Education

Shahidul Islam (Master of Education 2020)  

"If you are looking to analyze and address real-world problems in education, OISE is the place. At Leadership, Adult & Higher Education I developed my research skills and contributed to literature and policy that benefits schools and communities across the globe."

Admission Requirements

General admission requirements.

Please visit the   OISE Admissions website   for detailed information about the application process, including general minimum admission requirements and supporting documents.

Program Specific Information

• Master's degree in the area of Educational Leadership and Policy or an equivalent degree with high academic standing from a recognized university.
• The applicant must be in a leadership position in education, or must have held a leadership position, or must demonstrate potential for leadership.

All applicants must submit: 

• Transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended.
• Two letters of reference (one academic and one professional).
• Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
• In addition to the answers to faculty admissions questions, a supplementary writing sample is required, which will help the admissions committee assess an applicant's readiness to succeed in rigorous coursework and conduct systematic research for the EdD. Applicants typically submit a master's-level Major Research Paper or thesis as their writing sample. Applicants who do not have a Major Research Paper or thesis must provide a writing sample that showcases their ability to write clearly and analytically about educational issues. Examples include a master’s-level course paper, a policy document, and a professional publication.

Applicants are to answer each question in an essay format. 

• Describe your academic background, professional experiences, community service and other relevant experiences and accomplishments and how they relate to PK-12 Educational Leadership and Policy. If your academic background is not in education or a related social science field, you are encouraged to describe how your experiences have prepared you for the program. 
• Discuss your research potential, prior research experience (if any), as well as any other related skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate for a research-stream program. This may include a master’s thesis, major research paper or other capstone project, and/or conducting research in professional, practitioner, or policy contexts. Discuss any prior experience with academic presentations, conferences and/or publications.  
• Describe your research interests and/or state the problem of practice you wish to investigate and how. You should highlight the synergy between one or more of the program’s thematic areas (Policy, Leadership, Change, and Social Diversity) and your proposed research. You may want to cite core scholars or readings that orient you in this field. 
• (optional) You are encouraged to speak to your academic and professional goals (after graduation) and how pursuing the EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy would advance these goals.  
• (optional) The Educational Leadership and Policy program seeks to maintain a diverse, inclusive, and engaged learning community. You are encouraged to identify any ways that your identity (including--but not limited to--ancestry, culture, gender, race, religion, socio-economic status or other social identities) or life experience will contribute to this community. 
• (optional) Is there any additional information you want to share with the Admissions Committee that will inform their review of your application? 
• Indicate the faculty member(s) you would like to work with in the program and why. How will the expertise of the faculty member(s) support your proposed research? Note you do not need to secure a supervisor prior to applying. Please take time to review descriptions of the Educational Leadership & Policy faculty members here (200 words max) 

Program Information

Students must complete  4.0 core full-course equivalents (FCEs)  as follows:

• Designing Research Proposals in Educational Leadership and Policy  (LHA3003H, 0.5 FCE)
• Introduction to Research Methods for the EdD (LHA3005H, 0.5 FCE)
• Data Analysis for the Education Doctorate-RM  (LHA3006H, 0.5 FCE)
• Literature Reviews for the EdD Program  (LHA3007H, 0.5 FCE)
• People and Power in Organizations  (LHA3040H, 0.5 FCE)
• Doctoral Seminar on Policy Issues in Education  (LHA3041H, 0.5 FCE)
• Individual reading course (LHA3052H)  or
• Practicum course (CIE1002H, 0.5 FCE)
• Professional Seminar and Dissertation Workshop in International Educational Leadership and Policy  (LHA3008H, 0.5 FCE)

Comprehensive Examination

Successful oral defence of a portfolio that emphasizes reflective practice.

Thesis Proposal Hearing

The thesis ( dissertation in practice ) is the culminating component of the Doctor of Education degree in International Educational Leadership and Policy that shall include an identification and investigation of a problem of practice, the application of theory and research to the problem of practice, and a design for action to address the problem of practice. Specifically, the thesis (dissertation in practice) consists of original research in the form of a written proposal or plan for innovative and impactful educational policy, guideline, advocacy, development project, or activism within or beyond a traditional educational setting, aimed at improving practice at local, regional, national, or international levels.

2022 Cohort Schedule

* Note:  Winter term in Year 2 allows students to complete one required elective course and prepare for their comprehensive examination. Electives can also be taken in other terms during the program.

• Students are full-time and must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.
• Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs

See a complete list of all courses offered in the Educational Leadership & Policy program .  

See course offerings for the current term: please visit   OISE’s Course Enrolment website . 

Collaborative specializations provide graduate students enrolled in participating degree programs with an additional multidisciplinary experience as they complete their home degree program. 

Please note that all collaborative specializations are offered in-person only, and students should only apply to a collaborative specialization if they are available to take the required courses in person.

Learn more about the collaborative specializations offered to students in this program:

• Comparative, International and Development Education
• Ethnic, Immigration and Pluralism Studies
• Sexual Diversity Studies 
• Women and Gender Studies

Dissertation in Practice Guidelines (Educational Leadership & Policy program)

Faculty in the Educational Leadership & Policy program have multi-disciplinary teaching and research expertise in a wide range of fields.  Our faculty's expertise includes, but is not limited to: 

• Change facilitation and transformative pedagogies
• Educational policy and social inequality
• Large-scale data analysis
• Special education policy
• Politics of decentralization, privatization and accountability reforms
• Online education; technology, surveillance, and society
• School-level leadership in comparative context
• Decolonizing, critical, and anti-oppressive educational leadership
• Gender in education
• Education for refugees and in emergencies
• International organizations and educational change
• Human rights and the rights of the child 

Solving problems of practice with the Educational Leadership & Policy Doctor of Education (EdD) degree

Session Moderator: Dr. Sofya Malik, Assistant Professor - Teaching Stream, OISE, International Leadership and Policy EdD Program Coordinator

Panelists:  Dr. Ahmad Jibran, Director Academics, The Punjab School System, Pakistan; Min (Caroline) Xu, Deputy Head of School (Academics) & Principal and Head of Hongqiao Campus, YK Pao School, Shanghai; Dr. Katherine Witherow, Associate Faculty at Royal Roads University, in the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Management program. 

• June 02, 2022 Video
• June 02, 2022 PowerPoint Presentation Slides  

Questions about the Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort? 

Administrative questions about admissions to future IELP cohorts: Email: [email protected]

Administrative questions for current IELP students: Email: [email protected]

Academic questions for current or prospective students: Prof. Karen Mundy - [email protected]

Ready to join one of the world’s top universities?

Take the next step in your academic journey and start your application to graduate studies at OISE.

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Mailing and Office Address

Graduate Programs in Education Office Education Tower (EDT), Room 114  2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada  T2N 1N4

General Inquiries

Phone: 403.220.5675

Email: [email protected]

Advising Hours

Graduate program advisors are available to meet with you Monday to Friday from 10:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm*

*please note, advisors are not available on Wednesday mornings

Our team offers in-person and online advising - please refer to the information below for more details on booking and dropping-in. Additionally, please refer to the 'Important dates' calendar on our  home page  for advising availability, holidays, and other closures.

All students are highly encouraged to explore their  specific program site  prior to meeting with an advisor, to ensure that the appointment time is used as effectively as is possible

Book your advising appointment

In-person advising.

In-person advising is available by appointment. When booking, please ensure you select or request this mode.

To Book an Appointment

Current Students: Contact your Graduate Program Administrator

Future Students: Email us at  [email protected]  

Online Advising

Online advising is available by appointment or drop-in.

Appointments : Monday to Friday from 10:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm (except Wednesday mornings)

Drop-In : Monday to Friday from 10:00am - 12:00pm (except Wednesday mornings)

Future Students: Email us at  [email protected]

Online appointments will be conducted via Zoom. An advisor will send you an email with further details and Zoom meeting information prior to your appointment. If you have not received this information one hour before your appointment, please email us at [email protected] and be sure to check your spam folder.

Department Contact Information

Associate dean and manager.

Associate Dean, Graduate Programs in Education

Dr. Marlon Simmons

[email protected]

403.220.6440

Manager, Graduate Programs in Education

Angie Crowley

[email protected]

403.220.4394

Graduate Program Directors

Dr. Man-Wai Chu

[email protected]  

403.220.6294

Assigned Programs:

• Language & Literacy (EDLL)
• Educational Research-Leadership, Policy and Governance (EDLP)
• MEd Interdisciplinary Studies (EDIS)

Dr. Meadow Schroeder

[email protected]  

403.220.6294 

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• School & Applied Child Psychology (EDSP)

Dr. Marie-Claire Shanahan

[email protected]  

Assigned Programs: 

• Educational Research-Adult Learning (EDAL) 
• Learning Sciences (EDLS)
• Curriculum & Learning (EDCL)

Director of Professional Programs

Dr. Ronna Mosher

[email protected]

Coordinators

Graduate Programs Coordinator

Jaskiran Brar

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(403) 220-5832

Placement and Funding Coordinator

Ashleigh Locke

For placement inquiries: [email protected] | (403) 210-3892

For funding inquiries: [email protected]

Connect with a Graduate Program Administrator

Contact Graduate Program Administrators (GPAs) for program-related questions including student admission, funding, registration and progression through your degree program to graduation. To ensure you reach the appropriate GPA, refer to the 'Assigned Programs' list.

Stacy Gooliaff

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403.220.2680

Contact for support with:

• Western Deans Agreement

Sylvia Parks

Graduate Program Administrator

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 403.220.4105

• Adult Learning
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Cheryl Ohly

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Email: [email protected]

Phone: 403.220.2050

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Shelley Enderton

Email: [email protected]  

Phone: 403.210.7821

Contact for help with:

• Leading for Learning
• Interdisciplinary (Step 3)
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• Transdisciplinary Leadership: Leading Healthy Organizations

Email: [email protected]  

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• Educational Neuroscience: Applications for Teaching and Learning
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Jingchang (Tom) Liu

Email: [email protected]  

Phone: 403.220.2982

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Director of Special Education and Pupil Services

This 15-credit online certificate program is for those ready to step into a leadership role as a director of special education and pupil services.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's director of special education and pupil services (DSEPS) certificate is designed for K-12 teachers (including special education, general education, and speech and language therapists), school administrators, or pupil services professionals who already hold a master’s degree and have completed three years of paid school-based professional experience.

Throughout this year-long 15-credit program, you will be challenged to think from a systemic point of view by licensed, experienced directors of special education and pupil services. After completing the certificate, you will be ready to apply for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instructions (DPI) certification (license code 80).

Program Details

With online courses that you can take over the course of one year — with only one in-person practicum course — this program puts you on the fast track to a leadership role without interrupting your current career.

All instructors for this program currently work, or once worked, as directors of special education and pupil services in K-12 schools. Drawing from their real-world experience and refined skills, you'll learn the essential, practical details about this role through every lesson you attend.

Blugold Stories

Online program applicants: state of residency.

Wisconsin is a SARA state (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a SARA-approved institution. "The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state." ( http://nc-sara.org/ ) Although CA and MA are not SARA-approved states at this time, UW-Eau Claire may currently accept students from these states as well.

Coursework in special education law, ethics, finance and leadership — plus a 150-hour field practicum — will prepare you for success in the dynamic role of director of special education and pupil services. 

Here are a few courses in Director of Special Education and Pupil Services at UW-Eau Claire.

Systemic Leadership & Ethics

This course addresses leadership and administration of PK-12 special education programs. Operational responsibilities will be analyzed.

Special Education and Pupil Services Budget & Finance

This course provides introductory exposure, understanding, principles, and practices to budget financing applications in special education and pupil services.

Leadership in Special Education and Pupil Services

This course addresses the leadership, administration, and staffing of PK-12 special education and pupil services programs. Operational responsibilities, advocacy, due process, collaboration, and special education instructional leadership/related and pupil services provision will be analyzed.

Related Programs

Thinking about studying director of special education and pupil services? You might also be interested in exploring these related programs.

What's Next?

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

105 Garfield Avenue  P.O. Box 4004  Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004 

715-836-4636

Requirements for Receiving an Educational Credential Assessment for Immigration to Canada

Many immigration pathways into Canada, including Express Entry , require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).   

WES is designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide ECAs . This blog post reviews some common questions about requirements for receiving an ECA.  

What credentials do I need to send to WES to obtain an ECA?  

In most cases, you will only need to submit your highest completed credential for an ECA. For example, if you have a master’s degree, you will not need to send your bachelor’s degree or secondary school records.  

However, depending on your credentials and where you received them, you may need to send additional documents. Once the review process begins, WES may determine that additional documents are needed. WES decides at its own discretion if it needs additional documentation to complete an ECA. WES will contact you if more information is needed.   

Before beginning your application for an ECA, review the Required Documents to learn which documents you will need to send. Please do not send additional documents unless they are requested. Doing so may delay the completion of your ECA.

What are the requirements for applicants with credentials from India?  

If you are submitting a master’s degree or postgraduate diploma issued by an institution in India for your ECA, you must also provide your bachelor’s degree. WES cannot complete an evaluation without these documents.   

However, this does not apply if your highest completed degree is one of the following:  

• Master of Education  
• Master of Engineering  
• Master of Philosophy  
• Master of Technology   
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)  

If you hold one of the above degree types and it was issued by an institution in India, please send only that credential for your ECA.

To learn more and confirm which credentials are needed for an ECA, review the Required Documents .  

What are the requirements for applicants with credentials from a Francophone country?  

If you have earned your highest completed credential from an institution in a Francophone country, please send your academic documents as per the guidelines below:   

• If your DEUG, DUT, or Licence is your highest credential, please do not send your Diplôme du Bac or BEP.
• If your Maîtrise, Master, Diplôme d’Ingénieur, Diplôme de Grande Ecole, DEA, Diplôme d’Etat de Docteur en Médecine, or Diplôme d’Etat de Docteur en Pharmacie is your highest credential, please do not send your DEUG, DUT, or Licence.
• If your Diplôme de Docteur is your highest credential, please do not send your Maîtrise, Master, Diplôme d’Ingénieur, Diplôme de Grande Ecole, DEA, Diplôme d’Etat de Docteur en Médecine, or Diplôme d’Etat de Docteur en Pharmacie.

Do I need to send translations of my documents?   

WES accepts some documents that are not in English or French. To find out if you will need to send a translation of your documents, refer to the Required Documents.   

If you are required to provide a translation of your documents, please note that WES does not offer a translation service. Read more about WES’ translation requirements .

Where can I receive further assistance with my ECA?

Please visit the Help Centre or complete our Contact Us form .   

Related Reading   Understanding WES Required Documents   How to Upload Your Degree Certificates and Translations to WES  

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The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program, established by the Canadian Government in 2008, pays tribute to George Philias Vanier, a distinguished Canadian soldier and diplomat who served as Governor-General from 1959 to 1967. Often referred to as the “Rhodes Scholarship of Canada, ” the Vanier program aims to attract exceptionally skilled and talented students, both Canadian and international, who are pursuing doctoral studies in Canada.

The Vanier Scholarship 2025 is designed to attract and retain top-tier doctoral students who exhibit strong leadership abilities and demonstrate exceptional academic achievements in the fields of social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. This prestigious Canadian post-graduate scholarship program evaluates candidates based on three equally weighted criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. As there is no interview process for the Vanier CGS 2025, these criteria are assessed solely through the documentation submitted by the applicants.

This distinctive Canadian Government Scholarship features a unique application and selection process. Canadian institutions are allocated a specific quota of Vanier CGS awards. Applicants must apply directly to their chosen university and express their intent to be considered for the Vanier Canadian Government grant for their PhD program. The institutions then nominate candidates for this scholarship. Detailed information about the application process and procedures is provided in the following sections, along with relevant links to assist both readers and applicants.

The Vanier CGS program is managed by Canadian government agencies, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Each Vanier scholar receives a $50,000 grant per year for three years. The program supports up to 166 scholars annually. In return, these exceptional scholars and brilliant minds contribute to fostering a dynamic and innovative environment within Canadian universities and across Canada as a whole.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2025:

• Host Country: Canada
• Funded By: Canadian Government

Administered By:

• Canadian Institute of Health Research
• National Science and Engineering Research Council
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Eligibility Criteria for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2025:

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and international students are eligible to apply.
• Candidates must be enrolled in a PhD program and attending a full-time Canadian institution .
• Nomination by a university that has a Vanier CGS quota is required.
• Applicants must be entering their first PhD program .
• Candidates should not be receiving any fellowship or scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC for any other doctoral program.
• A first-class average in the last two years of study is necessary.
• Students enrolled in joint professional degree programs (MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD) are eligible, though only the PhD portion will be funded.
• The research proposal must include a substantial research component .
• Applicants must not be faculty members at the institution with a Vanier quota or any other institution. They must also be on leave from their current institution to be eligible.
• Full-time enrollment is required, though students with disabilities or family obligations may be part-time. For part-time students, two months of study will be considered equivalent to one month of study for full-time students.
• Canadian Federal Government employees are eligible only if they are on unpaid leave from their government position.
• Candidates may apply for both Vanier and agency-specific PhD scholarships. However, if selected for multiple scholarships, they must choose one grant.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) 2025 offers several key benefits to its recipients and has a detailed application process. Here’s a breakdown of the information you provided:

Benefits of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2025:

• Generous Funding:
• Scholars receive an annual grant of $50,000 for three years, which provides substantial financial support throughout the duration of their PhD program.
• Flexibility in Institution Choice:
• Applicants have the opportunity to pursue their PhD at any Canadian institution of their choice, providing flexibility and access to a wide range of academic environments.
• Funding Based on Merit:
• The scholarship may fully or partially fund the applicant’s studies, depending on factors like academic performance, research proposal quality, and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Required Documents for the Vanier CGS 2025 Application:

Candidates need to prepare and submit the following documents to apply for the Vanier CGS:

• ResearchNet Application Form:
• This is the primary application form that needs to be filled out on the ResearchNet portal.
• Two Reference Letters:
• Letters from individuals who can vouch for the applicant’s academic and research abilities.
• A detailed curriculum vitae or resume outlining the candidate’s academic achievements and relevant experiences.
• Summary of Research Contributions:
• A one-page document summarizing the candidate’s research contributions to date.
• Personal Statement:
• A statement that highlights the candidate’s leadership qualities and potential.
• Two Leadership Reference Letters:
• Letters specifically addressing the applicant’s leadership abilities.
• Research Proposal:
• A maximum of two pages outlining the proposed research project.
• Project Preferences:
• A document, not exceeding five pages, that details the applicant’s research preferences and goals.
• Academic Transcripts and Certificates:
• Official documents from previous academic institutions.
• Proof of Special Circumstances for Part-Time Students:
• A document, up to 0.5 pages, explaining any special circumstances for those applying as part-time students.

How to Apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2025:

For detailed application guidelines and to access the application portal, candidates should visit the official Vanier CGS webpage.

Application Deadline: September 5, 2024 : This is the deadline by which all application materials must be submitted for consideration.

By following these guidelines and ensuring all documents are prepared and submitted on time, candidates can effectively apply for the Vanier CGS 2025 and enhance their chances of receiving this prestigious scholarship.

Visit award webpage for more details here

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• Graduate Scholarship
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Bourse d’études supérieures Vanier du Canada 2025

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Pathways for Paraprofessionals

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Pathways for paras

A pathway designed for working paras

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Count your career towards your coursework

Pathways for paraprofessionals checklist.

Become a Special Education teacher through the Pathways for Paras registered apprenticeship program at Missouri State University! It is highly important that you complete each of these tasks.

PLA Course Assessment Cost

From para to special educator to principal.

• Read Marks story

• Missouri State continues to be the largest teacher education preparation institute in the state. We support preparing the highest quality of educators while ensuring that we partner with our K-12 schools.
• Missouri State is the only certified apprenticeship for special education.
• The Pathways for Paraprofessionals Program offers a teacher certification in K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education that you work on collaboratively with other paraprofessionals from area public school districts.
• Using grants, scholarships, and other sources of funding, completing the program could be at little or no cost to you.
• Paraprofessionals earn college credit for practicum and student teaching on-the-job while earning a salary as a paraprofessional.
• 100% of the Missouri State University Professional Education coursework is offered after school hours (late afternoon or early evening), online, or summers at a site in a regional location or at Missouri State University.
• Depending on your current number of college credits, there is the potential for paraprofessionals to finish the degree in 2-3 years (if they attend full-time in the fall and spring and take courses in the summer).
• While not required, the MSU Special Education Program offers two Accelerated Masters in Education Program options that allow 12 mixed credit hours to count in both the Bachelor’s of Science in Education (BSED) and the Master’s of Science in Education (MSED) degree program options, thus allowing completion of BSED degree with certification in K-12 Special Education  and  completion of 12 hours towards a Master’s degree upon graduation.
• The paraprofessional must work for a school district. And meet the admissions requirements of Missouri State University.
• Applicants must hold a position or have opportunities to work and collaborate with a K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education classroom while participating in the program.
• Recommendation of paraprofessional for Pathways to Paras Program
• Review of program requirements & approval of field placement competencies in the paraprofessional’s position
• Approval of Lead Teacher as appropriate “cooperating teacher” for supervision and mentoring of paraprofessional seeking teacher certification.
• Missouri State University offers an alternative certification option for persons with a non teaching bachelor's degree OR a teaching degree in a field other than special education. The MSED: Special Education Alternative Certification Track (MSED: SPE-SEACT) provides candidates with a Masters degree + Missouri Certification in K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education.
• Candidates who work as paraprofessionals in a K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education program can complete their field placement at their job site.
• MSED: SPE-SEACT students are eligible for Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) Provisional Certification in K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education, which allows them to serve as the teacher-of-record while completing certification & degree requirements.
• MSED: SPE-SEACT courses are fully available online via INET or Zoom platforms.

Missouri State University-West Plains offers an Associate Arts in Teaching Degree ( https://wp.missouristate.edu/academics/teaching.htm ) we are working on creating a seamless transition from our West Plains courses into our Pathways for Paras program to ensure t we have a full continuum of supports to help you achieve your dream.

Paraprofessional must agree to:

• Engage in full completion of employment responsibilities while completing certification and degree coursework
• Conduct field experience and course competencies on-the-job while working collaboratively with Lead Teacher in their school district
• Complete 2 years of coursework in conjunction with employment in an approved K-12 Special Education Paraprofessional position to replace required Student Teaching semester [MO DESE requires verification of 2 years of supervised paraprofessional employment  while concurrently completing coursework toward certification.]  Two years of employment and coursework must be completed at the same time during the Pathways for Paras program (prior years of service do not count toward the two-year minimum).

The cost of tuition per credit hour can be found here: https://www.missouristate.edu/costs/undergraduate-costs.htm . For most of our students there are multiple financial aid opportunities through grants and scholarships which can support you moving forward and make this a fiscally responsible decision. Common grant funding includes the FASTrack Grant, the TEACH grant , and the College of Education scholarships . Additionally, if you school district participates in the Learn while you earn portion of the program up to half of your coursework can be taught on site. These courses have no tuition paid and can reduce the total cost by up to 50%.

Interested school districts can contact us to think about creating a district or collaborative multi-district cohort. With this model, almost half of the required coursework (Bachelor’s or Masters) could be offered by professionals within your district with district priorities and experiences to help you be ready for the demands of your job. This coursework would be on a schedule to ensure it meets your needs and tailored to fit the specific needs and courses of the individuals within your cohort. Cost associated with each course would be minimal (i.e. small assessment fee!) and would be included on your diploma and transcript as a Missouri State University course before your degree completion. Once certified you would be able to teach anywhere within Missouri.

Interested school districts can contact us to create a district or collaborative multi-district cohort. With this model, almost half of the required coursework (Bachelor’s or Masters) could be offered by professionals within your district with district priorities and experiences to help you be ready for the demands of your job. This coursework would be on a schedule to ensure it meets your needs and tailored to fit the specific needs and courses of the individuals within your cohort. Cost associated with each course would be minimal (i.e. small assessment fee but no tuition to the university) and would be included on your diploma and transcript as a Missouri State University course before your degree completion. Once certified you would be able to teach anywhere within Missouri.

We are hoping to have you identify when you would like to start this program, and if your district is participating in the Learn While You Earn initiative. Please note that this district component is NOT a requirement. All coursework can be taken through the university. For coursework taken at the university, all courses are online and either in a strictly online format or are facilitated via an online format such as zoom. As for coursework which can be taught by your district, this is up to the district and them meeting your needs but also the needs of the district. It is common for course offerings to occur in the evening, professional development days, back to school days, or other times which you may have already reported to the district. Many of these classes that are taught by your district you will see are practicums or are based around application of knowledge. This is perfect to complete on the job as you will already be doing these skills. As said before though, if you school is not participating it is not a worry. You can still hold your paraeducator position and these practicum courses be your paraeducator/teaching placement, but the content presented will be done through the university.

At this time, this is the only pathway for paraeducators. However, the state allows students to test into other certification areas such as early childhood once you have a degree. All information on the additional assessments can be found here:  https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/content-assessments-add-additional-area-certification . We will work with your unique situation to see how your experience will fit into certification and make recommend a summer placement in a traditional K-12 setting or other alternative options to ensure that we are meeting the state requirements. After admission this will all be individualized with your advisor.

We have pathways for individuals at the graduate level to gain initial certification and also achieve their masters. The advantage of this program is that individuals in this track can qualify for a provisional teaching license where they can be a teacher of record and be hired as the teacher for a K-12 classroom.

• Can you look at my transcripts and tell me what classes I need? Unfortunately, looking at transcripts before you are submitted can only give a general idea and may not be an accurate assessment of what coursework is needed. We encourage you to apply (at the undergraduate level this is free) and then we can give you an accurate assessment with your official transcripts.
• What will the “Learn while you Earn” courses look like? As for coursework which can be taught by your district, this is up to the district and them meeting your needs but also the needs of the district. It is common for course offerings to occur in the evening, professional development days, back to school days, or other times which you may have already reported to the district. Many of these classes that are taught by your district you will see are practicums or are based around application of knowledge. This is perfect to complete on the job as you will already be doing these skills. As said before though, if you school is not participating it is not a worry. You can still hold your paraeducator position and these practicum courses be your paraeducator/teaching placement, but the content presented will be done through the university.