Program Requirements

Master’s - Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

MA programs in Education require at least 15 units of course work, including thesis, of which no more than 3 units may be at the 300 and 400 level. A minimum of 12 units of out of the total 15 units must be at the graduate level. A research-based thesis must be written and successfully defended in an oral examination.

MEd programs require at least 15 units of course work, including a project, of which no more than 3 units may be at the 300 and 400 level. A minimum of 12 units of out of the total 15 units must be at the graduate level. A project in research and/or curriculum development is required, and a comprehensive final examination (written and/or oral).

Art Education (MEd or MA)

This degree is a career credential intended for students who wish to develop their competencies in teaching studio-based art activities at the elementary and secondary school levels as well as in community settings. MEd program courses are offered in three (3) consecutive summers. For the next intake date, please refer to website: <www.educ.uvic.ca/edci/C4-grad/AE.htm>. Those interested in completing the program as an MA should contact the Art Education Graduate Area Adviser.

Course Requirements: Total = 16.5 units

Oral Examination

Yes.

Program Length

Three summers.

Curriculum Studies (MEd or MA)

These programs foster critical analysis of educational discourses (for example, discourses of planning, implementation, evaluation, learning and teaching) to discern unintended as well as intended effects. This analysis is focused not only at the system level, but also and more importantly, at the level of each person’s daily professional practice, where the political and the personal are inevitably intertwined. The ethical question of how to act responsibly and appropriately is paramount.

Course Requirements: Total = 16.5 units

Curriculum Studies—Non-Thesis Option (MEd)

Curriculum Studies—Thesis Option (MA)

Oral Examination

Yes.

Program Length

Full-time one to two years; part-time three years.

Early Childhood Education - Non-Thesis Option (MEd)

The program consists of 16.5 units of course work, delivered primarily at an off-campus site, with two required summer sessions on campus at UVic. This is a community-based program and is only offered if there are faculty members available and sufficient interest to run the program.

Course Requirements: Total = 16.5 units

Social, Cultural and Foundational Studies (MEd or MA)

The MEd or MA options provide students with the research skills and knowledge to work as master teachers, educational leaders, administrators, policy analysts, and consultants to government and other educational and community agencies. The MEd program consists of 16.5 units including a 3.0 unit project and 1.5 unit comprehensive examination. The MA program consists of 15.0 units including a 4.5 unit thesis. All programs must be determined through consultation between the student and the supervisor.

Course Requirements: Total = 15 units

Social, Cultural and Foundational Studies- Non-Thesis Option (MEd)

ONE Research Methodology course (1.5) (to be selected by student and supervisor)

And TWO additional courses from the following list:

Social, Cultural and Foundational Studies- Thesis Option (MA)

ONE Research Methodology course (1.5) (to be selected by student and supervisor)

And TWO additional courses from the following list:

Language and Literacy (MA or MEd)

These programs are intended for those wishing to further their knowledge of pedagogical issues and practices relating to the teaching of Language and Literacy in populations ranging from pre-school to adult, and for those intending to pursue careers in educational research and teaching at the college or university level. Programs are designed to accommodate students’ individual interests and objectives, and are undertaken with the guidance and direction of an academic supervisor.

Course Requirements: Total = 15 units

Language and Literacy - Non-Thesis Option (MEd)

Language and Literacy - Thesis Option (MA)

Oral Examination

Yes.

Program Length

Two years.

Middle Years Language and Literacy MEd Cohort — 15 units

Students will take three or four EDCI 591 courses offered in year I and II

Master’s of Education degree completed.

Mathematics, Science or Social Studies Education -Thesis Option (MA)

This program is designed to provide students with a strong background in educational research, professional education, and academic content. The program requires 15 units of work including a 4.5-unit thesis. The following courses outline a typical program, but all programs must be determined by the supervisor at the beginning of the program.

Course Requirements: Total = 15 units

Oral Examination

Yes.

Programs Length

Two years.

Mathematics, Science or Social Studies Education - Non-Thesis Option (MEd)

This three-stream combined program is designed to provide a strong content component within the 16.5-unit degree while providing a central core of professional education in curriculum and instruction courses. The following courses outline a typical program, but all programs must be determined by the supervisor at the beginning of the program.

Course Requirements: Total = 16.5 units

Oral Examination

Yes.

Programs Length

Two years.

Music Education (MEd or MA)

This degree is a career credential intended for students who wish to develop a broader understanding of music education and to hone their competencies in teaching music education at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. This community-based program is only offered if there are faculty members available and sufficient interest to run the program. Please refer to our website: <www.educ.uvic.ca/edci/c4-grad/mus.htm> for further information.

Course Requirements: Total = 16.5 units

Oral Examination

Yes, for MA.

Comprehensive Examination

Yes, for MEd.

Program Length

Three summers for MEd, two years for MA.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD in Educational Studies is a research-oriented program designed for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding and an integrated perspective of current educational theory and practice. It prepares graduates for professional, research and teaching positions in colleges and universities, or for leadership roles in school districts, provincial ministries and other public and private organizations, with regard to planning and implementation of curricula, instructional innovations and staff development programs. There are seven areas of specialization within this program: Art Education; Curriculum Studies; Early Childhood Education; Language and Literacy; Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Environmental Education; Music Education; Social, Cultural and Foundational Studies.

Course Requirements: Total = 45 units

The PhD program consists of 45 units, of which there is a 30-unit dissertation and 15 units of coursework. The coursework is made up of 7.5 units of core courses and 7.5 units of Specialty and Elective Courses.

Specializations:

Art Education (courses have studio focus)

Curriculum Studies

Early Childhood Education

Language and Literacy

Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Environmental Education

Music Education (courses focus on musicianship, leadership, pedagogy, and curriculum)

Social, Cultural and Foundational Studies

Candidacy

Candidacy Examinations will be completed in both the core and specialization areas as set by the Supervisory Committee in conjunction with the department’s Graduate Admissions and Programs Committee. Students must be within 1.5 units of completion of all course work before they may complete the candidacy requirement. The candidacy examinations will be both written and oral.

Program Length

At least two years.