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Graduate Studies Calendar 2023-2024 Program Descriptions Education Graduate Programs Educational Research (EDER) Master of Education (MEd) Master of Education: Specialist Route
Master of Education: Specialist Route
1. Degrees and Specializations Offered

Master of Education: Specialist Route (course-based)

Specializations: 

  • Adult Learning 
  • Curriculum and Learning
  • Language and Literacy
  • Leadership 
  • Learning Sciences

Online and blended courses with some face-to-face on-campus meeting times at the University of Calgary.

For current specialization areas being offered and program delivery format, please consult the website werklund.ucalgary.ca/gpe/med-specialist.

2. Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies admission requirements, Graduate Programs in Education requires:

a) A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.

b) A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units.

c) A written statement indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Graduate Programs in Education.

d) For applicants required to present proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 97, an IELTS (academic version) overall band score of 7.0 or a CAEL overall score of 70 (with no section less than 70). This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course.

The test must have been taken within the last two years. When requesting that official TOEFL test scores are forwarded to the University of Calgary, please indicate institution code 0813.

e) Two references. Referees will be asked to complete an online reference form.

Relevant Prior Learning Considerations

In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievements may be considered for admission to the program. The candidates must provide the relevant graduate program with evidence demonstrating a potential to undertake successfully the proposed program of studies. Such candidates are advised to make early contact with Graduate Programs in Education, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package, such as:

a) Evidence of personal continuing education/training.

b) Results in these continuing education efforts.

c) Experience in a field related to the aspired degree.

d) Evidence of successful management of people, resources, finances, situations.

e) Increasing or varying responsible positions in organizations related to the aspired degree.

f) Work-related products, e.g. reports, programs of learning or training, handbooks, videos, manuals, workshops, seminars.

g) Evidence of personal growth in knowledge, understanding, management skills, and intellectual resources.

h) Evidence of innovation.

i) Evidence of leadership or co-ordination responsibilities.

j) Evidence of academic writing.

3. Application Deadline

The deadline for submission of complete applications is available on the Future Students website: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/educational-research-master-education-specialist-course-based.

4. Advanced Credit

The applicant must make advanced credit requests as part of the admission process. Credit will not be given for course work taken as part of another completed degree/diploma, or for courses taken to bring grade point average to a required level for admission.

5. Program/Course Requirements

The MEd Specialist route is a two or three-year, cohort-based, course-based program.

a) Educational Research 600, 602, 604 and 606; and

b) 24 units in the student's area of Specialization.

Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

Graduate Programs in Education in the Werklund School of Education will not permit the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course offered by the School.

Students may not choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will affect students' eligibility for internal awards.

6. Credit For Undergraduate Courses

Graduate Programs in Education does not normally accept undergraduate courses for credit toward graduate degrees.

7. Time Limit

Expected completion time is two or three years, per admission cohort. Maximum completion time is six years for a course-based master’s program.

8. Academic Co-ordinator Assignments

An academic co-ordinator is assigned to the cohort of students in the course-based Master of Education program.

9. Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this Calendar.