Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for the GCSL program, you must meet the following minimum criteria:
- A four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized university with a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits of course work (6.5 on the 9 point scale).
Note: For lower GPAs, admission may be granted based on work experience - see Guidelines for Considering Life Achievement. - Two years of teaching experience
- English Language Proficiency (see How to Apply)
Admission FAQs
Do these courses count towards the TQS salary scale?
Yes. Each graduate-level course counts as 0.125 years on the TQS salary scale. More information is available here (see section 15.02).
How will a break in my studies affect my program?
You must be enrolled in one course in your first term after admission, after which you have four years to complete the certificate. If you intend to interrupt your program for any reason, contact the GCSL Graduate Administrator immediately at gcslinfo@ualberta.ca.
What if I don't quite meet all of the requirements?
Please contact the GCSL Graduate Administrator at gcslinfo@ualberta.ca to discuss your options.
What if I have already completed some graduate level courses?
You may receive transfer credit for one of the approved GCSL electives OR for EDU 520 and/or EDU 521. Contact the GCSL Graduate Administrator at gcslinfo@ualberta.ca for more information.
Does this certificate ladder into a Master's degree program?
A Graduate Certificate in School Leadership (GCSL) provides students with up to 12 credits in advanced standing in one of the following Master's programs:
10-course Master's programs:
- M.Ed. in Educational Studies (online only) - email mesinfo@ualberta.ca.
- M.Ed. in Elementary Education Curriculum and Pedagogy (online or on-campus options available) - email essgrad3@ualberta.ca.
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education (on-campus only) - email essgrad3@ualberta.ca.
12-course Master's program:
- M.Ed. in Studies in Educational Leadership (on-campus only) - email essgrad2@ualberta.ca.
Note: Completion of the GCSL does not guarantee acceptance into any of these programs, but if you are admitted, you will have between six and eight courses remaining to complete your M.Ed.