Master of Education in Educational Studies
The Master of Education in Educational Studies (MES) is designed for teachers, educational administrators, and educational leaders who want to enhance their knowledge and practice in the areas of leadership and school improvement.
- It is a part-time, course-based program for working educators that facilitates pursuing graduate studies without taking time off work.
- To optimize the learning experience, the program is cohort-based.
- You will work with educators from a range of backgrounds, with varied experiences and interests.
Pathways to the MES
- Direct-entry into the MES program is for students with a bachelor's degree and two years of teaching experience.
- The certificate pathway is for students who have either a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (GCES) or Graduate Certificate in School Leadership (GCSL) from the University of Alberta, which provides students with up to 12 credits in advanced standing in the program*. The certificate pathway to the MES will be available starting in Summer 2024 (pending sufficient enrolment).
*The GCES and GCSL can ladder in to the M.Ed. Elementary Education - Curriculum and Pedagogy. Contact elemgrad@ualberta.ca for more information.
Additionally, the GCSL can ladder into the M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Leadership. Contact epscoord@ualberta.ca for more information.
Note: Completion of a GCES or GCSL does not guarantee acceptance into the MES program.
Our Partnerships
We have provided tailored programs for local, provincial and international cohorts including:
- a cohort for graduates of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP),
- the Fort Vermilion School Division, and
- Maple Leaf Schools in China.
Contact us today if you would like to discuss a cohort in your area.
Our partnership with the Fort Vermilion School Division (FVSD) provides staff with opportunities including the MES program with a focus on literacy and numeracy as well as the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership which meets the academic requirements for LQS certification with Alberta Education. Both programs were developed to meet FVSD's identified needs.
Our partnership with the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Educational Authority (KTCEA) provided staff with the opportunity to complete the MES program in the areas of Indigenous teacher education, leadership, and school improvement. To optimize the learning experience, students in this cohort were taught primarily by Indigenous faculty, focusing on Indigenous pedagogies and research methodologies.
Our partnership with the Maple Leaf Educational Systems World School Program provides their staff with the opportunity to complete the MES program with a focus on leadership and international education. This partnership includes collaboration between the Maple Leaf staff and University of Alberta instructors and ensures that teachers are able to complete the program without leaving China as they continue to work.