Master of Arts
For current Master of Arts (MA) students
Research degrees embrace the notion of preparing stewards of the discipline—that is, scholars capable of generating and transforming knowledge, conducting research with a high degree of competence and integrity, and communicating the results to advance their field of study.
The Master of Arts (MA) is a research-intensive, thesis-based degree that is full-time and delivered on campus where students have the flexibility to take online specialization courses.
Adult Learning
Adult learning and education is informed by a rich heritage rooted in a commitment to human, community, and social development. Studies in adult learning draw from multiple and diverse contexts and interest areas that include post-secondary and continuing education, business and industry, NGOs, community development, and international organizations.
Curriculum & Learning
Curriculum and learning studies compass issues of content, context, and teaching in both formal and non-formal educational settings. Students may explore contemporary themes including issues of globalization, gender, culture, power, traditions of wisdom, ecology in education, and the ideas and practices of social justice. Themes are examined from social, cultural, historical, political, discursive, ecological, and other interpretive perspectives.
Language & Literacy
Language and literacy studies prepare students to understand and conduct research on various dimensions of literacy, linguistic and cultural diversity. Our studies encompass the acquisition, use, teaching, and learning of languages, multiliteracies (multiple meaning-making systems, including print, visual, oral, audiovisual, and gestural texts), and new literacies and digital media.
Leadership
Studies in leadership and educational policy draw upon the social sciences and humanities to prepare our researchers and practitioners for administrative and research-related careers. Students analyze and resolve contemporary issues related to educational policy, organizational change, and the direction and management of schools, school systems, other institutions, and governmental bodies concerned with public and private education.
Learning Sciences
Learning science is an interdisciplinary field of scholarship that works to further scientific, humanistic, and critical theoretical understandings of learning. Our students engage in the design and implementation of pedagogical innovations to support learning. Our primary mission is the advancement of knowledge, and the preparation of future researchers and scholars of the discipline in the learning sciences.
Spring 2024
Start of Classes: Wednesday, May 6, 2024
End of Classes: Thursday, June 17, 2024
EDER 616 L01 Design-Based Research Methods in Education (31198)
For all Specialization Courses please contact your Supervisor for recommendations.
Please see the 2024-25 Masters Course Timetable above.
Summer 2024
Start of Classes: Monday, June 24, 2024
End of Classes: Tuesday, August 6, 2024
For all Specialization Courses please contact your Supervisor for recommendations.
Please see the 2024-25 Masters Course Timetable above.
Fall 2024
Start of Classes: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
End of Classes: Friday, December 6, 2024
EDER 608 L01 Research Methods in Education (72358) - on campus delivery
For all Specialization Courses please contact your Supervisor for recommendations.
Please see the 2024-25 Masters Course Timetable above.
EDPS 609 L01/B01 Research Design and Statistics
Please note that permission from the Educational Psychology Department is required.
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Courses from other departments/faculties
You may fulfill some of your program requirements by taking courses from other departments/faculties. You should seek permission to register from your supervisor and the respective unit/faculty.
Below is a list of Fall 2024 courses from other departments/units that you may consider taking. This list is not all encompassing, nor are we mandating that you take one or any of these courses. It is, as a student, your responsibility to initiate permission with your supervisor and the respective unit/faculty to take one of these courses.
- COMS 615: Research Methods
- NURS 683: Qualitative Designs and Analysis
- NURS 621: Quantitative Designs and Analysis
- SOWK 670: Advanced Methods & Epistemology in Social Work Research
- SOCI 611: Social Statistics: The General Linear Model
- POLI 691: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science
Winter 2025
Start of Classes: Monday, January 13, 2025
End of Classes: Friday, April 11, 2025
EDER 610 L01 Case Study Research in Education (15429) - on campus delivery
For all Specialization Courses please contact your Supervisor for recommendations.
Please see the 2024-25 Masters Course Timetable above.
EDPS 611 L01/B01 Qualitative Research Methodologies
Please note that permission from the Educational Psychology Department is required.
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Courses from other departments/faculties
You may fulfill some of your program requirements by taking courses from other departments/faculties. You should seek permission to register from your supervisor and the respective unit/faculty.
Below is a list of Winter 2025 courses from other departments/units that you may consider taking. This list is not all encompassing, nor are we mandating that you take one or any of these courses. It is, as a student, your responsibility to initiate permission with your supervisor and the respective unit/faculty to take one of these courses.
- ANTH 611: Methods in Anthropologic Research
- NURS 683: Qualitative Designs and Analysis
- NURS 621: Quantitative Designs and Analysis
- NURS 609: Applied Statistics for Nursing Research
- SOCI 601.4/701.44: Seminar in Mixed Methods Research
Program Details
For guidance in preparing the final thesis/dissertation, please refer to the GPE Thesis/Dissertation Rubric
Master's Student Checklist
At the beginning of your program:
- Register for an eID to access myUCalgary. Keep your eID and password confidential.
- Accept your Offer of Admission in the online Student Centre.
- Activate your UCalgary IT account and e-mail. You will be expected to regularly check your UCalgary e-mail while in program.
- Confirm your current e-mail address to your Graduate Program Administrator (see your Admission Letter for contact information). Please include your full name, UCID number, program, and specialization.
- Connect with your supervisor to plan your program.
- Initialize your registration.
- Register for your courses.
- Check with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Research Services and SSHRC for possible research funding.
- Attend orientation at the beginning of September!
Within 12 months:
- Confirm the number of courses required for program completion with the supervisor.
Every May:
- Submit the online Annual Progress Report form through student centre, approved by supervisor, and Graduate Program Director of GPE or designate.
Every 12 Months:
- Complete registration initialization.
Within 4 years:
- Have ethics clearance approved before collection of data.
- Complete thesis.
- Supervisor establishes the committee for final oral examination.
- Upon successful oral examination, submit two unbound copies of the thesis to the Faculty of Graduate Studies along with the Thesis Clearance form.
- Submit an Application for Degree through your Student Centre.
- Attend convocation and celebrate!
Program Forms
There are various forms related to a student’s progress through their graduate degree. Please refer to the forms for detailed instructions on their proper completion. Students who have any questions or concerns should contact their Graduate Program Administrator. Required forms are available in the GPE office and some can be accessed by downloading them from Faculty of Graduate Studies.
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Funding
The Werklund School of Education provides funding opportunities for full-time MA students for the first 2 years in program.
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Awards and Scholarships
Current students are required to apply for internal and external scholarships (e.g., Tri-Council awards including SSHRC, CIHR), for which they are eligible to be considered for program funding for the following academic year.
Contact Us
Administrative Questions?
Sylvia Parks, Graduate Program Administrator (GPA) sparks@ucalgary.ca
Academic Questions?
Contact the Academic Coordinator for your specialization. Contact information is listed on each specialization page.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies' homepage to see information for thesis-based students.