MA in Learning Sciences
Thesis-based, on-campus degree
Learning Sciences is an interdisciplinary field of scholarship that works to further scientific, humanistic, and critical theoretical understandings of learning as well as to engage in the design and implementation of pedagogical innovations to support learning. The primary mission of the Learning Sciences MA program is the advancement of knowledge and the preparation of future researchers and scholars of the discipline. In this research-intensive program, students will engage with and advance the field’s understanding of the cultural, social, cognitive, affective, political, technological, and economic dimensions of learning, teaching, design, and assessment, both within and across diverse settings. Applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and master’s students in the program are encouraged and supported to work in interdisciplinary areas and projects.
This is a research intensive program where students work closely with their supervisors. Applicants are encouraged to go through the list of faculty members associated with the program in the link below, including the “full profile” information link for each faculty member. You are also encouraged to contact faculty members that might be a good fit for your research interests to explore potential connections. If you choose to apply, we expect that you will have discussed your research interests with potential supervisors, and you should explain the potential matches in your statement of purpose. Students’ experience in this research intensive program is dramatically enhanced by a strong complementarity of research interests and strengths of students and supervisors.
Program Information for Current Students
Program requirements* are as follows:
Course requirements
(a) Educational Research 608 and 3 units from any other 600-level thesis-based research methods in education course.
(b) 6 units selected from Learning Sciences courses, and 6 additional units from any other Educational Research specialization. Additional courses may be used, as determined by the supervisor in consultation with the student.
For courses offered by term, please refer to the Master of Arts homepage.
Graduate courses from other departments, faculties, or universities may be taken to partially fulfill your degree requirements. Approval from your supervisor and the unit in question are required to take these courses. Please ensure that your Graduate Program Administrator in Graduate Programs in Education receives written confirmation of these approvals.
Your Master's thesis is the focus if your degree program. You should, in consultation with your supervisor, formulate an appropriate thesis topic as early in your program as possible. The nature and type of your proposed research will affect the time needed to complete your program.
Our students typically complete their program requirements within two years from their first term, and are expected to complete all requirements within four years from their first term.
Visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies' website for more information on writing and defending your thesis.
Thesis
(c)The Masters thesis is the focus of the degree program. In consultation with the supervisor, the student should formulate an appropriate thesis topic as early as possible because the nature and type of proposed research will affect the time needed to complete the program.
Master's students are normally assigned a permanent supervisor at the time of admission.
Students typically complete all program requirements within two years and are expected to complete all requirements within four registration years.
*Please visit the University Calendar to see all program requirements for the Master of Arts degree.
Master's Procedures Checklist
At the beginning of 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 computing account that comes with a UofC email. We strongly encourage you to use this email while in program.
- Before you start utilizing your UofC email, update your email address in the online Student Centre.
- 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.
- Attend one of the scheduled Virtual Welcome Sessions for Graduate Programs: Education (GPE) students.
- Attend one of the scheduled Student Orientations to GPE Online Delivery Tools. We recommend this for students in on-campus programs, due to the fact that online tools may be utilized in on-campus courses.
- Connect with your supervisor to plan your program.
- Initialize your registration.
- Register for courses.
- Check with FGS, Research Services and SSHRC for possible research funding.
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.