Offering flexible graduate certificates in a three-step pathway to achieving your MEd
In this session we provided an overview of the two MEd degree streams.
In this session, learn how to put together a strong application.
The Master of Education (MEd), Interdisciplinary route is a part-time, course-based pathway which provides students with the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of certificate topics culminating in an MEd degree. Using an innovative and individualized approach, students gain a depth of knowledge within chosen areas where they develop a critical awareness of current problems and insights informed by cutting edge research.
In this degree pathway, students choose a certificate topic (4 courses, 12 units) each year and may continue to stack two topics towards the MEd. Topics are offered in face-to-face, fully online and blended (combined face-to-face and online) formats throughout the program to accommodate busy working professionals.
Our MEd programs are innovative, current, and practitioner-oriented programs designed to create scholars of the profession. Graduate Programs in Education has conceptualized and designed the MEd as a possible pathway into the professional Education Doctorate (EdD).
The Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies is cohort-based, part-time, and delivered over a year to accommodate busy working professionals. Beginning in the Summer term students will complete four courses over the academic year (for a total of four 3-unit courses).
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for admission into the Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduate Diploma holders will be eligible to apply for admission into the MEd Interdisciplinary Studies degree.
In year 1 applicants will select one of the Interdisciplinary topics (listed below) to earn a Graduate Certificate. In year 2 applicants will select one of the Interdisciplinary topics offered that admission year to earn a Graduate Diploma. In year 1 and 2 students may select topics similar in subject content or diversify and choose topics in completely different subject areas. In year 3, students will complete the third, and culminating topic, Educational Research, which is necessary to fulfill requirements for the MEd, Interdisciplinary degree.
Begin your graduate studies by selecting one Interdisciplinary topic to earn a four course Graduate Certificate.
Your second credential is earned by successfully completing another four course Interdisciplinary topic.
After completing your graduate certificate and diploma, the final step is a research year. Upon successful completion of the research topic, you will be awarded your MEd, Interdisciplinary studies.
Topics are delivered face-to-face, fully online, or blended (combined face-to-face and online). Our Interdisciplinary topics run over either three (Summer, Fall, Winter) or four (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring) terms. Delivery and schedule information is listed on each topic page.
Blended topics consist of an on campus summer residency with online work completed before and/or after your time in Calgary. Fall, Winter, and Spring courses are typically held online through Desire2Learn and Zoom. Check each topic to confirm format for delivery.
Fully online topics require no in-person meetings; students meet with their instructor and class through Desire2Learn and Zoom. Our online learning environment allows you to participate in live classes and complete coursework from wherever you are in the world.
Off campus topics take place face-to-face outside of Calgary. These Indigenous topic areas offer students enriching, land-based experiences with intentional, seasonal approaches to learning and wellness.
Topics Inviting Application (July 2023 start) will be listed by November 1, 2022 when application to the program starts. Topics are offered yearly and subject to change. For programs that are currently in progress please visit: 2022 Programs in Progress
Each topic consists of a total of 12 units (four courses). Graduate students are required to complete the courses within each topic in a prescribed sequence. Information about program delivery options, including face-to-face, blended and online options, can be found within each topic page.
Students are expected to complete program requirements for each topic within one year. The stackable MEd Interdisciplinary degree pathway has been designed to be completed in three years.
The online application for the Graduate Certificate (Step 1), Graduate Diploma (Step 2), and the Master of Education Interdisciplinary - Research Topic (Step 3) is currently open.
Application open: November 1, 2021
Application AND supporting document deadline: March 1, 2022
Program start: Summer term 2022 (refer to the Academic Schedule for specific dates)
Applicants must use the online application found at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Apply Now page.
Graduate Certificate (Step 1) Applicants
Please select the Program: Education - Graduate Certificate option within the online application.
Specialization: all topics fall under the Interdisciplinary Studies Specialization.
We advise students to prepare their statement of intent in advance of starting the online application as you will then be able to copy and paste your statement directly into the provided space. Please see the "Admission Requirements" above for more information regarding the statement of intent.
Supporting Documents: ensure that you carefully review the supporting document tab below. Supporting documents, including completed reference forms, must be submitted by March 1 for an application to be considered.
Graduate Diploma (Step 2) Applicants
Please select the Program: Education - Graduate Diploma option within the online application. Applicants to the Graduate Diploma must be completing (in progress) or have completed the Graduate Certificate (Step 1).
Specialization: all topics fall under the Interdisciplinary Studies Specialization.
We advise students to prepare their statement of intent in advance of starting the online application as you will then be able to copy and paste your statement directly into the provided space. Please see the "Admission Requirements" above for more information regarding the statement of intent.
Supporting Documents: new official transcripts are NOT required for applicants to the Graduate Diploma unless course work has been completed at another institution since the Graduate Certificate was completed.
MEd Interdisciplinary (Step 3) Research Topic Applicants
Please select the following options within the online application:
Program: Education - Master of Education
Specialization: Interdisciplinary Studies
Supporting Documents: new official transcripts are NOT required for applicants to the MEd Interdisciplinary unless course work has been completed at another institution since the Graduate Diploma was completed.
All supporting documents are due on March 1-No Exceptions. This is the same date as the application deadline.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that transcripts arrive before the application deadline, and that referees are aware of this deadline.
Transcripts
Required for Graduate Certificate (Step 1) applicants.
Returning applicants (to Steps 2 and 3) NOT required to submit transcripts unless course work has been completed at another institution since the completing the previous program/course with Graduate Programs in Education.
Official Transcripts:
To finalize your admission: Submit one official copy of your final official transcript(s) and degree certificate (if degree is not clearly stated on transcripts) in a signed, sealed envelopes from all institutions you attended.
Unofficial Transcripts:
For initial evaluation purposes: Submit one copy of your unofficial transcripts with the grading scale/transcript legend for all post-secondary institutions to your online application by your application deadline. Offers of Admission are conditional upon receipt of all official transcripts/degree certificates.
FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS: The unofficial transcript must clearly state the degree awarded. If this is not clearly stated, then a copy of the degree certificate must be included with the unofficial transcript upload. Once an application is submitted, the unofficial transcript and degree certificate are uploaded as one PDF to the application.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: The degree certificate must be included with the unofficial transcript upload. Once an application is submitted, the unofficial transcript and degree certificate are uploaded as one PDF to the application.
Transcripts can be sent by email to gradtranscripts@ucalgary.ca or by mail to the following address:
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Earth Sciences, 1010
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2N 1N4
These documents may be sent to the Faculty of Graduate Studies from the institution or they can be mailed to you and you can mail them to us yourself.
Email transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution's transcript office to gradtranscripts@ucalgary.ca.
Open official transcripts are not considered as official.
Please visit https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply/transcript-faq-applicants to answer frequently asked questions on transcripts
Applications, transcripts and all supporting documents must be submitted 11:59 pm MT on the application deadline date for each program.
Transcripts for courses taken at the University of Calgary are not required.
References
Required for Graduate Certificate (Step 1) applicants.
Two (2) references are required for students applying to the Graduate Certificate (Step 1). References will be asked to complete an online reference form. No hard copy letters of reference or documents will be accepted.
Please see the Faculty of Graduate Studies' advice on finding references for your application.
References may be academic or professional.
References are due by the application deadline, so you should complete the online application earlier in order to give your referees sufficient time to submit their reference. Referees will receive notification on how to submit their reference after you submit your application and are due on the application deadline regardless of when they receive the notification. Please ensure that your references are aware of the supporting document submission deadline. Applications without completed reference forms will be considered incomplete after the deadline has passed.
Graduate Diploma (Step 2) applicants are not required to submit references.
Master of Education - Educational Research Topic (Step 3) applicants are not required to submit references.
Statement of Intent
Required of all applicants.
Applicants must submit a written statement of intent as part of the online application form. Your statement of intent should indicate your reasons for pursuing a graduate program with Graduate Programs in Education. We suggest a length of 300 words for your statement.
Your statement of intent should address the following:
Hard copy statements of intent or additional information (such as a CV/résumé) are not accepted as part of the application package.
Admitted students will receive registration information from their Graduate Program Advisor after they have received their offer of admission.
Fees are outlined in the University of Calgary calendar.
Program Checklist
At the beginning of program:
Program Forms
There are various forms related to a student’s progress through his/her 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.
Whether it’s developing the knowledge necessary to support healthy and socially just learning environments or understanding what it takes to provide leadership and advocacy for young children, our wide range of interdisciplinary topics offer something for everyone
Werklund School of Education academics are committed to developing new ideas and insights that address local, national and international challenges, while also nurturing new generations of visionary thinkers. They apply their teaching and research expertise to the following seven academic disciplines.
