Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies
A laddered degree pathway to achieving your Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies
Innovative online programs preparing you for the future
The Master of Education (MEd) Interdisciplinary route is a course-based pathway which provides students with the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of topics culminating in a Master of Education. 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 transformative research.
In this degree pathway, students choose a certificate topic (4 courses, 12 units) each year and may continue to stack two topics toward the MEd. Topics are offered in face-to-face, fully online, and blended (combined face-to-face and online) formats to fit the busy lifestyle of professionals, allowing them to continue working while developing new skills and participating in meaningful field-specific research.
Who is the program for?
The Werklund School of Education’s Graduate Programs are a destination of choice for highly qualified graduate students. We offer blended programs that are innovative, responsive, and accessible. Graduate Programs in Education has conceptualized and designed the MEd as a possible pathway into the professional Education Doctorate (EdD).
Laddered pathway to an MEd in Interdisciplinary Studies
Graduate Certificate
Complete one topic and earn a Graduate Certificate
Beginning in the Summer term, students will complete four courses.The Certificate is cohort-based and delivered over a year to accommodate busy working professionals.
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for a Graduate Diploma.
Graduate Diploma
Complete one topic and earn a Graduate Diploma
Students may apply to a topic similar in subject content to their Certificate (Step 1) topic, or diversify and choose topics in completely different subject areas.
Graduate Diploma holders with a 3.0 GPA or higher will be eligible to apply for a Master of Education.
Note: To apply to the Graduate Diploma applicants must either be completing (in progress) or have completed the Graduate Certificate (Step 1).
Master of Education
Complete four research courses and earn an MEd in Interdisciplinary Studies
In the final stage of the MEd Interdisciplinary route, students can build on their previous two topic areas to explore a program of practice. Upon successful completion of your chosen research topic — either Educational Research (Step 3) or School Counselling (Step 3) — you will be awarded your MEd in Interdisciplinary Studies
Note: To apply to the Research Year (Step 3) applicants must successfully complete a Graduate Certificate (Step 1) and Graduate Diploma (Step 2).
Program delivery
Topics are delivered in online, face-to-face off-campus, or blended formats. Our Interdisciplinary topics run over either three (Summer, Fall, Winter) or four (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring) terms. For delivery methods and schedule details, please refer to each topic page.
Online
Online courses require no in-person meetings - students meet with their instructor and class through D2L and Zoom. This online learning environment allows you to participate in live classes and complete coursework from wherever you are in the world. There are typically no more than 5 sessions over a 13-week term (Fall and Winter) and fewer over a 6-week term (Spring and Summer). For additional information regarding online delivery, please refer to the eLearn website.
Off-Campus
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.
Blended
Blended topics include an on-campus summer residency at the University of Calgary in July, along with online work that is completed before and/or after your time in Calgary. Fall, Winter, and Spring courses are generally conducted online using D2L and Zoom. Please check each topic page for schedules and specific delivery formats.
Graduate Certificate and Diploma Topics
The following topics are accepting applications for the July 2025 program start.
Topics are offered yearly and subject to change. For programs that are currently in progress, please visit 2024 Programs in Progress
Advancing Healthy & Socially Just Schools & Communities
Augmenting K-16 Learning through Advanced Technologies
Curriculum Studies and Practice
Educational Neuroscience: Applications for Teaching & Learning
Equity and Excellence: Gifted Education in Schools
Foundations in School & Counselling Psychology
Generative AI and Educational Innovation
Inclusive Education
Indigenous Education for Teachers: Starting with Story
Leading & Learning in a Digital Age
Leading in Post-secondary Contexts
Learning Disabilities in the Classroom
Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Social Justice in Practice
Multimodal Literacies Across Contexts
Niitsitapiisinni: Real Peoples' Way of Life
Perspectives pédagogiques : français langue seconde
School Leadership - Pathway to AB Ed LQS Certification
Supporting and Enhancing Children’s Mental Health
Teaching and Learning Mathematics
Teaching English as an Additional Language
Transdisciplinary Leadership: Strategy & Innovation in Organizations
What you need to know
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 applications for the Graduate Certificate (Step 1), Graduate Diploma (Step 2), and the Master of Education Interdisciplinary - Research Topic (Step 3) are open November 1 through March 1.
Application open: November 1
Application AND supporting document deadline: March 1
Program start: Summer term (refer to the Academic Schedule for specific dates)
Applicants must use the online application found at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Apply Now page. Applicants should follow the instructions under the 'Regular Students' drop down.
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):
1) Research Topic Applicants
Please select the following options within the online application:
Program: Education - Master of Education
Specialization: Interdisciplinary Studies
OR
2) School Counselling Topic Applicants
Please select the following options within the online application:
Program: Education - Master of Education
Specialization: School Counselling
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.
Applications, transcripts and all supporting documents must be submitted 11:59 pm MT on the application deadline date for each program. 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.
For additional information on transcripts and where to send them, please visit our How to Apply page.
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:
- Please identify your reasons for applying to this graduate program.
- Please outline the particular topics or questions that you plan to pursue in your specialization.
- In what way is this program related to your desired career path or employment objectives?
Hard copy statements of intent or additional information (such as a CV/résumé) are not accepted as part of the application package.
Students are eligible for some internal scholarships. See the program-recommended awards page for details.
Admitted students will receive registration information from their Graduate Program Advisor after they have received their offer of admission. The Learning Resources page contains general tuition and registration guides.
Fee details are available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.
Program Checklist
At the beginning of program:
- Activate your University of Calgary 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 Student Centre, as well as email it to your Graduate Program Administrator (see your Admission Letter for contact information). Please include your full name, UCID number, program, and specialization in your message.
- Attend one of the scheduled Virtual Welcome Sessions.
- Attend one of the scheduled Student Orientations to Course Delivery Modes/Tools.
- Initialize your registration through your Student Centre.
- Register for your courses.
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.