Program Overview

Master of Education Program

The Master of Education (MEd) program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is designed to guide the future of education while advancing the student's own career. This program allows students to focus on their unique goals and decide when and how they learn, with options to study online, on campus, part-time, or full-time.

Why Pursue a Master of Education at TRU?

• Take up to five years to complete the MEd degree
• Learn on campus, online, or a combination of both
• Choose from three completion options: thesis, final project, or capstone course
• Conduct original research
• Explore new and innovative teaching techniques
• Learn to design and assess new curriculum

Program Highlights

• Flexible Entry Options: Start with a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies, take direct entry into the MEd, or enter after completing five to seven ESL courses.
• Core and Electives: Complete five required courses that prepare the foundation for studies and future career, and select electives of interest to expand on this foundation.
• Small Class Sizes: Obtain personalized instruction in a supportive and collegial environment.
• Experiential Learning: Participate in classroom discussions, readings, reflections, and apply knowledge in professional contexts.
• Instructional Support: Benefit from the practice-based knowledge of instructors and cohort members, and experience a new understanding of professional practice.
• Graduate Programs In Education Success Centre: Receive support with writing and scholarly communication from trained Graduate Teaching Assistants.

Credential and Delivery

• Credential: Master of Education
• Delivery: Kamloops
• Length: 30 credits
• Intake Dates: September
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

What Will I Learn?

Active learning is at the heart of the MEd program. Through participation in classroom discussions, readings, guided inquiry, and independent study, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of new teaching techniques, including:

• Learning to design and assess new curriculum
• Conducting original research in applied settings
• Understanding current issues in education
• Developing problem-solving abilities
• Mastering the skills required to complete a research project in various applied settings

Where Will This Take Me?

An MEd can directly increase pay and grow skills required to excel in teaching or training careers. The program is appropriate for school teachers, corporate trainers, HR professionals, and others involved in teaching or training within industry, healthcare, or government. Potential career paths include:

• Business analysts and project managers in education
• Corporate trainer
• Curriculum developer
• Digital learning and development manager
• Educational consultant, coordinator, or director
• Instructional designers and editors
• International student recruiter
• Marketing and communications editors and writers
• Post-secondary instructors (online and on campus)
• Principal or administrator
• Private sector educators in TESL, early childhood, and special education
• School counselor or career advisor
• Subject matter consultants and reviewers
• Textbook writers and editors

Program Details

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Education is a 30-credit degree that can be completed in up to five years. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits through one of three exit options with a minimum B+ average to graduate:

• Capstone: 5 core courses, 4 electives, and EDUC 5280 or 5281, Capstone
• Project: 5 core courses, 3 electives, and EDUC 5180, Project
• Thesis: 5 core courses, 2 electives, EDUC 5070, Research Design, and EDUC 5998, Thesis

Entry Requirements

1. Four-year Baccalaureate Degree: A minimum B average (GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.33) in the last 60 credits. Applicants with a GPA below 3.00 (but not below 2.50) may take TRU's Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies to gain admission.
2. English Language Proficiency: For applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree from an English language university, a minimum TOEFL score of 570 or equivalent is required.
3. Transcripts and Permissions: Official copy of educational transcripts for all post-secondary education and a letter of permission from the student's home institution, if applicable.

Required Core Courses

• EDUC 5010 or 5011: Research Methods (3 credits)
• EDUC 5020 or 5021: Philosophy and History of Education (3 credits)
• EDUC 5030 or 5031: Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (3 credits)
• EDUC 5040 or 5041: Diversity: Constructing Social Realities (3 credits)
• EDUC 5400 or 5401: Principles & Processes of Educational Leadership (3 credits)

Elective Courses

A variety of elective courses are available, including but not limited to:

• EDUC 5420 or 5421: Legal Issues in Education (3 credits)
• EDUC 5440 or 5441: Understanding and Managing Conflict (3 credits)
• EDUC 5460 or 5461: Educational Management (3 credits)
• EDUC 5500 or 5501: Introduction to Counselling Skills (3 credits)
• EDUC 5510 or 5511: Theories in Counselling (3 credits)
• EDUC 5520 or 5521: Assessment and Evaluation (3 credits)
• EDUC 5550 or 5551: Introduction to Secondary School Counselling (3 credits)
• EDUC 5560 or 5561: Career Counselling and Development (3 credits)
• EDUC 5120: Assessment of Exceptionalities: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
• EDUC 5130: Managing Multiple Systems: Policy and Practice (3 credits)
• EDUC 5140: Literacy for Individuals with Exceptionalities: Theory, Research, and Practice (3 credits)
• EDUC 5060: Directed Seminar (3 credits)
• EDUC 5990: Special Topics in Education (3 credits)

Tuition

Please visit the Master of Education website for the most current tuition information.

Related Programs

• Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Elementary)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Secondary) STEM
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma
• Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate
• Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Post-Baccalaureate
• Special Needs Educator Post-Diploma Certificate
• Infant Toddler Educator Post-Diploma Certificate
• Online Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate (by distance only)
• Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies