Program Overview

Introduction to the Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education Program

The University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education offers a comprehensive program in Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education, providing students with opportunities to pursue research and professional interests in rural education. The program includes a PhD concentration and MA and MEd specializations in Rural Education, as well as the West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) and a blended online rural teacher education program.

Program Overview

The Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of rural education. The program focuses on place-consciousness pedagogies, rural and remote learning and teaching, and teacher education. Students can pursue a range of research interests, including the social and cultural contexts of rural education, the impact of rural education on student outcomes, and the development of effective teaching practices for rural settings.

Program Options

The Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education program offers several options for students, including:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum Studies – Practitioner Inquiry and Place-Conscious Pedagogies
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education program requires meeting the minimum entry requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants must also meet specific program requirements, including:

Doctor of Philosophy

• A master's degree with high standing in a relevant educational discipline
• Evidence of potential to carry out research
• A sample of work demonstrating scholarly writing
• A letter of intent describing the focus of the proposed research
• The support of three referees, one of which must be from a member of the thesis supervisory committee

Master of Arts

• A four-year Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field
• Normally 18 credits of senior course work or a professional concentration in the area of interest
• Normally two years' teaching experience or other relevant professional experience

Master of Education

• Same as for the MA, with a focus on application of educational theory in professional practice

Program Requirements

The Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education program requires students to complete a range of courses and requirements, including:

Doctor of Philosophy

• A minimum of 18 credits of coursework, including doctoral seminars and research methodology courses
• A comprehensive examination
• A research proposal
• A PhD dissertation

Master of Arts

• A minimum of 30 credits, including 21 credits of coursework and 9 credits of thesis
• Required courses include Introduction to Curriculum Issues and Theories and Research Methodologies in Education

Master of Education

• A minimum of 30 credits, including 27 credits of coursework and a graduating project
• Required courses include Introduction to Curriculum Issues and Theories and Research Methodologies in Education

Research Areas

The Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education program offers a range of research areas, including:

• Rural education policy and practice
• Place-consciousness pedagogies
• Rural and remote learning and teaching
• Teacher education and professional development
• Social and cultural contexts of rural education

Conclusion

The Rural Education and Rural Teacher Education program at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education provides students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in rural education. With a range of program options and research areas, students can pursue their interests and develop the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in rural education settings.