Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy Programs

The Department of Secondary Education offers programs leading to the Master of Education, Master of Education with a Specialization in Technology in Education, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Education degrees. Graduate instruction in these programs is designed to develop competencies as master teachers, educators in specific disciplines, curriculum and instruction specialists, and curriculum and instruction scholars.

Program Overview

Graduate programs in the Department normally include advanced studies in the following areas:

• Curriculum studies
• Curriculum perspectives
• Modes of inquiry
• Aboriginal and indigenous studies
• Career and technology studies (CTS)
• English language arts education
• Fine arts and media education
• Mathematics education
• Physical and health education
• Research methodologies
• Science education
• Second language and ESL
• Social studies education
• Teacher education
• Technology in education (interdepartmental MEd)

Programs of an interdisciplinary nature are possible. Programs for each student are designed in consultation with an advisor or supervisor.

Entrance Requirements

For master's programs, the Department's minimum admission requirements are:

• An undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
• Two years of teaching experience or equivalent are also required.

For doctoral programs, the Department's minimum admission requirements are:

• A master's degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.5 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
• Applicants are required to identify a potential supervisor at the time of application.
• It is highly recommended that applicants have two years of teaching experience or equivalent experience in a formal or informal educational context.

English Language Proficiency

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency. Any one of the following is acceptable:

• A minimum TOEFL score of 93 with a score of at least 24 on speaking and writing and 21 on reading and listening (internet-based), or equivalent.
• IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 on each band.
• CAEL with an overall minimum score of 70, with at least 60 on each subtest.
• PTE (Academic) with an overall minimum score of 64.

Application Requirements

A current curriculum vitae, a statement of intent, and three letters of reference are also required.

Application Deadlines

For Fall (September) or Summer (July) admissions, the following deadlines apply:

• PhD and EdD: December 1
• MEd (course-based): March 1
• MEd (thesis-based): March 1

Program Requirements

The EdD and PhD programs normally consist of a minimum of 21 units of graduate-level courses and the preparation and defense of a dissertation on an approved topic.

Required Courses

• EDSE 610 - Advanced Research Seminar in Secondary Education I
• EDSE 620 - Advanced Research Seminar in Secondary Education II
• Students who have not completed EDSE 503 and EDSE 504 (or equivalent) prior to admission are expected to take these courses as a component of their doctoral program.

Elective Courses

• Five additional 3-unit courses are selected by the student in consultation with the program supervisor.
• The number of Individual Study (EDSE 602) courses that can be taken is limited to 3 units per semester and 6 units per program.

Thesis

• Registration in 900-level THES
• Doctoral candidacy examination: Students must prepare and orally defend a written candidacy paper outlining the proposed study and reviewing the relevant research and theory.
• Final Doctoral Examination: Doctoral students must complete a thesis and this thesis must be successfully defended.

Ethics Requirement

Completion of Ethics training hours, including a faculty ethics component (equivalent to 8 hours) through successful completion of EDSE 610 and EDSE 620, plus GPS component.

Residence Requirement

• The minimum period of residency for the EdD program is 12 continuous months of full-time study at the University of Alberta.
• The PhD program requires two academic years of full-time attendance to meet the residence requirement.

Length of Program

The time taken to complete the EdD or PhD program will vary with the individual candidate. A minimum of two years of full-time study and research is usually required. The maximum time to complete doctoral programs as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Secondary Education (EDSE, EDES, and EDCT).

Tuition and Fees

A number of graduate assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the EdD or PhD in Secondary Education for services rendered in the Department's research and teaching programs. These assistantships do not provide full support. There are a number of financial supports available to students through fellowships, scholarships, and awards through the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), and the Graduate Students Association.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.