Program Overview

Introduction to Queen's Concurrent Education

Queen's Concurrent Education (ConEd) is an accelerated 5-year + 1 summer term program designed for secondary school graduates who want to become outstanding educators. Graduates qualify for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers—and because our program is completed in less time than most, you'll enter the job market a full year earlier than peers from many other Ontario faculties of education, which typically take six years to complete.

Program Overview

From your very first day, you'll be working toward two degrees at once: an undergraduate honours degree and a Bachelor of Education (BEd). A BEd from Queen's is recognized and respected not only across Canada, but also internationally—opening doors for teaching opportunities around the world.

Earn Two Degrees in Just 5 Years

Why settle for one degree when you can graduate with a Bachelor of Education and one of the following:

• Honours Bachelor of Arts
• Honours Bachelor of Arts in French Studies
• Honours Bachelor of Science
• Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
• Honours Bachelor of Music

You'll finish in 5 years + one summer term (done by August of year 5) and hit the job market a year earlier than most other Ontario teaching programs.

Program Structure

Years 1-3

• End of year 1: Choose your teaching divisions: Primary–Junior (JK–Grade 6) or Intermediate–Senior (Grades 7–12)
• Take an education course each year alongside your Arts and Science degree
• Get hands-on experience through placements in non-classroom settings working with children and youth (years 1 & 2)
• Step into a real classroom for your first in-school placement (year 3)

Year 4

• If you are interested in one of our track programs—Artist in Community Education, Indigenous Teacher Education, Outdoor and Experiential Education, and Primary-Junior French as a Second Language—submit an application in the fall of year 4.
• If you choose not to join a track program, you'll select a concentration in the summer before year 5.

Year 5

• Classes in year 5 are set up in a block format rather than a traditional semester system.
• Complete 15 weeks of practicum in an Ontario classroom in one of our 26 partner District School Boards.
• Complete an alternative practicum - anywhere in the world - it just has to be related to your concentration.

Teaching Divisions

Intermediate-Senior Teaching Subjects

Candidates in the Intermediate-Senior program option choose two of the following subjects:

• Dramatic Arts
• English
• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies
• French as a Second Language
• Geography
• Health and Physical Education
• History
• Mathematics
• Music – Instrumental
• Music – Vocal
• Science – Biology
• Science – Chemistry
• Science – Physics
• Social Sciences
• Visual Arts

Primary-Junior

Candidates who select Primary-Junior teaching divisions do not need teaching subjects. They are required to complete courses in at least three of the six areas of the Ontario Primary-Junior curriculum:

• The Arts
• Social Studies, History, and Geography
• Science and Technology
• Mathematics
• Health and Physical Education
• Literacy and Language

Additional Information for ConEd French

You apply for the ConEd French program directly through OUAC using the code QBF. Students admitted to this program are automatically placed in a French major right from first year.

Additional Information for ConEd Kinesiology

You apply for the ConEd Kinesiology program directly through OUAC using the code QKF. In this program, your teaching divisions must be Intermediate-Senior (Grades 7-12).

Additional Information for ConEd Bachelor of Music

You apply for the ConEd Bachelor of Music program directly through OUAC using code QMM. Acceptance is based on high school grades and a successful demonstration of musical abilities through a live or recorded portfolio/audition.

Admission Information

Selection is based on applicants' academic standing. Prerequisite courses are the same as those for entrance into the Arts and Science degree program you are applying to at Queen's.

In-Class Practicums and Experiential Placements

Placements and Practicum

In the first two years of the program, you gain hands-on experience through self-arranged placements in non-classroom settings working with children aged 3-15. In year three, you complete a 3-week practicum in an Ontario classroom, facilitated by the practicum office.

Alternative Practicum

The three-week Alternative Practicum, completed in year 5, offers you the opportunity to explore teaching and learning outside the traditional school system – anywhere in the world.

Public District School Boards

The following are the public district school boards where practicums take place:

1. Waterloo
2. Halton
3. Peel
4. Simcoe
5. York Region
6. Toronto
7. Durham
8. Trillium Lakelands
9. Kawartha Pine Ridge
10. Hastings, Prince Edward
11. Renfrew
12. Limestone
13. Upper Canada
14. Ottawa-Carleton

Catholic District School Boards

The following are the Catholic district school boards where practicums take place:

1. Waterloo
2. Halton
3. Dufferin-Peel
4. Simcoe
5. York
6. Toronto
7. Durham
8. Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland & Clarington
9. Algonquin-Lakeshore
10. Renfrew
11. Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
12. Ottawa

Finance Your Studies

Financial Aid Services provides charts with guidelines for costs that Concurrent Students may incur, including education and basic living expenses. The amount it costs to attend Queen's will depend somewhat on the choices you make, which will affect your budget.