Master of Education in Educational Studies

Indigenous Education Cohort

Questions? Contact us at mesinfo@ualberta.ca.

The Master of Education in Educational Studies (MES) supports graduates of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP), and others who have Indigenous community-focused practice and teaching experience. You can be a change advocate, supporting robust learning communities at every level and in every community, enriching a culture of informed practice.

Over the course of two years, in part-time study, you will develop educational research skills and learn to apply them in your educational context.

To optimize the learning experience, students in this cohort will be taught primarily by Indigenous faculty, focusing on Indigenous pedagogies and research methodologies. Courses are provided in a blended delivery format - summer on-campus and remaining courses online (with synchronous components).

Study part-time; work full-time.
Blended delivery: on-campus and online.
Graduate in two years.
Course-based program.
Highly qualified, enthusiastic instructors.
Cohort of peers with varied experiences and interests.

Notes:

  • A selection committee will review applications and you will be notified upon acceptance into the program.
  • The program will start in Summer 2024, pending sufficient enrolment.


Printable Information Flyer (.pdf)

MES FAQs

Who enrolls in the MES?
MES students have a wide range of professional experiences in education: a typical cohort has educational practitioners from K-12 and higher education classrooms, administration, and leadership; some with the required two years of experience and some with considerably more years. This diversity supports rich learning conversations, where students routinely share experiences, ask tough questions, and collaboratively build new insights about educational improvement.

MES students also have a wide range of professional educational interests: to ensure a personally relevant learning experience, students integrate their own areas of interest in educational leadership and/or school improvement into their coursework. If you choose to join us, you will enjoy a rigorous synthesis of study, discourse, educational research applications, and reflections on implications for professional practice as you build knowledge in your area of educational interest.
What if I'm not interested in formal leadership?

The MES supports graduates of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) to be change agents who support robust learning communities - at every level and in every community - to enrich a culture of informed practice.

The MES provides you with opportunities to integrate your areas of educational interest into your coursework as you:

  • Consider the challenges and opportunities in 21st century education
  • Explore emergent, evidence-based research in educational improvement
  • Consider the implications for your practice
  • Plan and execute research to inform educational improvement
Can I really work full-time and succeed in the MES?

Yes. The program is structured to allow you to work full-time and study part-time.

The only full-time study takes place during the first three weeks of July, during a summer session. Our graduates tell us that the open discussions, deep thinking, and new insights are invigorating and worth the investment of time during the summer. There's something quite wonderful about spending three weeks with a group of people similarly interested in and committed to being educational practitioners-actively involved in the art, science, inquiry, and reflection that is professional practice.

During your online studies, you can expect about 10 hours per week of coursework, so you do need to set aside weekly study time. Our graduates tell us that the support of family, friends, and colleagues is helpful. Let your circle of people know what getting an M.Ed. means to you and let them know, specifically, how they can support you. Talk with your educational leader(s) to determine whether accommodations can be made to support your studies. Lastly, keep your instructors in the loop; if you encounter scheduling difficulties let them know sooner rather than later so that you can collaboratively determine a solution. To optimize your learning experience, we endeavour to accommodate regional K-12 schedules.

Do these courses count toward the TQS?
Yes. If you are an Alberta K-12 educator, each MES course can be applied as 0.125 years of education toward your TQS (the full certificate is 1.25 years).
Can I stay on-campus during the Summer session?

Some students stay with friends or family members over the three-week period. If you require paid accommodation, a number of options are available, including nearby hotels and Bed & Breakfasts. Should you wish to stay on campus--only steps away from your classes, there are two options: