Why study this program?
The Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (GCES) provides you with opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills in a disciplinary focus of your choice.
Streams include:
- Contemporary Literacy Education K-9
- Elementary Music Teaching and Learning
- Mathematics Education
- Prison Education
- School Librarianship
- Science Education
- Structured Literacy and Reading Science
- Teaching English Language Learners
- Teaching Students with Complex Communication Needs
- Technology in Education
- Trauma-Sensitive Practice
More information about this certificate can be found on the Faculty of Education’s GCES web page.
Faculty of Education
Completing studies from the Faculty of Education means your credentials will be recognized worldwide. We are home to award-winning teachers, internationally recognized researchers, educational innovators and community leaders.
Additional information about graduate programs, policies and procedures can be found in the Faculty of Education’s Graduate Student Handbook.
Take your career to the next level at the Faculty of Education.
Length of Program
For most streams, the program length is one calendar year (four consecutive terms). For select streams, the program is spread over two years.
All components of the certificate must be completed within 4 years of enrollment from first registration for the certificate.
Schedule: Part-Time, Bisynchronous
Approx Workload: 5 - 10 Hours/Week
Average Time to Complete: 1 - 2 Years
Application Period
Application open and close dates will be unique to the stream, so please review the specific web pages above for more information.
In order to be considered for the GCES program, you must meet the following requirements:
- A four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized university with a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits of course work (6.5 on the 9 point scale).
- Note: For lower GPAs, admission may be granted based on work experience - see Guidelines for Considering Life Achievement.
- Note: For lower GPAs, admission may be granted based on work experience - see Guidelines for Considering Life Achievement.
- Two years of teaching or clinical experience.
- English Language Proficiency
Letter of Intent
In your application, you will be required to upload a letter of intent (about 1000 words), outlining how your current work would benefit from participation in the program and/or how you may be able to enter or alter your career because of receiving the certificate.
At the University of Alberta, tuition differs between Canadian and international students, as well as between the type of program chosen (thesis-based or course-based).
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $35 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students. Opportunities vary by faculty.
Please note: there are limited funding opportunities available to students pursuing part-time graduate studies or those completing a certificate program.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email gcesinfo@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1