Students enrolled in the MEd degree with capstone project will develop valuable skills and gain the experience necessary to work in a professional field in an education environment. Capstone projects provide an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of an area of interest. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in Kindergarten to Grade 12 and post-secondary education, school administration, education consultation, government and policy work, among other careers.

Designed for professionals in the field, this program is typically completed on a part-time basis over two academic years, including summer sessions, through a combination of campus-based and online coursework. This pathway culminates in a capstone project under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor. While not considered to be a research degree as students are not required to carry out and defend an independent research project, students will take research-relevant courses that will assist in the development of their capstone project.

The MEd degree with capstone project requires completion of:

• 9 credits of core courses: Curriculum Issues and Theories (CUST 562), Research Methodology in Education (EDUC 500), and Readings and Discourse in Education (EDUC 521);
• 18 credits from the Okanagan School of Education’s course offerings; and
• 3- credit capstone project (EDUC 598)

MEd students are required to complete the degree within four years. Students in this pathway may be interested in completing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in the future.

Visit the Academic Calendar for detailed MEd Program Requirements.

Our MEd degree with coursework only is a new pathway that offers rich opportunities for learning and professional development through 30 credits of coursework. Students will plan their courses, with guidance from their assigned supervisor, to build a program that provides broad knowledge at an advanced level to inform their professional and/or applied practice. Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in Kindergarten to Grade 12 and post-secondary education, school administration and education consultation, government and policy work, among other careers.

Designed for professionals in the field, this program is typically completed on a part-time basis over two academic years, including summer sessions, through a combination of campus-based and online coursework. MEd students are required to complete the degree within four years.

The MEd degree with coursework only requires completion of:

• 6 credits of core courses: Curriculum Issues and Theories (CUST 562) and Readings and Discourse in Education (EDUC 521);
• 24 credits from the Okanagan School of Education’s course offerings

Visit the Academic Calendar for detailed MEd Program Requirements.

Students in this pathway may be interested in completing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in the future.

The MA degree is primarily for educators who wish to develop their expertise as educational researchers in addition to their interest in a thematic area of study.

The degree is designed specifically as a research degree, with students required to carry out and complete an independent research project (master’s thesis). Completion of a master’s thesis is viewed as a prerequisite for the pursuit of doctoral studies in most institutions.

The MA can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis. Students are encouraged to complete the coursework over two academic years, including summer sessions. MA students are required to complete the degree within five years.

Students must complete:

• 9 credits of core courses: Curriculum Issues and Theories (CUST 562), Research Methodology in Education (EDUC 500), and Readings and Discourse in Education (EDUC 521);
• 15 credits from the Okanagan School of Education’s course offerings; and
• 6-credit thesis (EDUC 599)

Visit the Academic Calendar for detailed MA in Education Program Requirements.

This degree lays the foundation for the pursuit of a PhD and may appeal to students seeking academic positions and careers.

EDUC 562 (3) Coyote Stories: Pedagogy and Praxis
Examines how respective Indigenous traditional knowledge stories and storytelling practices inform organic theoretical frameworks, pedagogy, and praxis in place-based schooling, community, and peoples’ transforming projects.

EADM 557 (3) Leadership for Inclusion and Social Justice
An overview of the theoretical and practical elements of leadership for inclusive education, social justice, and other associated topics.

EDUC 527 Global Education, Citizenship, and Cross-Cultural Conceptions of Teaching and Learning
Enables learners to explore the inherent values, assumptions, and ideologies that inform the spectrum of global educations and cross-cultural conceptions of teaching and learning, and examines understandings of these complex and contested notions.

EDUC 528 Theory and Practice in Inclusive Education
An inquiry-oriented course designed for educators interested in inclusive aspects of special education. Participants will explore pedagogical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers to inclusion. Related theory and research-based inclusive approaches will serve as resources for individual and group inquiries.

ETEC 559 (3) Creating Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments
Paradigm shifts in education have influenced significant change in learning environments. This course is an inquiry into learning environments (past, present, and future) and explores the learning theories, software, hardware, and instructional strategies that support them.

Students may view the Academic Calendar for a complete list and description of courses. Not all courses are offered every year.  

Applicants to the MEd program normally hold a bachelor’s degree in Education or related field, with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76-79%) in third- and fourth-year courses, academic standing with at least 12 credits of third-or fourth-year courses in the A- grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in a four-year baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent. Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates of different countries are listed in the International Student Evaluation Manual

Applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience to offset such deficiencies, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Director of Graduate Programs in Education.

Additionally, the Okanagan School of Education normally requires that applicants have at least two years of teaching experience. All applicants must submit a statement of intent (approximately 250-400 words) clearly outlining their areas of interest and focus for study with their applications.

Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates of different countries may be found in the International Student Evaluation Manual.

Students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must apply for a study permit (student visa) to enter Canada. Applications can be made through any Canadian Consulate or High Commission.

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission.  Minimum acceptable English language proficiency tests are as follows:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version)  (The College of Graduate Studies accepts MyBest Scores). The TOEFL code for UBC’s Okanagan campus is: 0965;
• IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.0; or
• MELAB: minimum overall score of 85, with a final score of 3 in the speaking test.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Required Grades and Credential Guide

Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country. Search the Required Grades and Credential Guide—a guide to assist international students in estimating their eligibility.

International Advisors

An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC. Visit the International Programs and Services website to meet the team.

Applicants to the MA program must have a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76-79%) in third- and fourth-year courses, academic standing with at least 12 credits of third-or fourth-year courses in the A- grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in a four-year baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent. Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates of different countries are listed in the International Student Evaluation Manual

Background training and previous experience must be sufficient to demonstrate ability or potential for advanced research in the chosen field.

The MA is designed for those students who, in addition to their interest in a thematic area of study, wish to develop their expertise as educational researchers.

Additionally, the Okanagan School of Education normally requires that applicants have at least two years of teaching experience. All applicants must submit a statement of intent (approx. 250-400 words) clearly outlining their areas of interest and focus for study with their applications.

In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Education Graduate Program Committee and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates of different countries may be found in the International Student Evaluation Manual.

Students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must apply for a study permit (student visa) to enter Canada. Applications can be made through any Canadian Consulate or High Commission.

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission.  Minimum acceptable English language proficiency tests are as follows:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version)  (The College of Graduate Studies accepts MyBest Scores). The TOEFL code for UBC’s Okanagan campus is: 0965;
• IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.0; or
• MELAB: minimum overall score of 85, with a final score of 3 in the speaking test.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Required Grades and Credential Guide

Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country. Search the Required Grades and Credential Guide—a guide to assist international students in estimating their eligibility.

International Advisors

An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC. Visit the International Programs and Services website to meet the team.

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

CAMPUS HOUSING

Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.

• Student Residence
• Important Housing Dates

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

• Living Off Campus Resources

Join the club: Make friends with similar interests, compare notes, and organize and participate in academic and recreational events via the Okanagan School of Education’s Facebook community.

College of Graduate Studies: CoGS offers orientation events to support you in your first steps as a graduate student at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days a week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

Community: The Aboriginal Centre is a home away from home for all Aboriginal students by providing a sense of belonging and community, a place to catch up, wind down, make lunch, share opportunities and celebrate success.

College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation

Centre for Scholarly Communication (CSC): Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff and faculty in disseminating their research. The CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training and use of technology in educational programming.

Learn more about graduate student resources and support in the Okanagan School of Education.

Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre.

Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.

alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.

The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.

Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.