205
Graduate Programs
205.23
Educational Policy Studies
205.23 Educational Policy Studies
Department of Educational Policy Studies
7-104 Education North
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G5
E-mail: joan.white@ualberta.ca or epscoord@ualberta.ca
www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/edpolicystudies/
205.23.1 General Information
The Department of Educational Policy Studies offers master's and doctoral programs in the following specialized areas of study: Adult Education; Educational Administration and Leadership; Indigenous Peoples Education; and Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies in Education.
The Department of Educational Policy Studies strives to develop critical and creative scholars who have a substantive understanding of the important systemic and contextual factors that bear upon Canadian and international education.
The Adult Education specialization provides advanced study for individuals who work with adults in the capacity of teaching, administration, or community leadership within a variety of institutional, community, and workplace settings throughout the world.
The Educational Administration and Leadership specialization prepares Canadian and international candidates for a broad range of administrative, supervisory, and leadership positions in schools, school systems, postsecondary institutions, departments of education, other government agencies, professional associations, and similar organizations.
The Indigenous Peoples Education specialization combines the conventional parameters and standards of university education with the collective efforts of Indigenous students, scholars, and elders to develop scholars who will preserve and respect the values, integrity, and knowledge of indigenous peoples world-wide.
The Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies in Education specialization involves the study of cultural, economic, historical, philosophical, political, and social influences on education in local, national, and global contexts, and prepares students for various types of academic and professional work.
Graduate study in the above specializations is supported by a diverse group of full-time faculty, whose active research and publications (listed on the website at www.education.ualberta.ca) are in the following general areas: aboriginal and indigenous perspectives in education; administration, leadership, and governance; careers and work; cultural, sociological, philosophical, historical, and political analysis of education; educational discourses and systems of thought; educational policy; educational reform; equity, diversity, and inclusivity in education; adult teaching and learning, professional development, and program evaluation; international and global education; and postsecondary education.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants for admission to the MEd program will normally be required to present evidence of a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent with a grade point average of 3.0 obtained during the last 
60 at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent standing from another recognized institution.
The minimum admission requirements for the EdD and PhD are a master's degree with a grade point average of 3.5 obtained during the last 60 at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent standing from another recognized institution. In special circumstances a student with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.5 may be considered for admission.
In the case of both master's and doctoral programs, international applicants from non-English speaking institutions must have a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 93 (internet-based) with a minimum of 24 on the speaking and writing bands of the test. (FGSR’s minimum for the reading and listening bands of the TOEFL test is 20.) Other acceptable examinations include a minimum score of 70 on the CAEL exam, a minimum score of 88 on the MELAB, a minimum of 6.5 on each band on the IELTS with an overall minimum score of 6.5, and a minimum score of 63 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Financial Assistance
The Department offers graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships to some students based upon application and academic merit.
The University also offers support in the form of scholarships and awards to some students based upon application and/or nomination.
205.23.2 The Degree of MEd
Program Requirements
The MEd degree has two routes. The course-based route normally requires a minimum of 33 in graduate courses and a 3 capping exercise.
The thesis-based route normally requires a minimum of 24 in graduate courses and a thesis.
All students are admitted into the course-based route. There are limited spaces available in the thesis-based route to which students may make application following admission.
No language other than English is required for the degree.
Length of Program
There is no residence requirement for the MEd program. Normally, the thesis-based degree must be completed within four years and the course-based degree within six years.
205.23.3 The Degrees of EdD and PhD
Program Requirements
The EdD and PhD degrees require a minimum of 36, which normally includes a minimum of 24 in graduate courses and a dissertation.
No language other than English is required for the degree.
Length of Program
Normally, doctoral degrees must be completed within six years.
Patterns of Study
When doctoral students register full-time, they must maintain full-time registration throughout the remainder of their program to completion.
The minimum period of residence for the PhD degree is two academic years of full-time study at the University of Alberta.
Students pursuing the EdD degree may choose one of the following patterns to ensure intensity of study and continuity of academic content:
Pattern A: As part of the program, there will be a period of full-time study for a minimum of 12 continuous months. Students are encouraged to complete some courses before the period of full-time study.
Pattern B: Students must complete at least 9 in each of the first three years. Students are expected to have significant contact with the University of Alberta during these three years through time spent on campus and through interactions with the faculty and graduate students at the University. The candidacy examination must be completed by the end of year four.
205.23.4 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the following subject heading:
Education - Policy Studies (EDPS)
