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2024-2025 Academic Calendar | York University Faculty of Graduate Studies

Education

Posted on 17 August 2022

All Programs

LocationEmail AddressProgram Website
113 Winters College GradProgram@edu.yorku.ca yorku.ca/edu/

The Graduate Program in Education at York University focuses on the study of language, culture and teaching broadly defined. The program is committed to interdisciplinary, rigorous intellectual inquiry based in critical engagement with diverse perspectives of education and educational research. Our scholarship is informed by social, historical and cultural contexts of education and contemporary practices of pedagogy, learning and curriculum. Our program’s philosophy and curriculum are grounded in critical thought with an underlying commitment to social justice. We emphasize issues in and practices of equity, access and educational design. A range of opportunities to question meanings and practices of social difference including those based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, class and ability are offered through our courses of study.

The MEd and PhD are research degrees. Admission to graduate study is based upon appropriate educational background and evidence of the candidate’s preparedness and interest in deepening their understanding of education through disciplined inquiry. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty to define their program of study selecting from and synthesizing areas of faculty research and teaching including: anti-racist, feminist and multicultural pedagogies; literacy, sociolinguistics and second language learning; mathematics, science education and new information technologies; early childhood, higher and community-based education; urban, ecological, arts-based and /or disability education.

Flexibility is key. Within the program, students can focus on areas of educational practices and/or theoretical orientations to particular issues and problems, and on research concerns encompassing classrooms, other educational contexts, or study of young children, youth and adults.

Decisions regarding a plan of study are made in consultation with faculty in regular advising sessions. The program is distinguished by small classes, individual attention, and opportunities to meet and collaborate with peers. Courses are designed to engage with current research in educational theories and practices from psychoanalysis to institutional ethnography; in conceptual, qualitative, historical and/or quantitative research; and in the dynamics of social and educational change.

All candidates engage in both course work and independent research. Master’s candidates write a thesis, complete a major research project or do only coursework. Doctoral candidates’ work culminates in the writing of a dissertation. There are also opportunities to engage in independent study and to work with faculty on their research projects. Our program offers the opportunity for full and part-time study. Teaching assistantships and/or research assistantships are available for full-time graduate students.

The specific objectives of the graduate program exist within the mission of York University. Excerpts from the Mission Statement with particular relevance to this program include but are not limited to the following: we focus on “the pursuit, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge… We test the boundaries and structures of knowledge. We cultivate the critical intellect… York University is part of Toronto: we are dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural….We value diversity… A community of faculty, students and staff committed to academic freedom, social justice, accessible education, and collegial self-governance, York University makes innovation its tradition.” (Academic Planning Documents, September 2001).

This program does not lead to teaching certification.

Master of Leadership & Community Engagement

The Master of Leadership & Community Engagement (MLCE) provides diverse opportunities for students to: deepen understandings of leadership, community, policy processes, and community engagement; develop professional leadership and communication skills; and become astute users of university and community-based research. It is a professional degree that prepares graduates to take on leadership roles with a focus on community engagement and innovation. The program is designed for candidates who are typically working in educational contexts, community organizations, and other public sector areas, including nurse educators, child and youth workers, librarians, arts, culture and recreation administrators among others.

Candidates participate in blended and online coursework and two community-based placements. The program focuses on leadership, policy, program design and evaluation, community engagement, and social justice, and it draws on the multidisciplinary experiences of those in the class in order to develop a professional network of practitioners.

Admission Requirements

MEd

MLCE

PhD

Master of Education Program

Normally, applicants are required to have an acceptable undergraduate degree with at least a B+ average. Applicants are also required to submit:

  • Faculty of Graduate Studies’ admissions application form;
  • two official copies of transcripts of all postsecondary education;
  • three letters of academic reference (preferably two should be from university faculty members. However, professional referees may be submitted if the applicant is unable to provide two references from university faculty members);
  • a résumé or curriculum vitae;
  • statement of interest (a minimum of 500 words in length) outlining how graduate studies in education might serve the applicant’s academic and/or professional interests, and what is of interest to the applicant in the graduate program; and,
  • one sample of written work (e.g., a paper demonstrating how the applicant works with a body of literature or builds an argument; typically, the sample paper is from a university course completed within the past five years).
  • Note: If the applicant is unable to provide a sample of written work, then the applicant should provide an extended statement of interest not to exceed 1500 words.

Application files are assessed on the basis of the information contained within the file as a whole. Consideration is given to the combined profile of demonstrated academic standing, professional background and experience, potential to pursue and benefit from graduate studies, and compatibility of interests between the applicant and the Graduate Program in Education: Language, Culture and Teaching.

If there are any questions about the application process/requirements, applicants should contact the graduate program office at gradprogram@edu.yorku.ca or (416) 736-5018.

Master of Leadership & Community Engagement

Normally, applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree from a recognized university with at least a B+ average and relevant work experience. Applicants are also required to submit:

  • Faculty of Graduate Studies’ admissions application form;
  • an official copy of transcripts of all post-secondary education;
  • three letters of reference (at least one should be from a university faculty member; however, professional referees may be used if the applicant is unable to provide references from university faculty members);
  • a résumé or curriculum vitae that highlights work experience relevant to the program;
  • a statement of interest (minimum 500 words in length) outlining how the Master of Leadership & Community Engagement will build on the applicant’s relevant work experience and serve the applicant’s professional interests;
  • one sample of written work (e.g., a paper demonstrating how the applicant works with a body of literature or builds an argument; typically, the sample paper is from a university course completed within the past five years. It could also be a report, a presentation, an article, or other piece of professional writing).
    Note: If unable to provide a sample of written work, the applicant should provide an extended statement of interest not to
    exceed 1500 words; and,
  • proof of English language proficiency (for international applicants; as per FGS regulations). Acceptable language tests and scores include the following: York English Language Test—overall band 1-5; Test of English as a Foreign Language 220 (paper based: 560; iBT: 83) International English Language Testing System—6.5. Students who have completed at least one year at an accredited university in a country (or institution) where English is the official language of instruction may be exempt from this requirement.

Application files are assessed on the basis of the information contained within the file as a whole. Consideration is given to the combined profile of demonstrated academic standing, professional background and experience, potential to pursue and benefit from graduate studies, and compatibility of interests between the applicant and the Master of Leadership & Community Engagement.

If there are any questions about the application process/requirements, applicants should contact the Graduate Program Office at (416) 736-5018.

Alternative Admission

Alternative educational degrees (e.g., successful completion of a college-level degree program in combination with relevant professional training) may be considered as equivalencies for the purpose of meeting entry-level requirements.

Doctor of Philosophy Program

In addition to meeting standard Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, applicants to the doctoral program in Language, Culture and Teaching will have undertaken a master’s level program (with a B+ average) including a component based on original research at a recognized university. Applicants must submit evidence of relevant professional preparation and/or personal and career experience.

Applicants are required to submit a file of their academic, career, and life experience for admission to the doctoral program. This file shall consist of:

  • Faculty of Graduate Studies admissions application form;
  • two official copies of transcripts of all postsecondary education;
  • three letters of reference (at least two must be from academic referees; the other may be from a professional referee);
  • a curriculum vitae;
  • a statement of area of interest with a discussion of intended research; and,
  • two samples of written work.

Applicants of interest to the program may be interviewed in the final stages of selection. This interview will be arranged at the convenience of both the program and the applicant. The purpose of the interview is to assess the overall suitability of applicants and to determine if there are faculty members available in their area of research interest. Final admission will be offered to applicants only if faculty supervisorship is available.

Degree Requirements

Master of Education Program

Candidates for the MEd degree select one of the following options:

  1. a thesis and a minimum of 12 credits (four 3-credit course equivalents); OR
  2. a major research project and a minimum 18 credits (six 3-credit course equivalents); OR
  3. coursework only: a minimum of 24 credits (eight 3-credit course equivalents).

For all of the options, candidates may take the equivalent of 6-credit course outside their area of specialization (i.e., in other graduate programs at York University, or in a graduate program at another university), with prior approval of the candidate’s advisor and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Thesis and Oral Examination

The supervisory committee consists of a minimum of two members from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, at least one of whom must be from the Graduate Program in Education, and who serves as the principal supervisor. In exceptional circumstances, and with the prior approval of the Dean, one additional member may be appointed who is not a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Under the guidance of the supervisory committee the candidate makes a contribution to the knowledge of their area of specialization, embodying original, independent, applied scholarship. (This contribution may take the form of research based on data collection and analysis; a comprehensive, critical review and analysis of the literature in a field; the development of a theoretical position, a critique of curriculum materials or of some policies and practices in the field, or some combination of the foregoing).

After the formal submission of the thesis, an oral examination focuses on the thesis and matters related to it. The oral examination is conducted in keeping with regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for more details:
yorku.ca/gradstudies/students/current-students/thesis-and-dissertation/.

Research Projects and Oral Evaluation

Under the guidance of a supervisor and a reader, the candidate completes a research project which is equal to a thesis in academic quality but which may be more limited in scope and/or degree of originality. The research project may take a variety of forms, such as a critical review of the literature on a topic of interest; an essay that explores a theoretical position; a research study of either a qualitative or quantitative nature; or a curriculum or program development project. After the formal submission of the research project, an oral evaluation focuses on the context and implications of the work.

Program Entry

The MEd program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Entry is fall term.

Enrolment and Program Length

There is no residency requirement for the Master of Education program. Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Candidates must maintain continuous registration. Candidates must register and pay tuition fees until all degree requirements are met. There are three terms in an academic year: Fall, Winter, Summer. Full-time MEd students must be registered for a minimum of three terms before graduation; part-time MEd students must be registered for a minimum of six terms before graduation. The time limit for completion of the MEd program is four years (12 terms) from a candidate’s entry into the program. The maximum period of full-time study for MEd candidates cannot exceed six terms, after that the candidates’ status changes to part-time. The time limit for completion of the MEd program is four years from a candidate’s entry into the program. The maximum period of full-time study for MEd candidates cannot exceed six terms; after that, the candidate’s status changes to part-time. The maximum period of part-time study for MEd candidates cannot exceed 12 terms.

All requirements for a master’s degree must be fulfilled within 12 terms (4 years) of registration as a full-time or part-time master’s student in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies’ registration policies.

Master of Leadership & Community Engagement

Candidates for the MLCE degree must successfully complete the eight required courses. Normally the courses are offered in the following sequence:

SUMMER (TERM 1) BLENDED
Education 7000 3.0: Critical Issues in Leadership and Community Engagement
Education 7005 3.0: Engaging Research in Professional Practice

FALL (TERM 2) ONLINE
Education 7010 3.0: Enacting Leadership and Policy
Education 7015 3.0: Experience-based Inquiry I

WINTER (TERM 3) ONLINE
Education 7020 3.0: Initiatives in Program Design, Interpretation, and Evaluation
Education 7025 3.0: Experience-based Inquiry II

SUMMER (TERM 4) BLENDED
Education 7030 3.0: Current Practices in Community Engagement and Innovation

FALL (TERM 5) BLENDED
Education 7035 3.0: Leadership and Community Engagement Capstone Project

Program Entry

The MLCE program can be completed on a part-time basis. Entry is summer term.

Program Length

Candidates in the MLCE are required to accumulate 24 credits by successfully completing eight courses in the order specified by the program. The program is offered over five terms, normally beginning with the summer session. During summer terms candidates complete blended courses (i.e., meet face-to-face and online), and over the fall and winter terms they complete courses online including two community-based placements. In term four, candidates complete one blended course and in the fifth term candidates complete a course in which they design and present a capstone project representative of their learning across the degree as part of their course requirements.

Students must register and pay fees for a minimum of the equivalent of five terms of full-time study. All requirements for a master’s degree must be fulfilled within 12 terms (4 years) of registration as a full-time or part-time master’s student in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies’ registration policies.

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The doctoral program has three components: the satisfaction of course requirements, a comprehensive examination, and the defence of a doctoral dissertation which demonstrates independence, originality, and the ability to contribute to the knowledge in the field at an advanced level of conceptualization and investigation.

Course Requirements

Candidates will undertake a program of studies of a minimum of 21 credits plus a doctoral dissertation as detailed below.

Required Courses

  1. Education 5100 6.0: Research and Issues Seminar in Language, Culture and Teaching
  2. A compulsory research methods course beyond the introductory graduate level of at least 3.0 credits (students lacking prerequisites must enrol in an introductory graduate level course as an addition to their program requirements. Equivalence of previous methods courses will be determined by the faculty supervisor in consultation with the Graduate Executive Committee).

Elective Courses

A minimum of four 3-credit courses (12.0 credits) or equivalent chosen from among the following:

  • the formal course offerings of the graduate program in Education;
  • courses in allied disciplines chosen from among the offerings of other graduate programs at York University;
  • courses in allied disciplines, to a maximum of one full course or equivalent, at other institutions; and,
  • negotiated studies courses: Student Initiated Collaborative Inquiry, Directed Readings, Practicum Seminar (the content and weighting of negotiated studies courses must be determined by the faculty mentor and approved by the Graduate Executive Committee).

Dissertation Proposal/Comprehensive Examination

The public defence of the dissertation proposal serves as the comprehensive examination.

The dissertation proposal offers students the opportunity to engage in academic inquiry that focuses the conceptual work of their PhD program within the field of Language, Culture and Teaching. The proposal draws from the student’s coursework, their reading in literature relevant to or touching on their dissertation topic, and their discussions with their supervisor and supervisory committee.

Prior to the beginning of the process, candidates must choose a willing supervisor and, in conjunction with the supervisor, select two other graduate faculty members who agree to be part of the supervisory committee (which acts as the examining committee for the dissertation proposal/comprehensive examination).

Typically, the public defence of the examination is held within six months of, and no more than one year, from the end of the candidate’s coursework.

Successful completion of the written proposal, approval of the dissertation proposal by the supervisory committee, and the public defence of the dissertation proposal qualifies the candidate to proceed with their dissertation research.

Dissertation Defence

The Faculty of Graduate Studies specifies the regulations for the doctoral dissertation oral examination.

Program Entry

The PhD program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Entry is fall term.

Enrolment and Program Length

Normal degree completion time for full-time PhD students is 18 terms (6 years). Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Candidates must maintain continuous registration. Candidates must register and pay tuition fees until all degree requirements are met successfully. Doctor of Philosophy students must register and pay fees for a minimum of the equivalent of six terms of full-time registration. All requirements for a doctoral degree must be fulfilled within 18 terms (6 years) of registration as a full-time or part-time doctoral student in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies’ registration policies.