Education (MEd)

Develop your career through advanced graduate-level studies at Laurier’s Faculty of Education. Students can expect an exceptional learning experience with small classes led by award-winning faculty and leaders in their field who facilitate meaningful dialogue, curriculum connections and student engagement.

We offer two distinct programs of study within our Master of Education (MEd) program: one program with an Interdisciplinary focus for those more directly involved in teaching and learning at all age levels (May and September start), and a Student Affairs program for those interested in student affairs and services in a postsecondary setting (May start).

Please note that prospective students wanting to be certified to teach in Ontario in K-12 must pursue their Bachelor of Education. The Master of Education program does not lead to certification to teach in Ontario.

Blend of online and on-site courses.

Choice of Interdisciplinary or Student Affairs focus.

Part-time program with flexible class schedule.

Program Details

The program requires the completion of eight half-credit courses and can be completed part-time in six consecutive terms (two years). Continuous enrolment is required for the duration of the degree.

With the exception of fully online courses, all MEd courses are offered in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate traditional full-time work schedules.

Interdisciplinary Focus

Our Interdisciplinary focus provides professional learning across many employment sectors in areas such as collaborative learning and instruction, innovative education through emerging technologies, and high-impact practices for teaching, learning and leadership.

The Interdisciplinary program is attractive to educators, aspiring professionals, and professionals from a wide range of education-related disciplines, including health, corporate and not-for-profit organizations.

For those who begin our regular Interdisciplinary program with in-person components in May, we reserve a few spaces for full-time students each year. Full-time students complete the program in three consecutive terms (one year). For both full-time and part-time students, this program includes some Online courses, and some blended courses with in-person and online components.

New Online Interdisciplinary Option

Laurier Faculty of Education is offering an online MEd program that begins every fall. This MEd program is offered on a part-time basis and is focused on the Interdisciplinary field. This program is offered with with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes, with no need to attend any on-campus courses or meetings.

Student Affairs Field

The Student Affairs field allows candidates to focus their master’s-level studies in student affairs and services and provides candidates with the requisite skills and knowledge to assume diverse roles within student affairs and services at higher-education institutions.

The student affairs field explores a cross section of student affairs services (e.g., academic support and services; academic advising; student life; residence education; wellness and recreation; and work, leadership, and volunteering) that impact the quality of students’ postsecondary experiences. The student affairs focus is appropriate for current student affairs professionals or those seeking a career in student affairs and services in postsecondary institutions. The Student Affairs program is only available at the Waterloo campus but we use the hyflex teaching option to accommodate those who cannot attend in person.

Course Offerings

Sample Course Schedules

We use a variety of course delivery modalities to match student interest and need (see Program Details section). See the sample course schedules below for a list of required courses.

Sample List of Popular Electives

  • EU514: Leadership in Educational Contexts (0.5 Credit)
  • EU515: Educational Organizations: Culture and Change (0.5 Credit)
  • EU530: Integrating Technology, Pedagogy and Content (0.5 Credit)
  • EU535: Mental Health Fundamentals for Educational Leaders (0.5 Credit)

"I really had not expected to marry my school and work life with such intricacy."

Karen Klee (BSc, RN, MEd '16), professor, Faculty of Human Services, Fanshawe College

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

Regular Program (Interdisciplinary or Student Affairs)

  • Start: Spring (May) in Waterloo
  • Format: Part-time*
  • Spring (May) Start 
    • Intake opens: Aug. 15
    • First consideration date: Nov. 15 (domestic applicants)
    • Application deadline: Nov. 1 (international applicants), January 30 (domestic applicants).

Online Interdisciplinary

  • Start: Fall (September)
  • Format: Part-time
  • Fall (September) Start 
    • Intake opens: Nov. 1
    • First consideration date: Jan. 31 (domestic and international applicants)
    • Application deadline: March 30 (international and domestic applicants)

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact Julie Mueller, Associate Dean: Graduate Programs and Research, at jmueller@wlu.ca or Ursula Wolfe, graduate program coordinator, at edugrad@wlu.ca.

“The Master of Education program at Laurier is highly engaging and supported a personal interest in learning about arts-based research within a diverse community of learners.”

Anneke McCabe, MEd graduate, Elementary Curriculum Leader: Arts, Social Studies, Environment, Upper Grand District School Board

Waterloo Campus or Online

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus or through online learning.

Laurier's Waterloo campus is home to more than 19,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Tucked into several city blocks, this campus is walking distance to your classrooms, food and various campus amenities.

Online learning is interactive, flexible and stimulating. We use a variety of course delivery modalities include fully online courses, and courses with live synchronous components. We use various educational technologies such as blogs, interactive presentations, virtual whiteboards and more to ensure you get the most out of your studies.

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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Careers

Examples of jobs held by our graduates include:

  • nurse education practitioners
  • adult educators
  • university and college faculty
  • corporate trainers
  • social service workers
  • principals
  • vice-principals
  • teachers
  • university residence and athletic directors

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Faculty

Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team

Dean

Maria Cantalini-Williams
Professor

Associate Dean

Julie Mueller
Professor
Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research

Jennifer Straub
Assistant Professor
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs

Full-Time Faculty

Avis Beek
Assistant Professor

Kathleen Clarke
Assistant Professor

Ardavan Eizadirad
Assistant Professor

Jennifer Holm
Assistant Professor

Ryan Neepin
Assistant Professor
Indigenous Scholar

Steve Sider
Professor
Director, CLRiE

Brandon Smith
Assistant Professor

Rebecca Stroud
Assistant Professor

Mary Wilson
Associate Professor

Staff

Ursula Wolfe
Coordinator, Graduate Program Administration