Elementary Education at University of Alberta

Elementary Education

The Department of Elementary Education provides Master of Education, Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Philosophy graduate programs (Ph.D.). More details about current faculty members’ research interests and teaching areas can be found on the University of Elementary Education’s website.

Entrance Requirements

An undergrad degree equivalent to a BEd diploma and an entrance GPA of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale, or an equivalent grade and standing from a recognized school, are the Department’s minimum admission criteria for master’s programs. The admission GPA will be calculated using the most recent 60 hours of graded coursework completed in Elementary Education, or the equivalent of two years of continuously graded coursework.

MEd candidates must additionally have a valid teaching certificate and at least one year of effective teaching experience in early childhood, elementary, or middle school settings (student teaching and substitute teaching do not qualify).

The Department’s minimum entrance requirements for doctoral programs are an MEd degree from the University of Alberta with a minimum admission GPA of 3.3 on a 4-point scale, or an equivalent degree and standing from a recognized institution. The latest 60 hours of graded coursework completed, or the equivalent of two years of continuously graded coursework will be used to compute the admission GPA. It is possible to enroll with the equivalent of a BEd degree in some circumstances, but in those cases, prospective candidates may be needed to complete extra course requirements.

Doctoral applicants must also have at least one year of effective teaching experience in early childhood, elementary, or middle school classrooms.

Applicants must offer proof of English language proficiency if applicable (refer to English Language Requirement). Any of the following will suffice:

  • a minimum TOEFL score of 93 (Internet-based) with a lower limit of 24 on the speaking and writing bands of the test and 21 on the reading and listening bands, or equivalent;
  • IELTS with a minimum total band score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 on each band;
  • CAEL with a minimum overall score of 70, with at least 60 on each subtest;

The following documents must also be submitted by all applicants:

  • Current curriculum vitae (resumé) highlighting academic achievements and professional educational activities such as teaching, curriculum design, consulting, and so on;
  • Statement of Intent outlining why you wish to go to graduate school for Elementary Education. Applicants for the EdD and Ph.D. programs should additionally state their intended field of study. (Approximately 500 words);
  • Three letters of recommendation from qualified people to comment on the applicant’s academic work and graduate school prospects.
  • One or more letters from people who worked at the previous university you attended are strongly suggested;
  • applicants for the EdD and Ph.D. An example of written work must also be provided by the program.

Applicants to the MEd with a specialty in Curriculum and Pedagogy should indicate if they want to be part of a cohort on their application. For further information, go to the Department’s website.

For master’s degrees, the deadline is March 1; for doctorate programs, the deadline is December 1.

Requirements for Graduate Programs

Graduate Students’ Courses

Graduate courses are listed under the topic category Elementary Education in the Course Listings (EDEL and EDES).

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