- CredentialMaster Degree
- Location OfferedCowichan, Nanaimo, Online
Are you ready to take your career in education to a new level? Vancouver Island University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is designed for practicing and aspiring professionals in the education field who are focused on bringing educational and instructional leadership into their schools.
VIU's graduate program is enriched with school administration, educational psychology and educational research teachings that provide students the foundational building blocks to become innovative leaders in the school system. This program prepares students with the practical, ethical, and social tools to solve problems, manage conflict and encourage growth. Graduates of the program find employment in leadership positions in the education sector, both domestically and abroad.
The Master's of Educational Leadership Program
This program is offered in three different formats:
Full-Time Option
This cohort-based model is designed for students wishing to study full-time on the VIU campus. All formal coursework is completed over two semesters. The Field Inquiry and Major Project components are completed during the second year over two semesters. Students may complete these components with online support and can complete up to one semester early.
Weekends/Summer Option
This cohort-based model is designed for those who can commute to VIU Campus (Nanaimo or Cowichan). Classes meet Friday night and Saturday six times during each of the Fall and Spring semesters over two years. As well, classes are held during July between first and second year.
Distance Option
This cohort-based model is designed for those who live at a distance from VIU. Preference is given to applicants who live beyond the mid-island region. During the school year, coursework is online. Prior to Year One students meet for eight days at the VIU Nanaimo Campus. Between years One and Two, the cohort studies at VIU for the month of July.
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership provides a program of preparation for aspiring and practicing school leaders. Grounded in the rich educational leadership literature supplemented by extensive faculty expertise and experience, the program provides a balance of research, policy and practice. Graduates of our program will have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and attitudes of successful leaders as outlined in the Leadership Standards for BC Principals and Vice-Principals. These competencies are central to formal and informal leadership in schools.
The M.Ed. program will develop leaders who can:
- Guide the development and implementation of shared values, vision, mission and goals to support learning for all students;
- Foster quality learning opportunities to support student learning;
- Lead teams in becoming assessment literate;
- Create systems and structures for the effective supervision of learning;
- Provide strong leadership in the area of Aboriginal Education;
- Provide knowledgeable guidance regarding current curricula, instructional and assessment practices and their impact on student learning;
- Sustain a collaborative learning culture and climate linked to student learning and based on distributed leadership;
- Build positive and effective interdependencies amongst partner groups;
- Incorporate systemic thinking and strategic planning for school improvement;
- Demonstrate self-knowledge and the personal qualities that support positive relationships and build cultures of integrity;
- Build and support relational trust within the school and community;
- Address issues of diversity and social justice;
- Lead teams in reflective inquiry and action research.
Program Outline
Program Outline (Full-Time Option)
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
August |
|
|
Pre-semester Orientation |
0 |
|
Fall Semester |
|
|
MEDL 500 - (Foundations of Educational Leadership) |
5 |
|
MEDL 590 - (Leadership Values and Ethics) |
5 |
|
MEDL 580 - (Leadership in the BC Context) |
5 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
| MEDL 550 - (Research in Education) | 5 |
| MEDL 600 - (Educational Change) | 5 |
| MEDL 650 - (Leading Learning) | 5 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
|
Year 2 (September-April) |
Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall and Spring Semesters |
|
|
MEDL 680* - (Field Inquiry) |
5 |
|
MEDL 690* - (Major Project) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
10 |
|
Total Program Credits |
40 |
* These courses may be completed on-campus or online.
Program Outline (Weekends/Summer Option)
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Fall Semester |
|
|
MEDL 500 - (Foundations of Educational Leadership) |
5 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
|
MEDL 550 - (Research in Education) |
5 |
|
Intersession |
|
|
MEDL 600 - (Educational Change) |
5 |
|
MEDL 590 - (Leadership Values and Ethical Decision-Making) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
20 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Fall Semester |
|
|
MEDL 580 - (Leadership in the BC Context) (Option A) |
5 |
|
MEDL 581 - (Learning Theories and Approaches) (Option B) |
5 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
|
MEDL 650 - (Leading Learning) |
5 |
|
Intersession (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 680 - (Field Inquiry) |
5 |
|
MEDL 690 - (Major Project) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
20 |
|
Total Program Credits |
40 |
Program Outline (Distance Option)
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
July or August |
|
|
Eight day seminar (VIU Nanaimo) |
0 |
|
Year-long Courses (Online)* |
|
|
MEDL 500 - (Foundations of Educational Leadership) |
5 |
|
MEDL 580 - (Leadership in the BC Context) |
5 |
|
MEDL 650 - (Leading Learning) |
5 |
| Intersession (VIU Nanaimo) | |
|
MEDL 550 - (Research in Education) |
5 |
|
MEDL 600 - (Educational Change) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
25 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Fall Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 590 - (Leadership Values and Ethical Decision-Making) |
5 |
| Spring Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 680 - (Field Inquiry) |
5 |
| Intersession (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 690 - (Major Project) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
15 |
|
Total Program Credits |
40 |
* Students successfully completing the 15 credit online year-long program will be eligible to apply for the Teacher Leadership Graduate Diploma.
Admission Requirements
Option A
- A résumé outlining teaching experience (two years preferred).
- A letter of intent explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in this area.
- Official transcripts indicating completion of a Bachelor of Education degree with a cumulative grade point average of "B" in the final two years.
- Two current, confidential assessment reports.
-
Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.
Option B - For applicants with an undergraduate degree other than a Bachelor of Education. Weekend/summer program only.
- A résumé outlining teaching experience (minimum of two years of substantial teaching experience).
- A letter of intent explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in this area.
- Official transcripts indicating completion of an undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average of "B" in the final two years.
- Two current confidential assessment reports.
Flexible Admission
In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and to ensure a high probability of successful program completion. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and attitudes to complete a demanding academic course of study. Applicants seeking Flexible Admission will be required to:
- Provide a personal statement of intent;
- Provide a detailed résumé, including evidence of applicable learning;
- Provide two or more letters of reference;
- Provide official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework
In limited cases, applicants may also be required to:
- Provide a portfolio containing evidence of applicable prior learning;
- Appear for an interview;
- Take one or more qualifying courses; and/or
- Provide additional documentation as may be required to adjudicate the application
Notes on Admission
- Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Transfer from other Institutions
Applicants may apply to the Dean for possible transfer credits from other accredited Master's programs.
Start Date and Application Deadline
The program normally starts in September and applications are accepted between the first business day in October, and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List for the Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses.
Career Opportunities
Domestic graduates of the M.Ed. program will be well-poised to assume leadership positions in the education sector, both domestically and abroad, including that of Principal and Vice-Principal. Based on survey data from the BC Principals and Vice-Principals Association and the age demographic of BC educators, the Ministry of Education predicts over 1,000 administrative vacancies over the next five years. Employers require a Master's Degree for administrative positions. Recently, some school districts have made public their preference for a graduate degree from a BC post-secondary institution.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Weekend/Summer and Distance Options) - Canadian Students |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition* (6 semesters x $2682.18 per semester) |
16,093.08 |
|
Student Activity fee (40 credits x $8.87 per credit) |
354.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $19.43 per month) |
233.16 |
|
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) |
880.00 |
|
Total |
17,561.04 |
Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Full-Time Option) - Canadian Students |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition* (3 semesters x $5364.36 per semester) |
16,093.08 |
|
Student Activity fee (40 credits x $8.87 per credit) |
354.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $19.43 per month) |
233.16 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($275 per year) |
275.00 |
|
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) |
880.00 |
|
Total |
17,836.04 |
* Tuition does not include accommodation, food, textbooks, and other expenses.
The Health and Dental Plan fee is in effect only for full-time students at the Nanaimo Campus.
Textbooks and/or course packages are required for each course. Contact the Education Department at 250-740-6223 for further information regarding books and supplies.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
International Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership - International Students |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition |
23,000.00 |
|
Ancillary Fee |
1,123.20 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $19.43 per month) |
233.16 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee (2 years x $275 per year) |
550.00 |
|
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) |
880.00 |
|
Total |
25,786.36 |
* Tuition does not include accommodation, food, textbooks, and other expenses.
The Health and Dental Plan fee is in effect only for full-time students at the Nanaimo Campus.
Textbooks and/or course packages are required for each course. Contact the Education Department at 250-740-6223 for further information regarding books and supplies.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
UpdatedMelanie Sedergreen
“My professors solicited feedback and used the feedback to improve learning experiences. I wasn't just one number among many taking a course and jumping through hoops to get credit. I was given choice and flexibility. My personal context, passions and motivations were considered carefully. I have gained skills in 21st Century learning that are relevant and necessary as a current educator. I now have the accreditation to take my career in multiple directions.”