Master of Education
Flexible degree pathways: part-time, coursework, project, or thesis
Asynchronous online learning, with an in-person summer week at Queen's
Can take between 2-5 years to finish part-time
Kingston, Ontario
No funding available
The World Indigenous Studies in Education (WISE) program is a unique master’s degree for educators, leaders, and changemakers who want to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and education while continuing to work, learn, and contribute in their communities.
You’ll explore Indigenous perspectives, knowledge systems, and approaches to education while developing the skills to bring your learning into your own professional and community contexts. With a flexible, part-time format, you can pursue your academic and research goals without putting your career or life on hold.
Overview:
- Flexible, part-time study: You can pursue your MEd while continuing to work and stay connected to your community. The WISE program is designed for part-time learners, with most coursework completed through online synchronous classes. You'll spend one week on campus during your first July term, creating opportunities to connect with your classmates, faculty, and the broader Queen's community.
- Choose your pathway: Complete the degree through coursework (10 courses), a project (8 courses + a project), or a thesis (6 courses + thesis). You are automatically enrolled in the course-based option but you are able to switch. Each pathway leads to the same MEd degree.
- Connect through culture and community: Your on-campus expereinece begins and ends with traditional opening and closing ceremonies. Throughout the year, you'll also have opportunities to take part in workshops and cultural activities.
- Complete your degree on your timeline: Most students complete the WISE program within 36 to 48 months of part-time study. You'll have up to five years from your initial registration to complete all degree requirements.
- Explore courses that interest you: You’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of topics related to Indigenous education, knowledge, and communities. Course offerings have included Indigenous Languages Revitalization, Educational Research in Indigenous Contexts, Orality in Indigenous Thought, Government Policies within an Indigenous Context, Indigenous Feminism, and more. Explore current course offerings in the School of Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
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Students are automatically enrolled in the course-based pattern, which includes 10 courses. After the fist year and with a secured supervisor, you may choose to switch to the project track (8 courses plus a project) or the thesis track (6 courses plus a thesis) if you are interested in pursuing one of these options.
| MEd Course-Based | MEd Project | MEd Thesis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 10 courses | 8 courses + project | 6 courses + thesis |
| Future implications? | Practitioners wanting to deepen knowledge | Those wanting hands-on research experience without a thesis | Students planning to pursue a PhD or research career |
Application Process
The program begins in September each year. Students will attend campus for one week in the first July of their program. Complete applications (including supporting documentation) are due January 15 each year.
Late applications will be accepted from domestic applicants until March 1, including the submission of all supporting documentation, if there is space remaining in the program. This extension does not apply to international applicants.
To be considered for admission to the Master of Education WISE program, applicants must provide evidence of:
- professional experience in Indigenous or world Indigenous education or a related field, a BEd degree or its equivalent, and a minimum of a B- (70 - 72.9%) average in a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent; OR
- two years of professional experience in Indigenous or world Indigenous education or a related field, and a minimum of a B- (70 - 72.9%) average in a Bachelor's Honours degree or its equivalent; OR
- a BEd degree and a background in Indigenous or world Indigenous issues, and a minimum of a mid-B (73 - 76.9%) average in a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent; OR
- demonstrated significant professional experience in Indigenous or Indigenous education or related field, and a minimum of a mid-B average in a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
In addition to the above academic requirements, an applicant must submit two letters of support from respected members of the applicant's Indigenous community to which they either belong or are related. Please note that these references do not replace the requirement for applicants to provide two academic references as part of their application package (4 references in total).
Since preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry (Status, non-Status, Métis, Inuit) applicants may be requested to provide proof of Indigenous ancestry where applicable. Documentation which provides proof of Indigenous ancestry may include: a status card, church records, a Métis card, a verification letter from an official Political Territorial Organization (PTO) or First Nations.
Applicants whose native languages do not include English must have achieved the required level of proficiency on one of the language proficiency tests listed on the School of Graduate Studies website.
Probationary status may be applicable for candidates who do not meet the admission requirements as described above. A description of this status can be found in the School of Graduate Studies calendar online.
When applicants begin their online application for admission they will be asked to identify their mother tongue. If an applicant is a fluent English speaker, but also has an Indigenous language, applicants should choose English as their mother tongue in order to be able to proceed with the remainder of the application. For further information, please contact educgrad@queensu.ca.
| Submission | More information | Method of Submission |
| Main application for the WISE Program | You submit your application through the School of Graduate Studies. Visit the How to Apply page for application requirements, including transcripts and references. Important: Submit your application at least two weeks before the deadline to give your referees time to complete their references. Your application will not be considered complete or reviewed until all required references have been received. | Submit application via the School of Graduate Studies. |
| Two letters of reference from respected members of the Indigenous Community you belong to or are related to | You must provide two additional letters of reference from respected members of the Indigenous or global Indigenous community to which you belong or are connected. Referees may include Elders, community leaders, work supervisors, counsellors, educators, or directors of local Friendship Centres. Referees must be able to speak to your contributions to the Indigenous community and your potential to contribute to the field of Indigenous education. | Letters of reference will be collected as part of the application through the School of Graduate Studies. |
| OPTIONAL: Audio or Video file for Proposed Focus of Studies | You may choose to provide an optional audio or video file (3-5 minutes in length) in place of or in addition to the Research Proposal/Statement of Interest form built into the online application for admission. It should include the following:
| Email educgrad@queensu.ca |