The World Indigenous Studies in Education (WISE) program is a unique master’s degree designed for educators, leaders, and changemakers who want to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and education—without putting their lives on hold. This part-time, blended program lets you stay rooted in your community, family, and work while pursuing your academic and research goals.
Flexible, Community-Centered Learning
WISE is offered in a part-time format that combines online learning with a short on-campus session in July. You’ll join a supportive cohort of peers who bring rich experience from Indigenous communities and global Indigenous contexts. We also welcome allies and students who demonstrate a strong commitment to truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous knowledge mobilization.
Program Highlights
- Study part-time over 3 to 4 years (program must be completed within 5 years of initial registration)
- Choose between three pathways:
- Course-based (10 courses)
- Project track (8 courses + final project)
- Thesis track (6 courses + thesis)
- Courses are 36 hours each and designed to fit around your schedule.
- Regular interaction with your academic program advisor
- participate in traditional opening and closing ceremonies during the on-campus residency
- Attend optional hands-on workshops throughout the year—past sessions have included basket-weaving, navigating the MEd colloquium, and more
- Access ongoing cultural and spiritual support from our Elder-in-Residence
What You'll Learn
Courses explore diverse Indigenous and global perspectives, including:
- Indigenous Language Revitalization
- Orality in Indigenous Thought
- Educational Research in Indigenous Contexts
- Indigenous Feminism
- Government Policies in Indigenous Contexts
For full course descriptions, visit the School of Graduate Studies calendar.
Learn about WISE Alum Christine M'Lot
Build knowledge. Strenghten community. Lead change.
With the WISE program, you don’t have to choose between your education and your responsibilities—you can grow your expertise while staying grounded in who you are and where you come from.
Join us for a Webinar
Want to learn more about our programs?
- Online - Tuesday, August 19, 2025, noon - 1 pm EST
Admission Requirements
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 or world 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.
Application Deadline & Start Dates
We offer start dates for July and September each year. Students beginning their program in July will be on-campus for part of their first term. Students beginning their program in September will be on-campus in July of their first year. Complete applications (including supporting documentation) are due March 1 each year.
Tuition and Application Fees
There is a non-refundable application fee of $110.00 payable to the School of Graduate Studies. There are no registration fees, as students pay per course.
You can find the most up-to-date tuition information on the Office of the University Registrar website.
How to Apply
| Submission | More information | Method of Submission |
|---|---|---|
| Main application for the WISE Program |
Applications for admission to all of our graduate programs are completed and submitted through the School of Graduate Studies. You can visit their How to Apply page for more information including official transcripts and letters of recommendation. Note: Referees are notified that you want them to provide a reference for you by email after you have submitted your online application, so please submit your application at least two weeks before the application deadline and be sure to include the correct email addresses of your referees on your online application. Applications will not be deemed complete and will not be reviewed by the admissions committee until all listed references are 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 |
Applicants are required to provide two additional letters of reference from respected members of the Indigenous or world indigenous community to which he/she either belongs or is related to (e.g. Elders, Community Leaders, Work Supervisors, Social/School Counsellors, Educators, Director of local Friendship Centre). Referees must be able to comment on Indigenous community contributions which you have made as well as your potential to serve in 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 |
Applicants applying for admission 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: a) an outline of your proposed research with reference to relevant literature where possible), b) your proposed research question(s), c) methodology, d) reference to any faculty member(s) that could support your work (please clarify if you have made contact with them, and whether or not they agreed to support your work), and e) an explanation of how your academic aims can be realized in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s (e.g., faculty mission and vision). |
Email educgrad@queensu.ca |