Start with a Graduate Certificate - finish with a Professional Master of Education
Looking at additional qualifications or already have one and wondering what is next? Our laddered system gives you the opportunity to explore online education opportunities and work towards three different credentials.
What is Laddering?
Laddering allows you to progress through successive credentials while carrying forward course credits. Students can receive three different credentials - a Post-Graduate Certificate, a Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Professional Master of Education. If you follow the laddering system, you can earn all three credentials with three fewer classes overall.
The three laddered components can include:
Three GDE Courses - $1253.70 per course (domestic) or $2918.70 per course (international)
Four PME Courses - $1253.70 per course (domestic) or $2918.70 per course (international)
All fees listed are in Canadian Dollars and are subject to change. Please see the Office of the University Registrar website for the most up to date information.
Note: The application for admission is used for all graduate programs at Queen’s University so you will notice that reference is often made to your research interests. Since you are applying for admission to a professional program, please relate your comments in these areas to your professional aspirations rather than to research.
Two Professional letters of recommendation (e.g. letters from an employer or workplace supervisor) can be submitted in support of applications to professional graduate programs. For applicants who apply to a professional graduate program, a Professional reference form will be generated for their referees through the online application system. Academic references are also acceptable.
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 one week before the application deadline and be sure to include the correct email address. Applications will not be deemed complete and will not be reviewed by the admissions committee until all listed references are received.
In addition to the online application and application fee, applicants are required to submit an official transcript (envelopes from the institution cannot be opened) from all universities you have attended except for Queen's. Transcripts sent from the issuing university should be sent to:
School of Graduate Studies
Queen's University
Gordon Hall Room 425
74 Union Street
Kingston, Ontario
Canada K7L 3N6
If you have questions, please contact edonline@queensu.ca.
- September start - Application deadline: APRIL 1
- January start - Application deadline: AUGUST 1
- July start - Application deadline: FEBRUARY 1
These deadlines are firm and include the submission of all supporting documentation (transcripts and references).
- A baccalaureate degree from a recognized university
- Graduation with a B- graduating average or higher (70% graduating average or a ranking in the top third of the graduating class where number grades are not available)
- Under exceptional circumstances, consideration will be given to highly motivated individuals with relevant field experience who do not meet the B- requirement
- 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.
For additional information on language requirements and how to apply, please see queensu.ca/sgs/prospective-students/how-apply.
Once you receive your admission email in the program, you will find information about how to apply for advanced standing using your Continuing Teacher Education Post-Graduate Certificate.
It is important for those taking the PME program with advanced standing to consult with their teacher qualifications service to be sure that being exempt from courses in the master's program still qualifies them for category upgrades. We do not deal directly with qualification services so we urge potential applicants or current students to do the research about what is required in terms of courses and degrees that would qualify them for potential category upgrades.
What are the prerequisites for entry into the certificate?
The prerequisites for entry into the certificate can be found on the Continuing Teacher Education website or on the Professional Studies website depending on the certificate. Please note for Continuing Teacher Education you will have to specify your province from a drop-down menu in the top right corner.
Will I have to submit transcripts again?
Yes, transcripts will have to be sent again when going from the certificate to the diploma or master's. You won’t have to submit transcripts again when going from the diploma to the master's.
What are the benefits/why would I take the post-grad certificate instead of just starting the PME or GDE?
If you have already completed or are currently completing a certificate this is a great way to earn more credentials. If you already know you are interested in the PME or GDE you can start with one of those from the beginning.
Can I take individual Continuing Teacher Education courses and use them as my GDE/PME electives?
No, only a full post-graduate certificate can be used to get advanced standing in the GDE/PME.
Can post-graduate certificates from other universities be used to ladder into the GDE or PME program?
No, post-graduate certificates from other universities cannot be used for advanced standing.
How do I select the laddering option in my application?
This laddering process is not its own program. Once you gain entry into the GDE or PME, you will apply for advanced standing. It is not a separate application process.
Graduates from our Professional Master of Education program normally receive higher teaching certification levels and increased salaries. Please check with your Board/Employer for details.