Graduate/Certificate Programs

Graduate/Certificate Programs for Student Affairs and related Programs in Canada

Graduate Programs (in alphabetical order)

Memorial University of Newfoundland (updated 11/18)

Type of Program: Post-Secondary Studies, Educational Leadership Studies
Delivery: Online; 4 core courses, and not fewer than 6 credit hours taken from a list of closed elective courses. M.Ed. students to have 30 credit hours in total. Graduate Diploma students to have 12 credit hours in total.
Credential: Graduate Diploma in Post-Secondary Studies (Health Professional Education) or Educational Leadership Studies, M.Ed. (Post-Secondary Studies), Ph.D.
Location: MUN is in St. John’s, but the delivery of this program is online.
Area of Focus: Consists of courses designed to facilitate a study of post-secondary educational systems through an examination of their foundations, directions, organization, and administration as well as curriculum and instructional development options for occupational preparation and adult education.
Contact Information: muneduc@mun.ca
Website: https://www.mun.ca/educ/programs/graduate/

Royal Roads University (updated 11/18)

Type of Program: Higher Education Administration and Leadership
Delivery: Blended, with a two-week residency on campus and online courses. Students complete a total of 10 courses (33 credits) over a two-year period.
Credential: M.A. in Higher Educational Administration and Leadership.
Location: Victoria, BC.
Area of Focus: The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership is a two-year, 33-credit program that provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective leadership within complex and changing higher educational environments. This program will prepare students to develop the skills requires to work collaboratively, take a systems view of their organization, build enduring relationships and partnerships, make evidence-based decisions, think critically, plan strategically, and lead meaningful educational change. The program includes a Specialization in International Education for those students who wish to focus on leadership in international education contexts.
Contact information: Tamara Leary (Tamara.Leary@royalroads.ca)
Website: http://www.royalroads.ca/prospective-students/master-arts-higher-education-administration-and-leadership

Simon Fraser University (updated 11/18)

Type of Program: Curriculum & Instruction; Educational Leadership; 
Delivery: In person; The MEd program is a two-year, non-thesis cohort program; 6 courses and a comprehensive exam; Classes generally held on Friday evenings and Saturdays every second or third week.
Credential: MA, MEd, PhD, and EdD
Location: Surrey, Burnaby or Vancouver, BC.
Area of Focus: Designed for working professionals, the program is grounded in research, theory, and practice related to the field of student services, though the exact focus of the program varies from year to year. It provides students with an opportunity to investigate the social, political, and philosophical conditions of teaching, learning, and curricular leadership in the post-secondary environment.
Contact Information: MEd (cpmed@sfu.ca), MEd/MA (educmast@sfu.ca), PhD (educdoc@sfu.ca), EdD (educedd@sfu.ca)
Website: http://www.sfu.ca/education/gs/degreediploma.html

St. Francis Xavier University (updated 4/19)

Type of Program: ie. Master of Adult Education (focus on higher education)

Delivery: The Master of Adult Education, begins each year in April or July and is offered in a

part-time format that can be completed in 3 years of continuous

enrollment. The program begins with a 3-week residential institute

and the remainder is completed from the student’s work or home. A combination of

online and independent work is used to accommodate student schedules and availability.

Credential: MAdEd

Location: Antigonish, NS

Area of Focus: The degree is in a flexible format and allows latitude for specific student interests. Students from the student affairs field can focus their main reading and project on their area of work and interest. Professors guide the students to the literature, the ideas, and practices of the field, while recognizing and incorporating the students’ knowledge and skills from professional practice. This 50 year old program has graduated many students in student affairs who are stronger in their field and more able to engage in reflective practice. The program is suitable for those in student affairs who want to become more effective with students and have possibilities for career advancement.

Contact Information: Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Leona English (lenglish@stfx.ca) and

Program Assistant, Denise Morrow (aesecret@stfx.ca).

Website: www.stfx.ca/masterofadulted

University of British Columbia (updated 2/19)

Type of Program: Higher Education
Delivery: On campus. M.Ed. students complete 30 credits (10 courses): 3 required core courses, a required research methods course, and 5 electives plus either a 3-credit graduating project or an additional elective. The M.A. program is a 30-credit program (10 courses) that requires 9 credits of required M.A. courses, 3 credits of advanced research methods coursework, 12 credits of electives, and the completion of a 6-credit research thesis. The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (GCHIED) is four courses (12 credits). Higher education dissertation topics can be approached through the PhD and the EdD programs.

Credential: GCHIED, M.Ed., M.A., PhD, and EdD.
Location: Vancouver, BC.
Area of Focus: The program is organized around core courses that include the organization and administration of higher education, the foundations of higher education, and higher education systems in Canada. Elective coursework explores topics such as higher education policy, postsecondary transitions and access, student success in higher education, current issues in higher education, and more.
Contact Information: General inquiries (edst.educ@ubc.ca); Sandra Abah, Graduate Program Assistant (grad.edst@ubc.ca); Dr. Amy Scott Metcalfe, Program Coordinator (amy.metcalfe@ubc.ca)
Website: http://edst.educ.ubc.ca/programs/higher-education/

University of Calgary (updated 2/19)

Be More.  Be part of a supportive, collaborative cohort-based MEd program and advance your career.

Two pathways to gaining your Master of Education degree. 

Type of Program: Master of Education – Specialist Route
Delivery: Blended (both online and in-person). Summer sessions may be offered face-to-face in Calgary, while the fall, winter, and spring sessions are normally completed online.
Credential: MEd
Location: Calgary, AB
Areas of Focus: The MEd Specialist pathway is a 2 or 3-year program consisting of 12 courses (36 units). Students move through the program on a prescribed schedule and are engaged in immersive learning experiences within a cohort-based program model. Students complete 8 courses in a specialized area of study plus 4 research courses.
Programs of study may include: 

  • Adult Community and Higher Education
  • Teaching English as an Additional Language
  • Leading for Learning
  • Learning Technologies
  • Design-Based Learning. 

Contact Information:  Graduate Program in Education office (gpe@ucalgary.ca)
Website:  https://werklund.ucalgary.ca/gpe/med-specialist
 

Type of Program: Master of Education – Interdisciplinary 3 year laddered pathway
Delivery: Blended (both online and in-person). Summer sessions may be offered face-to-face in Calgary, while the fall, winter, and spring sessions are normally completed online.

Credential(s): 3 credentials can be earned in this pathway, a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and a Master of Education (MEd) degree.

Area of Focus:  The Master of Education (MEd): Interdisciplinary Route is a three year, course-based laddered pathway.  Imagine building your own unique program with the opportunity to choose two different subject areas to focus on. Each phase includes 4 courses within a “topic” taken over one year, with a credential awarded for each step.  In years 1 and 2 you will have up to 20 topic options to choose from, and in the third, and final year the mandatory courses are focussed on Research.
Topic options may include:

  • Advancing Health and Socially Just Communities and Schools
  • Collaborative Creativity & Design Thinking for Innovation
  • Educational Neuroscience:  Applications for Teaching and Learning
  • Indigenous Education:  A Call to Action
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Supporting and Enhancing Children’s Mental Health

Contact Information:  Graduate Program in Education office (gpe@ucalgary.ca)
Website:  https://werklund.ucalgary.ca/gpe/med-interdisciplinary

University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Type of Program: The Leadership, Higher and Adult Education department offers several programs, including an M.A., PhD, or MEd in Higher Education. The PhD program offers a Community College Leadership Cohort, and the MEd in Higher Education offers a general field, a Student Development and Student Services field, an Education in the Professions field, and a Leadership Cohort. 
Delivery: On campus with some online. The majority of courses are scheduled in the evening or in a compressed weekend format. The M.Ed. program in Student Development and Student Services requires 10 half-credit courses with 4 core student development and services courses, a research methods course, a capstone seminar, and 4 electives. The general and Education in the Professions M.Ed. degrees offer several degree options with varying requirements. The M.A. program requires 8 half-courses and a thesis, while the PhD program generally requires 6 half-credit courses, a comprehensive exam and thesis.
Credential: M.Ed., M.A., PhD.
Location: Toronto, ON.
Area of Focus: The Student Development and Student Services program will acquire knowledge and skills that are evidence and experientially-based to provide leadership in various types of institutions throughout Canada. Graduates will be able to apply theory to meaningful practice and construct, implement, and assess programs and processes that address issues of student growth and development. The Community College Leadership PhD is designed to meet the needs of current and emerging community college leaders. Topics will include system organization, policy, governance, college functions, equity and social justice, student characteristics, and more.
Contact Information: Dr. Creso Sa, Program Coordinator (c.sa @utoronto.ca) or the LHAE Program Assistants (lhae.pa@utoronto.ca)
Website: http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/lhae/Programs/Higher_Education/index.html

Wilfrid Laurier University (Updated 9/19)

Type of Program: Master of Education, Student Affairs Field

Delivery: The Master of Education, Student Affairs Field, begins each year in May

and is offered in a part-time, blended format that can be completed in six consecutive

terms (two years) of continuous enrolment. The MEd is a course-based program and

students complete eight half-credit courses over two years. This includes seven

required core courses and one elective course. All courses are taught in the early

evening in order to accommodate the traditional full-time work schedule. Courses are

delivered in a blended format, meaning that instruction has a combination of face-to-

face and online components. Students also have the option of doing an independent

reading course if there is a particular area they wish to explore in depth.

Credential: MEd

Location: Waterloo, ON.

Area of Focus: The student affairs field allows candidates to focus their master’s-level

studies in student affairs and services and provides candidates with the requisite skills

and knowledge to assume diverse roles within student affairs and services at higher-

education institutions. The student affairs field explores a cross section of student

affairs services (e.g. academic support and services; academic advising; student life;

residence education; wellness and recreation; and work, leadership, and volunteering)

that impact the quality of students’ postsecondary experiences. The student affairs

field is appropriate for current student affairs professionals or those seeking a career

in student affairs and services in postsecondary institutions.

Contact Information: Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Carolyn FitzGerald

(cafitzgerald@wlu.ca) and Graduate Program Assistant, Ursula Wolfe

(edugrad@wlu.ca).

Website: https://wlu.ca/programs/education/graduate/education-med/index.html

York University

Post Secondary Education; Community, Culture & Policy.

For more information about this program go to https://edu.yorku.ca/academic-programs/graduate-studies/degrees-diplomas/post-secondary-education/?fbclid=IwAR3CAvOSrBbVOIRCI7i4cvs6WIqN3-SB4tTd-1vZ-9Y57x--sW6bRmbPmpg

Certificate Programs

George Brown College

Student Advising and Services Program

Description: Our Student Affairs and Services Program helps you develop the skills you need to be effective in student affairs roles. Focus on the work of student affairs professionals at post-secondary institutions who provide services, advising and programming that foster student achievement and support student development outside the classroom. This program would be of interest to those already working in post-secondary and looking to enhance their current qualifications as well as those seeking to transition to a role in student affairs or support.

Delivery: Online

Credential: Students are eligible for a Certificate of Completion after successful completion of 4 of the following courses.   Students can also register in a single course for professional development.

TETR 9088 Essential Skills for Student Service 

COMM 9163 Intercultural Communication 

TETR 9074 Post-secondary Landscape and Organization 

TETR 9072 Student Advising Process 

TETR 9075 Students of Post-secondary Education

For more information about this program go to https://coned.georgebrown.ca/courses-and-programs/student-affairs-and-services-program

OISE Continuing and Professional Learning at the University of Toronto

Type of Program: Serving Students in Higher Education

If you’ve started working in a college, polytechnic or university or you’re considering a career move to post-secondary, the Serving Students in Higher Education program provides you with a greater understanding of the complex higher education working environment, and the practical skills needed to address current issues facing campuses and students in the 21st century.

Whether you frequently interact with students in your role or work behind-the-scenes in an operational capacity, you play a part in creating and improving conditions that support student success, well-being and effective teaching and learning environments. You’ll have the opportunity to explore your role in the broader organizational context and share experiences with other professionals throughout this program.

Developed by Canada’s leading faculty of education, and in consultation with CACUSS, this program is delivered by OISE facilitators and industry professionals. The program can be completed within one year and is 100% online, enabling you to participate from anywhere in the world.

Delivery: Online

Credential: Recognition of Achievement from OISE, Continuing and Professional Learning at the University of Toronto

Contact Information: oise.cpl@utoronto.ca, 416-978-2474
Website: https://cpl.oise.utoronto.ca/program_certificate/serving-students-in-higher-education/?utm_source=cacuss

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology (updated 11/18)

Program not currently offered

University of Calgary

200-hour Certificate in Career Development and Academic Advising: https://conted.ucalgary.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=45197004

300-hour Certificate in Adult Learning specializing in Career and Academic Advising: https://conted.ucalgary.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=13146695

University of Manitoba, CHERD (last updated 2014)

Website: http://umanitoba.ca/centres/cherd/index.html

Extended Education at the University of Manitoba (updated 4/19)

Type of Programs: Online programs for university and college administrators

Higher Education Administration - If you are new to working in a university, college, or polytechnic,

this is the program for you.

Delivery: Online

Credential: Letter of Accomplishment (LOA) from the University of Manitoba

Letter of Accomplishment in Academic Advising - designed for individuals interested or currently

employed in academic advising in a post-secondary setting

Delivery: Online

Credential: Letter of Accomplishment (LOA) from the University of Manitoba

Certificate in University and College Administration (CUCA) - designed for mid-level administrators

practicing in a post-secondary setting

Delivery: Online

Credential: Certificate in University and College Administration (CUCA) from the University of

Manitoba

Location: Online (from University of Manitoba)

Contact Information: Extended Education, Phone: 1 204 474-8800, Toll Free: 1 844 284-0573, Email: extended@umanitoba.ca

Website: https://umextended.ca/university-and-college-administrators/

 

Updated October 2019. For changes or updates, please email cacuss-ed@cacuss.ca

 

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