Discover More About Our MEd Program
The Master of Education at York prepares critical thinkers, bold researchers, and educational leaders ready to shape classrooms, organizations, and communities. Whether you are drawn to original research or advanced coursework, the MEd offers flexible pathways to support your goals.
Note: Completion of the MEd does not lead to teaching certification. Applicants are not required to hold a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree.
Who Is This Program For?
The Classroom Educator You're a practicing teacher or educational professional who wants to deepen your knowledge and bring scholarly thinking back into your work.
The Mid-Career Professional You work in education-adjacent fields and want a graduate credential that sharpens your capacity for evidence-informed practice and leadership.
The Emerging Researcher You're drawn to questions, ideas, and scholarship. You want to investigate something that matters and contribute original knowledge to the field.
The Working Professional You're employed full-time and need a flexible rigorous program that fits around your career. Part-time study allows you to pursue graduate education without stepping away from your professional life.
The Faculty of Education also offers a specialized part-time cohort in Urban Indigenous Education for students committed to advancing Indigenous education and building inclusive, equitable learning environments in Toronto and beyond.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time
The program welcomes both full-time and part-time students. Both routes lead to the same degree and uphold the same academic standards.
Full-Time Students
A full-time funded pathway is designed for students who dedicate themselves primarily to their studies. Full time students must finish their studies within six terms. If the student is unable to finish within six terms, their status is changed to part time.
Application deadline: January 15, 2027
Part-Time Students
A part-time unfunded pathway is designed for students who are employed full-time. It allows working professionals to pursue graduate education while maintaining their careers. Part-time students can take more than six terms to finish their studies.
Application deadline: February 15, 2027
Choose Your Path
The MEd offers three completion pathways. All three lead to the same degree and take approximately the same amount of time to complete.
Thesis
- 12 credits
- Original thesis + oral examination
- Guided by a Supervisor and a Supervisory Committee
- Contributes original knowledge to your area of specialization
Best for: students planning to pursue doctoral study or who want to produce an extended piece of original scholarly
Major Research Project (MRP)
- 18 credits
- Substantial research project + oral evaluation
- Guided by a Supervisor
- Flexible in scope and format
Best for: students who want to pursue research but prefer a more applied or flexible format than a full thesis.
Course-Only
- 24 credits
- No thesis or research project required
- Advanced graduate coursework in your area of study
Best for: students who want to deepen their expertise and professional knowledge through rigorous coursework without a research component.
Where Will the MEd Take You?
MEd graduates work in schools, universities, governments, community organizations, and beyond. Career destinations include:
- Curriculum developer or instructional designer
- Post-secondary academic advisor
- Researcher in education, language, or social policy
- Community educator or program coordinator
- Organizational learning specialist
- International education and development professional
- Advanced doctoral studies
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an acceptable undergraduate degree with at least a B+ average. The following documents are required:
- Faculty of Graduate Studies admissions application form
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Three letters of reference (preferably two from university faculty; professional referees accepted if needed)
- A résumé or curriculum vitae
- A statement of interest (minimum 500 words) outlining how graduate studies in education serves your academic and/or professional goals
- One sample of written work (e.g., a paper demonstrating engagement with scholarly literature; typically from a university course within the past five years). If unable to provide a sample of written work, the applicant should provide an extended statement of interest of 1,500 words.
- English language test score (if applicable)
Read detailed instructions and apply via the Faculty of Graduate Studies Website
