Educational Studies (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Why pursue a Master's in Educational Studies?
The MA in Educational Studies (ESTU) focuses on education for alternative possibilities, with a strong commitment to social justice, critical reflection, and putting theory to work in the world. Drawing from disciplines like sociology, philosophy, anthropology, adult education, and history, the program combines critical theoretical approaches with a significant international orientation. As a student in our program, you will develop a diverse set of research skills that will allow you to analyze complex educational problems with insight and depth. You will leave the program well positioned to influence policy and practice in a variety of educational settings.
Our faculty members have published numerous books and journal articles, and are in demand at conferences around the world, serving as chairs for various societies and symposiums, and receiving the highest honours from various disciplinary associations. A wide variety of funded research projects are underway, ranging from fighting hate speech and radicalization to developing innovative software for cooperative learning.
A key strength of our program is the close working relationships faculty members maintain with their students. Our researchers will help you identify your research interests and support you through the completion of your final project. A commitment to each individual student’s success is a hallmark of our program.
Our diverse and multifaceted student body composed of educators, activists, and working professionals from around the world offers possibilities for interdisciplinary exchanges and collaborations, as well as a rich experiential context within which to study. Our graduates are prepared to pursue both further studies and a variety of exciting opportunities in non-profit and educational fields.
Program Details
For entry into the program, a first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (B average) is required with an appropriate concentration in a field of study relevant to Educational Studies. The applicant should also have a minimum of two years professional activity in education or an undergraduate record which includes at least three courses in education, each with a grade of B or better. Qualified applicants who fail to meet the criteria outlined may be required to take up to 12 undergraduate credits in addition to the regular graduate program, or, as appropriate, a qualifying program. (See section on Qualifying Students).
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
- Credits. A fully-qualified candidate must complete a minimum of 45 credits.
- Courses. These vary according to the thesis and directed study options (see below).
The degree requirements (45 credits) can be met by the successful completion either of course work and a thesis in an approved area, or of more extended course work and ESTU 692 Directed Study (with Extended Essay or Research Project). The choice of a thesis or directed study option is normally determined at an early stage in the student's program. A tentative detailed outline of the proposed research topic must be submitted with the application for admission to the program. A student who completes a thesis or a directed study is normally required to defend it in an oral examination. Proposed research topics in both options must be approved by the graduate Educational Studies Committee.
You may choose one of two options.
In either Option A or B students may complete a concentration in Adult Education.
Prior to applying, please email us to request the Educational Studies program booklet.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose (500-700 word limit) outlining the primary area or field of concentration and research goals
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Educational Studies | MA | Dec. 1 * | Aug. 1 | n/a |
| * Dec. 1 is the deadline for applicants who wish to be considered for funding. Late applications may be accepted. | ||||
Courses typically offered include:
- Studies in Educational Change
- School and Society
- Anthropological Concepts and Methods in Education: Qualitative research methods
- Philosophical Issues in Educational Research
- Introduction to the Field of Adult Education in Québec and Canada
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Teaching assistantships are available and awarded to students on a competitive basis. Research assistant positions also exist for funded research but cannot be guaranteed. Individual faculty members determine if work opportunities are available based on their own research initiatives.
A number of prestigious departmental awards are available for graduate students, valued between $500 and $1,500. Students presenting their research at academic conferences are also eligible to receive conference travel funding.
Other awards available through the Faculty of Arts and Science include:
- Concordia Merit Scholarship
- Concordia University Graduate Fellowship
- Hydro-Quebec Graduate Award
- John W. O'Brien Graduate Fellowship
- Clara Strozyk Scholarship
- Out-of-Province Fee Remission Awards
- Conference Travel Awards
Consideration for Entrance Awards is automatically part of the admissions process for all new students.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Our faculty members are a diverse group of educators committed to excellence in teaching, research and community service. They are well known for their strong research profiles that inform their teaching and afford graduate students the opportunity to work on cutting edge research.
Faculty research interests include:
- adult education and lifelong and lifewide learning in formal, informal and non-formal settings
- democratic education
- gender and education
- literacy in comparative and international perspectives
- comparative, international, global and cosmopolitan education
- political education
- educational Policy
- philosophy of education
- sociology of education
Review an inspiring list of thesis topics.
Many of our graduate students have gone on to be published in a multitude of distinguished journals, including:
- Adult Learning
- the Canadian Journal for the Studies in Adult Education
- the Canadian Journal of Communication
- the International Journal of Comparative Development
- Compare
- the International Review of Education
The Department of Education Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Association (DOEIGSA) supports initiatives that encourage student well-being in the department and the university at large. The DOEIGSA aims to engage students in social issues, inside and outside the university, which are pertinent to education.
The Graduate Symposium in the Department of Education (GSDE) is an annual event that invites students across Canada to present their research. The GSDE is a student-run conference and offers you the opportunity to learn more about presenting at an academic conference, grant applications and event planning.
Our alumni are highly sought after by CEGEPS, education start-ups, school boards, universities, international development NGOs, youth violence prevention, human rights, social justice organizations and missions, banks and telecommunication and pharmaceutical companies as well as many government departments. Recent graduates can be found working in different capacities at Concordia, UQÀM, at Dawson College, George Brown College in Toronto, King Saud University, McGill University, Mount Allison University, the University of Toronto, University of Victoria, Wilfrid Laurier University, York University, as well as in elementary and high schools across Quebec, Canada and the USA.
Alumni from the program hold national and international awards and prizes including the Order of Canada and have founded award winning companies such as The Hannon Group. It is one of the largest African American women-owned public relations firms based in National Harbor, Maryland, USA [latest being the Award of Excellence at the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) 2016 Silver Anvil Awards Ceremony in June].
Students are also well placed to continue in the field by pursuing doctoral studies. Our alumni are currently completing doctoral research at several universities, including: Concordia, McGill, Université de Montréal, University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Saskatchewan, the University of Toronto, Queen’s and York.
