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Program Details

The MEd program consists of 30 credits; 15 credits of core courses and 15 credits of electives and the program completion option. You can take some courses online through Open Learning. See the Open Learning MEd page. If you are a domestic student, you can choose part- or full-time study. If you are an international student, you will take three courses per term in order to complete your degree within four semesters. The minimum number of courses is two per term to maintain your full-time status throughout your degree. Students in their exit option course(s) will maintain full-time student status with one course.

The MEd has been designed for maximum choice by students. As such, there are no streams, majors, minors, or specialisms in the TRU MEd. In addition to completing the core courses, students select from across the elective courses.

There are three methods to enter the MEd (direct entry, as a course-taker, or upgrade with the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies), and you can choose from three program completions (thesis, project or capstone). You may complete your degree in as little as four semesters full time, or take up to five years. Take either on-campus or through distance education (online) courses. See our Admissions page for more details.

Residency requirements

To graduate with a TRU degree, a minimum of half of the program (15 credits) must be completed through TRU. Transfer credits from another institution may be possible and are determined after admission to the program. The program completion option must be taken at TRU.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) cannot be used to meet residency or program completion option requirements.

Program completion options

To attain the MEd degree, complete one of the following options:

Capstone
  • 27 credits (five core courses and four electives)
  • EDUC 5280 or EDUC 5281, Capstone Seminar (3)

In the capstone, you write a major synthesis paper on your learning in the MEd, the topic of which you determine in consultation with your instructor. You benefit from your interaction with peers in this course. In the capstone, you look at models and examples of synthesis papers, conduct peer reviews and engage in presentations. You grapple with complex ideas and issues and reflect deeply on what you learned in this program.

Project
  • 24 credits (five core courses and three electives)
  • EDUC 5180, Project (6)

In the project option, you engage in a research project of study and work one-on-one with your project supervisor. You write a reflective paper summarizing the research project and present your project to a community of inquiry, including peer colleagues and instructors.

Thesis
  • 21 credits (five core courses and two electives) and the following:
  • EDUC 5070, Research Design (3)
  • EDUC 5998, Thesis (6)

In the thesis option, you engage in research to develop and write your thesis, using each preceding course as a formative stage. You work one-on-one with your thesis supervisor. A defence to a committee is the culminating component. Rather than an exhaustive review of the published literature in your field of study, focus on an original and clear demonstration of your knowledge and interpretation of some of this literature. Theses involving human participants, animal subjects, microorganisms, living cells, other biohazards and/or radioactive materials must include approval certification. See the Research Ethics page.

Example semester progression maps

Below are sample semester progression maps for full-time study to help you decide what your course plan might look like. These are examples only, and other options exist. Students should consult with the Program Advisor for assistance in building a suitable schedule. For all exit options, the core course EDUC 5010 (Research Methods) is recommended to be taken early in your program.

Full-time — Capstone exit option

Core courses Elective courses Capstone
Example 1
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4
EDUC 5010
Research Methods		 Core course Core course EDUC 5280
Capstone
Core course Core course Elective course
Elective course Elective course Elective course
Example 2
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4
Core course EDUC 5010
Research Methods		 Core course EDUC 5280
Capstone
Elective course Core course Core course
Elective course Elective course Elective course

Full-time — Project exit option

Core courses Elective courses Project
Example 1
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4
EDUC 5010
Research Methods		 Core course Elective course EDUC 5180
Project
Core course Core course Elective course
Elective course Core course EDUC 5180
Project
Example 2
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4
EDUC 5010
Research Methods		 Core course Core course EDUC 5180
Project
Core course Core course Elective course
Elective course Elective course EDUC 5180
Project

Full-time — Thesis exit option

Core courses Elective courses Project
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4Semester 5
EDUC 5010
Research Methods		 Core course Elective course EDUC 5998
Thesis		 EDUC 5998
Thesis
Core course Core course EDUC 5070
Research Design
Core course Elective course