The Master of Arts (MA) program in Educational Leadership and Policy is a thesis-based program that best serves students who are committed to scholarship and research on policy, leadership, change, and social diversity in elementary and secondary schools and other educational settings for children and youth. A combination of theory and real-world practice will enable students to tackle the complex challenges of current education policy, leadership, and reform. Program strengths include:
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A focus on equity, anti-oppression, and educational justice;
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Deep expertise in both the Ontario educational context and in comparative, international, and global contexts; and
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Training in advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods.
The MA program is designed to develop critical and highly skilled researchers, educational leaders, and policy analysts who will advance knowledge in the field and make positive change in schools, school boards (districts), government ministries, foundations, nongovernmental agencies, and international organizations in Canada and around the world.
This program is delivered in person, which means that while the program may offer some courses online, a student will take less than one-third of their courses online.
The MA is available through both full-time and part-time studies. The department welcomes applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds and experiences.
Master of Arts
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education’s additional admission requirements stated below.
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An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university in a relevant discipline or professional program, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year.
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Two letters of reference: one academic, the other either academic or professional.
Completion Requirements
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Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
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LHA1003H Designing Master's Research Proposals.
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LHA1004H Research Literacy in Educational Leadership and Policy.
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LHA1040H Introduction to Educational Leadership and Policy: Policy, Leadership, Change, and Diversity.
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0.5 FCE in research methods, to be selected in consultation with the thesis supervisor.
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2.0 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 must be from the Educational Leadership and Policy program, normally at the 1000 level or 5000 special topics level. Educational Leadership and Policy program course codes typically have a "0" in the second digit, for example "LHA10XX" and "LHA50XX." The following courses also count as Educational Leadership and Policy program courses: EDP3045H, EDP3145H, JOI3043H, JOI3048H, and JOI3049H. Additional courses may be required of some students.
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Thesis, to be developed under the guidance of a faculty member.
Program Length: 6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS-FWS); 10 sessions part-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time