M.A.
vs M.Ed
Distinction between M.A. and M.Ed. Degrees in ECPS Program
Areas
It is critical that applicants to the ECPS Program Areas indicate
whether they wish to be considered for an M.A. (Master of
Arts) or an M.Ed. (Master of Education) degree. A brief description
of the differences between these two degrees follows.
The M.Ed. degree is designed as a practitioner's degree,
for students who wish to acquire the knowledge, skills and
experience necessary to work in a professional field. As a
professional degree,the M.Ed. is intended for students who
wish, upon graduation, to assume positions of leadership in
a practical setting or positions requiring more advanced study
than that available at the Bachelor's level (e.g., as an instructional
technologist or as a district resource teacher). The M.Ed.
is not a research degree in the sense that the student is
not required to carry out and defend an independent research
project. However, the M.Ed. program is nevertheless research-based
in that consideration of educationally-relevant research constitutes
a major focus of study and students are normally required
to take a number of research-relevant courses (e.g., statistics
courses). Some M.Ed. programs require students to complete
a graduating seminar and portfolio (EPSE 590) as part of program
requirements.
The M.A. degree is intended for students interested
in conducting a research study or who wish, upon graduation,
to assume a research position or to proceed to doctoral level
studies. Accordingly, the M.A. program is designed specifically
as a research degree, with students required to carry out
and complete an independent research project (Masters Thesis).
Completion of a Master's thesis is viewed as a prerequisite
for the pursuit of doctoral studies in most institutions.
Transfers between closely related master's programs (MASc to MSc, MA to MEd, et) are permitted with an academic justification from the Graduate Program advisor or department head.
Transfers between master's programs involving a change of discipline should be treated as new admissions.
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