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Faculty of Education Graduate Handbook
Welcome
Welcome to graduate studies in the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University. This handbook is intended to support Master of Education (MEd) and PhD in Educational Studies students throughout their programs by providing information about program requirements, registration, progression, university resources, and important policies and procedures.
Students are encouraged to refer regularly to this handbook, program communications, and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) website throughout their studies.
Land Acknowledgement
Wilfrid Laurier University’s Waterloo campus is located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. We recognize and honour these Nations as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters on which Laurier now resides.
As many graduate students participate virtually from communities across Canada and beyond, we also encourage students to reflect on and acknowledge the lands and communities from which they live, learn, work, and study.
Overview of Graduate Programs
The Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University offers graduate programs that support advanced study in education through research, professional learning, and critical inquiry. Students in the Faculty come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds and engage in collaborative learning environments that support academic, professional, and scholarly growth.
The Faculty of Education currently offers:
- Master of Education (MEd)
- PhD in Educational Studies
Contact Information
Faculty of Education Graduate Programs
Associate Dean, Graduate Programs & Research
Dr. Tara-Lynn Scheffel, tlscheffel@wlu.ca
Master of Education Program Inquiries
Ursula Wolfe, uwolfe@wlu.ca
PhD in Educational Studies Inquiries
Kristine Dyck, kdyck@wlu.ca
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies or fgps@wlu.ca
Additional faculty and staff contacts may be found on the Faculty of Education website.
Important Disclaimer
The information contained within this handbook is intended as a general guide for graduate students in the Faculty of Education.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, official university policies, procedures, regulations, and academic requirements are governed by Wilfrid Laurier University and the current Graduate Academic Calendar. In the event of any discrepancy between this handbook and official university policies or calendars, the university’s official policies and academic calendar shall take precedence.
Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all applicable university regulations, policies, deadlines, and program requirements.
Official policies and regulations can be found in the:
Student Essentials
Students are responsible for regularly monitoring their Laurier email account, as important university and program communications will be sent to this address. Students should also become familiar with the university’s primary online systems, including:
Students are responsible for registering in courses according to program requirements and registration timelines. Registration, unofficial transcripts, account balances, and other academic information can be accessed through LORIS.
Important academic dates, including registration periods, add/drop deadlines, and term dates, are published in the Graduate Academic Calendar.
Resources:
Wilfrid Laurier University offers a range of academic and student support services to assist graduate students throughout their studies. ASPIRE is a graduate student support resource that supports you from pre-arrival, and through your academic program. They offer a vast array of supports, including:
- writing and academic skills
- accessibility and accommodations
- wellness and mental health
- library and research services
- career development
For academic advising, contact:
- MEd: Ursula Wolfe, uwolfe@wlu.ca
- PhD in Educational Studies: Kristine Dyck, kdyck@wlu.ca
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies also offers supports and resources related to academics, finances and funding, and professional development.
Information regarding graduate tuition, fees, scholarships, awards, and financial assistance is managed centrally through Wilfrid Laurier University. Students are encouraged to regularly review the following resources for the most current information:
Graduate students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all university policies, procedures, academic regulations, and important deadlines related to their studies.
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) oversees graduate academic regulations, petitions, appeals, milestones, registration requirements, and progression policies.
Students are encouraged to review the following resources regularly:
Wilfrid Laurier University recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly being used within teaching, learning, research, and professional practice contexts. Expectations regarding the use of AI tools may vary by course, assignment, instructor, and research context.
Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to course-specific expectations regarding the use of generative AI and maintaining academic integrity in all academic and research activities.
Students are encouraged to review Laurier’s guidance and resources related to generative artificial intelligence.
Research undertaken by graduate students at Wilfrid Laurier University is subject to institutional and federal ethical requirements, and students conducting research involving human participants, animals, or regulated materials must obtain the appropriate approvals and certifications prior to beginning their research activities.
Graduate students may be required to submit forms and requests related to academic progression and registration, including extensions, leaves of absence, independent studies, program changes, and requests to withdraw, through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Graduate students are encouraged to participate actively in scholarly and professional development opportunities throughout their studies. These may include conferences, workshops, research talks, guest lectures, knowledge mobilization activities, and interdisciplinary scholarly events within the Faculty of Education and broader academic community. Participation in scholarly engagement opportunities is an important aspect of doctoral education and professional growth. Information about upcoming opportunities and events will be communicated regularly through program and university channels.
CLRiE is Laurier’s interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to supporting collaborative and innovative educational research among faculty, staff, students, and community partners across diverse fields and areas of expertise.
ASPIRE supports graduate students and postdoctoral fellows through academic, personal, and professional development, including research skill development, professionalization, and career exploration.
Master of Education (MEd)
Program Overview
The Master of Education (MEd) degree offers both a general Interdisciplinary program and a Student Affairs field of study. The program is designed for emerging scholars and professionals pursuing careers within educational settings and related sectors.
The MEd is offered through flexible delivery formats that combine in-person and virtual learning opportunities. Depending on the program pathway, students may complete courses through in-person hybrid, hyflex, synchronous virtual, asynchronous virtual, or virtual hybrid formats. Specific course delivery formats are listed in LORIS next to each course.
The Interdisciplinary MEd is available in:
- a part-time in-person hybrid format,
- a full-time in-person hybrid format, and
- a part-time virtual hybrid format.
The Student Affairs field of study is offered in a part-time hyflex format and is intended for current or aspiring professionals working within postsecondary Student Affairs and related areas, including student support services, student engagement, wellness, advising, career development, residence life, and Indigenous student services.
The program offers:
- a spring intake for part-time and full-time Interdisciplinary students and part-time Student Affairs students
- a fall intake for part-time Interdisciplinary students
The Master of Education (MEd) is a course-based graduate degree that requires the successful completion of eight half-credit courses.
Students in the Interdisciplinary program complete:
- five required courses (EU501, EU502, EU503, EU504 or EU505, and EU598), and three elective courses.
At least one elective course must be selected from offerings within the Faculty of Education.
Students in the Student Affairs field of study complete:
- six required courses (EU501, EU502, EU503, EU540, EU541, and EU598), and two elective courses.
Detailed course descriptions and current course offerings can be found in the Graduate Academic Calendar.
Current course offerings and schedules are communicated by the Faculty of Education in advance of each registration period. Students should note that not all approved courses listed in the Graduate Academic Calendar are offered every academic year.
The full-time Interdisciplinary Master of Education program is normally completed over three consecutive academic terms. Part-time Interdisciplinary and Student Affairs students typically complete the program over six consecutive academic terms.
Because the MEd program is intentionally scaffolded and structured to support student learning and progression, course sequencing is important. Students considering a leave of absence, reduced course load, or return to studies following an interruption should consult with their program advisor regarding progression planning and re-entry into the program.
Course registration is completed through LORIS according to the registration timelines established by Wilfrid Laurier University. Students are responsible for registering in the appropriate courses required for their program pathway and should consult program communications regarding course availability and sequencing.
Course offerings and schedules may vary by term and by program pathway. Registration information, timelines, and instructions will be communicated to students by the graduate coordinator in advance of each registration period.
Students experiencing registration difficulties or requiring progression-related registration support should contact their advisor.
PhD in Educational Studies (PhD)
Program Overview
The PhD in Educational Studies is a research-intensive doctoral program focused on advanced research related to educational systems, policies, practices, and experiences across diverse educational contexts.
Through coursework, comprehensive milestones, and supervised dissertation research, students develop advanced research knowledge and contribute original scholarship within the field of education. The program is designed to support advanced research, critical inquiry, and the development of scholarly and professional leadership within educational settings and related sectors.
The PhD in Educational Studies is offered through both a full-time pathway and a flex-time pathway for working professionals. Students in the program engage in collaborative learning and scholarly community-building while developing specialized expertise within their areas of research interest.
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is your go-to for processes, policies, and procedures. This page will help you manage your program.
The PhD in Educational Studies is offered through both full-time and flex-time pathways.
The full-time pathway is designed for students intending to pursue doctoral studies as their primary academic and professional focus. Full-time students normally complete the program within four years of continuous study.
The flex-time pathway is intended for working professionals pursuing doctoral studies while maintaining employment within educational or related professional contexts. Flex-time students complete the same program requirements as full-time students but follow an extended timeline that allows for greater flexibility during the dissertation stage of the program. Flex-time students normally complete the program within four to six years.
Students in both pathways complete coursework and major program milestones prior to candidacy. Following candidacy, flex-time students may transition to part-time status while completing dissertation research and writing.
Because the PhD program is intentionally scaffolded and cohort-based during the coursework stage, students considering a leave of absence, reduced course load, or interruption to studies should consult with the Faculty of Education regarding progression planning and re-entry into the program.
The PhD in Educational Studies combines advanced coursework, major academic milestones, and supervised dissertation research designed to support the development of independent and original scholarship.
During the pre-candidacy stage of the program, students complete five required and one elective courses while developing their areas of research interest and engaging in scholarly and research activities within the Faculty of Education.
In addition to coursework, students complete major program milestones that may include:
- comprehensive portfolio requirements,
- dissertation proposal development,
- oral presentations and evaluations, and
- preparation for candidacy.
Program milestones are designed to support students in preparing for independent doctoral research. Detailed milestone expectations, timelines, and procedures will be communicated by the Faculty of Education throughout the program.
Candidacy represents the transition from the coursework and milestone stage of the program to independent dissertation research.
To achieve candidacy, students must successfully complete all required coursework and program milestones, including the comprehensive portfolio and dissertation proposal requirements, as outlined by the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Following candidacy, students focus primarily on dissertation research, ethics approval processes where required, data or source collection and analysis, and dissertation writing under the guidance of their supervisor and supervisory committee.
Detailed candidacy procedures, timelines, and expectations will be communicated throughout the program.
Doctoral students work closely with faculty supervisors and supervisory committee members throughout the program to support the development of their research, scholarship, and dissertation work. Supervisors are normally confirmed by the end of the second academic term.
Supervisory relationships are intended to be collaborative, professional, and supportive of students’ academic and research goals. Students are expected to communicate regularly with their supervisor, maintain progress toward program milestones, and engage actively in the scholarly and research activities associated with their area of study.
Information regarding supervisory roles, responsibilities, committee composition, and doctoral supervision procedures will be communicated throughout the program and are governed by the policies and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Following candidacy, students undertake independent dissertation research under the guidance of their supervisor and supervisory committee.
The dissertation process typically includes:
- obtaining research ethics approval where required,
- conducting research and analysis,
- developing and revising dissertation chapters,
- ongoing consultation with the supervisory committee, and
- completion and oral defence of the dissertation.
The dissertation is expected to demonstrate original scholarship and make a meaningful contribution to the field of Education Studies. Detailed dissertation procedures and defence requirements are governed by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Funding opportunities for PhD students may include scholarships, awards, Teaching Assistantships (TAships), and Research Assistantships (RAships), depending on program pathway, funding availability, and eligibility requirements.
Full-time PhD students may be eligible for funding packages that include a combination of internal funding, assistantships, and external award opportunities. Flex-time students are typically self-funded while maintaining professional employment during their studies.
Information regarding assistantships, funding opportunities, and application processes will be communicated directly to students as opportunities become available. Students are also encouraged to regularly review university funding resources and external scholarship opportunities.
PhD students are encouraged to engage actively in the scholarly and research culture of the Faculty of Education and broader academic community throughout their studies.
Participation in conferences, workshops, guest lectures, research talks, knowledge mobilization activities, and interdisciplinary scholarly events is an important aspect of doctoral education and professional growth. Students are encouraged to contribute to scholarly communities through research dissemination, collaboration, and professional engagement opportunities.
CLRiE is Laurier’s interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to supporting collaborative and innovative educational research among faculty, staff, students, and community partners across diverse fields and areas of expertise.
ASPIRE supports graduate students and postdoctoral fellows through academic, personal, and professional development, including research skill development, professionalization, and career exploration.