- CredentialMaster Degree
-
Location OfferedNanaimo, Online
Are you ready to take your career in education to a new level? Vancouver Island University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is designed for practicing and aspiring professionals in the education field who are focused on bringing educational and instructional leadership into their schools.
VIU's graduate program is enriched with school administration, educational psychology and educational research teachings that provide students the foundational building blocks to become innovative leaders in the school system. This program prepares students with the practical, ethical, and social tools to solve problems, manage conflict and encourage growth. Graduates of the program find employment in leadership positions in the education sector, both domestically and abroad.
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership Program
This program is offered in four different formats:
Full-Time Option
This cohort-based model is designed for students wishing to study full-time on the VIU campus. All formal coursework is completed over two semesters. The Field Inquiry and Major Project components are completed during the second year over two semesters. Students may complete these components with online support and can complete up to one semester early.
Weekends/Summer Option
This part-time, cohort-based model is designed for those who can commute to VIU Campus (Nanaimo or Cowichan). Classes meet Friday night and Saturday six times during each of the Fall and Spring semesters over two years. As well, classes are held during July between first and second year.
Distance Option
This part-time, cohort-based model is designed for those who live at a distance from VIU. Preference is given to applicants who live beyond the mid-island region. During the school year, coursework is online. Year One begins with students meeting for eight days at a VIU campus. Between years One and Two, the cohort studies at VIU for the month of July.
Laddering Option
Graduates of VIU's Literacy, Language and Learning Graduate Diploma are eligible to apply to ladder into the Master of Education in Educational Leadership Degree. To complete the Master of Education in Educational Leadership (laddering option) students need to complete 3 courses (15 credits) in support of thesis or project work. The Master of Education in Educational Leadership (laddering option) is a cohort-based program which starts in Intersession (summer) semester and where these courses are completed over three semesters. The program is offered online.
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership provides a program of preparation for aspiring and practicing school leaders. Grounded in the rich educational leadership literature supplemented by extensive faculty expertise and experience, the program provides a balance of research, policy and practice. Graduates of our program will have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and attitudes of successful leaders as outlined in the Leadership Standards for BC Principals and Vice-Principals. These competencies are central to formal and informal leadership in schools.
The M.Ed. program will develop leaders who can:
- Guide the development and implementation of shared values, vision, mission and goals to support learning for all students;
- Foster quality learning opportunities to support student learning;
- Lead teams in becoming assessment literate;
- Create systems and structures for the effective supervision of learning;
- Provide strong leadership in the area of Aboriginal Education;
- Provide knowledgeable guidance regarding current curricula, instructional and assessment practices and their impact on student learning;
- Sustain a collaborative learning culture and climate linked to student learning and based on distributed leadership;
- Build positive and effective interdependencies amongst partner groups;
- Incorporate systemic thinking and strategic planning for school improvement;
- Demonstrate self-knowledge and the personal qualities that support positive relationships and build cultures of integrity;
- Build and support relational trust within the school and community;
- Address issues of diversity and social justice;
- Lead teams in reflective inquiry and action research.
Program Outline (Full-Time Option)
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
August |
|
|
Pre-semester Orientation |
0 |
|
Fall Semester |
|
|
MEDL 500 - (Foundations of Educational Leadership) |
5 |
|
5 |
|
|
MEDL 600 - (Educational Change) |
5 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
| MEDL 550 - (Research in Education) | 5 |
| MEDL 590 - (Leadership Values and Ethics) | 5 |
| MEDL 650 - (Leading Learning) | 5 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
|
Year 2 (September-April) |
Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall and Spring Semesters |
|
|
MEDL 680* - (Field Inquiry) |
5 |
|
MEDL 690* - (Major Project) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
10 |
|
Total Program Credits |
40 |
* These courses may be completed on-campus or online.
Program Outline (Weekends/Summer Option)
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Fall Semester |
|
|
MEDL 500 - (Foundations of Educational Leadership) |
5 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
|
MEDL 550 - (Research in Education) |
5 |
|
Intersession |
|
|
MEDL 600 - (Educational Change) |
5 |
|
MEDL 590 - (Leadership Values and Ethical Decision-Making) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
20 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Fall Semester |
|
|
MEDL 580 - (Leadership in the BC Context)* |
5 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
|
MEDL 650 - (Leading Learning) |
5 |
|
Intersession (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 680 - (Field Inquiry) |
5 |
|
MEDL 690 - (Major Project) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
20 |
|
Total Program Credits |
40 |
*Students may take MEDL 581 as a directed study in place of MEDL 580.
Program Outline (Distance Option)
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Intersession (July or August) |
|
|
MEDL 500 - (Foundations of Educational Leadership)* |
5 |
|
Fall Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 580 - (Leadership in the BC Context) |
5 |
|
Spring Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 650 - (Leading Learning)** |
5 |
| Intersession (July) | |
|
MEDL 550 - (Research in Education)*** |
5 |
|
MEDL 600 - (Educational Change)*** |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
25 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Fall Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 680 - (Field Inquiry) |
5 |
| Spring Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 590 - (Leadership Values and Ethical Decision-Making) |
5 |
| Intersession (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 690 - (Major Project) |
5 |
|
Total Credits |
15 |
|
Total Program Credits |
40 |
* MEDL 500 includes an 8 day face-to-face seminar (VIU Nanaimo).
** MEDL 650 is a year-long online course.
*** MEDL 550 and MEDL 600 contain face-to-face seminars (VIU Nanaimo).
Program Outline (Laddering Option)
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Intersession Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 550 - (Research in Education) |
5 |
|
Fall Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 680 - (Field Inquiry) |
5 |
|
Spring Semester (Online) |
|
|
MEDL 690 - (Major Project) |
5 |
|
Total Program Credits |
15 |
Program Progression Requirements
- Students must maintain a minimum average of ‘B’ (3.0) in each semester of the program
- Students must receive a ‘CR’ grade in each course (where applicable)
- Any student that receives a grade below a ‘C+’ in an individual course is required to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or the Program Chair to create an action plan to improve academic performance.
- Should students receive a failing grade, they may retake up to 2 individual courses. If they are unsuccessful in a third course, or in a second attempt of the same course, they will be required to leave the program.
- To be eligible to progress into MEDL 680 and/or MEDL 690, the following requirements must be met:
- a minimum grade of ‘B’ (3.0) or ‘CR’ in MEDL 550
- an approved proposal
- Students are permitted one attempt at MEDL 690.
- Students who find it necessary to interrupt their program may request a leave of absence and are advised to meet with their Program Coordinator and/or the Program Chair in support of completing the Graduate Studies Leave of Absence process.
- Students returning to the program after an absence of five years or longer will have their course work reassessed for relevancy and may be required to retake courses and resubmit a proposal (if applicable).
- Upon successful completion of 15 credits (i.e. 3 MEDL courses) students are eligible to exit the program with the Teacher Leadership Graduate Diploma.
Completion Requirements
- Graduation requires the successful completion of all required courses and M.Ed. graduate work (i.e. Thesis, Major Project, etc.) as agreed upon in an approved proposal.
- Students requiring extra time to complete MEDL 680 and/or MEDL 690 as agreed upon in an approved proposal, must maintain continuous enrollment in EXTN 500 at an additional cost for up to three (3) additional consecutive terms.
To be admitted into the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree, (preferably a Bachelor of Education degree, or equivalent), from a recognized university that is acceptable in content to the Faculty of Education with either:
- a cumulative grade point average of “B” in the final two years and/or
- demonstration of academic excellence
- Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.
- Acceptance and satisfactory review of the following items by the Admissions Committee:
- A résumé outlining teaching experience (two years preferred).
- A letter of intent explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in this area.
- Two current, confidential assessment reports (reference letters are not acceptable in lieu of the confidential assessment reports).
For Laddering Option applicants:
In addition to the above, graduates from the Literacy, Language and Learning Graduate Diploma (LLLGD):
- Must have taken LLL 513 (Leadership in Literacy and Language) as one of their electives.
Conditional acceptance may be offered to students who are enrolled in LLL program courses at the time of application; however, successful completion of all LLLGD requirements is required before students can be registered in the Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
Flexible Admission
In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and to ensure a high probability of successful program completion. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and attitudes to complete a demanding academic course of study. Applicants seeking Flexible Admission will be required to:
- Provide a letter of intent explaining why they wish to pursue graduate work in this area;
- Provide a detailed résumé, including evidence of applicable learning;
- Provide two current, confidential assessment reports;
- Provide two or more letters of reference;
- Provide official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework
In limited cases, applicants may also be required to:
- Provide a portfolio containing evidence of applicable prior learning;
- Appear for an interview;
- Take one or more qualifying courses; and/or
- Provide additional documentation as may be required to adjudicate the application
Notes on Admission
- Enrollment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
- For application review, applicants must submit all admission documents, including official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework/studies within two weeks of the admissions deadline. Applicants are advised to submit documents as early as possible.
Transfer from other Institutions
Applicants may apply to the Program Chair for possible transfer credits from other accredited Master's programs.
Domestic graduates of the M.Ed. program will be well-poised to assume leadership positions in the education sector, both domestically and abroad, including that of Principal and Vice-Principal. Based on survey data from the BC Principals and Vice-Principals Association and the age demographic of BC educators, the Ministry of Education predicts over 1,000 administrative vacancies over the next five years. Employers require a Master's Degree for administrative positions. Recently, some school districts have made public their preference for a graduate degree from a BC post-secondary institution.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees per Program |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition* (40 credits x $453.08 per credit) |
18,123.20 |
|
Lab Fee |
51.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (40 credits x $9.98 per credit) |
399.20 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (16 months x $27.60 per month) |
441.60 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee (2 years x $265.00 per year) |
530.00 |
|
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) |
880.00 |
|
Total |
20,425.00 |
* Tuition does not include accommodation, food, textbooks, and other expenses.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Textbooks and/or course packages are required for each course. Contact the Education Department at 250.753.3245 Ext. 2530 for further information regarding books and supplies.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Cost per Program |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition* (40 credits x $690.80 per credit) |
27,632.00 |
|
Lab Fee |
51.00 |
|
Ancillary Fee (40 credits x $29.78 per credit) |
1,191.20 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (16 months x $27.60 per month) |
441.60 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee (2 years x $265.00 per year) |
530.00 |
|
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) |
880.00 |
|
Total |
30,725.80 |
* Tuition does not include accommodation, food, textbooks, and other expenses.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Textbooks and/or course packages are required for each course. Contact the Education Department at 250.753.3245 Ext. 2530 for further information regarding books and supplies.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Mar 31, 2025
|
Online
|
Master of Education in Educational Leadership Distance option |
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$117.13
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Admissions Assistant
Name: Jennifer Calder Chair Contact
Name: Leah Taylor Area Contact
Name: Liana Peterson - Program Assistant Documentation Deadline
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership Distance option document deadline is April 15, 2025. Official transcripts can be emailed from the issuing institution to Registration@viu.ca or sent to:
Comments
|
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Mar 31, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
Master of Education in Educational Leadership Full-Time option |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$117.13
Admissions Assistant
Name: Ekaterina Kurovskaia Chair Contact
Name: Leah Taylor Area Contact
Name: Liana Peterson - Program Assistant Documentation Deadline
Full-Time option - document deadline is April 15, 2025. Official transcripts can be emailed from the issuing institution to Registration@viu.ca or sent to: VIU Registration Comments
Please note that seats are limited in the MED-CT program and offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to get your documents in as soon as possible. Note that April 15, 2025 is the deadline to submit any outstanding documents. Any Fall 2025 MED-CT applications that remain incomplete after this date will be cancelled. There are 3 different delivery options for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership. If you have further questions about the program, please email Educ.GP@viu.ca. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Mar 31, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
Master of Education in Educational Leadership Full-Time option |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Next Intake(s)
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
No
Testing Required
No
Chair Contact
Name: Leah Taylor Area Contact
Name: Liana Peterson - Program Assistant International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Ekaterina Kurovskaia Documentation Deadline
Full-Time option - document deadline is April 15, 2025. Official transcripts can be emailed from the issuing institution to masters@viu.ca or sent to: VIU Registration Comments
Applications for the next intake in Fall 2025 will open in October 2024. This program accepts applications on a rolling basis. We encourage students to apply for the Full-Time option as early as possible as the program typically fills up before the March 31 deadline. Applications will be closed once the program has reached its capacity. Late applications will be accepted only if there is available space. Please note that the part-time Weekend/Summer option is currently not available for International students. Please refer to the Program Outline section above for more information or contact us at Masters@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Melanie Sedergreen
“My professors solicited feedback and used the feedback to improve learning experiences. I wasn't just one number among many taking a course and jumping through hoops to get credit. I was given choice and flexibility. My personal context, passions and motivations were considered carefully. I have gained skills in 21st Century learning that are relevant and necessary as a current educator. I now have the accreditation to take my career in multiple directions.”
Year One of the Master of Education in Educational Leadership Distance option begins with students meeting for eight days at a VIU campus. Between years One and Two, the cohort studies at VIU for the month of July.
Please note that seats are limited in the MED-D program and offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to get your documents in as soon as possible. Note that April 15, 2025 is the deadline to submit any outstanding documents. Any July 2025 MED-D applications that remain incomplete after this date will be cancelled.
For more information on upcoming programs, please email Educ.GP@viu.ca.