Admission Requirements
Updated December 6, 2010
Please also see the International Students page for English Proficiency requirements and the "Application Procedures" page for your degree-specific "Applicant Checklist & Declaration" form.
Aboriginal Education
Western's Faculty of Education is distinguished by its on-going commitment to Aboriginal Education. Graduate students will discover a range of opportunities to learn more about Indigenous scholarship and research through course work, internships, seminars, visiting speaker programs and other events. First Nations, Métis and Inuit students are encouraged to apply and are warmly welcomed and supported in their studies through the faculty's Aboriginal Education Office.
Admission to a program is granted by the Dean of the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies on the recommendation of the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs & Research, Faculty of Education, who shall be advised by the applicable Admissions Committee and other individuals as appropriate.
Ph.D. (Education Studies) Degree
M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) Degree
M.Ed. (Educational Studies) Degree (all fields & foci)
Ph.D. (Education Studies) Degree
Required:
- Research based Master's degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited university.
- "A" standing (80%) or equivalent in previous graduate work.
- Evidence of previous scholarly research, such as a Master's Thesis, Directed Research Project, or Qualifying Research Paper acceptable to the Doctoral Admissions Committee (please see the PhD Checklist & Student Declaration for more information on the Writing Sample)
- Clear statement of plans for future study and research (please see the PhD Checklist & Student Declaration for more information on the Letter of Intent)
Recommended:
- Professional qualifications and work in an educational setting (teaching experience or other).
Notes & Exceptions:
- Students with Master's degrees and an excellent academic record in a related field, who have experience in education and teaching in universities, colleges, or organizations other than public schools, and who may not have professional teaching credentials or qualifications, will also be considered for admission.
- Students may be required to make up for any deficiencies in their specific backgrounds by taking appropriate additional course work.
M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) Degree
Please note that the requirements for this program changed as of Monday October 4, 2010. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. The change is due to forthcoming changes to the certification of M.Ed. Counselling Psychology graduates to the newly formed Ontario College of Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counsellors.
Required:
- The equivalency of an honours degree will also be considered where there is evidence that the student without an honours psychology designation has taken the same number and range of psychology courses by the department and that a letter indicating such is provided by the applicant to the program along with their application.
- A four-year Honours degree (20 full courses or equivalent), with a major in Psychology, from an accredited university.
- Minimum "B" standing (70%) or equivalent in the final two years of study.
- Minimum one year or equivalent paid and/or volunteer experience in the helping professions (teaching, counselling, nursing, community service, or related activities). Please see the M.Ed. Counselling Psychology Checklist & Declaration Form for information about Work Verification letter(s).
Recommended:
- Courses/background in research statistical methods.
- Completion of a thesis or major research paper.
Notes & Exceptions:
- With regard to work experience, the Admissions Committee will add time in positions together to make up the equivalent of one year. There is no minimum requirement in terms of hours of work. However, there should be a reasonable accumulation of time that is the equivalent of one or more years in a related field.
- In deciding whether or not work experience qualifies as "helping" or counselling-related, the Admissions Committee will consider the nature of the work; the degree to which a student has interpersonal contact with clients, whether the role involved the provision of guidance or advice, etc.
- Decisions for the Counselling Psychology program are based on application materials and a personal interview. Approximately 24 candidates will be selected for personal interviews based on their application, which will be held in March 2011 (dates TBA).
M.Ed. (Educational Studies) Degree
Fields of Study:
Curriculum Studies (on-site or on-line, all foci) • Educational Policy Studies (all foci) • Educational Psychology/Special Education
Required:
- A four-year degree (20 full courses or equivalent) from an accredited university.
- Minimum "B" standing (70%) or equivalent in the final two years of study.
Recommended:
- Honours degree.
- A qualification leading to certification as a teacher (e.g. B.Ed.). Please see the M.Ed.Educational Studies Checklist & Declaration Form for this and other required documentation.
- Minimum one year of teaching experience, or experience within the field of education.
- For applicants to the field of Educational Psychology/Special Education only, a background in psychology should be apparent. Preferably these applicants will have completed Additional Qualification courses in Special Education (Part 1 & 2).
Notes & Exceptions:
- Bachelor of Education and Additional Qualification course grades are not used in calculating admission averages.
- Applicants with 3-year degrees will be considered on a cases-by-case basis if seats are available in programs. Successful experience as an educator in a professional setting may be considered in the selection process.
- Probationary Status: If an applicant does not meet all of the minimum admission requirements (e.g. average below 70% and/or has only a 3-year degree plus B.Ed.) the applicant may be offered admission as a Probationary Student with Conditions.
- Conditions: Full-time applicants will be required to register in 2 half courses during the Fall Term and maintain a 75% average in each course to clear conditions. Part-time applicants will be required to register in one half course in the Fall Term and one half course in the Winter Term and maintain a 75% average in each of these courses to clear conditions.
