New and Future Students
Please click on the appropriate tab below to find more information about our programs of study:
What Teacher Candidates Say
I chose to go to Western for my education degree because of the extended practicum sessions and the integration of service learning through the transition to professional practice placements. I was eager to have extended time for hands on learning in the classroom and the wider community. – Lindsey Marshall
Did you know?
- In Ontario, a Bachelor of Education degree is required to become a school teacher
- Teaching certification requirements may differ between countries
- Further education includes Additional Qualifications, Master’s, and PhD in Education
- Volunteering and work experience will also enhance your skills and understanding of education-related careers
- Many online websites, such as the Ontario College of Teachers, can give you more information about the Education profession
Diploma and Bachelor of Education
Our Diploma in Education (Technological Education) is a one-year, full-time program that runs from September to mid-May. It prepares candidates with a technical background to teach broad-based technology in secondary schools.
Our Bachelor of Education is a one-year, full-time program that runs from September to mid-May. It provides the knowledge, experience, resources, and support to prepare professional educators.
Our programs feature core courses in:
- Social foundation for education
- Educational psychology
- Special education
Teacher candidates choose one of three program options:
- Primary Junior (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6)
- Primary Junior/French as a Second Language (FSL) Junior Intermediate (Grades 4-10)
- Intermediate Senior (Grades 7-12)
Other features of the program include
- Many elective courses and professional development workshops
- 13 weeks of student teaching (practicum divided into two blocks)
- A 2-week "Transition to Professional Practice" in the first two weeks of May
Benefits and Skills
A Bachelor of Education provides you with skills in:
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Careers
Many career options are available to teacher candidates graduating with their Bachelor of Education (additional education or training may be required).
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A Bachelor of Education can also help to prepare you for a career in these areas of employment:
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What Practicing Teachers Say
The best part about taking AQ courses at Western Education are the course instructors who are not only exemplary in their field but passionate about teaching their subject. They motivate me to work hard and make me eager to implement new strategies, tools and resources into my classroom. - Isabelle Catherine Dorval
Continuing Teacher Education
Our Additional Qualifications (AQ) courses meet the certification requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers. We offer over 100 AQ courses that will enhance your professional development in many subjects, including
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Our AQ course formats are fully online, and some are on-campus during the summer.
Our AQ courses feature
- Easy-to-follow instructions and downloadable learning materials
- Practice-based and research-informed course content
- Video conferencing and live chat
- Outstanding and experienced course instructors
- Access to Western Libraries’ extensive range of online journals
Benefits
With additional qualifications courses, you will
- Upgrade your salary (visit OSSTF and QECO for more information)
- Develop in current or new areas of specialization
- Access current research studies and publications in the field of education
- Gain a greater understanding of the core values and issues of professional practice
- Learn in an environment that is accessible and supportive
- Incorporate current research and technology into daily teaching practices
- Demonstrate your dedication, professionalization, and expertise to employers
What Master's Students Say
Completing my Master’s degree at this faculty will enable me to succeed in my career plans because of the ideas and knowledge I came away with. What I have learned in this program has forever, and it has set me on a career course that I could not have imagined when first applying to the program. - Kelly Bairos
Master's of Education
The Faculty of Education offers two Master's of Education programs.
- MEd in Counselling Psychology
- MEd in Educational Studies (fields of focus include curriculum studies, educational policy studies and educational psychology/special education)
Students may also explore more deeply the concepts and research in their chosen area.
Our graduate programs also offer students opportunities in Aboriginal education. 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.
Our full-time and part-time MEd programs
- Can earn you a higher starting salary
- Allow you to fit continuing education into your busy schedule
- Will increase your skill level
- Enable you to advance in further professional opportunities
Careers
Below are some job opportunities for graduate of the MEd in Counselling Psychology:
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A Master’s of Education can also prepare you for a career in these areas of employment (additional education or training may be required):
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What PhD Candidates Say
The excellent teaching and outstanding support of Western's faculty and staff have been defining experiences for me in the program. The teaching during course work and the guidance of my supervisor have provided seamless progression through the program and allowed me to explore various fields of study while working toward developing my own research interests. – Dawn Burleigh, 3rd year PhD Candidate
PhD Studies in Education
The faculty offers a PhD in Education Studies, which provides the opportunity for doctoral candidates to work with accomplished professors and world-class academic advisors. The program exposes students to broad underlying theories in each of the four areas of specialization:
- Curriculum Studies and Pedagogy (includes Language, Literacy and subject areas such as Mathematics, Science, and Technology)
- Educational Policy Studies
- Educational Psychology/Special Education
- Equity and Social Justice
Students may also explore more deeply the concepts and research in their chosen area.
Our graduate programs also offer students opportunities in Aboriginal education. This includes 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.
Benefits and Skills
A PhD provides you with high-level skills in
- Independent thinking
- Conducting research and pursuing new ideas
- Creation of new knowledge (e.g. discovering new concepts, relationships, and ideas)
- Motivation to innovate and pursue new ideas of knowledge
- Ability to work as part of a research team
- Contacts in the field with whom graduates can consult
- Translating scholarly research into applications relevant to work
Did You Know?
Western University offers
- Competitive funding packages
- Opportunities to present graduate research to local and national academic communities
- More 50 doctoral programs, including a range of interdisciplinary programs
- Award-winning support for preparing applications for external scholarship competitions.
