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MEd Courses
All courses (online and on-campus), are paced, which means they have fixed start and end dates. Start dates are in September, January, and May, subject to availability and with some exceptions. Classes for on-campus courses are offered in the daytime and evenings, on weekends, and during the summer.
The program's instructors are drawn from a range of academic fields, including educational leadership, Indigenous education, curriculum development and theory, inclusive and special education, and K-12 school counselling.
The MEd has been designed for maximum choice by students — there are no streams, majors, minors, or specializations. In addition to completing the core courses, students select from elective courses.
Over the past few years we have added elective courses where you can learn about Indigenous knowledge, learning, and research. These Indigenous education special topics courses are found in the electives list below, under EDUC 5990. Watch our instructors talk about these courses here.
List of courses — three-year schedule
The following list of courses and the three-year schedule of MEd courses is updated each June. We make every effort to adhere to the MEd courses schedule but retain the right to make adjustments to it, if necessary.
Core courses
All core courses can be taken either on-campus or through distance (online through Open Learning). On-campus course numbers end in 0 and online/Open Learning courses end in 1.
| On campus or online |
EDUC 5010 Research Methods (3,0,0) EDUC 5010 Research Methods (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits In Research Methods, students investigate a variety of methods for conducting quantitative and qualitative research relevant to the field of education. Students also become familiar with procedures for securing ethics committee approval for conducting research.
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EDUC 5011 Research Methods EDUC 5011 Research MethodsCredits: 3 credits In Research Methods, students investigate a variety of methods for conducting quantitative and qualitative research relevant to the field of education. Students also become familiar with procedures for securing ethics committee approval for conducting research.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5020 Philosophy and History of Education (3,0,0) EDUC 5020 Philosophy and History of Education (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits What education is, what purposes it serves, and how it is structured is closely entwined with ideas of what a society is and how it functions. Students engage in an introduction to key educational philosophers and consider their impacts on the history of education.
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EDUC 5021 Philosophy and History of Education EDUC 5021 Philosophy and History of EducationCredits: 3 credits What education is, what purposes it serves, and how it is structured is closely entwined with ideas of what a society is and how it functions. Students engage in an introduction to key educational philosophers and consider their impacts on the history of education.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5030 Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (3,0,0) EDUC 5030 Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore a variety of theoretical perspectives inclusive of Indigenous and international world views and their influence on curriculum design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Curriculum, teaching, and learning theory are applied to a variety of educational contexts and situations.
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EDUC 5031 Curriculum, Teaching and Learning EDUC 5031 Curriculum, Teaching and LearningCredits: 3 credits Students are familiarized with a variety of theoretical perspectives on curriculum design and development, implementation and evaluation. Curriculum, teaching and learning are applied to a variety of education contexts and situations.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5040 Diversity: Constructing Social Realities (3,0,0) EDUC 5040 Diversity: Constructing Social Realities (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the intersections of identity, social location, and education including Indigeneity, and how these shape teaching and learning experiences. Students also reflect on their personal and professional experiences with diversity through a multicultural and Indigenous lens. By engaging with Western, international, and Indigenous literature, students will develop strategies to inform educational scholarship and address systemic inequities in K-12 schools and additional educational areas.
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EDUC 5041 Diversity: Constructing Social Realities EDUC 5041 Diversity: Constructing Social RealitiesCredits: 3 credits Students investigate fundamental questions about the relationship between education and society. Inequalities based on race, culture, language, social class, gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability status, ethnicity or religion and how they are socially constructed in contemporary society are considered, in addition to how they operate in educational environments. Students identify the effects of these identity constructs on the educational experiences of students and how these constructs shape student access, achievement, and attainment. Students are challenged with the following questions: How do schools reproduce, reinforce, and challenge social inequalities? How do educational materials embrace inclusive approaches within the broader contexts of multiculturalism, globalization and cosmopolitanism? How can educators promote inclusive education that values diversity and equity?
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5400 Principles and Processes of Educational Leadership (3,0,0) EDUC 5400 Principles and Processes of Educational Leadership (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore leadership theories and Indigenous frameworks to address everyday challenges in educational leadership, emphasizing relational accountability, cultural respect, and community engagement. Students will critically analyze research literature, including Indigenous knowledge systems and methodologies such as the four Rs (respect, reciprocity, relevance, and responsibility), while considering the practical challenges of leadership in diverse educational contexts. Reflecting on Indigenous ways of knowing, students examine how leadership practices can support reconciliation, decolonization, and community empowerment.
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EDUC 5401 Principles and Processes of Educational Leadership EDUC 5401 Principles and Processes of Educational LeadershipCredits: 3 credits This course is designed to examine the current theories and belief systems that contribute to evolving concepts of leadership, particularly leadership in educational settings. A variety of pedagogical approaches will be used to examine processes that develop relationships, encourage team building, facilitate conflict resolution, and encourage innovation, change and organizational performance. Participants will become familiar with various styles of leadership such as charismatic, transformational, transactional, and collegial, and will be encouraged to examine and challenge their own practices in field settings. Students will investigate current models of supervision and performance assessment and assess the models in the context of differing leadership styles. Participants will develop a repertoire of leadership styles and skills that will be applicable in a variety of educational settings.
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Electives
| On campus only |
EDUC 5120 Assessment of Exceptionalities: Theory and Practice (3,0,0) EDUC 5120 Assessment of Exceptionalities: Theory and Practice (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine theoretical foundations and research evidence that inform current methods and practices for the administration and interpretation of Level B assessments in educational and community settings. Students acquire the assessment skills necessary for working within special education contexts, such as schools, community living programs, or residential settings. Students critically analyze a variety of research-based programs and intervention strategies that can be utilized in developing programs/plans for child, youth, or adults with exceptionalities.
Prerequisites: Admittance to the M.Ed. program (Inclusive and Special Education concentration) |
EDUC 5130 Managing Multiple Systems: Policy and Practice (3,0,0) EDUC 5130 Managing Multiple Systems: Policy and Practice (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are introduced to the theoretical and practical frameworks for developing professional communication, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills, which are necessary when working with families, government, community agencies and service providers. Legislation, administrative policy, theoretical frameworks of effective professional communication and effective practices are reviewed along with current and critical issues surrounding inclusive and special education.
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EDUC 5140 Literacy for Individuals with Exceptionalities: Theory, Research, and Practice (3,0,0) EDUC 5140 Literacy for Individuals with Exceptionalities: Theory, Research, and Practice (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the etiology, manifestation, prevention and remediation of literacy difficulties. Students critically analyze current theories and research on literacy difficulties for children, adolescents and adults and develop deep understanding of how literacy challenges affect life quality. The main focus is on identifying effective teaching strategies that educators and community professionals can implement to prevent, identify, and help individuals experiencing literacy challenges.
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EDUC 5190 Summer of Indigenous Wisdom: Exploring Wellness and Culture in the Interior Plateau (3,0,0) EDUC 5190 Summer of Indigenous Wisdom: Exploring Wellness and Culture in the Interior Plateau (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore Indigenous wellness practices, local languages, and herbal medicines during the summer season. Embracing the traditional teachings of the land and its connection to culture, language, and well-being, participants will engage in experiential learning directly on the land and collaborate with Indigenous communities to understand and integrate land-based pedagogies. Blending theoretical exploration, hands-on experiences, and cultural immersion, students will synthesize personal awareness, academic knowledge, and practical skills to foster personal and professional growth. Students understand and honor the seasonal rhythms and teachings of the land, particularly during the summer months, within the context of Indigenous cultures of the Interior Plateau region. Students will be expected to participate in land-based learning activities and field trips.
Prerequisites: Admission to the TRU MEd program. Students must have completed 3 of the MEd core courses - EDUC 5010, EDUC 5011, EDUC 5020, EDUC 5021, EDUC 5030, EDUC 5031, EDUC 5040, EDUC 5041, EDUC 5400, or EDUC 5401. |
EDUC 5240 Spring Harvest - Interior Plateau People's Transition (3,0,0) EDUC 5240 Spring Harvest - Interior Plateau People's Transition (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course delves into the seasonal transition of the Interior Plateau people as they emerge from their winter dwellings to engage in outdoor gathering activities during the spring season. This course offers students an immersive exploration of local Indigenous cultures and their relationship with the land. Through experiential learning and cultural immersion, students will gain insights into the traditional practices of Interior Plateau communities, including harvesting roots and medicines, and preparing for the new season. Students are expected to participate in on-the-land field trips.
Prerequisites: Admission to the TRU MEd program. Students must have completed 3 of the MEd core courses - EDUC 5010, EDUC 5011, EDUC 5020, EDUC 5021, EDUC 5030, EDUC 5031, EDUC 5040, EDUC 5041, EDUC 5400, EDUC 5401 |
EDUC 5250 Inquiry across the Curriculum (3,0,0) EDUC 5250 Inquiry across the Curriculum (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students will explore theories, ideologies, and practices of inquiry-based pedagogy across the curriculum, including the K-12 curriculum. This will include an exploration of the history of inquiry, the purposes of education, learning theories, and new trends in K-12 curriculum theory and implementation. Students will have opportunities to explore their own perspectives on inquiry, as they engage in dialogue that encompasses program and course design, school implementation plans, diversity in the classroom, instructional methods, classroom communities, and assessment.
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EDUC 5260 Learning through Exploration and Play (3,0,0) EDUC 5260 Learning through Exploration and Play (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course follows recent reforms in early childhood and primary education that place renewed emphasis on the importance of learning through exploration and play. Throughout the course, a range of different approaches to learning through exploration and play along with the BC K-3 curriculum will be presented. The underlying theoretical assumption in all approaches presented is that learning through exploration and play is child-centered. The role of the educator is one of discerning the learning going on through sensitive observation to plan opportunities for learning experiences that should come next (Moyels, 2011). Each presentation will include practical strategies for how to achieve these aims, and theoretical underpinnings of the approach presented.
Prerequisites: Admission to the TRU MEd program.
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EDUC 5270 Pedagogy of Compassion (3,0,0) EDUC 5270 Pedagogy of Compassion (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course offers a rare opportunity for students to engage with cutting edge theories on ways to increase compassion, connection, and flourishing within educational settings including K-12. Research on social and emotional development has been inextricably linked to fostering practical skills to cultivate compassion, regulate emotions, increase motivation, strengthen resilience, and increase academic success. Using inquiry-based activities to bridge theory, research, and practice, students will learn ways to nurture an environment of inclusion and connectedness to enhance teacher and student wellbeing.
Prerequisites: Admission to the TRU MEd program.
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EDUC 5300 Embracing Winter Wisdom (3,0,0) EDUC 5300 Embracing Winter Wisdom (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits As Indigenous communities traditionally move indoors during the colder months, students will explore the integral roles of storytelling, song, dance, and artistic expression in preserving cultural heritage, fostering community resilience, and nurturing spiritual connections with the land. Additionally, students will investigate traditional winter dwellings, gaining insight into the architectural techniques and cultural significance of these structures in providing shelter and warmth for Indigenous families. Through experiential learning, cultural immersion, and collaborative engagement with Indigenous communities, students will gain a holistic understanding of Indigenous ways of life during the winter season.
Prerequisites: Admission to the TRU MEd program. Students must have completed 3 of the MEd core courses - EDUC 5010, EDUC 5011, EDUC 5020, EDUC 5021, EDUC 5030, EDUC 5031, EDUC 5040, EDUC 5041, EDUC 5400, EDUC 5401 |
| On campus or online |
EDUC 5420 Legal Issues in Education (3,0,0) EDUC 5420 Legal Issues in Education (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course examines educational governance, policy and laws with an emphasis on their effects on students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Course themes include student and parent rights, labour law, child protection, collective bargaining, and the governance of schools in BC, Canada and internationally.
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EDUC 5421 Legal Issues in Education EDUC 5421 Legal Issues in EducationCredits: 3 credits This course examines educational governance, policy and laws with an emphasis on their effects on students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Course themes include student and parent rights, labour law, child protection, collective bargaining, and the governance of schools in B.C., Canada and internationally.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5440 Understanding and Managing Conflict (3,0,0) EDUC 5440 Understanding and Managing Conflict (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Understanding and managing conflict is core to many educational roles, for example, teacher, principal, district leaders, counselors, and curriculum consultants. It also is central to leadership in other sectors such as health care, social services, the military, and more. This course will examine these topics: types and causes of conflict, cultural components of conflict, effects of conflict, conflict management, and conflict vis-a-vis organizational change.
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EDUC 5441 Understanding and Managing Conflict EDUC 5441 Understanding and Managing ConflictCredits: 3 credits Understanding and managing conflict is core to many educational roles, for example, teacher, principal, district leaders, counselors, and curriculum consultants. It also is central to leadership in other sectors such as health care, social services, the military, and more. This course will examine these topics: types and causes of conflict, cultural components of conflict, effects of conflict, conflict management, and conflict vis-a-vis organizatinal change.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5460 Educational Management (3,0,0) EDUC 5460 Educational Management (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course will examine the management of fiscal and human resources that contribute to effective leadership in educational settings.
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EDUC 5461 Educational Management EDUC 5461 Educational ManagementCredits: 3 credits This course will examine the management of fiscal and human resources that contribute to effective leadership in educational settings.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5500 Introduction to Counselling Skills (3,0,0) EDUC 5500 Introduction to Counselling Skills (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are provided an opportunity to explore the helping professions and the skills needed to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
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EDUC 5501 Introduction to Counselling Skills EDUC 5501 Introduction to Counselling SkillsCredits: 3 credits The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for the development of counselling skills and improved interpersonal relationships through the exchange of ideas, feelings and attitudes. Through interaction and experiential learning activities, students will develop a working knowledge of counseling and interviewing skills, and procedures.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5510 Theories in Counselling (3,0,0) EDUC 5510 Theories in Counselling (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course consists of a study of the major counselling approaches and a study of some of the issues faced by counsellors and by individuals who are considering becoming counsellors.
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EDUC 5511 Theories in Counselling EDUC 5511 Theories in CounsellingCredits: 3 credits This course focuses on major theoretical approaches to counselling and the strategies used in each. Through exploration and examination of each approach, coupled with the integration of multicultural and diversity competencies, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the strategies and techniques of counselling theories. Ethical decision making will be incorporated into each theoretical approach.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5520 Assessment and Evaluation (3,0,0) EDUC 5520 Assessment and Evaluation (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course is a study of group and individual assessment used in elementary and secondary schools.
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EDUC 5521 Assessment and Evaluation in Counselling EDUC 5521 Assessment and Evaluation in CounsellingCredits: 3 credits This course is a study of group and individual assessments used in schools and agencies.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5550 Introduction to Secondary School Counselling (3,0,0) EDUC 5550 Introduction to Secondary School Counselling (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore counselling as related to secondary school practice and focus on the secondary school counsellor's
role and functions.
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EDUC 5551 Introduction to Secondary School Counselling EDUC 5551 Introduction to Secondary School CounsellingCredits: 3 credits A study of counselling as related to secondary school practice. Emphasis is on the secondary school counsellor's role and functions.
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| On campus or online |
EDUC 5560 Career Counselling and Development (3,0,0) EDUC 5560 Career Counselling and Development (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course is a study of career counselling development and theory. The theoretical emphasis is on the development aspects of career decision making from childhood through adulthood.
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EDUC 5561 Career Counseling and Development EDUC 5561 Career Counseling and DevelopmentCredits: 3 credits This course is a study of career counseling development and theory. The theoretical emphasis is on the developmental aspects of career decision making from childhood through adulthood.
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| On campus only |
EDUC 5610 Comparative and International Education (3,0,0) EDUC 5610 Comparative and International Education (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits In this course, students investigate how internationalization, globalization and democratization of education effect curriculum, teaching, and learning across a wide-range of cultural contexts. Educational foundations lenses (gender and sexuality; culture, race and ethnicity, Indigenous perspectives; socio-economic status, class and religion; location space and time; and other lenses) will be employed to critically analyze education in various nations. Students will be introduced to fundamentals of Comparative and International Education (CIE). In addition, the course is designed to support students becoming advanced academic learners in education. Through structured experiences, small group sharing and support, personal research including reading and writing, students have opportunities to explore their own perspectives as well as those of others in relation to CIE.
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EDUC 5990 Special Topics: Learning through Indigenous Literature (3) EDUC 5990 ***Special Topics in Education (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Special topics courses are offered on a temporary basis and are not part of the regular course offerings. This course utilizes the special expertise of a faculty member or a visiting professor to go beyond the usual curriculum and enrich the program of study. Contact the program advisor for information on current offerings.
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EDUC 5990 Special Topics: Privileging Oral Traditions and Storywork in International Indigenous Research (3) EDUC 5990 ***Special Topics in Education (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Special topics courses are offered on a temporary basis and are not part of the regular course offerings. This course utilizes the special expertise of a faculty member or a visiting professor to go beyond the usual curriculum and enrich the program of study. Contact the program advisor for information on current offerings.
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| Online only |
EDDL 5101 Educational Technology for Learning EDDL 5101 Educational Technology for LearningCredits: 3 credits This online, applied course is designed to provide educators with knowledge, skills and experience in implementing educational technology into a pedagogically sound learning environment. Students will critically evaluate pedagogical design aspects of integrating technology in instruction. A hands-on approach for exploring learning technologies will be used to identify and evaluate appropriate technologies and resources to support teaching and learning in any education context. Because the world of technology is complex, and especially so in education, it is challenging to design a course of study that is right for all students. Planning and developing instruction which includes a variety of worldviews will be emphasized.
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EDDL 5111 Learning Design EDDL 5111 Learning DesignCredits: 3 credits Students - teachers candidates, in-service teachers, faculty members, and trainers - will explore educational theories related to teaching with technology through a variety of lenses including Western, Indigenous, and universal design for learning (UDL). Students will explore a variety of topics including learning theory and pedagogy in digital environments, consideration and application of technological tools to enhance the learning environment, instructional design approaches, and examination and design of assessment strategies.
Prerequisites: Bachelor's Degree and/or special permission from the School of Education. Meets TRU MEd Admission Requirements.
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EDDL 5131 Designing Multimedia for Curriculum EDDL 5131 Designing Multimedia for CurriculumCredits: 3 credits Students explore theory, design and implementation of digital media in support of learning and examine the role of student-developed media as means of assessing learning. Students will design and develop their own educational media and integrate media in online learning projects, lessons or units to be delivered in a blended or fully online format. The design of accessibility and universal design for learning (UDL) solutions in support of educational media will be explored.
Prerequisites: Bachelor's Degree and /or special permission from the School of Education. Meets TRU MEd Admission Requirements. |
EDDL 5141 Online Teaching and Learning EDDL 5141 Online Teaching and LearningCredits: 3 credits This course provides educators with knowledge, skills and experience in implementing educational technology into a pedagogically sound learning environment. EDDL 5141 is designed to provide instructors with a basic introduction to the theory and practice of online teaching and learning and to develop the skills and strategies needed to facilitate courses in an online environment. Participants will reflect on their experiences as online learners to help develop their own philosophy of online teaching and learning. Using their philosophy, they will plan and conduct an online learning activity that they will facilitate for their fellow participants. Emphasis will be placed on student engagement and motivation, creating collaborative and interactive experiences and gaining practical experience.
Prerequisites: A Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor's degree in another discipline with teaching qualifications or experience, or permission from the School of Education's Associate Dean or designate.
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EDDL 5151 Contemporary Issues in Technology Enhanced Learning EDDL 5151 Contemporary Issues in Technology Enhanced LearningCredits: 3 credits Students will draw upon their earlier research and/or experience in technology-enhanced learning environments, as well as current literature to identify and explore a variety of contemporary issues in technology-enhanced digital learning methods and technologies. Students adopt a critical mindset in approaching both theory and practice, including those related to issues they encounter in their own discipline. Working both individually and in teams for selected activities and assignments, participants will explore ethical and social justice issues including access to learning, open and participatory practices, online privacy and safety in digital learning environments, copyright and licensing, and the idea of the commons. The course culminates in an integrative project incorporating both theory and practice.
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Please note that up to four of the EDDL courses may be used as electives in the MEd program, with approval from the Program Coordinator. Email edgradadvising@tru.ca for assistance with this.
These five EDDL courses belong to a separate certificate program, the Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning. If you wish to apply to this program separately, you can learn more on their website.
Textbooks
Online MEd students are responsible for sourcing and/or ordering their own books. Please see the list of required textbooks here.
You may be able to order the text through the Wolfie's Campus Bookstore. Please note, if you choose to source your own textbooks, publishers may offer several package options that include additional resource material not required in your course. You may choose to purchase any package as long as it includes the correct author, title and edition listed for your course.
If you have questions about obtaining the correct textbook, please contact OLMaterials@tru.ca.
