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Graduate Programs FAQs

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GENERAL INFORMATION

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION INFORMATION

POST-APPLICATION INFORMATION

TUITION AND FUNDING

COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY MA/MED

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Does the Faculty of Education offer online graduate programs?

Generally, most programs are offered face-to-face, and students in those programs are expected to attend all classes in person.

From time-to-time, we do offer programs that are delivered partially or fully online. Review each program webpage to determine the delivery method for your program of interest.

What are the differences between the MA/MSc and the MEd degrees?

Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) degrees normally require a minimum of 25 units of coursework and a research-based thesis. An MA or MSc is the preferred credential for PhD program applications.

Master of Education (MEd) degrees typically require a minimum of 30 units of coursework and a comprehensive examination, which is an extended academic paper that has an applied component.

Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership degrees require a minimum of 22 units of coursework and an action research or original research project, which is submitted to the library.

How long does it take to complete a master's degree?

Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) degree students typically complete over 8-10 terms which includes there coursework and research-based thesis.

Master of Education (MEd) degree students typically complete in two years by taking one course in the fall and spring term and one or two courses in the summer term. 

How long does it take to complete a doctoral degree?

Usually the first year and a half is the completion of course work, followed in the third year by the comprehensive examination, and finally by the thesis research and defence in the fourth or fifth year.

How many hours per week will courses be? How many hours per week should I PLAN to dedicate to my MASTER'S PROGRAM studies?

Many of our programs are designed to accommodate the schedules and busy lives of working professionals.

The amount of time you spend in courses will depend on the number of course your program requires you to enroll in each term. In addition to the 4-5 hours of class time per week, students should be prepared to be spending additional time per week doing: course readings (approximately 50-100 pages per week, sometimes more, sometimes less); library research; assignments for class; research and writing academic papers for their courses.

We advise students to budget at minimum 15-20 hours per week to devote to their studies.

For a Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) Category Pay Increase, does it matter which master's degree I take? 

It is the student’s responsibility to review any criteria set out by their employer for pay increases, such as the Teacher Qualification Service.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Do you admit students without an undergraduate degree?

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with an undergraduate degree when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship.

Students must satisfy any further requirements set by the graduate program committee.

Note: Applicants to the Counselling Psychology MA/MEd program must hold either an undergraduate or masters degree to be eligible for admission.

The early grades in my undergraduate degree were not very high. Will this affect my application?

SFU's minimum requirement for admission to a master’s program is a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0/4.33 (B), or a grade point average of at least 3.33/4.33 (B+) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses. 

I HAVE COMPLETED THE PROVINCIAL INSTRUCTOR DIPLOMA PROGRAM (PIDP). CAN I LADDER INTO THE MED PROGRAM?

The prerequisite for entry into a SFU Masters program is a Bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a recognized university, or the equivalent.

For applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree, if they have completed the Provincial Instructors Diploma Program (PIDP) and have extensive professional experience in an educational or professional setting, they may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate. After one year of coursework (12 units minimum) and a CGPA of 3.0, students may transfer into the MEd program.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

I have been out of university for a long time and do not have any recent academic references. Are three professional referees acceptable? 

In such circumstances we will accept a reference from anyone who can comment on your academic competence (e.g., department head, school principal, academic coordinator, manager/supervisor, etc.).

What we look for from referees is confirmation that the applicant has the capacity to pursue a graduate degree – i.e., understands academic writing, reading, and has the intellect, academic preparation and skills (e.g. time management, ability to work and study etc.) to be successful. Applicants should prepare referees to speak to these qualities and capacities, and reference highlights of the applicant’s CV, describe projects, leadership, initiatives, and professional experience that reflect qualities and skills that are relevant to academic achievement.

If in doubt, contact the Program Assistant for confirmation.

Note: For Counselling Psychology program applicants, please refer to the program website for more complete details about references.

Can I change my referee INFORMATION?

Referee information can only be updated or changed before the application deadline. To change one or more of your referees or correct the email address entered, refer to the following:

  1. In your Application Portal, under Step 3, scroll to the bottom of the checklist section and click the "recommendation page" link in blue
  2. Find the References heading
  3. Find the referee you wish to change or update, and click the 'Edit' button on the right-hand side next to that referee
  4. Update all necessary fields, and then click 'Save'

If the deadline has passed, contact the Program Assistant listed on your program webpage.

What is the academic writing sample?

The purpose of the academic writing sample is for the admissions committee to assess a candidate’s ability to be successful in a fundamental scholarly skill: scholarly writing.

Scholarly writing is evidence-based, well cited, rooted in scholarly literature, and clear, concise, and coherent in its prose. While we expect students to develop these skills once they are in the program, the academic writing sample allows us to see where the starting point for any applicant would be.

Most applicants submit a recently written university level course paper (written within the past 5 years); other applicants choose an older paper but rewrite it for the purposes of the application; and others still might choose a more recent writing sample that is not necessarily academic but demonstrates these skills.

How do I submit transcripts?

You must upload an unofficial transcript (scanned, saved, etc.) for each post-secondary institution you have attended. You can upload transcripts when entering your academic history during the online application or you can come back to it later in the application portal (Checklist Items). 

If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit an official transcript for each post-secondary institution.

Note: Applicants who completed their former degrees at SFU are not required to submit an official SFU transcript, as these records can be accessed.

More information on transcripts

DO I NEED TO SUBMIT ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST RESULTS?

Students whose native primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Applicants applying to programs conducted entirely in French will be exempt from this requirement.

English language requirements

POST-APPLICATION

When will I know the selection committee’s decision regarding my application?

Applicants will receive notification approximately 6-8 weeks after the application deadline.

MA/MEd Counselling Psychology applicants will receive notification approximately 8-12 weeks after the application deadline.

Once decisions have been made all applicants will receive an email from the Faculty of Graduate Studies directing them to the application portal where they can access their decision letter. 

Is there a waitlist for programs that are full?

The review committee may decide to have a waitlist depending on the composition of submitted applications.

Will there be a new student orientation?

Yes. Before the start of the Fall term, SFU's Faculty of Graduate Studies schedules a general orientation for all SFU graduate students. The Faculty of Education also hosts a New Graduate Student Orientation that is usually scheduled during the first month of the Fall term. The Education Graduate Student Orientation Handbook will be distributed to new students. This publication outlines the administrative structure of the program and provides information on specific logistics such as parking, computer access, housing, registration, etc.

TUITION AND FUNDING

Are Scholarships available? 

Various forms of financial assistance are available for graduate students in Education. Admission to SFU does not imply financial support. All applicants are responsible for supporting their graduate study at SFU for a minimum of two years. 

Financial Resources

Cost of Living calculator

Estimated Costs

Is there a minimum fee for the doctoral program?

A doctoral student who has completed eight terms of full-time research term fee units enrolment (excluding on leave enrolment) pays a continuing fee in subsequent terms equal to one half of the regular fee. Terms in which a student enrolls on leave do not count towards the number of terms required to switch to the continuing fee. Doctoral students must enroll for a minimum of five terms. On leave terms will not count toward this minimum.

What is guaranteed funding for PhD students?

The Faculty of Education provides guaranteed funding packages for a limited number of eligible PhD applicants.

Admitted PhD students who are eligible and awarded a guaranteed funding package receive a minimum of $28,000 CAD per year for up to 12 terms, as per SFU Graduate General Regulation 1.17.

Guaranteed funding in the Faculty of Education comprises a combination of internal and external awards, teaching assistantships (TAs), research assistantships (RAs) and other opportunities as outlined in the Minimum Funding policy.

See more details here

How do I use Tuition Fee Credits?

Tuition Fee Credits (TFCs) are vouchers that can be applied to cover a fixed dollar amount of the tuition fees for any for-credit course at Simon Fraser University. The value of a TFC is the same whether credits are applied to undergraduate or graduate tuition.

The deadline to submit a request to redeem tuition fee credits is the third week of each semester. 

See full details on how to redeem TFCs here

COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY MA/MEd

How long will it take to complete a Counselling Psychology Master's degree?

The shortest time in which the program may be completed is 8 terms. SFU operates 3 terms per calendar year, so the shortest time in which the program may be completed is 2 calendar years plus 2 terms. SFU graduate students are required to maintain continuous enrollment throughout their program.

Is it possible to continue working while completing the Counselling Psychology master's program?

For most of the program, it is possible to continue working full-time or nearly full-time during the day. Courses in the program usually begin at 16:30 and meet once per week. Students usually take no more than 2 courses per term. In addition to time spent in class, students must expect to spend about twice as much time out of class reading and preparing assignments.

During the 2nd year of the program, students enroll in the Supervised Clinic courses (EDUC 799 in the fall and EDUC 800 in the spring) at the SFU Surrey Counselling Centre. These courses are also scheduled in the evening, however, due to the nature of the course activities, students must also spend some additional time outside class during the day at the Centre. 

During the 3rd year of the program, students usually complete the practicum courses (EDUC 801 and EDUC 802), which take place over two consecutive terms, from September through April. The practicum requires a minimum 2 full weekday commitment and also involves a weekly evening seminar on campus. Given the demands of the practicum, it is feasible to work half time at most during these terms.

Does the Counselling Psychology master's program require GRE for admission?

Admissions to these programs does NOT require the submission of a GRE result.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Would you recommend a Faculty of Education graduate program for international students?

International students face specific challenges no matter what program they may take outside their home country, for example: obtaining study permit, finances, academic writing and working in Anglo-dominant institutions, finding suitable accommodation, childcare, and sustaining oneself during the program.

Outside of these challenges, we recommend that international students applying to a graduate program should have work/volunteer experience in a field related to the program, and have a specific topic or area of interest in which their learning in the program can be applied (in their home country or other location).

How much do Faculty of Education graduate programs cost for international students?

Unless otherwise stated on the program webpage, the tuition fee is the same for domestic and international students. 

Various forms of financial assistance are available for graduate students in Education. Admission to SFU does not imply financial support. All students are responsible for supporting their graduate study at SFU for a minimum of two years. Funding should be arranged before arriving in Canada. 

International Student Advising

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