The University of British Columbia

• I am interested in getting a Master's or Doctoral degree. Where should I start?

Prospective students who are interested in pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree should start the application process by reviewing the graduate program offerings through the Faculty of Education web site, identifying a program(s) that interests you and then contacting the administrative unit that offers the chosen program for more information.

• I want to talk to one person who can tell me everything about all Education graduate programs. Who should I contact?

The Faculty of Education does not have one general advisor. Instead, each program's administrative unit has a faculty member known as a Graduate Advisor, as well as a staff member known as a Graduate Secretary, who can advise you.

• I want to choose my program according to the career prospects it offers. Is there someone who can tell me what they are?

For career directions, advice and guidance, please visit UBC Career Services .

• I would like to teach elementary or secondary school. Which programs would enable me to do so?

The Teacher Education Office (TEO) in the Faculty of Education offers diploma and re-certification programs and a Bachelor of Education program. BEd offers students the opportunity to apply for certification to teach in the province of British Columbia. For more information on the Elementary, Middle-Years, and Secondary teaching program options, please visit the TEO website.

• What are the tuition fees?

To learn about current tuition fees, please visit the UBC Calendar's Graduate Student Fees web page.

• Can I obtain my degree through correspondence?

The Faculty's office of External Programs and Learning Technologies (EPLT) offers courses via distance education and also a full online Master's degree the MET). For more information on these courses, please go the EPLT web site.

• My GPA does not meet the minimum admission requirement. How can I raise it before applying for graduate programs?

Prospective students whose GPA does not meet the minimum admission requirement can apply to UBC, through the Faculty's Teacher Education Office (TEO), as an Unclassified Student. This will allow students to take courses until a satisfactory admissions GPA is attained.
Please note, courses used to attain admissions eligibility cannot be transferred into a graduate program for credit. Also, taking classes as an Unclassified Student does not guarantee admission into a graduate program. For more information, please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies' Policies and Procedure web page (Transfer Credit).

• How do I apply for graduation?

Please go to the Student Services' Graduation web page.

• How many courses can I take in Summer Session?

You are allowed to enroll in a maximum of 12 credits during Summer Session. If you wish to take more than 12 credits, you must obtain approval from your supervisor.

• What is the maximum time allowed to complete a graduate degree?

The maximum time to complete a Master's program is 5 years.
The maximum time to complete a Doctoral program is 6 years.

• Can I send photocopies of my transcripts to my program's administrative unit? It's really difficult to get my university to send original transcripts.

You may not submit photocopies of transcripts as part of your admission package. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will only accept transcripts and degree certificates that have either been sent directly from the originating university to UBC, or, if sent by the applicant, they must be received at UBC in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the originating university.

• I have not been to university for many years so it is difficult for me to locate someone who can comment on my academic ability. My current principal is willing to write a reference. Is this sufficient, or should I try and locate my university professors?

The Faculty of Graduate Studies requires three reference letters including an assessment by at least one university instructor. If you have problems obtaining an academic reference, you should contact the Graduate Secretary in your administrative unit.

• Is it possible to transfer credits from another university? What is the maximum number of credits that can be transferred and how do I do it?

Yes, it is possible. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred is 12, providing the credits were not counted toward the completion of another credential, and that at least a B standing (UBC 74%) was obtained. The time limit for eligibility of courses for transfer to a graduate degree program is five years at the time the student commences their program. The student must request the transfer through their pro tem Advisor.

• Can I complete an MA or MEd program by part-time study?

Yes, you can complete an MA or MEd program by part-time study.

• Can I apply for the waiver of TOEFL since I will finish my Master's degree in the States?

If you have a MA or MEd from a recognized North American university, TOEFL is not required.

• What is the time limit on my TOEFL score?

We require an official TOEFL score of 550 or higher, taken within 2 years of the date of application.

• What is the minimum score of TWE?

A minimum score of at least 4.5 is required for Test of Written English (TWE).

• Unfortunately, I have missed my program's application deadline. Is it possible to extend the deadline?

Due to the complexity of the admissions review process, admission deadlines cannot be extended.

• Is it possible to proceed to a Doctoral degree without completely finishing my Master's degree? Will the clock for time-to-completion be backdated to the beginning of the Master's degree?
  

Students who wish to transfer from a Master's to a Doctoral program must have completed one year of study in the Master's program with a First Class average in 18 credits, of which at least ten credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least ten credits must be at First Class standing. A transfer from Master's to Doctoral degree, for example, would only be recommended in very exceptional cases. The student must show clear evidence of research ability. Transfer directly into a Doctoral program is not normally permitted after the first year of study and will not be permitted after the completion of the second year in a Master's program. If a student transfers from a Master's program to a Doctoral program without completing the Master's degree, the initiation of the Doctoral program will be from the date of first registration in the Master's program.

• How is my application assessed?

Potential Faculty supervisors use the following criteria to review applicants who have met UBC's minimum admission requirements: scholastic performance (transcripts), reference letters, statement of purpose, and supervisor's workload. Completed applications of candidates whom the department/units choose to recommend for admission will be forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FOGS) for approval. FOGS will issue the formal offer of admission acceptance to applicants whose admission has been approved. As the number of applicants often exceeds the number of positions available, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Aptitude tests, including the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller's Analogy Test, are not required, but may be submitted for consideration.

• Where do I send my application forms for admission?

Please send FoGS admission application form and the application fee to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. You are highly encouraged to apply online using the Faculty of Graduate Studies' (FoGS) Graduate Studies Online Application web site . Please send two (2) official academic transcripts, a personal statement of purpose, and three (3) reports on applicant (references) to the administrative unit that offers the program into which you are applying.

University FAQs are also available for students new to UBC.