CSE Masters of Arts Course Requirements

The two-year M.A. offers a non-thesis, research-based teacher education program at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, a centre of professional teacher training and research in childhood and education, including a Nursery through Grade 6 Laboratory School. Eligible graduates are recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers for a Certificate of Qualification, which qualifies the holder to teach in the primary and junior divisions of Ontario schools.

During the first year of study, students will complete four six-week placements in 1) Kindergarten or Nursery 2) Grade 1-3 3) Grade 4-6 and 4) a placement aligned with interests and goals. A fifth placement in the spring is optional for those who would like more experience. Students are in practicum placements in the mornings Monday through Thursday each week. In the second year of study, students will complete a one-term internship in the Jackman ICS Lab School or in another elementary classroom.

The Internship term consists of full days on Monday and Tuesday and mornings only Wednesday through Friday.  Year-1 and Year-2 sample schedules are posted on the Jackman ICS website. 

First Year Required Courses

• APD2200Y - Child Study: Observation, Evaluation, Reporting, and Research
• APD2201H - Childhood Education Seminar
• APD2210Y - Introduction to Curriculum I: Core Areas
• APD2220H - Teaching Practicum
• Plus - Two elective half courses (one each term)
• Plus - Full-year religious education course if interested in teaching in the Roman Catholic Separate School Board (does not count as elective; offered through OISE’s Continuing Education Department; separate fee)

Note: Students without an undergraduate course in child development must take APD1201H Child and Adolescent Development as one of their electives.

Second Year Required Courses

Registration in year two is contingent upon successful completion of all year one work.

Academic Term:   

• APD2211H     Theory and Curriculum I: Language and Literacy
• APD2212H     Theory and Curriculum II: Mathematics
• APD2214H      Introduction to Curriculum II: Special Areas
• Plus One elective half course

Internship Term:  

• APD2221Y     Advanced Teaching Practicum
• APD2202H     Childhood Education Seminar II: Advanced Teaching
• Plus One elective half course

In addition, students must demonstrate knowledge of the acts and regulations respecting education in Ontario (addressed in APD2202).

Depending on career goals, students may wish to select courses and placements to focus on particular areas like Special Education and Early Childhood. Please refer to the Jackman ICS website for information on recommended electives.

Special Education

Today’s classrooms are increasingly diverse in nature. We believe that it is important for all teachers to have a solid foundation in special education and adaptive instruction. Hence, we highly recommend that all of our teacher candidates complete

1) APD2280H Introduction to Special Education and Adaptive Instruction,

2) a six-week placement in special education and

3) an additional elective in special education. Recommended elective options are listed on the Jackman ICS website. Please refer to the CSE Practicum Handbook for information regarding Additional Qualifications in Special Education. We offer fresh graduates an opportunity to take a condensed version of the Special Education Part 1 AQ at a reduced cost.

Early Childhood

After graduation, some students choose to work in the area of early childhood education. In order that individuals anticipating future early years employment are adequately prepared, it is highly recommended that they complete

1) a six-week early years placement in Year 1 (Nursery, JK or SK),

2) an internship in Kindergarten or in a Kindergarten/child care integrated program in Year 2,

3) a 3-week full-day in a child care setting with infants and toddlers in tandem with a 12-hour intensive ECE seminar series (additional fee*) offered in April/May Year 1 or Year 2 as a fifth practicum block during April/May,

4) at least 1 graduate level early childhood elective from the AP&HD course list - refer to the Jackman ICS website for a list of recommended ECE electives.

Graduates wishing to obtain Early Childhood Education credentials may apply for membership with the College of Early Childhood Educators and receive designation as an RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator). A one-time application fee and an annual membership fee applies.
*The seminar/placement and fee structure may change in 2013-14.

Qualifying Research Paper

Students planning further graduate study in the future are advised to consider completing a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP).  A QRP is a requirement for admission into a doctoral program when the applicant has not completed a master’s thesis.  A completed QRP demonstrates that the applicant is capable of conducting research and writing at the level required. 

Successful completion of a QRP does not guarantee enrolment in a doctoral program within AP&HD or elsewhere.  Students must submit an application for the doctoral program.

For more QRP details, please email cse.program@utoronto.ca or contact:

Vanessa Dane
MA Program Liaison, Child Study and Education
The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study
OISE-UT
Tel: 416-934-4525
Email: vanessa.dane@utoronto.ca