Program Requirements for the MA in Child Study and Education

Our two-year MA offers a unique, research and inquiry-based teacher education program, engaging students in the science of learning and teaching. 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.

Courses

Required and recommended elective CSE MA courses are outlined on the Course List. If a student comes into the program without a course in child development, one must be taken as an elective before graduation (usually HDP1201). Students must also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the acts and regulations with respect to education in Ontario, which is covered in required coursework. Registration in the second year is contingent upon successful completion of all first year work.

Practicum and Internship Placements

Practice teaching experience in the CSE MA program is broad and deep. This experience is a crucial part of acquiring the knowledge and skills to become a successful classroom teacher, and it is the 'laboratory' for applying ideas and connecting research to practice.

In the first year of the program, students have teaching placements in different blocks - mornings only Monday through Thursday throughout the year. Placements provide the opportunity to work across a variety of schools, neighbourhoods and settings: Different grade levels, special needs settings, research classrooms, and early years programs.

In the second year of the program, students have a full-time teaching internship in one of the terms in one setting (full days on Monday and Tuesday, mornings only on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). The internship allows students to develop the range of skills and experiences necessary to lead a classroom. The other term is an academic term.

Depending on career goals, students may wish to select courses and placements that focus on particular areas:

Special Education

Students planning a career in special education may wish to plan for a compressed and discounted Special Education Additional Qualifications Part 1 course available to CSE graduates in the spring following program completion. Interested students should request a placement in a special education setting during their first year of study. In their first or second year of study, students are advised to elect HDP2280 Introduction to Special Education and Adaptive Instruction and to take an additional special education elective.  [More information on Special Education]

Early Childhood

Students interested in a career in early childhood education are encouraged to do a year-2 internship in an early years setting in addition to the required early years placement during the first year. It is also advisable to take an early childhood elective from among those recommended on the Course List, and to register for the 3-week tandem ECE seminar series and infant/toddler placement in the spring (additional fee, doesn't count as an elective). [More information on Early Childhood]

Qualifying Research Paper

Students planning further graduate study in the near future are advised to undertake a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP). A QRP is a requirement for admission into an OISE 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. Completing a QRP does not guarantee admission into a doctoral program. [More information on the QRP]
 

Criminal Record Check

Students participating in practicum placements in Ontario schools are required to complete a full disclosure vulnerable sector police record check prior to having direct contact with children. Students without a completed check will not be permitted to participate in practicum placements. Specific instructions on how to obtain a police check will be communicated to all successful applicants.