Looking for a Graduate Supervisor?

Are you thinking about starting a graduate program in education? I created the following notes for prospective students interested in working with me for either a master’s or doctoral degree. First, I will begin by briefly explaining the different degree options for four programs that I am currently involved in:

  • MEd Interdisciplinary Degree, Learning Sciences Special Topic – Leading and Learning in a Digital Age – This a course-based program (non-thesis route) and you do not need a supervisor. Read more about the program that I coordinate (blog post). You can apply the 4 courses from the Learning and Leading in a Digital Age towards the MEd Interdisciplinary degree. Application deadline is usually every year, March 1st
  • MA Degree, Learning Sciences specialization – Consider this Master of Arts program in education if you are looking for a thesis route for your master’s degree. This program requires a supervisor and the supervisor will be assigned to you when admitted into the program. Application is yearly, Dec. 1st
  • EdD Degree, Learning Sciences specialization – Are you a working professional? Complete this doctorate with a combination of summer residency courses and online courses throughout the year. This program requires a supervisor and the supervisor will be assigned to you when admitted into the program. Application is usually every two years, Dec. 1st
  • Phd Degree in Educational Research, Learning Sciences specialization – This is a residency program with most courses offered on-campus. This program requires a supervisor and the supervisor will be assigned to you when admitted into the program. Application is yearly, Dec. 1st

All of the programs are highly competitive and if you would like to work with me as your supervisor, then you might consider the following:

  1. Review the profiles for scholars in the Learning Sciences specialization to find a good fit for your research interests. I recommend reviewing publication lists (e.g., see my Google Scholar profile, institutional profile). You can also connect with me in Twitter (@barbbrown)
  2. Prepare your CV and Admission Portfolio and be sure to include previous degree information, thesis (if applicable), reports, peer-reviewed and professional articles, curriculum documents, conference presentations, awards, research grants or scholarships. Publications should be listed in APA 7 format and include the name of the journal and doi number if available. You can also include links to digital sources, and evidence of prior learning.
  3. Prepare your Statement of Intent and connect your study proposal and research interests to literature in Learning Sciences and to your rationale for requesting specific supervisors.
  4. Select two referees who can comment on your research abilities. Students usually select previous supervisors from undergraduate or graduate research projects or other course instructors and faculty who are familiar with their work and research-based skills.
  5. Submit your requests early on for ALL official transcripts from post-secondary institutions you have attended.
  6. Note: Supervisors are normally appointed at the time of admission so there is no guarantee that you will be admitted into a program or that you will have the supervisor you requested.
  7. This is not intended to be a complete list of requirements and only a starter list so you can start to prepare early. Check the faculty of graduate studies website for more details about the application requirements.

I hope this information is helpful for you as you consider applying for a graduate program in education!