Aboriginal Education – Graduate

Aboriginal Educational Counselling
M.Ed. in Counseling for Aboriginal Communities and Schools
Graduates of this program will have the necessary background to provide culturally responsive counseling to Aboriginal communities and in schools. This program is community-based and developed with the support and guidance of local Aboriginal communities.

Environmental and First Nations Science Education
M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies
Three Summers Graduate Program in Environmental & First Nations Education
Co-Directors: Dr. Gloria Snively & Dr. Lorna Williams

Academic Inquiries: Contact Gloria Snively, Faculty of Education (250) 721-7764, gsnively@uvic.ca.

The aim of the Graduate Program in Environmental and First Nations Education is to draw people from diverse backgrounds to work together in learning about the forest and ocean environments, respecting the cultures of Aboriginal people, and educating future citizens to make wise decisions regarding long-term sustainable communities and environments. This program is open to students with two years teaching experience in the public school system or students with two years of related educational experience (e.g., park interpretation, museum education, First Nations applications, or public environmental education).

Program Description

Students are required to attend an introductory summer program on environment, culture and community relationships offered off-campus in a total immersion, field-based format. The second summer is on campus at the University of Victoria, and the third summer is at Bamfield Marine Biological Research Station. Registration is limited to 20 students.

Course work will normally be completed in three consecutive summer sessions. Students will receive a M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies with an emphasis in Environmental and First Nations Education. The M.Ed. program involves 15 units of course work and a 3-unit project.

Admission Requirements

The program seeks out students with excellent academic and experiential records in disciplines related to environmental education and/or First Nations education, with a preference for students who have experience related to Aboriginal communities, environmental and or First Nations education and/or nature interpretation. To be reviewed for admission, students must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and must submit an application for admission, a 2-3 page statement of professional work and goals, a current resume, two references and official transcripts of prior academic work.

Prospective students who do not meet the normal admission requirements will be considered on an individual basis, providing they have a Bachelor's degree. Educational history, cultural knowledge, work experience, educational goals and achievements that indicate an ability to succeed at university will be considered.

NOTE: No new students will be accepted into the current program which will end June 2007. The program may be offered again in subsequent years.