Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I do with this degree?

Our graduates are working in education (child/youth and early childhood education) as teachers and administrators, in government (public policy) and in hospitals (health-care givers/support services). Other graduates are continuing their studies in either teachers’ college or PhD programs. Many of our students who want to teach enrol in both a faculty of education and our program since the combination of the two degrees works well.

How long will it take me to complete the degree?

The degree is completed when you have successfully finished the program’s degree requirements and have applied to the university to graduate. The completion time can vary depending on how many courses you take per term.

As a full-time graduate student, the program can be completed in one year taking the maximum course load of four courses each term.

Part-time graduate students are able to complete the program in two years taking the maximum course load of two courses each term.

Are courses offer in the evenings?

Yes.  A selection of courses are offered in the evenings.  For the part-time student, course selection may be limited given individual work-life-study balance; however, the scheduling of courses for each term takes into consideration the ability to complete the Part-time program in two years taking the maximum course load of two courses each term.

For both full and part-time students, courses are taught in a classroom or lab setting either during the day or in the evening.  Courses are scheduled in 3 hour blocks per class over a normal 12-week term in both the Fall and Winter terms.  The Spring/Summer term is broken into two 6-week sessions, but the term (Spring/Summer) is considered one university term.

Is there a residency requirement?

Yes. A student must complete at least 50% of the Program’s degree course requirements, and a major research paper, where applicable, while continuously registered as a graduate student at Ryerson.

How do I find an advisor or supervisor to help with academic and career choices?

A faculty advisor is assigned to each graduate student upon admission to the program. Should you choose the Major Research Paper (MRP) option, an MRP supervisor would take over from your faculty advisor. As part of your application, you are asked to identify faculty in the program who you would like to be your advisor. We suggest you visit the program’s website to review the faculty listing.

When are applications due?  I have missed the first consideration deadline. Does this mean I can’t apply?

The dates are posted at:  www.ryerson.ca/graduate/admissions.

If you have missed the first consideration date, we still welcome your application. Our Graduate Admissions Office continues to accept applications on a rolling basis until all available spaces have been filled.

How can I track the status of my graduate application?

Applicants can monitor the status of the application on-line.  An account identification (ID) number will be emailed to the applicant by the Graduate Admissions Office to activate a user account at: http://www.ryerson.ca/accounts. Note:  you must follow-up with a hard copy of your application to our Graduate Admissions Office as the ID number is generated on receipt of the hard-copy.

When the account is activated, the applicant is able to log-in to https://my.ryerson.ca to view the status of application. This link is also found on the Ryerson University homepage.

When you have logged in to 'my.ryerson.ca' locate the tab 'student centre'.  Go to the right menu of this screen look under 'CheckList' this is where you will find a list of outstanding items (if any). If your file is complete you will see, 'No to do's'.  If you file is incomplete the incomplete documents will be listed and it is advisable for the applicant to follow-up.

In general, the 'CheckList' is refreshed by our Graduate Admissions Office within 5-15 business days after the receipt of a document.  We suggest that you login to your account and check the 'student centre' regularly for updates.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring the submission of all required documents to the Graduate Admissions Office for review.  Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.

You can also update your personal information (such as home address, telephone number(s) and email adresses).  When you have logged into your account, select the tab, 'general info'.