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Admissions for Early Childhood Studies (MA)

ECS student doing activities with children

Ready to gain a deep understanding of the issues that affect children and their families? Diverse classroom learning and research opportunities — together with a strong Toronto Metropolitan University community — equip you with the knowledge and experiences needed to pursue a rewarding career in research, practice, policy analysis and advocacy. Prepare to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children, their families and their communities.

To be considered for admission to Toronto Metropolitan University’s Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, you must meet the minimum program requirements:

A four-year honours Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a minimum B grade point average (GPA) in:

  • Early Childhood Education

  • Political Science

  • Disability Studies

  • Social Work

  • Child Development

  • Psychology

  • Child and Youth Care

  • Sociology

We will consider applicants from other relevant disciplines.

If you haven’t taken a course in research methods or do not have a background in research, we strongly advise you to take a qualitative or quantitative research methods course prior to entering the program.

Please note: there are very limited spots available for international applicants.

Applications for fall 2023 are now closed. We will begin to accept applications for September 2024 on October 12, 2023. The first consideration date will be January 19, 2024.

Applicants interested in the full-time program are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applicants to the part-time program are also encouraged to apply by the first consideration deadline, however, currently there is no funding is available for part-time applicants through the program. International applicants MUST apply by the first consideration deadline as applications for international applicants will close on that date.

Once application submissions are open October 12, 2023, we will continue to accept applications by all domestic applicants for September 2024, unless otherwise stated here or all seats are filled. Once you have submitted your online application, you will be emailed instructions within 2-3 business days on how to create your online identity and upload your required documents electronically.

We will start to notify first consideration applicants of admissions decisions in mid-March 2024 and will continue to notify all applicants of an admissions decision on a rolling basis.

At Toronto Metropolitan University, all graduate applications are submitted online. Visit Apply online to learn more about:

  • Submitting your application through OUAC
  • Uploading your documents
  • Monitoring your application

As part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s application process, you must submit:

  1. A 750-word Statement of Academic Interest which includes:
    • Your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in Early Childhood Studies.
    • What research interest(s) you may wish to pursue in the Master’s Research Paper.
    • How your previous studies and experience have prepared you for the MA program.
    • Your career objectives and how the program supports them.
    • Your requested Advisor or potential MRP Supervisor. Include the names of up to three professors from the graduate program faculty with whom you would like to work.
  2. Two reference letters Reference letters are a key component of your application package. Both reference letters must be academic. However, if you have graduated more than three years ago, you can substitute one academic reference (from a professor/instructor) with a professional reference (work-based.) 
  3. Resume/CV After applying online, you’ll be required to upload your resume/CV. Be sure to highlight information that will strengthen your application.

Refer to the Document Checklist for more required documents. Find out how to submit your:

  • Reference letters
  • Transcripts
  • English language proficiency (if applicable)
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume

When you apply, you have the opportunity to request a faculty advisor or supervisor who will support your success.

In your statement of interest, identify up to three graduate program faculty members with whom you would like to work.

Your faculty advisor provides guidance to promote your professional development and intellectual growth. Supervisors support Master’s Research Paper students with their graduate research work, while providing advice, guidance and mentorship.

We assign a faculty advisor to you early on in the fall when you begin the program. Once you complete the first term of the program, you then decide whether to pursue the MRP Stream or Courses Stream. At this point, MRP students must find a supervisor who agrees to supervise their graduate research work, while Courses Stream students will continue on with the faculty advisor they were assigned.