Master of Education in Literacy Education

at Mount Saint Vincent University Canada

English is not just a language we speak; it is an art form, a history, and an expression of thought and being. By studying English you gain a comprehensive understanding of its language and literature, while exploring its connection to other areas of study and everyday life. Through developing invaluable skills in critical reading, writing, analysis, and research, you become more flexible and creative in your thinking as well as improving your abilities as a communicator -- abilities that are an asset for any future career.

Our courses appeal to a wide variety of students-from those who are interested in a particular genre of literature and want to take one or two courses, to those who want to explore a certain theme in more detail, to those wishing to take a minor, concentration, combined major, major or honours in English. In addition, the department offers a minor in Writing. Courses designated ENGL/WRIT may be counted toward either the Writing minor or the English honours, major, combined major, concentration, or minor. Courses designated WRIT can be counted only toward the Writing minor.

Experiential or hands-on learning is integrated into all ENGL/WRIT courses. All courses include activities that are directly relevant to the type of work undertaken by English graduates in their later careers.

Any student wishing to do a major, combined major, or concentration in English, or who wish to minor in English or Writing must consult with the department Chair, who will assign the student to an advisor. The student’s program should be planned in consultation with the advisor. Students wishing to take honours may apply after completing 10.0 units of university study.

As a student in one of our graduate programs, you’ll develop a deep and meaningful understanding of the disciplines of communication studies and public relations–the philosophies, the principles and how these apply to scholarly and professional practice.

Master of Public Relations
This is an applied (non-thesis) program for applicants with undergraduate degrees in Public Relations, Communication, Business, Commerce and related fields. It will prepare you to excel as a practitioner, and to become a leader in your field.

Chemistry is the study of matter; its composition, the changes it undergoes, and the accompanying changes in energy. Chemistry is often called the “central science”, because a basic understanding of chemistry is essential for the study of subjects like biology, physics and ecology.

The Department of Chemistry at the Mount challenges students to be both analytical and creative. Small class sizes and, in many cases, the opportunity to participate in research prepares undergraduate students for their future endeavours; graduate school, medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, to name a few.

Any student wishing to pursue a major or honours program in chemistry should consult the department Chair, who will appoint an advisor to help the student plan an academic program. The department offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry and, in cooperation with Dalhousie University, a joint honours degree in chemistry.

Valid WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) certification is required of all students who wish to take CHEM laboratory courses. WHMIS training sessions will be provided. Please contact your instructor for details.

The Family Studies and Gerontology program offers studies in two areas: (1) Gerontology, which focuses study on issues related to aging, and (2) Family Studies, which encompasses a study of individuals and families across the life course. Students are prepared for a variety of careers in the social welfare, aging policy and family support sectors that focus on prevention, support and community development. For example, graduates of this program are employed in family resource centres, transition houses, senior centres, long-term care facilities, and government departments that develop programs and policies related to issues associated with aging individuals and families across the life course.

The combined major degree is intended for those students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of two disciplines. Students must declare a major or combined major before registering for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not make this declaration within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.

Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour, examining both the biological and social reasons why humans act the way they do.

Program Highlights
Psychology is also one of the more popular subjects to study as an undergraduate student, which means that most universities offer psychology courses. Psychology at the Mount is different than it can be at other schools, for three big reasons:

Our Master of Arts program in Child and Youth Study will help you to develop an understanding of issues that affect children and youth in our region, in Canada, and around the world. In this thesis-based program, you will conduct focused and relevant original research in areas like early intervention, child and youth development, social justice, race and ethnic relations, child and youth health and wellness, play, and more.

Professional skills
This program will help you to become a leader, a researcher, or an educator in this field. Our Master’s program builds on the knowledge and skills that you developed through your undergraduate education and practical experience. In both course work and in thesis research, you’ll delve into the theories that support the practices of professionals who work in the field of child and youth study.

Meaningful research
In the MA (Child and Youth Study) program, you will research issues that affect children and youth, as well as their caregivers, educators, and the many other professionals who work with them. Each student works with a faculty member to develop an original thesis topic, and to research and write a thesis. Recent student research focuses on areas such as children’s experiences of equine therapy, cultural sensitivity and early intervention, including persons with disabilities in faith communities, and more. More about students research (digital commons)

Educational Psychology is the study of the mental processes that allow people to learn—to acquire new knowledge and develop new skills. As you pursue a graduate degree in Educational Psychology, you will develop a deep understanding of the ways that people learn—the processes that allow us to acquire new information, and to develop new skills. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective educator.

In this program, you will develop a wide range of skills, knowledge and dispositions of a professional educator. Your professors will emphasize reflective practice, diverse teaching and learning methods, and professionalism. The degree will prepare you to recognize and value teaching and learning as a vital activity across a variety of workplace settings - both inside the classroom and out.

Program Options:-
You can choose from two programs: the Elementary or the Secondary program. These program options will help you to become a scholar, a teacher or a highly-qualified professional with future leadership potential. Both programs require 10 units of study organized over two years. Read the official Academic Calendar Program Description » 

Elementary - The program examines the young learner and encourages reflective practice. It offers courses in philosophy, social and cultural contexts, as well as core curriculum in subjects such as mathematics, language arts and science. Learn more about our admission requirements>>

Secondary - The program has a strong focus on examining contemporary culture and encouraging critical thinking. As a student, you'll have two focused disciplines within a variety of subject areas such as social studies, English, mathematics, science or French.  Learn more about our admission requirements >>

The Master of Arts program in School Psychology is a speciality program which prepares students to enter the profession of school psychology. The program is designed to address the academic, research and professional practice requirements for registration/licensing as a psychologist in provinces/territories where master’s level preparation is permitted. As well, the program is designed to enable participants to move to doctoral level programs.

The two-year full-time program balances research, theory and practice. It follows a holistic approach to children, youth, and young adults as key collaborators, along with their parents/guardians and other professionals, in addressing their individual strengths and needs within the context of home, school and community.

At the Mount, we are aware that the business world is both thought-provoking and diverse. Our program will equip you with essential leadership skills. These skills will prepare you for your career in business, whether you choose to become an entrepreneur or work in a large corporation, a small business, or a not-for-profit organization.

Our Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is designed to meet your needs and interests. We will provide you with a solid foundation in business, whether you decide to enter into our General Studies Program or focus on a specific area.

Accounting
To earn a BBA with an accounting major, you must complete a total of six full units of accounting courses in your degree program. If you plan on completing the CPA designation after graduation, you should, without question, contact an accounting faculty member to discuss what courses are necessary for entry into the CPA program.