Program: Education in the Digital Age, Graduate Diploma - Ontario Tech University

General information

At the university, graduate programs in Education are designed specifically to prepare future leaders and specialists in learning and technology. The Graduate Diploma in Education in the Digital Age is unique and at the leading edge in both its objectives and approaches to learning online. The program deals with the most recent issues around the interactions between digital technology and education. Our professors approach these issues using techniques that favour collaborative learning, social construction of knowledge, and authentic assessment. The focus on Education in the Digital Age builds on the institutional strengths of information and communication technologies at the university.

Students take their courses completely online, which includes weekly video conferencing meetings.

A current list of graduate faculty is available on the Faculty of Education’s website.

Admission requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , Graduate Diploma in Education in the Digital Age applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements:

Hold either a four-year honours degree from a Canadian university or a three-year university degree plus a Bachelor of Education degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
Overall academic standing of at least a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale), with a minimum B in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent.
If applicable, a minimum score of 560 on the paper-based TOEFL, 83-87 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS. Visit the English language proficiency section of this calendar for additional details.

Please note that an admission interview may also be required.

Supporting document requirements

In addition to the general supporting document requirements for graduate studies, all applicants to the Education programs must provide the following:

A curriculum vitae (CV).

Part-time studies

This program is particularly well suited for candidates holding part-time or full-time employment who wish to pursue studies in education at the graduate level on a part-time basis. Not only do all courses make use of web-based tools for information and communication in the usual manner, but students also meet with their colleagues and professors on a regular basis using a powerful and user-friendly videoconferencing system. All meetings are scheduled during weekday evening hours. Since all meetings can be conducted online, students can complete the entire program from home, eliminating time and distance constraints.

Graduate diploma requirements

Students in the graduate diploma program must complete four courses for a total of 12 credits. Course options are included below. The four courses must be completed within a three-year period with a minimum passing grade of B-minus in each course.

Course listing

Core courses

EDUC 5001G - Principles of Learning (required for all MA and MEd students)
EDUC 5002G - Introduction to Research in Education (required for all MA and MEd students)
EDUC 5003G - Research Proposal Seminar (required for all MA students)

Theme 1 - Education and Digital Innovation

Theme 2 - Innovative Leadership in Education

Theme 3 - Critical Explorations in Learning

Theme 4 - Mental Health and Wellness

Theme 5 - Equity and Inclusion in Education

Transfer options

Students who have completed the graduate diploma program and wish to be considered for admission to the MEd can have up to six of the 12 credits counted toward the master’s degree. Students who are currently enrolled in the graduate diploma program and wish to switch to the MEd may apply for admission. If an offer of admission is granted, they may transfer all of their credits from the diploma program to the master’s degree. In this case, they would not receive the graduate diploma. Students who have completed the university’s MA or MEd, or an equivalent program, and wish to enrol in the graduate diploma program may transfer up to six credits toward the diploma, depending on the courses they have taken in their master’s program.