Certificates 1 and 2 are comprised of 5, three-credit courses. Students are assigned one course per term in the Fall and Winter semesters and take 2.5 years to complete each certificate. There are four cohorts in this program; two meet in Lachine in the evening, one meets near the downtown area in the morning and one is made up of students from distant areas in Quebec and beyond. This online cohort meet in real (synchronous) time for three hours per week for 13 weeks in each semester using a digital platform called Zoom. Certificate 3 includes 1 three-credit course and 2, six-credit projects.
In addition to theoretical content and practical applications, these programs provide excellent networking opportunities within and across cohorts which help leaders in their everyday activities.
Please note that this is a Part time, off campus program and therefore International students can complete this program by distance only. This Graduate Certificates in Educational Leadership are ideally intended for individuals interested in the Quebec context.
Program Overview
The 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership 1 (GCEL I) program addresses the needs of experienced and aspiring school leaders who are taking increased responsibility for the individuals and communities they serve.
The 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership 2 (GCEL II) program explores more deeply leadership theory and educational issues and provides the opportunity for applications in a practicum. Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership 2 should have completed the first certificate.
*Courses between GCEL I and GCEL II are interchangeable.
The 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership 3 (GCEL III) program emphasizes applied research in educational leadership and ways in which educational leadership and associated theories can inform the design, implementation, and assessment of educational programs in schools. The program highlights applied research in the context of teaching and learning in Quebec elementary and secondary schools. Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership 3 should have completed the first two certificates.
*Upon successful completion of all three certificates, students will receive a Cumulative Masters degree
You can view current class schedules via Minerva and obtain tuition information on Student Accounts.
Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Possess an undergraduate degree.
- The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.
- 2 years of relevant leadership experience (not necessarily as a school leader)
NB: Students who have successfully completed GCEL I and GCEL II as of Fall 2010* will be eligible to apply to GCEL III and obtain a Cumulative Masters degree
Admissions
Admissions for all graduate level programs are done online, via uApply. Click on the red "Apply Now" icon to begin the process. Follow the application process for graduate studies, through the Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE).
Deadlines for GCEL I and II:
Fall Admissions- March 1st (Canadian Applicants) and March1st (International Applicants)
Winter 2024 Admissions- September 1st (International Applicants) and October 15th (Canadian and Permanent Residents Applicants)
Deadlines for GCEL III:
Winter 2024 Admissions- September 1st (International Applicants) and October 15th (Canadian and Permanent Residents Applicants)
Required Documents
- A current working CV
- A 1-2 page Letter of Intent, outlining the reasons for pursuing the program (This is a good opportunity to showcase past academic achievements and future plans) If applying to GCEL II and you intend on completing GCEL III to obtain the Cumulative Masters degree, please express this intention in your letter of intent.
- A copy of your unofficial transcripts from all previous university level studies (undergraduate and graduate, other than McGill). Official transcripts are required after the students is officially admitted to the program.
- Two letters of recommendation, that attest to the academic and leadership ability of the applicant [preferably from present or past employers (i.e. school administrators). These letters should indicate how the applicant would fare as a graduate student]. Applicants will be prompted to provide the names and contact information of their referees in uApply. An email request will be generated prompting referees to upload their letter for the applicant.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores Graduate eCalendar (if applicable)
- IELTS with a minimum overall band of 7.0; (with a minimum writing score of 7.0; or
- TOEFL:iBT (Internet-based test) – total score of 92 with a minimum score of 22 each for the Writing and Speaking sections and a minimum of 20 each for the Reading and Listening sections and PBT (paper-based test) – 580
N.B. Applicants are required to submit their scores electronically.
Advisor Contact Info:
Stella Paradisis – GCEL Program Coordinator
gcel.education [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Information)
514-398-4823
Dr. Joseph Levitan– GCEL Program Director
joseph.levitan [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Information)
Program information is organized for two distinct groups:
Prospective Students Currently Registered
