McGill.CA / Integrated Studies in Education / First Nations & Inuit / Professional Development / B.Ed. for Certified Teachers

Prospective Students - B.Ed. for Certified Teachers

Admission Information

Applicants apply on the basis of having completed the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit or equivalent and must have the continued support of their education authority to attend the field-based program. The right of final decision for acceptance of candidates rests with McGill.

This program is offered through community partners - there is no direct admission. For more information about partners and how to create a partnership with McGill First Nations and Inuit Education, see our Partners page.

Program Description

This 90-credit program is designed for teachers who are already certified to teach in elementary schools and who wish to earn a Bachelor of Education degree. Normally, a minimum of 60 credits must be taken in the program, and no more than 30 credits may be transferred from other institutions. Credits may be transferred from programs leading to the certificates in Educational Technology, Second Language Teaching, Inclusive Education, or Indigenous Language and Literacy Education taken concurrently. Credit may also be transferred from the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit, which is normally completed before the B.Ed. Students completing the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers following the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit will have accumulated a total of 120 credits, 60 for the certificate and a further 60 for the B.Ed.

The Certificate in Indigenous Language and Literacy Education, the Certificate in Middle School Education in Indigenous Communities, or the Certificate in First Nations and Inuit Educational Leadership may be taken concurrently and completed within the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers if the required B.Ed. profile is fulfilled.

This program does not lead to further certification.

More information about the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers - Elementary Education: Indigenous Education (program requirements, a full list of courses and course descriptions) can be found below.

Elementary Education: Indigenous Education (B.Ed. for Certified Teachers) (90 credits)

Offered by: Faculty of Education   
Program credit weight: 90 credits

Program Description

This 90-credit program is designed for teachers who are already certified to teach in elementary schools and who wish to earn a Bachelor of Education degree. Normally, a minimum of 60 credits must be taken in the program, and no more than 30 credits may be transferred from other institutions. Credits may be transferred from programs leading to the certificates in Educational Technology, Second Language Teaching, Inclusive Education, or Indigenous Language and Literacy Education taken concurrently. Credit may also be transferred from the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit, which is normally completed before the B.Ed. Students completing the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers following the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit will have accumulated a total of 120 credits, 60 for the certificate and a further 60 for the B.Ed.

The Certificate in Indigenous Language and Literacy Education, the Certificate in Middle School Education in Indigenous Communities, or the Certificate in First Nations and Inuit Educational Leadership may be taken concurrently and completed within the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers if the required B.Ed. profile is fulfilled.

This program does not lead to further certification.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Complementary Courses

Candidates enrolled in the program complete 90 credits within the following general pattern.

Academic Concentration (30 credits)

30 credits in five (5) subject areas relevant to elementary education in a 12-9-3-3-3 pattern (i.e., 12 credits in one subject, 9 credits in a second subject, and 3 credits in each of three (3) other subject areas), or 30 academic credits in three subject areas in a 15-9-6 pattern.

Note: Subject areas relevant to elementary education, in broad terms, are the Arts (Art, Music and Drama), English, French, Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, Moral and Religious Education, Social Studies, Educational Technology, or an Indigenous language.

Cultural Development (15 credits)

15 credits of courses that will enhance the candidate's cultural development. These are to be chosen in consultation with the Director of Programs in First Nations and Inuit Education.

Education Concentration (30 credits)

30 credits. Normally the Education concentration is completed within the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit.

Electives (15 credits)

15 credits selected by the candidate after consultation with the Director of Programs in First Nations and Inuit Education.

Course Delivery Method

The Office of First Nations and Inuit Education works collaboratively to structure the course delivery method with the Partner. The sequence of courses, the location, the dates are all decided together- McGill and the Partner. The programs are customized to meet the McGill requirements as well as the Partner’s needs. Examples of course delivery methods include; face to face courses, blended courses using technology for follow up and support, community based as well as courses offered on McGill campus. The uniqueness of the course delivery method is the attentiveness that is paid to the students’ learning and well-being.

OFNIE Contact Information

Stephen Peters
Director, Office of First Nations and Inuit Education
Tel.: (514) 398-4527 Ext. 00859
ofnie.education [at] mcgill.ca (Email)

Jim Howden
Assistant Director, Office of First Nations & Inuit Education
Tel.: (514) 398-4527 Ext. 09855
ofnie.education [at] mcgill.ca (Email)

Program information is organized for two distinct groups:

Prospective Students   Currently Registered

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