Empowering educators to lead with faith, integrity, and purpose.
Open to all certified teachers, the Master of Education with a Specialization in Catholic Leadership at St. Mary’s University is a fully online graduate program designed to empower educators to become transformational leaders.
Rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and informed by contemporary educational best practices, the program prepares future educational leaders to guide their communities with faith, vision, and integrity. With a format tailored for working professionals, students will engage in meaningful coursework and educational leadership training through real-world projects that directly impact Catholic education in their communities.
Interested in learning more about our Master of Education? Join us for a virtual information session to learn all the details of this exciting new program!
Register for an upcoming session from this link
Who Should Apply?
- Educators seeking leadership roles
- Teachers looking to integrate Catholic values into school administration
- School division leaders nurturing the next generation of Catholic leaders
- Educators committed to advancing inclusive, faith-based education
Key Facts
- 100% Online
- 36-Credit Program
- Designed for working professionals
- Applications for the first Spring 2026 intake (May 2026) are now closed
- Applications for the Spring 2027 intake will open on June 1, 2026
- Course Schedule
- Faculty and Sessional Lecturers – Spring 2026 Cohort
Why Choose St. Mary’s?
A University Rooted in Catholic Identity and Educational Excellence
- The only Catholic university in Western Canada
- Faculty with solid expertise in Catholic education and leadership
- Strong connections to Catholic school divisions across Alberta and beyond
- Faith-affirming curriculum and community
Course Descriptions
EDCI 631 H(3-0) Instructional Leadership in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
In this course, students will develop the instructional leadership skills needed to promote educational reform and to successfully lead district schools. Examine and apply a variety of growth, evaluation and supervision of staff, and assessment techniques for a diverse population.
EDFN 607 H(3-0) Catholic Education in Alberta, Canada, and the World
This course will examine and understand the global mission of Catholic Education in the context of Alberta; review the formation of Alberta in the context of Catholic Education; and examine challenges to past and present Catholic Education; within the Canadian context of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
EDFN 609 H(3-0) Contemporary Issues in Catholic Education
Students will examine and understand the contextual aspects of educational leadership such as school to district culture; commitments to responding to social movements such as Black Lives Matter and policy guidelines such as the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action; and on-going professional growth around topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to living out their Catholic faith in the classroom; school-based wellness; Witness of Charity; Principle of Solidarity; serving diverse learners.
EDLD 553 H(3-0) The Catholic Principalship
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of Catholic principalship, focusing on the spiritual and moral dimensions of leadership, theories of principal leadership, stewardship of learning, instructional leadership, staff capacity building, and change management.
EDLD 555 H(3-0) Theory and Practice in Educational Leadership I
This course assists future and current school administrators to develop leadership competencies aligned to the Alberta Leadership Quality Standard. Based in educational theory, research, and best practice, this course focuses on the development of the following competencies through the lens of a Catholic worldview: Fostering Effective Relationships; Embodying Visionary Leadership; Leading a Learning Community; Providing Instructional Leadership; and Managing School Operations and Resources.
Note: Credit for both EDLD 555 and EDLD 551 will not be allowed. However, transfer credit for EDLD 551 will be awarded as EDLD 555 if the minimum required grade is received.
EDLD 557 H(3-0) Theory and Practice in Educational Leadership II
This course assists future and current school administrators to address the contextual aspects of educational leadership, ranging from school to district culture; the current context of on-going dialogue and reconciliation with Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples; social movements and legislation; and on-going professional growth. Aligned to the Alberta Leadership Quality Standard, this course focuses on the development of the following competencies through the lens of a Catholic worldview: Developing Leadership Capacity, Modelling Commitment to Professional Learning, Supporting the Application of Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, and Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context.
Note: Credit for both EDLD 557 and EDLD 552 will not be allowed. However, transfer credit for EDLD 552 will be awarded as EDLD 557 if the minimum required grade is received.
EDLD 653 H(3-0) Visionary Catholic Leadership
Using the Catholic Education: Marks of an Excellent Catholic Leader, students will engage in self-discovery, personal growth and development through articulating and sharing a living educational theory that informs a vision of Catholic leadership. Topics include faith formation, ethical decision making based on Catholic teachings, etc.
EDLD 655 H(3-0) Professional Practice and Organizational Behaviour in a Catholic Educational Setting
Students will interpret and apply organizational behaviour, educational policy, and professional practice in Catholic schools.
EDPH 501 H(3-0) Philosophical Foundations of Catholic Education
This course will provide a theoretical orientation to a holistic and responsive approach to educational problems and issues informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition.
EDRS 521 H(3-0) Introduction to Educational Research
An introduction to the purpose and value of educational research, students will build competency to read, understand, and apply educational research for educational decision making. The course is based on the premise that research develops and evolves through an interactive process involving prior expertise and ongoing reflection in thinking, doing, and improving practice. Students will gain knowledge in reading and interpreting, research, decolonizing, and indigenizing educational research.
EDRS 623 H(3-0) Designing Educational Research
This course will provide the framework in which MEd students design their research project and engage students in research design and introduces them to the techniques needed to enact the research project. Special attention will be given to qualitative and Indigenous methodologies. Students will gain knowledge in the application of research including ethics, applied methodology, data collection, and data analysis.
EDRS 625 H(3-0) Presentation of Educational Research
This course is designed on a collaborative seminar model that brings together the practices of legitimate peripheral participation and writers’ workshop methodology. During this course students will engage in the process of refining their drafted research findings into effectively communicated research reports and presentations including principles of writing with and about Indigenous Peoples. Students will be expected to engage in the process of critique and refinement of the work of their peers under the direction of the course instructor.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Education program is competitive. Applicants are assessed and admitted on a rolling basis during the application period as all required documents are received.
Applicants must provide evidence of at least two years of successful teaching experience and must have completed a Bachelor of Education degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Required Supporting Documents
1. Resume
- Applicants will be evaluated on the breadth and depth of their educational and leadership experience as outlined in their resume. This includes academic background, professional development, classroom teaching roles, and leadership responsibilities.
- Emphasis will be placed on demonstrated commitment to growth in education settings, including participation in relevant training, workshops, or volunteer work.
- Please email your resume to admissions@stmu.ca with the subject line “LAST NAME, First Name – MEd Resume”
2. Reference Form
- Applicants must submit a reference from a Principal, Superintendent, or other educational administrator. References from family, friends, or individuals who do not fall into one of these categories will not be accepted.
- The reference should include specific examples addressing the applicant’s communication skills, collaboration and respect for others, research and preparation abilities, leadership-readiness, and overall suitability for graduate study and leadership roles.
- All references must be submitted through our confidential online form.
3. Letter of Intent
- Applicants will be assessed on their ability to clearly articulate their professional background, leadership aspirations, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in a 1–2 page letter of intent (maximum of 500 words).
- This letter should introduce the applicant, describe their current role, outline research interests, and demonstrate readiness for graduate study.
- Please email your letter of intent to admissions@stmu.ca with the subject line “LAST NAME, First Name – MEd Letter of Intent”.
4. Academic Records – Transcripts and Proof of Degree
- Applicants must provide official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework and degrees obtained at other institutions. High school transcripts are not required.
- Transcripts from participating ApplyAlberta institutions will automatically be obtained your behalf.
- Transcripts from non-participating institutions will need to be provided directly from the institution to admissions@stmu.ca or sent to St. Mary’s University via mail.
- If your degree conferral is not indicated on your official transcript, then you must provide proof of degree completion (e.g., a photo of your degree parchment) to admissions@stmu.ca.
- Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree(s) at St. Mary’s University do not need to submit transcripts.
5. Evidence of Teaching Experience
- Applicants must provide evidence of at least two years of successful teaching experience, demonstrated through one of the following:
- A valid permanent professional teaching certificate.
- A letter confirming employment in an administrative role.
- A letter confirming employment in a leadership role with a school board.
- Letters must be written by someone other than the applicant, such as a principal, assistant principal, superintendent, department head, or another senior administrator who can speak to the applicant’s role and responsibilities.