Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Arts (Philosophy) in Educational Leadership (MA-EL) is a 45-credit-hour, research-focused graduate program rooted in the Christian faith. It is designed for K–12 teachers and school administrators seeking to build their capacity as educators and leaders through sustained scholarly inquiry. The program combines ICS’s rich history in integrally Christian scholarship with a commitment to inquiry-based learning.

Both programs share the same rich course catalogue and community, but they differ in scope:

• The MA-EL is 10 courses plus the Praxis & Project and a capstone course (45 credit hours), with four available concentrations and a deep research component ideal for those considering doctoral study. Estimated net cost is ~$17,280.
• The MWS-E is 6 courses plus a project and a summative paper OR 7 courses plus a capstone (~21 credit hours), with a practice-oriented emphasis. Estimated net cost is ~$8,560.

The MA-EL provides deeper research preparation. The MWS-E offers a lighter, more affordable pathway. Learn more about the MWS-E →

The MA-EL is designed for current Christian educators who want to go deeper, to produce original scholarship that advances how we think about faith, learning, and leadership. It is ideal for educators considering doctoral study, those pursuing a leadership role in Christian school administration, or those who want to contribute scholarly work to the field of Christian education.

Yes. The MA-EL includes a sustained research component (the Praxis & Project, which serves as the program's thesis equivalent) and a capstone course called Celebrating Joyful Learning, making it ideal preparation for those considering further doctoral study or advanced educational leadership. ICS itself also offers a PhD in interdisciplinary philosophy.

The program is open to current Christian educators who have a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) with an overall average of B+ and proficiency in English.

A complete application includes:

• The completed MA-EL application form
• A 500–1,000 word purpose statement explaining how the MA-EL fits your educational and professional goals
• Official transcripts (sent directly from the issuing institution)
• Two letters of academic or professional reference and one letter of personal reference
• An academic writing sample or sample of professional work

The MA-EL has two annual application deadlines:

• April 1 · for summer or fall start
• November 1 · for winter or summer start

Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but may not be eligible for financial aid.

ICS will accept a maximum of two credit transfers if the courses are deemed to be of an appropriate academic level and fit into your program. Please contact the Academic Registrar at academic-registrar@icscanada.edu to discuss your specific situation.

No. The MA-EL is delivered fully online, so you can study from anywhere. International students are welcome. English language proficiency is required; details can be found on the ICS International Students page. Contact the Academic Registrar for specifics.

Courses are delivered fully online through a blend of asynchronous work and biweekly live Zoom sessions (approximately 6 per course). Communication with instructors is facilitated primarily through discussion boards and email. Each student also receives individualized faculty mentoring throughout the program.

Yes. The MA-EL is designed for working educators and is offered part-time only. It is strongly recommended that students working full-time limit their enrolment to one course per term.

There are two standard pacing options:

• Three + One: Take one course each term over 10 terms (approximately 3 years and 1 month).
• Self-Paced: Take courses at your own pace when it best suits your schedule.

Courses are offered on a rotating schedule, so you can plan your path through the program in advance.

No. The MA-EL is delivered fully online. All coursework, mentorship, praxis, and capstone work are completed remotely.

The MA-EL offers four concentrations:

• Instructional Leadership: a pedagogical concentration for K–12 classroom teachers
• School Administration: an organizational concentration for current and prospective school administrators
• Inclusion: an inclusive practice concentration for teachers and administrators (in partnership with Calvin University)
• Literacy: a literacy concentration for K–12 teachers (in partnership with Calvin University)

The Inclusion and Literacy concentrations are offered in partnership with Calvin University. This collaboration expands your scholarly network and community, giving you access to expertise and resources from both institutions while earning your ICS degree.

You’ll indicate your preferred concentration when you apply, and your early coursework will include the foundational courses shared across all concentrations. The Registrar and program director can help you select the right path during admission. Contact academic-registrar@icscanada.edu for guidance.

The MA-EL is a 45-credit-hour program. At $500 per credit hour (3 credit hours per course = $1,500 per course), the total tuition before bursaries is approximately $21,000. With the $500 bursary available each semester, the estimated net total cost is approximately $17,280. Contact the Academic Registrar for a detailed breakdown relevant to your specific situation.

Several forms of support are available:

• $500 Bursary: available each semester (as applicable) to Canadian students needing financial assistance
• Group Rebate: two or more educators from the same school who register for the same course each receive a $100 rebate on tuition
• Employer Funding: your school may offer professional development funds that can be applied to course fees

Contact the Academic Registrar at academic-registrar@icscanada.edu for details on eligibility and other options.

All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Tuition and fees are subject to change. Contact ICS for the most current fee schedule.

The MA-EL includes the Praxis & Project, a sustained piece of original research that serves as the program's thesis equivalent. Your project may take a variety of forms: a professional development workshop, a podcast series, a curriculum, a playbook, a conference paper, or a journal article. After completing this work, students participate in Celebrating Joyful Learning, the program's capstone course, where they integrate their learning and share insights with peers across all four concentrations. This sustained scholarly inquiry is central to the program and provides ideal preparation for doctoral-level study.

Praxis is a distinctive feature of the MA-EL that bridges scholarly inquiry and professional practice. It involves applying what you're learning to your own educational context (your school, classroom, or leadership role), ensuring that your studies are deeply contextualized and relevant. In the Instructional Leadership concentration, a Guided Study supports your project development under your mentor's supervision.

You will receive a Master of Arts (Philosophy) in Educational Leadership from the Institute for Christian Studies. ICS operates under a charter granted by the Ontario Legislature and is authorized to grant graduate degrees.

Yes. Each MA-EL student receives individualized faculty mentoring throughout the program. ICS faculty are recognized scholars who are also deeply invested in your growth as an educator and researcher.