Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Worldview Studies in Education (MWS-E) is a flexible, faith-rooted graduate degree designed for K–12 teachers and school administrators who want to grow as thoughtful practitioners and courageous leaders while continuing to work full-time. It is offered by the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS) in Toronto.

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

• The MWS-E is 6 courses plus an action project and a summative paper OR 7 courses plus a research paper (approximately 21 credit hours), with an applied, practice-oriented research emphasis. Estimated net cost is ~$8,560.
• The MA-EL is 10 courses plus a praxis and project (45 credit hours), with a deeper research focus designed as preparation for doctoral study. Estimated net cost is ~$17,280.

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

The MWS-E is designed for current Christian educators (classroom teachers, department heads, curriculum coordinators, and school administrators) who want to think more deeply about their practice, grow professionally, and integrate their faith with their vocation as educators.

The MWS-E is committed to:

• Being Biblically informed and focused on the love embodied by Christ
• Being deeply contextualized and relevant for educators
• Aligning with your own professional passion and practice
• Pursuing wisdom through sound methods

Because both programs share the same course catalogue, courses completed in the MWS-E may be credited toward the MA-EL. If you find you want to pursue a deeper research path or prepare for doctoral study, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Edith van der Boom, at evanderboom@icscanada.edu to discuss a pathway forward.

Applicants need a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) with an overall average of B+, along with proficiency in English. The program is designed for current Christian educators.

A complete application includes:

• The completed application form
• A 500–1,000 word purpose statement explaining how the MWS-E fits with 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 MWS-E offers three entry points per year:

• April 1 · Summer start
• August 1 · Fall start
• December 1 · Winter start

Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Program Director, Dr. Edith van der Boom, for details.

No. The MWS-E is fully online, so you can study from anywhere. International students are welcome. English language proficiency is required. Please contact the Program Director, Dr. Edith van der Boom, at evanderboom@icscanada.edu for specifics about international admission and any documentation requirements.

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 Program Director, Dr. Edith van der Boom, to discuss your situation.

Courses are delivered fully online through a blend of asynchronous work (readings, discussion boards, assignments) and biweekly live Zoom sessions (approximately 6 per course). This format is designed to fit around a full-time teaching schedule.

Yes! The program is specifically designed for working educators. It is offered part-time only. At a pace of one course per term, the MWS-E can be completed in about 2.5 years. You may also extend your timeline to a slower pace that better suits your schedule.

Typically about 2.5 years at a pace of one course per term. Students may extend their timeline depending on course load and scheduling needs.

No. The MWS-E is fully online. All coursework, live sessions, mentorship, and capstone work are completed remotely.

Tuition is $500 per credit hour (3 credit hours per course = $1,500 per course). With the $500 bursary available each semester, the estimated net cost ranges from approximately $7,060 (Pathway A) to $8,560 (Pathway B), depending on which capstone pathway you choose.

ICS is a community-supported institution. A $500 bursary is available each semester to help make graduate education accessible for working educators. Contact the Program Director, Dr. Edith van der Boom, for details on eligibility.

Your school or employer may offer professional development funding that could be applied to course fees. ICS also offers a group rebate: two or more educators from the same school who register for the same course each receive a $100 rebate on tuition. Contact the Program Director, Dr. Edith van der Boom, at evanderboom@icscanada.edu for other options relevant to your situation.

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

You can choose the pathway that best fits your goals:

• Pathway A, Action Project: 6 courses + an Action Project + a summative paper. Ideal if you want to apply your learning directly to your school or classroom context.
• Pathway B, Research Paper: 7 courses + a major research paper. A good fit if you want a more sustained academic research experience.

You will receive a Master of Worldview Studies in Education (MWS-E) from the Institute for Christian Studies. ICS operates under a charter granted by the Ontario Legislature and is authorized to grant graduate degrees.

The MWS-E is primarily designed for professional growth rather than doctoral preparation. If you are considering a PhD in the future, the MA-EL may be a better fit, as it includes a deeper research component. That said, MWS-E courses can potentially be credited toward the MA-EL should you decide to pursue that path later.