Master of Education - (Thesis-Based)

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

Biology is the study of plants, animals and the diversity of life in an evolutionary context. As a Biology student you will gain insight into how organisms interact, how genes are inherited, how creatures evolve and much more. Our programs are practical and hands-on with research and fieldwork opportunities in almost every course to enhance in-class learning.

You will be exposed to the central aspects of Biology including:

• Form and Function
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Biodiversity
• Systematics
• Ecology and Environmental Biology 

You have the freedom to study Biology in a way that suits your career aspirations. You may choose courses that will prepare you to become a professional biologist, or you can combine your biological studies with a major in Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Studies or Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism.

Political Science
Government policies influence virtually every aspect of our lives, from housing to education to crime. Our Political Science program studies the institutions, ideas, practices, and power that shape government and policy at all levels. Students will gain a thorough understanding of political systems - with a particular focus on Canadian politics - and overarching notions of freedom, equality, and justice.

Our goal is to provide a well-rounded Political Science education by applying both theoretical and practical modes of analysis to examine sociological, economic, and historical contexts.

If you have an interest in political systems abroad, you will also have the opportunity to explore the politics of America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Additionally, you will study:

• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Law and Politics
• Public Administration and Policy
• Indigenous Governance
• Comparative Politics

History
The academic and professional pursuit of History is the process of bringing the past to life. The study of History encompasses all aspects of human experience, from wars to celebrity culture, and is constantly evolving as our knowledge and perspectives advance.

As a History student you will have the flexibility to pursue your own interests within the discipline and the ability to regularly collaborate with your professors due to our small class sizes. Our courses provide you with various approaches to the study of History and the necessary skills to analyze any issue within its historical context. You will examine historical topics from North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and South Asia including:

• Aboriginal History
• Digital History
• Environmental History
• Gender History
• International Development
• Political History
• Medical History
• Military History
• Social History

Social Work is a versatile and influential profession that facilitates positive change whether its working to develop social policy, assisting marginalized groups, providing counselling to individuals and families, or promoting social change.

Lakehead University's School of Social Work delivers a generalist undergraduate degree with a northern focus, based on an holistic view of social work practice.

Our courses blend in-class learning with field placements, in settings including correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, schools, or child welfare agencies, designed to develop critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary skills.

As a student at our Thunder Bay campus, concentrations in Indigenous Learning, and Gender and Women's Studies are available to broaden your expertise within the field.

Our program is fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education and will provide you with a challenging and meaningful experience, applicable to a range of professional practice settings.

Women's Studies
The field of Women’s Studies has transformed dramatically since its introduction to Lakehead University in 1990. Alongside women’s experiences and gendered systems, you will examine elements of:

• Sexuality
• Queer Theory
• Law
• Masculinity
• Transnational Activism
• Ecofeminism
• Social Justice
• Pop Culture
• Embodiment

Through these topics and more, it is our goal to demonstrate how people are constrained by various ideological notions and how these notions can be challenged to facilitate equality.

History
The academic and professional pursuit of History is the process of bringing the past to life. The study of History encompasses all aspects of human experience, from wars to celebrity culture, and is constantly evolving as our knowledge and perspectives advance.

As a History student you will have the flexibility to pursue your own interests within the discipline and the ability to regularly collaborate with your professors due to our small class sizes. Our courses provide you with various approaches to the study of History and the necessary skills to analyze any issue within its historical context. You will examine historical topics from North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and South Asia including:

• Aboriginal History
• Digital History
• Environmental History
• Gender History
• International Development
• Political History
• Medical History
• Military History
• Social History

Sociology
The study of Sociology emphasizes the social relationships between people, communities and cultures. By exploring fundamental sociological theories, contemporary thinkers, and a variety of research methods, you will have the opportunity to examine topics including:

• Health and Aging
• Marriage and the Family
• Crime and Deviance
• Media and Popular Culture
• Science and Technology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Education
• Northern Communities
• Discrimination
• Social Change 

Research and hands-on application is at the core of our programs. You will graduate with the necessary skills to facilitate quantitative and qualitative research and to think creatively and inquisitively in order to better understand social patterns, behaviours and issues. 

Our faculty is actively engaged in diverse areas of research such as Gerontology, Education, Health, Demography, Media, Work and Occupations, Social Psychology, and Northern Studies, providing you with well-rounded course options taught by some of the foremost leaders in the field.

It is our goal to enhance your knowledge of the society in which you live and to increase your ability to think independently and critically.  You will graduate with a strong understanding of social interaction, preparing you for success in virtually any profession.

Lakehead University’s Faculty of Business Administration has one of the finest undergraduate business programs in Canada, producing exceptional business leaders through innovative programming that includes mentorship, consulting opportunities, and participation in national and international business competitions.

Information Systems is concerned with the use of emerging information technologies in business organizations. Particular focus in on the analysis, design and use of computer-based technologies in support of day-to-day operations. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of the business applications of information systems in a world increasingly dominated by e-commerce.

The Department of Sociology is committed to fostering the development of socially responsible citizens of the world. We offer a graduate program dedicated to enhancing students' knowledge of the societies in which they live, while increasing their ability to think independently and critically about important social issues.

MA in Sociology: Social Justice Studies Specialization

The Social Justice Studies specialization enables students to conduct original research on social justice issues by drawing on the disciplinary tools provided by Sociology. Students may investigate any topic relevant to social justice studies, by utilizing appropriate theoretical frameworks and research methodologies from Sociology. While a strong foundation in Sociology is emphasized, interdisciplinary work, public engagement, and community activism are also encouraged where appropriate.

Most students opt for the non-thesis option given that it is the standard in most graduate Economics programs in North America. This option consists of eight half courses and an extended research paper. Many students will take six courses during their first year (three in fall, three in winter); two courses in the fall of the second year and complete their extended paper in the winter of the second year.

MA Economics Co-operative Program Option
The purpose of the co-op option is to provide students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and to obtain new insights and educational experiences. Two four-month work terms (which may be taken consecutively) follow the first two terms of study.

To proceed to the co-op option, students must complete at least six half courses chosen from those required for the thesis and non-thesis options.

Contrary to popular belief, the study of English is not simply about books. English is a wide-ranging field of study that uses textual analysis to dig deeper into our society and the world around us.

At Lakehead University, the flexibility of our English program encourages you to follow your own interests within the discipline. You’ll learn about the historical development of English language literature - from the Medieval to the contemporary period - as well as different theoretical approaches to the study of literary and cultural texts.

We offer a broad range of courses including:

• Poetry
• Film
• Popular Culture
• Creative, Academic, and Professional Writing
• Gender Studies
• Children’s Literature
• Fiction

The sustainability of our environment and natural resources is a pressing 21st century issue. Our Honours Bachelor of Science in Resource and Environmental Economics program combines the academic structure of an economics degree with the scientific depth of an environmental science degree to help you understand how economic activity impacts the world around us. In light of growing concerns of climate change, Environmental Economists are in high demand in an effort to improve management strategies.

As a Resource and Environmental Economics student, you will examine resource allocation and decision-making processes with respect to policies related to water quality, air pollution, waste disposal, and climate change. The natural resources component of the program will focus on the economics of resource extraction, resource depletion, and sustainability.

Our program combines fundamentals from the following disciplines:

• Economics
• Environmental Studies
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Biology
• Philosophy
• History

Much like the economy, the environment and the discussion surrounding is constantly evolving. New theories and topics are always emerging in the field, making Resource and Environmental Economics a very exciting and ground-breaking discipline.

Our Department of Visual Arts offers hands-on degree programs that develop both the technical and conceptual skills needed to transform ideas into art. As a Visual Arts student you will learn to: 

• Communicate visually through various media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics 
• Develop studio skills through practical applications 
• Interpret the world, cultures, and daily life through a creative lens 
• Critically analyze visual culture 

In addition to the in-depth study of studio disciplines, our programs also include the study of art history and art theory, professional development, and outreach opportunities with local art galleries and creative organizations 

We are a relatively small Department with a close-knit community of student artists. Our small size allows our faculty to focus on you as an individual artist and offer personal attention within the studio class setting. We also attend a field trip each year to visit museums and galleries, to supplement the structure of in-class learning. Our classes have visited art and cultural centres in Toronto, Chicago, Montreal, Ottawa, Minneapolis, and New York.