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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Educational Studies - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Program details

Faculty
Education

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Experiential learning
Practicum

Delivery method
Online

Location
Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates
September

Length
Four years

Program load
Full-time

OUAC code
DEJ

Overview

student writing on white board

Our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies with a specialization in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) develops exceptional educators and leaders in careers such as teaching, instructional design, multimedia and e-learning, and EDI consulting. This specialization provides a foundation for recognizing and challenging barriers that contribute to discrimination and oppression in educational settings. 

Our four-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies is an innovative hybrid program (online and in-person courses) designed to provide maximum flexibility and choice. You will develop critical knowledge and skills in educational studies, including foundations of learning, creating digital tools for education, assessment for learning and foundations of equity, diversity and inclusion. Online courses from the Faculty of Education are supplemented with in-person or online electives from other faculties to create a custom program that will enable you to achieve your academic goals. 

This specialization in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion develops expertise with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to recognize systemic, historic and attitudinal barriers that contribute to discrimination and oppression in both workplace learning and classroom settings. Students will use problem-based learning and critical reflection to identify issues, evaluate resources and articulate solutions to EDI issues in Canadian education and society to counter bias and discrimination against under-represented and equity-deserving groups. Our EDI specialization focuses on creating pathways to full inclusion for everyone in education. 

If you are interested in becoming a teacher after completing this degree, you should also apply to the Concurrent Education program (see Admissions below for details on the application process).

Specialization courses

To specialize in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion during the Educational Studies program, you must complete the following four courses in addition to other program requirements: 

  • EDST 2170U – Designing Inclusive Learning Environments
  • EDST 3500U – Unlearning and The Inclusive Curriculum
  • EDST 4500U – Enabling Learning through Technology
  • EDST 4530U – Social Justice Issues in Education

Outcomes

After completing the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies with a specialization in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, you will be prepared to: 

  • Challenge discriminatory practices in various educational contexts and design learning environments to promote full inclusion. 
  • Pursue a Bachelor of Education program to teach K-12. 
  • Pursue graduate school in our Master of Education program.

Admissions

Admissions


Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U).

Note: Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.



Last year's cut-off70 per cent
Expected cut-offLow-70s

Applicants interested in the Educational Studies - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion specialization will apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) using application code DEJ.

Applicants also interested in becoming a teacher must select the Concurrent Education option from the subject of major interest dropdown box.

The application process and important dates/deadlines are outlined on our admissions website:
Ontario secondary school applicants 
Ontario secondary school graduates
Canadian out-of-province high school applicants 
International applicants 
Mature applicants (over 21 and never attended post-secondary) 
Transfer applicants
General Arts and Science (GAS) applicants 
Home-schooled applicants

Program details

Faculty
Education

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Experiential learning
Practicum

Delivery method
Online

Location
Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates
September

Length
Four years

Program load
Full-time

OUAC code
DEJ

Contact information

Career opportunities

  • Adult Literacy Instructor
  • Child-care centres
  • College Educator
  • Digital Learning Specialist
  • Early childhood learning environment design 
  • EDI Consultant
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Instructional Designer
  • Military Trainer
  • Nursery and preschool programs
  • Policy development 
  • Service Organization Educator
  • Workplace/Corporate Educator 

Did you know?

of students are employed within six months of graduation
median upper year class size
  • Sample courses

    • Assessment for Learning
    • Creating Digital Tools
    • Designing Inclusive Learning Environments
    • Foundations of Learning
    • Instructional Design
    • Social Justice Issues in Education
    • Teaching Methods
    • Unlearning and The Inclusive Curriculum
    • Writing and Digital Literacy
    For full program requirements, including required number of credits for completion, program maps and course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar and course selection for the Early Childhood Studies specialization. Courses are subject to change without notice.