Expanding Access and Opportunity: UM Education Online Delivery for M.Ed. in Language and Literacy

The Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba is pleased to announce an online delivery option of its existing Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Language and Literacy, scheduled to begin in Fall 2026. Designed with accessibility, community engagement, and research excellence in mind, this innovative option offers a thesis-based route for educators across Manitoba and beyond.

“We wish to provide opportunities for people who, for a variety of reasons—especially geographic—might not otherwise have access to graduate studies,” said Dr. Gregory Bryan, one of the group’s core faculty members. “It’s about reducing barriers and making education more inclusive.”

Rooted in access and equity

The decision to provide an online delivery option for the  Language and Literacy concentration was driven by a shared commitment among faculty to extend educational opportunities to rural, northern, and remote communities. Dr. Michelle Honeyford emphasized that this initiative aligns with broader university priorities: “We see this as part of our strategic work with rural and northern communities. It’s about extending the opportunity for educators across the province to be part of the program—and that benefits everyone.”

Dr. Jennifer Watt added, “We’re prioritizing those who might have access issues within the province first, but we’re also open to applicants from across Canada and internationally. The goal is to reach those who can’t regularly come to campus.” While students have the ability to take courses online, they also have the option to attend classes in-person.

A unique thesis-based online experience

Unlike many online graduate pathways that are course-based and often asynchronous, UM’s new offering stands out by providing a thesis route. This allows students to engage deeply in original research within their own communities, supported by a dedicated cohort model.

“This is a meaningful process in graduate-level education,” said Dr. Amir Michalovich. “It’s quite rare to find thesis-based online options in Canada. We’re offering something unique—students will be able to conduct research in their local contexts and be supported throughout the process,” while Dr. Du emphasizes that a thesis project can go beyond written words, “I hope to help students rethink what research in education means and to create opportunities for diverse forms of research to take place in various settings.”

Dr. Watt agrees, “We’ve learned through years of online teaching that we can support students doing thesis work. They’ll be assigned advisors and have opportunities to connect with their cohort, so they won’t feel isolated.”

The online delivery structure includes six courses over two years, followed by thesis proposal development and research. While the coursework is scheduled, the thesis timeline is flexible, allowing students to complete their M.Ed. in approximately three to five years, depending on their circumstances.

A cohort model that builds community

One of the defining features is the cohort model. Students will take each course together, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. “We’ve developed an arc for the courses,” said Dr. Honeyford. “Students will take a course with each of the five faculty members, which is rare and offers a rich, well-rounded experience.”

Dr. Bryan added, “Each of us brings our own passions and areas of expertise. Students will benefit from that diversity, both in coursework and in their thesis work.”

The faculty team includes Dr. Michelle Honeyford, Dr. Gregory Bryan,  Dr. Amir Michalovich, Dr. Xiaoxiao Du, and Dr. Jennifer Watt –  recipient of the 2025 Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Teaching Excellence. Together, they span a wide range of research interests and teaching strengths, ensuring students receive comprehensive support.

Building research capacity across Manitoba

This option is not only about access—it’s about impact. By supporting educators in conducting research in their own communities it aims to amplify local voices and contribute to the broader field of language and literacy education.

“We need researchers throughout the province engaged in important language and literacy work,” said Dr. Honeyford. “This online delivery model develops capacity and supports students in becoming those researchers.”

Dr. Michalovich added, “There’s potential for real impact in the communities these students come from. Their research can be showcased in meaningful ways, both within our faculty and beyond.” 

A strong foundation and forward-looking vision

While the online option embraces innovation, it also encompasses historical perspectives and knowledge of the field. Dr. Bryan highlighted one of the courses he’ll be teaching, which explores the history of reading research over the past 120 years. “It’s important to recognize the past so we can build a better future,” he said.

To support students as researchers, two research courses: Engaging with Research in Education and Language Teacher as Researcher are being offered.

“We’re excited about that,” said Dr. Honeyford. “It allows students to think about research from a language and literacies perspective and prepares them for their thesis work.”

Born from collaboration and experience

The development of the online M.Ed. option was a collaborative effort among faculty, supported by the department head, the Graduate Program committee, the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research, Faculty of Graduate Studies, and university leadership. Dr. Honeyford noted, “This is the first online M.Ed. cohort in the Faculty of Education, so we were navigating new territory. But because the Language and Literacy concentration is well-established, and the cohort courses are being taught in the program already, we were able to build the cohort around them and move things through the process quite smoothly.”

Dr. Watt reflected on the team’s experience supporting online cohorts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a partnership with Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. “We worked with a group of 22 First Nations students who were completing comprehensive projects. Despite the challenges, we supported them online and saw how meaningful that experience was. It showed us that thesis work is not only possible online—it can be incredibly impactful.”

Who should apply?

Educators who are passionate about language and literacy and who may face barriers to accessing in-person graduate education are encouraged to apply. Whether due to geography, family commitments, or professional obligations, this online format offers flexibility without compromising academic rigor.

“This is a part-time commitment,” explained Dr. Watt. “Students will take one evening course per term, making it manageable alongside their work and personal lives.”

Applications are currently open, with a cohort size of approximately 15 students. This option is expected to be in high demand for educators in Manitoba who have, in the past, applied to online courses elsewhere for their M.Ed. studies.  “The response has been phenomenal,” noted Dr. Honeyford.

Looking ahead

While the M.Ed. Language and Literacy concentration is the first to go online, it may pave the way for other M.Ed. concentrations in the future. “This is a bit of a test run,” said Dr. Watt. “We’re fortunate to have a large and committed faculty team right now, which makes it possible.”

Dr. Honeyford added, “We’re seeing interest from other area groups, and we’re hopeful this will inspire further online offerings.”

Most importantly, the Faculty of Education will continue to offer in-person M.Ed.  in both thesis- and course-based routes, ensuring that students have options that suit their needs

Why Choose UM?

Beyond the online delivery structure and accessibility, the faculty’s expertise and commitment to student success make this offering stand out. “We’re designing these courses with students in mind,” said Dr. Honeyford. “We’ll be with them from the beginning of the cohort through to the end, building relationships and supporting their research.”

Dr. Michalovich, who is currently leading a generative AI and digital literacies workshop series, emphasized the relevance of the online focus: “We live in interesting times. The ways we communicate and make meaning are changing rapidly. Literacy education is at the center of that transformation. This is a great time to engage deeply with these issues.”

As the University of Manitoba continues to evolve and respond to the needs of its diverse communities, the launch of the online thesis cohort in  Language and Literacy marks a significant step forward. It’s an offering built on access, collaboration, and a vision for a more inclusive and research-rich future in education.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open. The deadline to apply is November 1.

For more information, https://umanitoba.ca/education/master-education-concentrations

Krystal Stigander