Graduate Studies

Graduate certificate in Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning

This graduate certificate provides advanced, specialized professional education in mindfulness-based teaching and learning (MBTL) at a graduate level to professionals in healthcare, education, workplace training, and social services, including corrections and addiction and mental health services. The 12-credit graduate certificate is delivered over three semesters in a part-time format.

The MBTL program is designed to bring both the research and teaching practice together by immersing students initially in the research across pure and applied contexts and then moving into mindful practices and teacher development. This dual focus of the program is reflected in the fact that the certificate's capstone course (MBTL 721) is focused on doing research and an experiential practice/practicum with an accredited Mindfulness Practitioner.

Graduates come from a variety of professions, including K-12 teachers, adult educators, consultants, and business or health professionals who will be applying their mindfulness research and teaching to their workplace or sector.

Throughout the program, students will be supported by mentors who will help students develop or enhance personal practice and meet the program requirements. These mentors will also help students strategize concerning how to apply of mindfulness in their respective sectors, as well as professional ethics and responsibilities specific to their professional sector.

The program is delivered online in a combination of both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning happens in a virtual classroom at scheduled meeting times (PST). Asynchronous learning is delivered online with no scheduled meeting times.

Entrance requirements

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Relevant majors include, but are not limited to, Adult Education, Business and Human Resources Management, Teacher Education, Social Work, Criminology, Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Child-Youth-and-Family Studies, Counselling Psychology, Kinesiology, and Nursing.
2. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.
3. Evidence of completion of an eight-week mindfulness course.
4. Evidence of completion of a five-day silent retreat.

When to apply

To be considered for Winter semester entrance, completed applications must be received by October 1. Applications received later will be considered as space permits.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply. There is an application fee.
2. Submit additional documents to admissions@ufv.ca. Additional forms are located at ufv.ca/admissions/apply/additional-application-forms.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official transcript(s) documenting completion of a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
   • A résumé (two-page max.).
   • A one-page (max. 500-word) letter of intent (statement of interest) outlining personal and professional experience teaching, facilitating, or leading groups in an employment or voluntary capacity; teaching and practicing mindfulness; and interest in mindfulness.
   • Three letters of reference, preferably one academic, one professional- or employment-related, and one from a mindfulness instructor or retreat facilitator to corroborate participation and suitability.
3. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted. In rare circumstances, admission to the program without the degree requirements may be considered with adequate demonstration of equivalencies through competency-based assessment. Contact the Department of Adult Education for further information.

Fees and additional costs

Please contact the Adult Education department at adulted@ufv.ca for current fees for this program. There will be additional costs for textbooks, retreat accommodations and board for MBTL 710, and, in some cases, for field experience supervision for MBTL 721. See the Fees and Other Costs section for additional information.

Program duration

The four required courses (12 credits) are offered in three semesters; therefore, the time required to complete this program will normally be 11 months.

Dates and location

The Graduate certificate in Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning is a 12-credit, part-time program spread over three semesters, beginning in September and continuing through the Summer semester of the following year.

Program outline

The Graduate certificate in Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning consists of four courses for a total of 12 graduate-level credits.

Note: This course will be offered as the final course of the program in the Summer semester during a five-day residential retreat intensive.

Program requirements and continuance in program

To maintain status as a MBTL program student and to continue in the program, students must maintain a continuance and graduation GPA of 3.00, CGPA of 3.00 on all graduate-level courses attempted, and a minimum grade of B- in every course.

Auditing courses

Students wishing to audit a course must request permission from the instructor no later than 30% of the course duration. No changes from regular to audit status will be permitted after this date. Please note that students taking a course for credit will be given first priority to register for seats in courses. See UFV's Course Audit policy (108) for more information.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Students may be able to obtain credit for prior learning through evaluation of previous studies or learning through experience for a maximum of 25% of the certificate’s total number of credits.

Course withdrawal deadlines

Course withdrawal deadlines follow UFV's Course Withdrawal policy (81). Please see General Regulations for Graduate Studies.

Residency

UFV Graduate Studies policy requires that at least 75% of program courses be taken at UFV. Therefore, a maximum of one course (25%) may be taken at another university for transfer or prior learning assessment credit. This would require advance approval of the Adult Education department and the Associate Vice-President of Research, Engagement and Graduate Studies.

Maximum length of time to complete program

Students must complete the certificate within four years.

Graduation

Candidates who qualify to receive a UFV graduate certificate must be approved by the Adult Education department and the Senate. Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. Visit the Graduation webpage for more information. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by April 30.

Those who complete the Graduate certificate in Mindfulness-Based Teaching and Learning (MBTL) may be eligible to transfer to other graduate programs in education. Please contact the Department of Adult Education or see the MBTL Graduate certificate website for more information.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.