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. Students are prepared over the duration of the program to complete an inquiry project with a related field experience during a capstone course (MBTL 721).

The program offers flexible pathways to a range of mindfulness teaching credentials, including MBSR and MBCT practitioner certification. 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.

At its core, mindfulness entails attending to moment-to-moment experiences in a non-judgmental manner, thereby enhancing a range of health and learning outcomes, including the ability to self-regulate as individuals and as organizations. Students are expected to maintain and deepen personal mindfulness practices to embody as mindful teachers, facilitators, and leaders. Students will be supported to follow individualized pathways that support employment and professional advancement by refining skills and abilities as teachers or clinicians and as professional leaders capable of enacting organizational change and mindfulness programming in their respective communities of practice.

The program is delivered in a unique hybrid model that combines online with face-to-face classes in which distance learners are given access through a synchronous videoconferencing online platform. The program and delivery model support the formation of professional and inter-professional networks of mindfulness experts and professionals, one of the first of its kind in North America.

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. A short résumé (maximum two pages) and a letter of intent (maximum one page or 500 words) that includes evidence or details of applicants' experience with the following, including the name of the organization, teacher, or supervisor where applicable. Please highlight these areas so they are easy to identify:
   • Teaching, facilitating, or leading groups in an employment or voluntary capacity;
   • Information concerning any eight-week mindfulness-based program completed (see Note), including academic and non-academic courses at UFV, such as ADED 421, 422, 423, or CYC 275 or MBSR courses offered through Continuing Education; and/or
   • Other experiences with mindfulness. Please specify any daily practice and any completed silent meditation retreats (see Note).
3. Three letters of reference (optimally a mix of academic, professional, and practice references).
4. 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.

Note: Completion of an eight-week mindfulness program and a silent retreat are prerequisites for the final course, MBTL 710, which will be offered in the Summer semester.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply. There is an application fee.

   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.) and 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.
2. 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.

One course is offered each term, with the exception of the Summer, when MBTL 721 is offered the Spring section (May–June) and MBTL 710 is offered in the Summer (July). MBTL 710 will be offered in a shortened period of time, usually five days, as a residential retreat. Distance students will be expected to attend this week-long session.

The hybrid delivery model means the program is self-directed with approximately 75% online and approximately 25% face-to-face with videoconferencing options available for distance learners to participate in these classes.

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. An eight-week mindfulness course (or equivalent) and a five-day silent retreat are prerequisites.

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.

Graduation requirements

Candidates who qualify to receive a UFV graduate certificate must be approved by the Adult Education department and the Senate. Students must submit a Request for Graduation form to the UFV Office of the Registrar by April 1.

Maximum length of time to complete program

Students must complete the certificate within four years.

Additional credentials and pathways

As part of the intake process, students will be asked to identify if they are seeking any specific mindfulness program facilitator qualifications. The program has been designed to accommodate most of these, including the two most popular programs (outlined below):

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) specialization

This qualification is intended for those teaching mindfulness to healthy populations or those suffering from pain- or stress-related injuries or health challenges. It is focused on teaching mindfulness practices, attitudes, and intentions in community, professional, or health education contexts.

To qualify as an MBSR facilitator, students will need to complete the following:

• Complete an eight-week MBSR course (many options available).
• Identify this goal early on the program and request placement in an MBSR pod (an inquiry group that students will be assigned to or join early in the program).
• Complete a project for MBTL 708 based on MBSR curriculum and inquiry.
• Facilitate groups in MBTL 710 using MBSR approaches and practices.
• Complete the inquiry project and the field experience in MBTL 721 by delivering at least one complete eight-week MBSR course supervised by a qualified MBSR supervisor (11 hours of supervision).

All other requirements are met by the structure of the program.

If and when these requirements are met, students will be identified as having the MBSR facilitation specialization on their transcripts.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) specialization

This qualification is intended for facilitators working with clinical populations, including those suffering mental health and addiction challenges. It is focused on teaching mindfulness practices, attitudes, and intentions to individuals or groups in clinical settings.

To qualify as an MBCT facilitator, students will need to complete the following:

• Enter with an appropriate clinical degree, completed or near-completion (Nursing, Social Work, Medicine, Psychology, Counselling), or with relevant work experience.
• Complete an eight-week MBCT course (many options available).
• Identify this goal early on the program and request placement in an MBCT pod (an inquiry group that students will be assigned to or join early in the program).
• Complete a project for MBTL 708 based on MBCT curriculum and inquiry.
• Facilitate groups in MBTL 710 using MBCT approaches and practices.
• Complete the inquiry project and the field experience in MBTL 721 by delivering at least one complete eight-week MBCT course supervised by a qualified MBCT supervisor.

All other requirements are met by the structure of the program.

If and when these requirements are met, students will be identified as having the MBCT facilitation specialization on their transcripts.

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.