University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced study of curriculum theory with practical and research-based approaches to curriculum design, assessment and implementation. Core themes include curriculum philosophy and history, curriculum policy and governance, contemporary approaches to teaching and learning, and the relationship between curriculum and assessment.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Curriculum theory and history: foundational and contemporary perspectives on curriculum development.
• Educational research methods: qualitative and quantitative methods, and research design tailored for curriculum inquiry.
• Assessment and evaluation: programme evaluation, classroom assessment practices and measurement issues.
• Inclusive and culturally responsive curriculum: Indigenous perspectives, equity, diversity and social justice in curriculum design.
• Instructional design and technology: integrating digital tools and learning design principles into curricula.
• Policy, leadership and change: curriculum policy analysis, implementation strategies and leadership for curricular change.

Students normally choose a route that reflects their goals: a thesis pathway for in-depth research, a major research paper or project for applied curriculum work, or a course-based option. The programme is flexible to accommodate full-time and part-time study and typically involves seminar courses, supervised research, and applied projects or practicum experiences where appropriate.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in education or a related discipline, often with an honours or equivalent standing. Practical experience in teaching or educational work is highly valued and may be required for some streams.

• Academic credentials: a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent; a degree in education or substantial coursework in education is advantageous.
• Grade-level expectation: a competitive cumulative grade point average from previous post-secondary studies; minimums are set by the faculty and assessed on an individual basis.
• Professional experience: prior classroom experience or relevant work in education strengthens an application, particularly for applied pathways.
• Research proposal/statement: a statement of research interests or personal statement describing goals, proposed area of study and fit with supervisory expertise.
• References: academic and/or professional references attesting to the applicant’s suitability for graduate study.
• English language proficiency: proof of English language ability is required for applicants whose first language is not English; accepted tests and minimum scores are set by the university.

Applicants should consult the College of Education’s graduate admissions page for full documentation requirements and for information about contacting potential supervisors before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Curriculum Studies master’s programme move into a range of roles across educational settings. Typical career pathways include:

• Curriculum developer or coordinator for school divisions, ministries of education or educational publishers.
• Instructional designer for post-secondary institutions, corporate training units or e-learning providers.
• Educational consultant working on programme evaluation, assessment policy or professional learning for teachers.
• School or district leadership roles such as curriculum lead, professional learning coordinator or vice-principal/principal positions.
• Policy analyst or researcher in government departments, NGOs or think tanks focused on education policy and reform.
• Teacher educator or doctoral study preparation for those pursuing a PhD in education or related research careers.

The programme’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, Indigenous and inclusive curriculum perspectives, and research skills prepares graduates to contribute to curriculum innovation and educational improvement in diverse contexts.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Education has a long-standing commitment to research and practice in curriculum and pedagogy, including strong expertise in Indigenous education and rural/remote schooling contexts. Graduate students benefit from close supervision by faculty engaged in curriculum research, access to interdisciplinary centres and partnerships with local school divisions.

Additional strengths include a supportive graduate community, opportunities for applied research projects with partner organisations, and access to the university’s research libraries and resources. The college’s location in Saskatchewan provides a context for exploring curriculum issues relevant to northern, Indigenous and prairie communities, making it well suited for candidates interested in context-sensitive curriculum work.