University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The Master of Education offers both course-based and research/thesis options, with streams or specialisations that typically include Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, Special Education, Counselling, and Indigenous and Intercultural Education. Core topics covered across programmes include contemporary theories of learning, curriculum design, assessment and evaluation, educational research methods, and equity in education.

Typical modules and activities you may encounter are:

• Advanced educational theory and philosophy — contemporary perspectives on teaching and learning and their classroom implications.
• Research methods — qualitative and quantitative approaches, programme evaluation, and dissertation design for thesis students.
• Curriculum development and assessment — designing, implementing and evaluating curriculum and assessment systems.
• Leadership and administration — school leadership, policy, governance and human resource issues for those on an administration trajectory.
• Specialised electives — topics such as inclusive pedagogy, behaviour intervention, counselling techniques, language and literacy development, or Indigenous pedagogies depending on the chosen specialisation.
• Practicum or applied project — many streams include school- or community-based practica or a major capstone project for course-based students; thesis students undertake supervised research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a four-year undergraduate degree in education or a related field, with evidence of strong academic performance at the senior undergraduate level. For those without an education background, relevant professional experience and prerequisite coursework may be considered.

Typical admissions materials include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of intent or research proposal outlining academic and professional goals.
• Current curriculum vitae or résumé detailing professional experience in education.
• References from academic referees or professional supervisors.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English; the university accepts commonly used English language tests. Some specialisations (for example counselling or certain practicum-based streams) may have additional requirements such as background checks or evidence of prior practicum experience. Admission to thesis-based study depends on the availability of a faculty supervisor with matching research interests.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MEd proceed to a range of roles in education and related sectors. Common career paths include:

• School leadership and administration (assistant principal, principal) — often combined with or leading to additional certification where required.
• Curriculum developer, instructional coordinator or assessment specialist for school divisions, curriculum agencies or publishers.
• Student support roles such as guidance counsellor or special education coordinator (depending on stream and local certification requirements).
• Education policy, programme evaluation and research positions in government, school districts, and non-profit organisations.
• Further academic study (EdD or PhD) leading to careers in higher education and academic research.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan's College of Education combines a long-standing commitment to teacher education with active research in areas such as Indigenous and intercultural education, inclusive practice and educational leadership. The college has established relationships with school divisions across the province, providing practical school- and community-based learning opportunities.

Graduate students benefit from access to faculty supervisors across a range of expertise, interdisciplinary research collaborations on campus, and supports for graduate study including research funding opportunities and professional development workshops. Studying in Saskatoon also offers proximity to diverse urban and rural schooling contexts, enabling applied research and practicum work that reflect the needs of schools in prairie and northern communities.