MEDS is the largest graduate program in Canada that focuses on measurement, evaluation, and data science. MEDS has five full-time faculty members who all have active and well-funded research programs.

MEDS offers a variety of required and elective courses through the Faculty of Education and other programs, including Computing Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Psychology, and Linguistics.

MEDS is affiliated with the largest measurement and evaluation research centre in Canada, the Centre for Research in Applied Measurement and Evaluation (CRAME).

MEDS students are an integral part of the teaching and research conducted by the faculty and are afforded a broad range of both theoretical and applied learning opportunities through research/teaching assistantships, internships, and statistical consulting.

MEDS welcomes students to a supportive and collaborative program environment, where they become part of the large MEDS alumni network.

All graduate students in the MEDS program will develop:

• a solid knowledge base in psychometrics, research methodology, evaluation, and data science as well as the ability to apply their skills to the abundant job opportunities available in these areas;
• critical and analytical thinking skills about research and practices in cutting-edge educational applications;
• hands-on skills in developing, using, and applying state-of-the-art technology in measurement, evaluation, and data science;
• the ability to conduct sound, high-quality research to inform the construction, interpretation, and validation of large-scale and classroom assessment practices; and
• communication and knowledge translation skills required to disseminate high-quality research outcomes through impactful peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations.

Students interested in pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Measurement, Evaluation, and Data Science (MEDS) have two options: course-based or thesis-based.

The purpose of the course-based program is to provide students with a solid foundation in measurement, evaluation, and data science through extensive coursework. The program requires 8 courses and a capping project. Capping projects are not independent research projects and thus they can be very diverse. For example, they can include a literature review, a short demonstration, or the development of an instructional module. This program is taken by students who do not plan to pursue a PhD degree in MEDS. Students in the course-based program can enroll in either a full-time or a part-time program.

By comparison, the purpose of the thesis-based program is to provide students with a solid foundation in measurement, evaluation, and data science through both coursework and independent research. Students in this program must complete 7 courses and conduct thesis research. A Master's thesis involves conducting independent research which includes a literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis, and conclusions and implications. This program is taken by students who want the option of pursuing a PhD degree in MEDS. Students in the thesis-based program can only enroll full-time.

Please note that both the course-based and thesis-based MEDS programs are not online programs. If you have any questions regarding the differences between course-based and thesis-based programs, please contact the MEDS program coordinator. In addition, prospective students are advised to contact the faculty members they are interested in working with before applying for the MEDS program.

Eight 3-credit courses, including the following three required courses:

• EDPY 500 Introduction to Data Analysis in Educational Research *3
• EDPY 501 Introduction to Research Methods *3
• EDPY 507 Measurement Theory *3

In addition to the three required courses listed above, students must complete at least five more 3-credit courses related to their area of specialization and a capping project (EDPY 903).

View MEd Program Planning Sheet

• EDPY 501 Introduction to Research Methods *3
• EDPY 505 Quantitative Methods I *3
• EDPY 507 Measurement Theory I *3

In addition to the three required courses listed above, students must complete at least four more 3-credit courses related to their area of specialization and a thesis.

View MEd Program Planning Sheet

Students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Measurement, Evaluation, and Data Science (MEDS) must have completed a thesis-based Master's degree in MEDS or in a related field. In addition to completing a thesis-based Master's degree, students should contact one of the faculty members in the MEDS program to discuss their research interests and program goals before applying. Students in the doctoral program can only enroll in a full-time program.

If you have any questions regarding the doctoral program or the application process, please contact the MEDS program coordinator. In addition, prospective students are expected to contact the faculty members they are interested in working with before applying for the MEDS program.

Students must complete the following courses:

A minimum of seven three-credit courses, including the following three required courses:

• EDPY 604 Mixed Methods Approaches to Educational Research *3
• EDPY 605 Quantitative Methods II (formerly EDPY 605 Multivariate Statistics) *3
• EDPY 607 Measurement Theory II (formerly EDPY 508 Item Response Theory) *3

The remaining four courses are determined, in conjunction with the dissertation supervisor, based on the student's research interests. Required coursework is typically completed by the end of Year 2. Following the completion of a first-year probationary period and coursework, the student must pass an oral candidacy examination, and then conduct, write, and defend a dissertation.

View PhD Program Planning Sheet

Minimum admission requirements

The minimum admission requirements are a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent (typically in education or psychology) from a recognized institution, with a minimum GPA of 6.5/9.0 or 3.0/4.0 on the most recent 60 credits of coursework. 

Students are NOT required to complete the GRE for admission purposes. 

The English Language Proficiency (EPL) requirements for this program are higher than the minimum scores required by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. Please review the required scores in the Application Process section below.

Minimum admission requirements

The minimum admission requirements are a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent (typically in education or psychology) from a recognized institution, with a minimum GPA of 6.5/9.0 or 3.0/4.0 on the most recent 60 credits of course work. 

Applicants must have obtained a Master's degree in a relevant field. Applicants with insufficient background in learning and educational research may be required to take additional courses.

Students are NOT required to complete the GRE for admission purposes. 

Those students whose previous academic work was completed in a language other than English must provide proof of proficiency in the English language. Please review the required scores in the Application Process section below.

Masters Programs

All graduate students applying to the MEd Thesis program are encouraged to reach out to faculty members prior to applying in order to secure a supervisor. This is not required but strongly recommended. Course-based students do not need to reach out.

Doctoral Programs

Graduate students applying to the PhD program are strongly encouraged to reach out to a potential supervisor from our list of Faculty Staff to discuss your application in advance of applying to the Doctoral program.

Once you have verified your eligibility, please apply for admission through the Graduate Studies Management System (GSMS). The  Graduate Studies Management System is managed by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) which plays a key role in providing final admissions approval for all graduate students across the University of Alberta. 

All items must be received by the application deadline, including reference letters. Therefore, please ensure that your application for admission is submitted at least two weeks before the deadline.

Please note that the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies requires all transcripts and mark sheets to meet specific guidelines.

In order to successfully submit your application for admission, you will be required to upload the following supporting documents to the online application system:

Curriculum Vitae (Resume)

Current CV is required when applying for admission.

Statement of Intent (2 pages) 

The main purpose of the statement of intent is for you to outline your research or interests and goals. Secondly, include a personal statement that briefly outlines why you want to go to graduate school, your academic career so far, and your tentative career plans. You may also include any additional information that you feel would be helpful to the Admissions Committee.

Three letters of reference

Please provide the system with electronic addresses of your 3 referees. The system will then send an electronic invitation to each referee requesting a letter of reference that they will upload only after the applicant has submitted their application.

Transcripts (from all post-secondary institutions attended)

You are required to scan and upload each page (front and back) of your transcript(s). Please see FGPS's requirements for academic documents. All North American transcripts must be issued within 12 months of the date of application. Preference is for official scanned copies of transcripts. If not, follow the instructions for online/web versions strictly.

• Original language marksheets/transcripts, or attested true copies, directly from each institution;
• Original language final degree certificates, or attested true copies, directly from each institution;
• Original English translation of marksheets/transcripts directly from each institution or an official translator and;
• Original English translation of final degree certificates directly from each institution or an official translator.

If admitted to the program, original documentation will be required by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

Those students whose previous academic work was completed in a language other than English must provide proof of proficiency in the English language. The following are acceptable:

• TOEFL score of 580 paper-based; OR
• TOEFL score of 237 computer-based; OR
• TOEFL score of 93 Internet-based (IBT), with a score of at least 24 on speaking and writing, and 21 on reading and listening (ITP not accepted); OR
• IELTS Academic score of 7 with no band less than 6.5; OR
• Pearson Test of English score of 63
• Duolingo English test score of 120 with minimum of 100 in each band

Note: A non-refundable application fee of $135 CAD will be assessed when you apply.

Once we have received all of the required documents, your application is considered complete and the application will move forward to the review process. Applicants will be contacted by email once an official decision has been made.

Successful applicants will receive a department letter of offer that will outline the details of the admission. The official letter of acceptance will be issued by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) at a later date, and be sent by email to your University of Alberta email address. Successful international applicants will require the letter of acceptance from FGPS in order to proceed with the application for travel documents such as a study permit and VISA.

IMPORTANT: Official documents (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.) may be required upon receiving the conditional offer of admission letter. Documents must be sent directly from the post-secondary institution to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies office. Detailed instructions will be outlined in your offer letter.