Program
Take an active role in shaping how improvement happens in your workplace with the Graduate Certificate in Improvement Science at the University of Saskatchewan. This advanced program prepares health care professionals to lead and coach collaborative improvement initiatives and apply continuous improvement practices within their own organizations, with a focus on improving outcomes through people‑centred care, population health, and equity.
Why study Improvement Science at USask?
- Learning includes real-world application through a structured practicum and two short in‑person residencies.
- Study in a flexible, primarily online program designed for working professionals across Saskatchewan and beyond.
- Advance equity‑focused improvement grounded in reconciliation and collaborative practice.
Quick facts
-
Expected length Thesis-based Course-based G.Cert. 20 months - Certificate requirements below
- Class delivery hybrid (online and in-person)
- Supervisor not applicable
- Deadlines and admission details below
Gamechangers in leading continuous improvement in health and social care
Become a catalyst for continuous improvement by leading initiatives that strengthen care and services in your organization, with attention to collaboration, outcomes, and equity.
Graduate Certificate in Improvement Science
The Graduate Certificate in Improvement Science is designed for providers working in health care, including physicians, nurses, rehabilitative and therapeutic professionals, administrators, social workers, and quality and safety specialists. The program focuses on the theory and application of improvement science. Students engage with core improvement frameworks and methods, examine how improvement approaches address quality, safety, and equity, and explore how improvement work operates within complex adaptive systems. Coursework emphasizes the use of data to support learning and decision‑making, including understanding variation and designing measurement strategies for improvement.
A central component of the program is an eight‑month practicum in which students carry out an applied improvement project in their local context. The practicum is supported by structured reflection, peer learning, and two short in‑person residencies focused on project development and final presentation. The program is delivered primarily online to support participation by working professionals.
Certificate Requirements
This certificate program is comprised of 12 credit units as follows:
- CHEP 871.3 Concepts & Methods in Improvement
- CHEP 872.3 Learning from Data for Improvement
- CHEP 873.3 Leading Change
- CHEP 880.3 Practicum in Applied Improvement
Tuition and fees
| Program | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Improvement Science per credit unit | ||
|
Tuition is assessed at a rate of $1,824.99 per 3 credit unit course. |
||
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students who are taking traditionally off-campus, audit or distance education classes are assessed off-campus student fees.
| Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $59.99 CAD | $59.99 CAD | $18.37 CAD | $18.37 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
View 2026-2027 tuition and fees rates through the financial planning estimator tool. By June, tuition information on this website will be updated with 2026-2027 tuition and fee information.
Admission requirements
Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.)
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for applicants to graduate programs. Proof of English proficiency may be demonstrated through:
- A minimum of three consecutive years of full-time study or completion of a graduate degree at a recognized post-secondary institution, where the exclusive language of instruction and examination of the program and/or institution is English; or
- Provision of evidence of English language proficiency, using one of the approved tests listed in the English Language Proficiency Policy.
- A four-year degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
- A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (USask grade system equivalent). The cumulative weighted average will be calculated based on the most recently completed graduate-level degree or 60 graded credit units (i.e., the last two years of full-time graded coursework) at the time of application.
- A current resume that includes background and relevant employment history
- A letter of intent including reasons for applying and proposed project
- Three letters of reference including one from a project sponsor
Applications will be reviewed holistically to assess an applicant’s skills, personal attributes, background, and experiences. The standard academic admission requirements may be waived if the following are met:
- Recognized completion of at least one year (18 credit units) of higher education.
- A break of at least five years from formal higher education.
- At least 10 years of work experience.
Application process and deadlines
Deadlines and important dates
Applications will open in September.
| Start Term | Application Deadline |
| Fall 2027 | Feb 15, 2027 |
Submit an online application
International Students - Master’s and doctoral students applying for a study permit do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma students, as well as Visiting Research students studying over six months, still need a PAL. Review federal international study permit policies before you apply.
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- Completing a relevant test with the appropriate score is required before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
You will be required to submit the following documents:
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume that includes background and relevant employment history
- A letter of intent including reasons for applying and proposed project
- Three letters of reference including one from a project sponsor
Contact
Department of Community Health & Epidemiology
Health Science Building
107 Wiggins Road
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5
Graduate Administrator
Email: chep.info@usask.ca
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program