Program
Please note that while we are not opening general admissions for the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Research, the program is still available. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Complications with maintaining registration across terms and course offerings per term that may affect full-time student status.
- JSGS does not provide PAL (Provincial Attestation Letters) for graduate certificate programs.
International Students - Review International study permit policies, effective Jan 22, 2025
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.Cert. | 1 year |
The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Research is designed for those directly involved in policy analysis and development and to those involved in policy decisions who want to increase their understanding of the overall policy process. It will provide students with a basic foundation in public policy analysis, development, and evaluation. Students will develop analytic skills and gain a solid understanding of the basics of public policy implementation and development.
The certificate program consists of three electives (nine credit units) from the following options:
- JSGS 803.3 Quantitative Methods
- JSGS 851.3 Qualitative Methods
- JSGS 865.3 Decision Making in Organizations
- JSGS 869.3 Ideas in Public Policy Analysis
Tuition
If you are offered admission into this program, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $1,000 CAD is required to save your seat. The non-refundable deposit must be paid within 30 days of the offer of admission being made. If you enroll in the program consistent with the terms of the offer, the $1,000 deposit will be applied to your student account. If you do not enroll, the deposit is retained by JSGS.
This certificate is 9 credit units.
| Program | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| JSGS Graduate Certificates per course | ||
|
Tuition is assessed at a rate of $1,725.87 per 3 credit unit course for domestic students. |
||
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Admission requirements
Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.) - Standard admission
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
- A four-year honours 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 a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.) - Non-standard admission
Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements can apply using the non‐standard application process. In this case, applicants must
- Have completed at least one year (18 credit units) of higher education
- Taken a minimum five-year break from formal higher education
- Possess a minimum of ten years of work experience with at least five years of management experience
Application process and deadlines
Application deadlines
Applications to graduate certificate programs are accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed in the order in which they are completed. Therefore, it is to your advantage to submit a completed application as early as possible, as enrollment is limited. The admission process is competitive and late application submissions may be at a disadvantage.
Program entry is possible in any term (September/Fall, January/Winter, and May/Spring).
- The latest application deadline for Fall Term entry is May 1.
- The latest application deadline for Winter Term entry is October 1.
- The latest application deadline for Spring Term entry is February 1.
To meet these deadlines, all components of your application must be received by the dates above. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.
Submit an online application
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.
- Contact information of your three referees
- For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
- 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 $120 application fee. 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, and upload the documents outlined below.
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.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score 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.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
Contact
Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Diefenbaker Building
101 Diefenbaker Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B8
Graduate Chair
Michelle Prytula
Email: jsgs@usask.ca
Graduate Administrator
Email: jsgs@usask.ca
- Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program
The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Research will be published in the 2025-26 University Catalogue