The following college-level policies are subject to University Council Regulations. In the absence of information, or in the case of discrepancies between university and college regulations, university regulations will prevail. Please note that students will graduate according to the regulations effective for the year in which they are approved to graduate. In all other cases, the most current rules will apply, unless otherwise stated.

Graduate Application Procedures

Applications for admission must be submitted online. 

Applicants other than graduates of the University of Saskatchewan must arrange for official transcripts of their academic records from each institution attended to be sent directly to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previous post-secondary work.

At least three confidential letters of recommendation are to be submitted online. These letters should be from professors or others acquainted sufficiently with the applicant's training and experience to express an opinion on the applicant's ability to undertake graduate training.

Some programs have additional admission requirements such as a GRE, GMAT or personal interview. Applicants should check the program website to determine any additional test requirements.

After reviewing the complete application package, the academic unit will either make a recommendation for admission to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) or reject the application. Applicants will be advised of the academic unit’s decision. Successful applicants receive a letter of acceptance signed by the Dean. Any special conditions pertaining to the student's admission are noted in the letter.

Applicants seeking financial support through scholarships, teaching assistantships and fellowships, research assistantships, etc., in order to undertake graduate work should correspond with the Graduate Chair of the academic unit in which they wish to study or the professors whom they anticipate will supervise their research work.

Graduate Application Fee

Applicants for admission or re-admission to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies are required to submit a non-refundable application fee of $120. This should be paid online at the point of application.

Deadlines for Application for Admission

The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies normally admits applicants to commence in September of each year. However, some academic units may consider applicants to commence in January or May.

When determining the lead-time needed to complete all the admission requirements by the date of the first expected registration, please note that it can take up to 6 months after the receipt of the official letter of offer for international students to get a student visa and be allowed to enter Canada.

Some academic units only process applications at certain times of the year. Applicants should contact the academic unit to determine the unit's deadline dates for applications.

Special Case applications and interdisciplinary program applications can take from 6 to 8 months to process because of the complexity and detail of the application process.

Due to limitations of resources including space and supervisor availability, it may not be possible to admit all qualified applicants.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate Admission Requirements can be found in the admission requirement templates. For program-specific information, refer to the catalogue program description.

Special Case Admissions

All faculties tenured in academic units which do not have approved graduate programs may be involved in graduate education by supervising a special case student. Candidates for Special Case admissions should be excellent students as demonstrated by a Cumulative Weighted Average of at least 75% over the last two years (60 credit units). The Special Case students are administered by the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Instructions for Special Case applications are found on form GPS 405.

Academic units without established Master’s or Ph.D. programs can accept a student as a special case admission, with the permission of the Dean and the Graduate Student Academic Affairs Committee of the CGPS.

Students who are seeking admission to a graduate program in an academic unit which does not have an approved graduate program at the required level, are considered special case student applicants.

In these cases, the Academic unit shall apply for the admission of a graduate thesis student on a Special Case basis. The documentation for special case admission applications must be prepared in each case by the academic unit.

The minimum entrance requirements for a student accepted as a special case admission are:

  • A Master’s special case admission would require a four-year Honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study, and, a cumulative weighted average of at least 75% in the last two years of undergraduate study (i.e. 60 credit units of course work);
  • A PhD special case admission would require a Master's degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study, and, a cumulative weighted average of at least 75% in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in Master’s program);
  • Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and independent research.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Please note: Some programs have higher English language requirements. Please refer to your chosen graduate program.

If English is not your first language (i.e. your native language) you must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

  1. Completing a degree with a minimum of 3 consecutive years in an institution where the exclusive language of instruction and examination is English – view eligible institutions
  2. Provision of evidence of English proficiency, using one of the approved tests as listed in the English Language Proficiency Policy – Appendix C. All scores must be from one exam date, not to be combined with other exam dates. Tests are valid for two years after the testing date. Scores must be valid (no more than two years old) at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.

Classification of Admitted Applicants

Applicants admitted to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies are classified into one of several groups, depending on their preparation for graduate work and the type of graduate work they propose to do.

This is an applicant who meets all the requirements for admission.

An offer of admission will be conditional when an applicant is recommended for admission under one or more of the following circumstances:

a) The completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree
b) Proof of English Language proficiency
c) Submission of required official transcripts 

Initial registration in the first term of a program may be allowed prior to receipt of final, official copies of transcripts provided the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has received unofficial copies. Official copies of transcripts must be received for continuation in the program. Registration in the program will not be allowed prior to receipt of proof of English language proficiency.

Applicants whose academic qualifications are difficult to assess or whose qualifications are marginal for admission to a graduate program may be admitted on a probationary status to a program. Applicants in this category may be required to take certain preparatory courses to improve their qualifications. In this case they will be required to pay additional fees. The student’s status is reviewed after a specified amount of academic work is completed. If progress is satisfactory the academic unit in which the student is working or the Advisory Committee may recommend to the CGPS that the student be considered fully-qualified.

Students who do not achieve the probationary conditions may withdraw voluntarily or failing this, will be required to discontinue. In certain exceptional situations, the academic unit may extend the probationary period with a new set of conditions, agreed to by the student and by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Applicants admitted in the Postgraduate Diploma program must have a Cumulative Weighted Average of at least 65% during the last 60 credit units or equivalent of undergraduate study.

Graduate students who are registered in a degree program at another university and who are attending the University of Saskatchewan under the terms of an approved exchange agreement are considered exchange students.

University of Regina students intending to take a class at the University of Saskatchewan should use the Saskatchewan Universities Graduate Agreement (SUGA) Request Form available through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, at the University of Regina and from the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

Graduate students at participating universities in Western Canada may take courses at the University of Saskatchewan. A Western Dean's Agreement Authorization Form must be obtained and signed at the home university, then submitted to the host academic unit at the University of Saskatchewan.

Graduate students at other participating universities in Canada may take courses at the University of Saskatchewan through the Canadian University Transfer Agreement (CUGTA) Form, which must be obtained and signed at the home university, then submitted to the host academic unit at the University of Saskatchewan.

Applicants qualified to take selected graduate courses, but not working towards a graduate program may be admitted as a non-degree student. Admission on a non-degree basis does not ensure subsequent admission to a graduate program. Courses taken on a non-degree basis do not necessarily reduce program requirements should the student decide subsequently to apply to a degree program at the University of Saskatchewan. No more than six (6) credit units of such courses will be accepted for credit toward a graduate degree. Granting credit for courses taken on a non-degree basis shall affect the time available for degree completion, as the start date of a degree program is the earliest date of registration in a course credited toward the degree requirements. Those who wish to take graduate courses on a non-degree basis must meet admission requirements (submitted through the online application for Non-Degree Admission with application fee, transcripts and language test scores if applicable) Admission is valid for 3 academic terms.

Students who wish to attend the U of S to do research under the supervision of U of S faculty, as partial fulfillment of a graduate degree from another university, should apply for Joint Program Student Non-Degree Admission. Joint program students may be either master’s or doctoral students. The student’s home institution grants the degree. Applicants must meet the minimum academic and language proficiency requirements for admission to graduate studies. Applicants must submit an online application.

A cotutelle program is a type of dual degree program, in which a doctoral student is co-supervised by two supervisors, each from a different university, and the student spends time at each institution. The student writes one thesis, under the supervision of an advisory committee comprised of members from both universities. Upon completion, the student receives two degrees, each acknowledging that the degree was completed as a dual degree program, noting the partner institution. The minimum admission requirements for the doctoral program must be met.

Students from other institutions may come to the U of S as a Visiting Research Student (VRS) to do research under an approved plan with a faculty member.

A Visiting Research Student (VRS) is enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan to undertake full-time research with a faculty supervisor for a period of no more than twelve (12) months per eighteen (18) month period. Students may be undergraduate, graduate, or in between degree levels. This student category does not permit enrollment in any credit coursework at the U of S. Visiting Research Students are registered as full time students at the U of S in an "XVRS" research course.

A Visiting Research Student is not eligible to begin another term as a Visiting Research Student until at least six (6) months after the previous VRS admission has concluded.

Applicants must apply online here.

Postgraduate Diploma Requirements

Programs leading to a Postgraduate Diploma (P.G.D.) are available in several academic units. They are designed particularly for people who have been away from university for some time and wish to broaden their knowledge at the graduate level on subjects relevant to their professional interests. Research is not a basic part of such programs, although candidates in some fields may be given the opportunity to become acquainted with research techniques.

The general regulations applicable to P.G.D. programs are as follows:

Program

  • A P.G.D. program consists of 30 credit units, at least 18 of which are at the 800-level in the same field of study.
  • All requirements for a P.G.D. must be completed within a four-year time period. This time is measured from the date of registration in the first course work which applies to the P.G.D. program.
Graduation
  • Requirements include a recommendation for the award of Postgraduate Diploma, and the student must pass all the courses of an approved program with a grade of at least 60% in each course and an average of at least 65% for all courses.

Master's Degree Requirements

After an applicant has been admitted to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the academic unit submits, on the student's behalf, an approved Program of Studies. This should be done as soon as possible and not later than twelve months after the time of first registration.

If an applicant has been admitted as a candidate for a Master's degree subject to the satisfactory completion of selected preparatory courses either prior to or in parallel with the required graduate courses, the preparatory courses are designated as such on the Program of Studies. 

Research for the thesis and its preparation usually is supervised by a member of the academic unit in which the student is enrolled. An Advisory Committee is appointed, consisting of at least two members, including the research Supervisor and at least one additional member. The Committee is responsible for periodic reviews of the student's progress toward the degree and must meet at least annually for this purpose. The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that progress reports, meeting minutes, programs of study, and other advisory committee paperwork is completed and forwarded to the unit’s graduate administrator. A report indicating unsatisfactory progress should be forwarded to the Associate Dean when further action is required.

After an applicant has been admitted to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the academic unit submits on the student's behalf a recommended Program of Studies. This should be done as soon as possible and not later than twelve months after the time of first registration.

Some academic units offer course-based programs. The course-based Master's program will provide graduates with advanced academic training.  In such programs the emphasis is on coursework.  Details may be obtained from the academic units concerned.

Transfers from Master’s to Ph.D. may take place after the first year and no later than the end of the second year of the Master's program. In order to transfer, a Master's student must first fulfill the criteria as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Policy and Procedure manual. 

The University of Saskatchewan encourages students to spend time on campus interacting with faculty, researchers and other students and participating in the academic life of the university. The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has no minimum residency requirements. Individual graduate programs may establish their own residency guidelines. Students should inquire with the individual programs for these guidelines.

Candidates for Master's degrees are expected to complete their work in a period not exceeding four years. This time is measured from the date of first registration in a course credited toward the program.

Graduate work of high quality done in a recognized graduate school elsewhere and coming within the five-year time limit may be accepted. Such credits will be transferred only after the student has established a satisfactory record in residence here for at least one term, and then only if the academic unit concerned recommends to the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for approval of the transfer of such credits. Normally a student should expect to complete at least 60% of the program requirements at this university. Work already applied toward another degree cannot be accepted.

Students taking courses required to remove deficiencies in their general training or for preparation prerequisite to the chosen field of graduate work must obtain a Cumulative Weighted Average of at least 70% in these courses. A minimum of 70% is required in each undergraduate course. Where permissible, undergraduate courses taken for credit towards a Master's degree must be senior courses at the 300 or 400 level. Students must obtain 60% in each graduate course required specifically for the degree and a Cumulative Weighted Average of 70% for all their courses in this category. Under exceptional circumstances, on recommendation of the academic unit, and with the approval of the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, a student may be permitted to write a supplemental examination in a graduate course for which a grade of less than 60% was obtained or an undergraduate course for which a grade of less than 70% was obtained.

If, in the opinion of the Advisory Committee and the academic unit concerned, a student is not making reasonable progress with any aspect of the program, a recommendation may be made to the Associate Dean that the student be Required to Discontinue as a candidate for the degree. The Associate Dean will take prompt and appropriate action.

The Advisory Committee may require the candidate to demonstrate ability to read publications related to the candidate’s special field of study, in one or more languages other than English. Successful completion of a course in a language (other than English) recommended by an Advisory Committee usually meets the minimum requirement for a reading knowledge of a foreign language. This language requirement may be met by a course, or courses, taken at another university, or by knowledge of the language acquired in other ways. In such cases, supporting evidence must be submitted to the appropriate language department at this university. The language department may set a special examination. The decision of the department is final in such cases.

GPS 960.0, Introduction to Ethics and Integrity, is a required course for all first year graduate students enrolled in degree programs at the University of Saskatchewan.  The purpose of this course is to discuss ethical issues that graduate students may face during their time at the University.  In addition to GPS 960, students may also need to take GPS 961 or GPS 962.  The student's Advisory Committee will review the student's research area and determine whether the student needs to take GPS 961, Ethics in Human Research, and/or GPS 962, Ethics in Animal Research.

Ethics approval is required for all research involving animals or humans. The Ethics approval letter must be documented in the student's electronic file.

A thesis or project presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree must:

  • Deal with a specific topic related to the major field.
  • Demonstrate ability on the part of the student to do independent study and investigation.
  • Be written in good scholarly style and conform to the requirements of a style manual approved by the academic unit.
  • Comply in mechanical features with specifications as described in the Guidelines for Preparation of a Thesis.

It is expected the student will follow the academic unit regulations and the advice of the Supervisor and the Advisory Committee in developing the thesis or project proposal and in establishing whether the thesis or project is ready for examination. In exceptional circumstances the student may request that the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies arrange for an examination without prior academic unit approval. The rules for such an examination are determined by the Dean in consultation with the unit.

The adequacy of the project is decided by an examining committee consisting of the Supervisor, members of the Advisory Committee and other persons as appropriate. Academic units are required to inform students in a timely fashion about the criteria to be used and the procedures to be followed in the examination of Master's project work.

Every thesis must go to oral defence. After the Advisory Committee has agreed the thesis is acceptable for examination, the Graduate Chair shall notify the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The adequacy of the thesis is decided by an Examining Committee. The Committee will consist of the Supervisor, the additional member(s) of the advisory committee, and one arm’s length examiner who has not been a member of the student's Advisory Committee. The Graduate Chair, Head, Dean/Executive Director (non-departmentalized colleges/schools) or designate must approve the arm’s length examiner and notify the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies of the name of the approved arm’s length examiner. The arm’s length examiner may be from within or outside the academic unit but should not have been directly involved in the student’s thesis research. The arm’s length examiner must have the thesis a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to the defence date.

The structure of the oral examination is decided upon by the Committee, but in general the examination is limited to work done by the candidate for the thesis and to knowledge of matters directly related to it. At the conclusion of the examination, the Committee decides whether the student’s thesis work and the subsequent defence of it meet the requirements for the degree. The Committee's decision is reported to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies on forms available from the College website. After the oral defence, students are expected to make required thesis revisions within the time period determined by the academic unit. It is the responsibility of a student who has a disability that could interfere with their ability to respond to questioning at an oral defence, to contact Access and Equity Services (AES) to schedule an Accommodation Planning Committee meeting in sufficient time prior to the defence to ensure appropriate accommodations can be made.

It is mandatory for all students in Master’s thesis programs and Ph.D. programs to submit their theses online at University of Saskatchewan Library Electronic Theses & Dissertations.

Project students may also submit their project papers online. Instructions for submission of an ETD can be found on the Graduate Students website.

Students should check with their academic units for the policy on bound thesis submission. The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies does not require submission of bound theses.

The author of a thesis or project claims copyright on the title page. As a condition for the award of a degree, the student is required to give permission to the University Library to make the thesis available for inspection and to the Supervisor of the research and to the department in which the research was done to copy and to circulate the thesis for scholarly purposes only, and to make use of material and ideas included in the thesis in the preparation of papers for publication. Where circumstances warrant, theses may be withheld from circulation for up to 12 months. There are also several options available for limitation of circulation of electronic thesis.

The academic units concerned must submit a Recommendation for Award of the Degree form available on the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website. The thesis title shown on the thesis cover must be identical to the title which appears on the recommendation form for the award of the degree. The recommendation for the award of the degree must be received in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office on or before the date, available from the office or under the Academic Calendar established in relation to Convocation. If the recommendation is approved by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and the student has submitted an application to graduate, then the student's name will be forwarded to Convocation, Student and Enrolment Services, for inclusion in the Convocation Program.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements

A student who receives this degree must have demonstrated proficiency in some broad subject of learning and ability to initiate and evaluate work in this field. Furthermore, the student must have shown the ability to work independently in the chosen field and must have made an original contribution of significance to the advancement of knowledge. The following technical requirements stated or implied are minimum requirements for all candidates for the degree.

An applicant who is deficient in background training or in courses prerequisite to scholarly work in the chosen field of study and research or who holds a Master's degree that cannot be evaluated sufficiently cannot be admitted as a fully qualified student for a Ph.D. degree. Such an applicant may be admitted to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for the purpose of removing these deficiencies (see Classification of Admitted Students). Applicants holding a Master's degree, the equivalence of which is difficult to assess, will be permitted at the time of admission to register only as probationary students in a Ph.D. program or as a Master's student. After no less than one year and on the recommendation of the academic unit, a student may be considered by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office for transfer to fully-qualified status in a Ph.D. program.

After an applicant has been admitted to the College, the academic unit submits on the applicant's behalf a Program of Studies. This should be done as soon as possible and not later than twelve months after the time of admission.

The selection of a Supervisor should be completed by mutual agreement among student, Supervisor, Graduate Chair, Head, Dean/Executive Director (non-departmentalized colleges/schools) or designate. This selection should take place as quickly as possible, never later than the second annual registration. The Supervisor must be a faculty member of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and should be familiar with the rules and procedures of the academic unit, the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and those of the university. Both student and Supervisor are responsible for ensuring that all College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and academic unit policies, regulations and requirements are observed and met.

The work of each student is coordinated by an Advisory Committee. The Supervisor typically chairs meetings of the Committee. This Committee consists of a minimum of three members, including the student's Supervisor, a Cognate member, and at least one additional member, selected because of their knowledge of the proposed research field, from the principal unit and related units. The Cognate member must be from a different principal academic unit than the student and supervisor. If the student's work for the degree is interdisciplinary, the Advisory Committee should have representatives from each of the academic units involved. With approval of the Dean or designate, persons from other universities or from non-University laboratories and groups may be invited to serve on the Committee because of their specialized knowledge of the research field. Such persons must have received formal approval from the Dean. The Graduate Chair, Head, Dean/Executive Director (non-departmentalized colleges/schools) or designate and the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies or designate are non-voting ex officio members of the Committee.

The Advisory Committee serves to advise the student and to review progress being made in preparing the dissertation proposal, developing appropriate methodology, carrying out research and writing the dissertation. The Committee is responsible for periodic reviews of the student’s progress toward the degree and must meet at least annually for this purpose. The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that progress reports, meeting minutes, programs of study, and other advisory committee paperwork is completed and forwarded to the unit’s graduate administrator. A report indicating unsatisfactory progress should be forwarded to the Associate Dean if further action is required.

All faculties tenured in academic units which do not have approved graduate programs may be involved in graduate education by supervising a special case student. Candidates for Special Case admissions should be excellent students as demonstrated by a Cumulative Weighted Average of at least 75% over the last two years (60 credit units). The Special Case Ph.D. students are administered by the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Instructions for Special Case applications are found on form GPS 405. The academic unit is responsible for completing the remainder of the Special Case application.

On-campus residency is a valuable part of a graduate program. The University of Saskatchewan encourages students to spend time on campus interacting with faculty, researchers and other students and participating in the academic life of the university. The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has no minimum residency requirements. Individual graduate programs, however, may establish their own residency guidelines. Students should inquire with the individual programs for these guidelines.

A candidate for the Ph.D. degree is expected to complete the work over a period not exceeding six years. This time is measured from the date of first registration in the first work credited toward the program.

Graduate work of high-quality done in a recognized graduate school elsewhere may be accepted for credit at this university. No more than 50% of course requirements may be satisfied with transfer credit. 

Students are expected to complete all work in the courses included in their Program of Studies. Any grade below 70% is unsatisfactory. The Advisory Committee will review such grades and make a recommendation to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies concerning the action to be taken. The Advisory Committee will also recommend appropriate action to be taken regarding any student whose progress in the research project or any other component of the Ph.D. program is deemed unsatisfactory. Academic standards applied will be those prevailing in the national and international academic community. Upon recommendation by the Advisory Committee and with approval from the Associate Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, a student may be Required to Discontinue at any time from the program for failure to achieve and maintain satisfactory progress and contact with the Supervisor.

The Advisory Committee may require the candidate to demonstrate ability to read publications related to the candidate's special field of study, in one or more languages other than English.

Successful completion of a course in a language (other than English) recommended by an Advisory Committee usually meets the minimum requirements for a reading knowledge of a foreign language. This language requirement may be met by a course, or courses, taken at another university, or by knowledge of the language acquired in other ways. In such cases, supporting evidence must be submitted to the appropriate language department at this university. The language department may set a special examination. The decision of the department is final in such cases.

Ethics approval is required for all research involving animals or humans. A copy of the Ethics approval letter must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies prior to the defence.

GPS 960.0, Introduction to Ethics and Integrity, is a required course for all first year graduate students enrolled in degree programs at the University of Saskatchewan.  The purpose of this course is to discuss ethical issues that graduate students may face during their time at the University.  In addition to GPS 960, students also may need to take GPS 961 or GPS 962.  The student's Advisory Committee will review the student's research area and determine whether the student needs to take GPS 961, Ethics in Human Research, and/or GPS 962, Ethics in Animal Research.

Purpose

To ensure that a student is sufficiently prepared to be successful in their doctoral research and dissertation a student must be able to demonstrate to their committee that they have:

  • an adequate grasp of the current state of knowledge in the intended field of research;
  • the potential ability to conduct advanced original research independently using relevant methodologies; and,
  • the ability to communicate in ways appropriate to the field of research and practice.

 

If applicable, the candidacy assessment may also evaluate a student’s capability to meet other knowledge or skill requirements set by the academic unit for the discipline.

 

Timing

The candidacy assessment will occur within 24 months of initial registration. For students that transfer from a master’s to a doctoral program the assessment will occur within 36 months of initial registration.

The candidacy assessment is scheduled to occur after the student has completed all course requirements. After satisfying the candidacy assessment, the candidate’s focus will be on completing the doctoral research and dissertation.

 

Format

The principles of equity, transparency, and consistency will guide the approach to candidacy assessment within academic units.

 The format and substance of the work for the candidacy assessment should be designed, to the greatest extent possible, to become a useful constitutive and formative part of the candidate’s doctoral research and dissertation.

The doctoral candidacy assessment may be in written, oral, and/or experiential form, supporting diversity in disciplinary norms and innovation within programs. It may be administered at one time or as parts over time. Examples of formats include but are not limited to the preparation and communication of a dissertation research proposal or grant application; essays, papers, presentations, artistic works, or discussions focused on the state of knowledge in the student’s intended field of doctoral research.

Each academic unit will establish and make available clear, written and specific procedures that explain the scope, format, timing and criteria for the assessment in the program's guidelines.

The student’s advisory committee must inform the student in writing at least 60 days in advance that a candidacy assessment is to take place, including the academic unit’s procedures as well as preparatory guidance and assessment details specific to the student. At the student’s request, and with the support of the advisory committee, the assessment may be scheduled earlier.

Unless the student and CGPS are informed otherwise in advance, the assessment committee for candidacy will be all members of the student’s advisory committee.

 

Outcome

CGPS must always be advised of the results of the candidacy assessment on a satisfied/unsatisfactory basis, and the date when the assessment was completed.

A student that successfully completes the candidacy assessment is deemed a doctoral candidate (e.g., Ph.D. Candidate). The student’s official transcript will note the date when the candidacy assessment was satisfied.

A student that does not satisfy the requirements of their candidacy assessment is permitted a second attempt at the recommendation of the academic unit and with the permission of the Dean of CGPS or designate. A second unsatisfactory outcome will automatically result in a requirement to discontinue from that doctoral program.

An unsatisfactory candidacy assessment, and/or the denial of a second attempt at the candidacy assessment, may be appealed to the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee of CGPS on substantive grounds in accordance with Part IV of University Council’s Procedures for Student Appeals in Academic Matters, or on grounds other than substantive academic judgment limited to those outlined in Part V.B.1.

The dissertation, based upon original investigation, must demonstrate mature scholarship and critical judgment on the part of the candidate, as well as familiarity with tools and methods of research in the candidate's special field. To be acceptable, it must be a worthwhile contribution to knowledge, and warrant publication in whole or in part. It must comply with specifications described in the Guidelines for Preparation of a Thesis or Dissertation.

Dissertation preparation involves a long-term commitment through the stages of preparing a research proposal, completing a literature review, developing methodology, carrying out research and writing the results. Throughout this process the student will maintain contact with the Supervisor, as well as the Advisory Committee. When, in the opinion of the student and the Supervisor, the work is complete and ready for defence, the student will submit a draft of the dissertation, in its final form, to the Supervisor. The Supervisor will review the dissertation, making any appropriate suggestions to the student and will then submit it to the Advisory Committee. When the Advisory Committee has agreed the dissertation is ready for examination the candidate will receive permission proceed to oral defence before an Examining Committee. It is the candidate’s responsibility to prepare and assemble the complete dissertation for defence.

The Examining Committee consists of at least six persons, as follows: the External Examiner, the University Examiner, the Supervisor and all members that served on the Advisory Committee, and the Graduate Chair, Head, Dean/Executive Director (non-departmentalized colleges/schools) or designate, who will serve as the (non-voting) Chair of the Examining Committee.

A recommendation provided to the Associate Dean to appoint an External Examiner is made by the academic unit. The Associate Dean invites the External Examiner. All program requirements are verified by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies before the invitation is extended to the External Examiner. The External Examiner shall not have been associated with the preparation of the dissertation in any way and shall have no conflict of interest regarding the student or the Supervisor or any of the advisory committee members on any aspect of the research itself. The University Examiner is approved by the Graduate Chair, Head, Dean/Executive Director (non-departmentalized colleges/schools) or designate, who will then forward the name to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The University Examiner will have an “arm’s length” relationship with the Ph.D. dissertation research.

When the dissertation is ready for defence, an electronic copy is submitted to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for distribution to the External Examiner and University Examiner. All committee members must also receive an electronic copy. These are circulated by the academic unit’s graduate administrator to the other members of the Examining Committee and such other members of the unit as time permits.

The Ph.D. dissertation defence, which is an oral examination, is scheduled four weeks after the dissertation has been submitted to the External Examiner and University Examiner.

It is the responsibility of a student who has a disability that could interfere with their ability to respond to questioning at an oral defence, to contact Access and Equity Services (AES) to schedule an Accommodation Planning Committee meeting in sufficient time prior to the defence to ensure appropriate accommodations can be made.

A brief evaluation of the Ph.D. thesis must be submitted by the External Examiner to the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies indicating that the thesis examination should take place as scheduled. This evaluation must be in the hands of the Dean or designate before the examination takes place.

After the dissertation examination, a certification form stating the Committee's decision and signed by members of the Committee, is forwarded by the Chair of the Examining Committee to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Where the Examining Committee's decision is not unanimous, the majority view will prevail provided that the External Examiner shares the majority view. Where the External examiner does not share the majority view, the examination shall be adjourned and the Dean will review the situation and establish appropriate procedures to resolve the matter. Unless the examination is adjourned for such a reason, the decision of the Examining Committee is final.

It is normal for the Examining Committee to require at the time of the examination that revisions be made to the dissertation before final submission. The Examining Committee will establish procedures and name the person(s) responsible for ensuring that the revisions are carried out completely. Candidates are expected to make the revisions promptly. Failure to do so could jeopardize successful completion of the degree.

The candidate must submit the dissertation electronically. Instructions for electronic submission are found on the College website.  

The regulations concerning copyright and subsequent use of a dissertation are the same as for a Master's thesis (see applicable section on Requirements for Master's Degrees).

Students should check with their academic unit for the policy on bound dissertation submission. The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies does not require submission of bound dissertations.

The University does not require the publication of doctoral dissertation other than electronically in the University Library. Each dissertation is expected to include material acceptable for publication in scholarly journals of the field in which the candidate has done the research. Publication permissions are completed online. 

Prior to the dissertation defence, the Advisory Committee is responsible for establishing that the candidate has met all other requirements for the award of the degree, as specified in academic unit and College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies regulations and indicated on the student's approved Program of Studies: residence, courses credited for the degree (including transfer credits), candidacy assessment and any other requirements. The Advisory Committee is responsible for determining when the dissertation is ready to go to defence. The written statement to this effect must contain the exact title of the thesis, as it appears on the dissertation.

All necessary paperwork provided at the defence must be received in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office on or before the date, available from the College office, or under the Academic Calendar established in relation to Convocation.

Concentration

This is a depth of study which prescribes a suite of courses that provides students additional expertise and specialized training in one aspect of their major. Typically, a concentration will be similar in requirements to a minor, but the majority of coursework will occur within the student’s major field of study rather than outside of it. Colleges have developed a variety of terms for concentrations (option, specialization within a major, themes, streams, etc.). Please see the University Nomenclature Report for more details: http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academic-affairs/nomenclature-report.php

Student Rights

Graduate students are also advised to be familiar with the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

Time in Program Extension

Time in program extensions may be granted to students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to finish their program within the time limits.

Well before a student reaches the time limit of the program without completing program requirements, the student will meet with their advisory committee and/or graduate chair to discuss whether an extension to time in program would be a suitable alternative to program withdrawal.

If the reasons that the student has not yet completed the program requirements include supervisory issues, the graduate chair will consult with the head of the academic unit.

The academic unit has the authority to approve one extension to time in program of up to 12 months/three academic terms for master’s, P.G.D., graduate certificate (if applicable), or doctoral students.

If the student’s program requirements are still incomplete after an extension given by the academic unit, a request may be submitted to the Dean of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) for one (master’s, P.G.D.) or two (doctoral) additional extensions of up to 12-months/three academic terms each.

The Dean of the CGPS, or designate, will consider appeals from students whose initial request for extension to time in program has been denied by the academic unit. If the denial of an extension request is upheld by the Dean, the student may formally appeal under the procedures for appeals of standing in the program.

Students who are on extension are responsible for maintaining continuous registration and paying applicable tuition and fees.

Doctorate Degree for Scholarly Work

Members of Convocation of the University of Saskatchewan or faculty members may apply or may be nominated for the award of an earned D.Sc. or D.Litt. based on the high standard of their published works and related international stature in their particular fields of research. Persons wishing to apply or to nominate an individual for such an award should write to the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for a copy of the regulations concerning the submission of an application and the subsequent evaluation of the applicant's scholarly work.

Disciplinary Areas

The College of Gradaute and Postdoctoral Studies offers a wide range of programming.

Accounting (M.P.Acc.)

Advanced Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology (G.Cert.)

Agricultural Economics (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Animal and Poultry Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Anthropology (M.A.)

Applied Computing (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Applied Economics (Ph.D.)

Applied Microbiology (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Archaeology (M.A.)

Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Biological Engineering (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Biology (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Biomedical Engineering (P.G.D., M.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Biostatistics (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Chemical Engineering (M.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Chemistry (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Civil Engineering (M.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation (G.Cert.)

Community and Population Health Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Community Energy Planning and Finance (G.Cert.)

Computer Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Corrections (PGDSC)

Curriculum Studies (M.Ed.)

Economic Analysis for Public Policy (G.Cert.)

Economics (M.A.)

Education, cross-departmental (Ph.D.)

Educational Administration (M.Ed., Ph.D.)

Educational Foundations (M.Ed.)

Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Educational Psychology and Special Education (M.Ed.)

Educational Technology and Design (M.Ed.)

Electrical Engineering (P.G.D., M.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Energy Transitions (G.Cert.)

English (M.A., Ph.D.)

Environment and Sustainability (M.E.S., Ph.D.)

Environmental Planning (G.Cert.)

Epidemiology (Ph.D.)

Field Epidemiology (M.Sc.)

Finance (M.Sc.)

Food and Bioproduct Sciences (P.G.D.)

Food Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Foundations for Registered Nurse Specialty Practice (G.Cert.)

French (M.A.)

Geography (M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Geological Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas (M.G.E.N.I.A.)

Governance Foundations for Sustainability (G.Cert.)

Health Professions Education (M.Ed.)

Health Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

History (M.A., Ph.D.)

Hydrology (G.Cert.)

Improving Teaching and Learning in Health Professions Education (G.Cert.)

Indigenous Land Based Education (M.I.L.B.E.)

Indigenous Nation Building (G.Cert.)

Indigenous Studies (M.A., Ph.D.)

Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

International Public Management and Administration (M.I.P.M.A.)

Kinesiology (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Large Animal Clinical Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Law (LLM)

Leadership (G.Cert.)

Linguistics (MA)

Mathematics (M.Math., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Mechanical Engineering (P.G.D., M.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Music (M.Mus., M.A.)

Music Education (M.Mus.)

Nursing (M.N., M.N. - Educational/Leadership, NP - Nurse Practitioner, Ph.D., P.G.D.S.)

Nutrition (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Pharmacy (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Philosophy (M.A.)

Physical Therapy (M.P.T.)

Physics and Engineering Physics (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Plant Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Political Studies (M.A.)

Precision Oral and Systemic Health (Ph.D.)

Psychology (M.A., Ph.D.)

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Public Health (M.P.H.)

Public Management (G.Cert.)

Public Policy (M.P.P., Ph.D.)

Public Policy Analysis (G.Cert.)

Quality Teaching in Health Professions Education (G.Cert.)

Religion and Culture (M.A.)

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (MSoTL, G.Cert.)

Science and Innovation Policy (G.Cert.)

Small Animal Clinical Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Small Animal Rotating Veterinary Internship (G.Cert.)

Small Animal Specialty Veterinary Internship (G.Cert.)

Social Economy, Cooperatives, and the Non-Profit Sector (G.Cert.)

Sociology (M.A., Ph.D.)

Soil Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Studio Art (M.F.A.)

Sustainability (M.Ss.)

Sustainability Solutions (G.Cert.)

Sustainable Water Management (G.Cert.)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A.)

Toxicology (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Veterinary Biomedical Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Veterinary Microbiology (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Veterinary Pathology (M.Vet.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Water Resources (G.Cert.)

Water Science (G.Cert.)

Water Security (M.W.S.)

Women's, Gender, and Sexualities Studies (M.A.)

Writing (M.F.A.)

Courses

Many of the courses have specifically stated prerequisites. Under exceptional circumstances, prerequisites may be waived as approved by the academic unit.

Not all courses described are given in any one academic year.  Certain course abbreviations have changed. Students with credit for a course under its former label may not take the relabeled course for credit.

990 Course

Most Master's and Ph.D. programs include a requirement that students register in a 990 seminar course. There is no tuition fee for the 990 course, provided students are registered for other courses. The 990 course carries no credit unit weight and does not reduce course requirements in the required program of study. Unless otherwise specified, a course numbered 990 and described as a seminar does not involve examinations and has no credit attached to it, although a student is required to attend and to participate in the discussions. Students must register in the 990 course at the time of first registration in any program containing a 990 component. This registration must be continuous until they have completed requirements for the course. Once credit has been received, no further registration in the 990 course will be either required or allowed. These seminar courses vary considerably in content. All include reports and discussions on current developments, research and methodology in the field, and all include requirements for student participation and presentations.

992, 994, 995, 996 Courses
All students who are working on their thesis register for 994/995 (Master's Programs) or 996 (Ph.D. Programs). Project courses are normally numbered 992 (project).

GPS courses, which are non-credit courses, are not associated with any specific academic unit, but are available on recommendation by the student's Advisory Committee to all registered graduate students. There are no tuition fees for these courses, provided the student is registered for other courses. Students must officially register for these courses in order to attend. These courses do not reduce the course requirements for a graduate degree.

  • Accounting (ACC, MPAC)
  • Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC)
  • Agricultural Medicine (AGMD)
  • Anatomy and Cell Biology (ACB)
  • Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology (APPY)
  • Animal Science (ANSC)
  • Anthropology (ANTH)
  • Applied Microbiology (APMC)
  • Archaeology (ARCH)
  • Art (ART)
  • Art History (ARTH)
  • Biochemistry (BIOC) 
  • Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (BMIS)
  • Biological Engineering (BLE)
  • Biology (BIOL)
  • Biomedical Engineering (BIOE)
  • Business Administration (MBA)
  • Chemical Engineering (CHE)
  • Chemistry (CHEM)
  • Civil and Geological Engineering (CE)
  • Classical Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CMRS)
  • Clinical Research (CLR)
  • Community Health and Epidemiology (CHEP)
  • Computer Science (CMPT)
  • Dentistry (DENT)
  • Drama (DRAM)
  • Economics (ECON)
  • Education: 
    • Curriculum Studies (ECUR) 
    • Education (ERES, EDUC) 
    • Educational Administration (EADM) 
    • Educational Foundations (EFDT)  
    • Educational Psychology and Special Education (EPSE) 
    • Educational Technology and Design (ETAD) 
    • School and Counseling Psychology (SCP)
  • Electrical Engineering (EE)
  • Engineering Physics (EP)
  • English (ENG)
  • Environment and Sustainability (ENVS)
  • Environmental Engineering (ENVE)
  • Finance(FIN)
  • Food Science (FDSC)
  • French (FREN)
  • General Engineering (GE)
  • Geography (GEOG)
  • Geological Sciences (GEOL)
  • Geophysics (GEOL)
  • German (GERM)
  • Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
  • History (HIST)
  • Industrial Relations (INDR)
  • Indigenous Land-Based Education (ILBE)
  • Indigenous Studies (INDG)
  • Interdepartmental (ITDL)
  • Interdisciplinary Grad Studies (INTD)
  • (JSGS)
  • Kinesiology (KIN)
  • Large Animal Clinical Sciences (VLAC)
  • Law (LAW)
  • Linguistics (LING)
  • Management (MGT)
  • Marketing (MKT)
  • Mathematics (MATH)
  • Mechanical Engineering (ME)
  • Medicine (MED)
  • Microbiology and Immunology (MCIM)
  • Music (MUS)
  • Music Applied (MUAP)
  • Music Education (EMUS)
  • Nursing (NURS)
  • Nutrition (NUTR)
  • Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences (OBGY)
  • Pathology (PATH)
  • Pharmacology (PCOL)
  • Pharmacy (PHAR)
  • Philosophy (PHIL)
  • Physical Therapy (PTH)
  • Physics and Engineering Physics (PHYS)
  • Physiology (PHSI)
  • Plant Sciences (PLSC)
  • Political Studies (POLS)
  • Psychiatry (PSIA)
  • Psychology (PSY)
  • Public Health (PUBH)
  • Public Policy (JSGS)
  • Rehabilitation Medicine (REHM)
  • Religious Studies (RLST)
  • Remote Sensing (RESE)
  • Rhetorical Communication (RCM)
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL)
  • School and Counselling Psychology (SCP)
  • Small Animal Clinical Sciences (VSAC)
  • Sociology (SOC)
  • Soil Science (SLSC)
  • Spanish (SPAN)
  • Statistics (STAT)
  • Synchrotron Sciences (SYNC)
  • Surgery (SURG)
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • Toxicology (TOX)
  • Ukrainian (UKR)
  • Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics (VACC)
  • Veterinary Biomedical Sciences (VBMS)
  • Veterinary Interdepartmental (VINT)
  • Veterinary Microbiology (VTMC)
  • Veterinary Pathology (VTPA)
  • Women and Gender Studies (WGST)
  • Writing (WRIT)

Supplemental and Deferred Examinations

Supplemental and deferred examination procedures and policies are subject to the university-wide regulations on supplemental and deferred examinations outlined in the Academic Courses Policy. For the regular supplemental and deferred examination schedule, students should refer to the Academic Calendar.

Grading System

The following describes the relationship between literal descriptors and percentage scores for courses in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:

90-100 Exceptional

A superior performance with consistent strong evidence of

  •  a comprehensive, incisive grasp of subject matter;
  • an ability to make insightful, critical evaluation of information;
  • an exceptional capacity for original, creative and/or logical thinking;
  • an exceptional ability to organize, to analyze, to synthesize, to integrate ideas, and to express thoughts fluently;
  • an exceptional ability to analyze and solve difficult problems related to subject matter.
80-89 Very Good to Excellent

A very good to excellent performance with strong evidence of
  • a comprehensive grasp of subject matter;
  • an ability to make sound critical evaluation of information;
  • a very good to excellent capacity for original, creative and/or logical thinking;
  • a very good to excellent ability to organize, to analyze, to synthesize, to integrate ideas, and to express thoughts fluently;
  • a very good to excellent ability to analyze and solve difficult problems related to subject matter.
70-79 Satisfactory to Good

A satisfactory to good performance with evidence of
  • a substantial knowledge of subject matter;
  • a satisfactory to good understanding of the relevant issues and satisfactory to good familiarity with the relevant literature and technology;
  • a satisfactory to good capacity for logical thinking;
  • some capacity for original and creative thinking;
  • a satisfactory to good ability to organize, to analyze, and to examine the subject matter in a critical and constructive manner;
  • a satisfactory to good ability to analyze and solve moderately difficult problems.
60-69 Poor

A generally weak performance, but with some evidence of
  • a basic grasp of the subject matter;
  • some understanding of the basic issues;
  • some familiarity with the relevant literature and techniques;
  • some ability to develop solutions to moderately difficult problems related to the subject matter;
  • some ability to examine the material in a critical and analytical manner.
<60 Failure

An unacceptable performance.

Program Requirements 
  • Percentage scores of at least 70% are required for a minimal pass performance in undergraduate courses taken by graduate students;
  • Percentage scores of at least 70% are required for a minimal pass performance for each course which is included in a Ph.D. program;
  • Individual degree programs may have advanced promotion standards.  Please consult individual program information for additional promotion standards, if applicable;
  • For all other graduate courses, percentage scores of at least 60-69% are required for a minimal pass performance for each course which is included in a Master's program, provided that the student's Cumulative Weighted Average is at least 70%;
  • Graduate courses for which students receive grades of 60-69% are minimally acceptable in a Postgraduate Diploma program, provided that the Cumulative Weighted Average is at least 65%;
  • Students should seek information on other program requirements in the Course & Program Catalogue and in academic unit publications.
  • NOTE: A 70% passing grade is required in the graduate programs offered by the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy and in several courses in the M.N. and PGDSC Nurse Practitioner Programs. See the program pages in this Catalogue for details.

Appeals of evaluation, grading, and academic standing are governed by university-wide council regulations.