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Education Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers

Formal Description

“Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, produce reports and administer elementary, secondary and post-secondary education policies and programs. They are employed by government departments, school boards, research institutes, professional associations and educational and other organizations throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed” (NOC 2021).

Sample Job Titles

This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:

Curriculum Developer

Education Policy Officer

Education Science Specialist

Literacy Coach

Language Assessor – Education

Indigenous Curriculum and Education Specialist

Adult Education Program Officer

Education Outreach Program Coordinator

Typical Employment and Education Requirements

The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.

The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:

  • A bachelor’s degree in education or in a discipline such as social science or business administration is required.
  • A master’s degree in education may be required.
  • Specialized training or certification may be required.
  • Several years of experience as a schoolteacher are usually required.
  • A teacher’s certificate for the province of employment is usually required when employed by provincial education ministries.

Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond

When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:

  • Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
  • Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
  • Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.

Related Categories

Here are a few other categories that might interest you:

Related Sectors

Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:

Academic Program Connections

As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:

Indigenous Studies Learn More

Indigenous Studies offers critical insight into Indigenous knowledge systems, education traditions, and the impacts of colonialism on learning. Students gain the cultural competency and historical understanding needed to support Indigenous education policy, curriculum development, and reconciliation-focused initiatives in schools, governments, and community organizations.

Political Science Learn More

Political Science equips students with a deep understanding of public policy, governance, and institutional decision-making. With training in policy analysis, public administration, and civic engagement, students are well-prepared to work in education ministries, school boards, or non-profits focused on education reform and advocacy.

Sociology Learn More

Sociology provides a strong foundation for understanding how education systems intersect with social structures, inequality, and institutional dynamics. Students explore topics such as educational access, social mobility, and systemic barriers, while developing research and policy analysis skills. This major is ideal for those interested in shaping inclusive and equitable education policies.

Social Psychology Learn More

Social Psychology focuses on how individuals learn, interact, and behave in group settings—key areas for understanding classroom dynamics, motivation, and educational interventions. Students develop skills in behavioural research and program evaluation, making this major especially relevant for roles in education policy design, student support services, and curriculum development.

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