Best universities in Canada for education degrees

In Canada, teacher certification varies a bit depending on the province. Generally, you can become a qualified teacher by either:

• Earning a Bachelor of Education from an approved university, which includes supervised classroom teaching as part of the program (this counts as your first work experience).
• Completing an undergraduate degree in any subject first, then enrolling in a postgraduate teacher education program.

Education can also be studied as an academic field beyond just teacher training. These courses combine subjects like sociology, politics, history, and psychology to explore education-related topics—from social mobility to international policy.

Below are Canada’s top universities for education degrees.

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5. Western University

Founded in 1878, Western University admitted its first students in 1881. It launched Canada’s first French immersion program in 1932, which still runs today.

During their degree, students spend half their time in classrooms and communities gaining hands-on experience. By graduation, they’ll have the skills to join any school board and contribute to curriculum development. They can also choose between two paths:

• Teaching all grades at one school.
• Gaining experience across multiple schools through the New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP).

For postgrads, Western offers specialized Master of Arts or Master of Professional Education degrees, opening doors to careers in adult education, international teaching, corporate training, or social services.

Those looking to go further can pursue a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) or an Educational Doctorate.

4. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta’s School of Education provides both undergrad and postgrad programs.

Undergrad options include:

• A four-year elementary or secondary program (depending on the grade level you want to teach).
• A five-year combined degree, letting students earn a joint qualification from the Faculty of Education and another faculty.

Postgrad programs cover specialized areas like:

• School leadership
• Curriculum and pedagogy
• Health sciences education
• Teaching English as a second language (TESL)
  There are also postgrad pathways for those pursuing elementary or secondary teaching careers.

3. McGill University

McGill’s Faculty of Education offers undergrad and postgrad programs in various specializations.

Undergrads can earn a Bachelor of Education alongside another degree—for example, combining a Bachelor of Music with teacher certification. Students choose between elementary or secondary education tracks.

Postgrad programs help students expand their knowledge, skills, and career opportunities. Options include:

• Master’s degrees (e.g., Educational Psychology, Educational Leadership, Education and Society).
• PhDs (Educational Studies, Educational Psychology).
• Certificate programs.

What can you do with an education degree?

2. University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC offers multiple Bachelor of Education pathways, including language specializations and an Indigenous Teacher Education Program. Secondary education students pick their teaching subjects and get matched with placements. The Indigenous program teaches how to blend Indigenous culture with mainstream education, with studies starting in a field center to build strong group connections.

Master’s programs at UBC cover over 30 specializations, such as:

• Early childhood education
• Art education
• Business education
• Curriculum and leadership
• Education and technology
  These programs mix hands-on learning with research.

One unique option is the Master of Museum Education, focusing on learning in museums and similar spaces.

Beyond bachelor’s and master’s degrees, UBC’s Faculty of Education offers 13 doctoral programs, spanning educational studies to counselling psychology.

1. University of Toronto

U of T has two teacher training programs:

1. Master of Teaching (for aspiring educators, with primary, junior, or senior streams).
2. Master of Child Studies and Education (practice-focused).

Graduates can apply for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers.

Other master’s and doctoral specializations include:

• Adult Education and Community Development
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Developmental Psychology and Education
• Language and Literacies Education
• Educational Leadership and Policy
• Higher Education
• School and Clinical Child Psychology
• Social Justice Education

Best universities in Canada for education degrees – 2024

Click each institution to see its full World University Rankings 2024 results.

Canada Rank 2024	Global Rank 2024	University	City
1	9	University of Toronto	Toronto
2	23	University of British Columbia	Vancouver
3	=43	McGill University	Montreal
4	=75	University of Alberta	Edmonton
5	=75	Western University	London
6	96	University of Montreal	Montreal
7	101–125	Simon Fraser University	Burnaby
=8	126–150	University of Calgary	Calgary
=8	126–150	York University	Toronto
=10	151–175	University of Ottawa	Ottawa
=10	151–175	University of Saskatchewan	Saskatoon
12	176–200	Queen’s University	Kingston
13	201–250	Concordia University	Montreal
=14	251–300	Université Laval	Quebec City
=14	251–300	University of Manitoba	Winnipeg
=14	251–300	Université du Québec	Quebec City
=14	251–300	University of Victoria	Victoria
=18	401–500	Memorial University of Newfoundland	Newfoundland and Labrador
=18	401–500	Ontario Tech University	Oshawa
=18	401–500	University of Windsor	Windsor
19	501–600	Lakehead University	Thunder Bay
20	601+	University of Regina	Regina