How to become an education policy researcher, consultant or program officer
Official title: Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Also called: Teaching consultant, Education consultant, Education researcher, Curriculum consultant, Inspector - education, Education policy advisor, Education policy analyst, Education policy officer, Education program officer, Education program planner, Adult education consultant, Education research officer
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.
Main tasks
- Conduct research, produce reports and administer education policies and programs
- Evaluate curriculum programs and recommend improvements
- Develop the structure, content and objectives of new programs
- Conduct statistical analyses to determine cost and effectiveness of education policies and programs
- Provide ongoing professional development, training and consultative services to teachers and other professionals throughout the public and private sector
- Develop teaching materials and other resources for program delivery
- Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops and symposia
- May supervise the work of other education policy researchers, consultants or program officers
How to become one
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 school teacher are usually required. A teacher's certificate for the province of employment is usually required when employed by provincial education ministries.
Ways in
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $80,964 a year The middle half earn $64,994 to $98,436.
- About 32,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 38,100 are projected by 2033. (+18.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
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- Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an education policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
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 school teacher are usually required. A teacher's certificate for the province of employment is usually required when employed by provincial education ministries.
How much does an education policy researcher, consultant or program officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $80,964 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $64,994 to $98,436.
Is an education policy researcher, consultant or program officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2033, from about 32,200 to about 38,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an education policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
Usually. 83% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03