The history of postsecondary education in the province of Alberta (Canada) since its beginning in 1905 is chronicled, including its transformation from an agriculturally-based frontier society to a modern industrial state. Although little emphasis is placed on historical narrative, a number of time periods are identified to illustrate certain trends or changes in trends. Characteristic features of each period are described while overall trends are discussed throughout. The periods identified and items covered are 1905-16 (regional rivalries in university and technical education, early decentralization in normal schools and schools of agriculture, and private colleges); 1917-39 (expansion, failure of further decentralization; and college affiliation); 1940-56 (technical education and federal aid, a multicampus university, crisis in agricultural education, and junior college development); 1957-66 (public junior colleges, a new university system, revival of agricultural education,and the coming-of-age of technical education); 1967-71 (movement toward a comprehensive college system, an expanding university system, agricultural and vocational colleges, and new emphasis on vocational education); and 1972-80 (consolidation, coordination, and autonomy; expanding services; and financing higher education and research). A chapter is devoted to future possibilities: diversity, governance, finance, and general development). Appendices include a chronological outline of postsecondary development and a list of administrative heads of government educational agencies and postsecondary institutions. (MSE)