Queen's University
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FACULTY OF
Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Course work and research emphasize the application of knowledge to teaching and learning, and the development of students as professional leaders with a strong scholarly knowledge base.

  • Faculty members and grad students chatting outside Duncan McArthur Hall.

    New graduate students get to know faculty and staff at the annual “Meet and Greet” in September.

  • Graduate students in a class.

    PhD students begin their programs with coursework. Each course is seminar style and flexible to allow students to pursue their research interests.

  • A student writing.

    After completing their coursework, PhD students complete a comprehensive examination and write a thesis proposal.

  • Associate Dean speaking to a small group of new students.

    PhD students are taught about applying for funding and “Surviving and Thriving” as a graduate student by the Associate Dean and Manager of Graduate Studies.

  • A student giving another student a “thumbs up” sign.

    There is an opportunity for students to voluntarily participate in a student mentoring program.

  • Two faculty members speaking in front of a group of students.

    Students meet regularly with their advisors and supervisors, and they engage with other faculty members at various academic and social events.

  • A student explaining their poster presentation to another person in the Education Library.

    Student participation in conferences is generously supported and there are a number of opportunities for students to present their research.

  • A student presenting and the people in the audience smiling.

    Students have the opportunity to organize and attend of the Rosa Bruno-Jofre Graduate Student Symposium.

  • Students in the lobby of the graduate student facility.

    Graduate students have access to a Graduate Student Facility for socialization, kitchen facilities, conference room, computers, internet access, lockers, and individual work stations.

  • A faculty member, staff member and grad student standing with their arms around each other.

    Our faculty and staff are there to take care of you.

Overview

  • designed as a full-time, four-year, on-campus program with three terms per year
  • applicants applying for admission to the doctoral program are required to identify one to two potential supervisors - please be sure to contact them and obtain their consent before naming them in your research proposal, information about faculty research interests may be found at: graduate faculty profiles
  • applicants must identify a major field of study and may choose a minor field if desired (see below for field details)
  • coursework is normally flexible to allow students to pursue their research interests within their selected field
  • each course is seminar style and is equivalent to 36 instructional hours
  • students normally take courses for the first two years, then complete a comprehensive examination and write a thesis proposal
  • students are expected to meet regularly with their supervisor to ensure adequate academic progress
  • the Graduate Studies Office holds an informal “Meet and Greet” lunch in September for new and continuing students, faculty, and program staff
  • students are provided with Surviving and Thriving as a graduate student meetings annually led by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
  • program staff are available to assist students individually with any administrative concerns they may have throughout their program
  • information sessions to assist students with Ontario Graduate Scholarship and Social Sciences and Humanities Fellowships are offered annually by the Manager and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Education
  • other information sessions are also arranged if a particular need is identified by students and/or faculty
  • there is an opportunity for students to voluntarily participate in a student mentoring program
  • graduate students have access to a Graduate Student Facility for socialization, kitchen facilities, conference room, computers, internet access, lockers, and individual work stations (for those who apply)
  • minimum time to degree completion is nine academic terms
  • degree requirements must be completed within seven years of initial registration

Fields of Study

PhD applicants must select one of the following fields of study:

  • Curriculum Theorizing
  • Educational Studies
  • Learning and Cognition
  • Literacy
  • Measurement, Assessment, Policy, Leadership and Evaluation (MAPLE)
  • Special Education

Courses

Brief descriptions of the courses offered in the PhD in Education program can be found in the School of Graduate Studies calendar.

Career Opportunities

Our PhD in Education graduates pursue successful careers as faculty and/or researchers in universities, research agencies, and school boards; obtain leadership positions in health sciences or government or pursue post-doctoral fellowships in their field of expertise.

A chart showing categories of employment after graduation

Admission Requirements

  • successful completion of a Master's degree in Education or related discipline, with first class standing (A- or 80% or higher) at a recognized university
  • professional experience in education or a related field is an asset

Application Deadline and Program Start Dates

Applications are due by January 15th, 2014.

Students normally begin their program in September.

Late Applications

Late applications are not normally considered.