Join our inclusive research community of education experts. Our PhD program works on a mentorship model where new scholars work closely with established experts and collaborative research groups. Coursework is completed under the supervision of leading experts across the education spectrum. Our PhD graduates contribute innovative work transforming theory, policy and practice. We offer competitive funding packages and opportunities for our PhD students to be teaching or research fellows, as well as research or teaching assistants.
Research Expertise
Our faculty brings together diverse perspectives on education and foster multidisciplinary expertise in the following areas:
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Curriculum Studies
- Early Childhood Education
- History and Philosophy of Education
- Language and Literacy
- Leadership and Policy Studies
- Math, Science and Technology in Education
- Social Justice and Inclusion
- Special Education
What to Expect
- Our Program Structure: Enroll in our full-time, four-year, on-campus program with three terms per year. You will take courses for the first year, then complete two comprehensive examinations before beginning your dissertation.
- Funding: All of our PhD students are provided with a minimum funding package of $20,000 per year, with average funding of $25,000 per year including teaching opportunities and research assistantships. We also offer additional support for conference travel if presenting.
- Quality Supervision and Support: Before you apply, you will identify a supervisor for your program, who will support your studies and research throughout the program.
- Concentrate Your Studies: We offer specialized programs related to core areas of education. You will identify your field of study when you apply.
- Small Classes: Our courses are seminar style, small, and consist of 36 instructional hours. To view our courses, visit the School of Graduate Studies calendar.
- Gain Teaching and Research Experience: Many of our graduate students have the opportunity to teach within our Bachelor of Education programs and gain experience and funding in the process.
- Join an Active Research Community: As part of your PhD, you will be immersed within an active research community with opportunities to work in research groups and attend academic conferences (some funding for conferences provided).
Applications for Fall 2023 Now Open!
Applications to all graduate programs are made through the School of Graduate Studies website starting in September for admission the following year.
In addition to the online application and application fee, PhD applicants are required to submit the following documentation to educgrad@queensu.ca:
- one completed and signed electronic version of the Research Proposal Form (PDF 411 KB)
- an electronic PDF copy of resumé/curriculum vitae
If you have questions, please contact the Graduate Studies & Research Office.
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of a Master's degree in Education or equivalent advanced-level credential with first-class standing (A- or 80% or higher) at a recognized university
- Professional experience in education or a related field is an asset
- Applicants are required to submit a brief research proposal (one to two pages maximum)
- Applicants must identify and contact a potential supervisor who has expressed a willingness to supervise their work if they apply for admission and receive an offer of admission. Get help finding a supervisor (PDF 196 KB)
Application Deadline and Start Dates
Completed applications (including submission of transcripts, references, CV and research proposal form) are due by January 15. Late applications are not considered. Our program begins in September of each year.
Financing your studies
Funding Packages
Funding packages are awarded to students based on academic merit and they may consist of any or a combination of the following: scholarships, fellowships, external awards the student may bring with them, internal awards, research assistantships, teaching assistantships or graduate teaching fellowships.
The minimum guaranteed funding package for eligible full-time PhD students is $20,000 per year (first 12 terms), with most students receiving additional funded opportunities.
It is important to note that you must apply for all major external and internal scholarships (where appropriate) for which you are eligible in order to qualify for the minimum guarantee. Any external awards received will be applied to funding offers (i.e., the external award is not on top of the original $20,000 minimum guarantee); however, funding offers overall for students with external awards are likely to be higher than those who do not receive them.
Normally, if students apply for and successfully obtain a Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Teaching and/or Research Assistantship the average funding for eligible PhD students is approximately $25,000 per year.
Exact funding package details are communicated to students normally in early summer.
For more information on sources of funding, please see the Funding, Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries page.
Tuition, Fees and Costs
Information on tuition, fees and costs as well as the financial support offered to graduate students from the University and external agencies is provided by the School of Graduate Studies:
Awards
There are a number of internal awards available to our PhD students including travel fellowships and awards.
Teaching Assistant or Graduate Teaching Fellow
Graduate students who want to be considered for a teaching assistant or graduate teaching fellow position as part of their funding package are required to apply for one or more of the postings listed under Work at Queen's.
Research With Us
Queen’s University has an active and vibrant research community. Our students report a high level of satisfaction with their student experience. Our Faculty brings together diverse perspectives on education, fostering multidisciplinary expertise and an active collaborative research community. Our research leads to new knowledge and understandings about teaching and learning, and progressive changes in educational policies and practices. As a researcher at Queen’s, you will have opportunities to engage in outreach initiatives in the community and in local, national and international partnerships.
Research Expertise
Our faculty brings together diverse perspectives on education and foster multidisciplinary expertise in the following areas:
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Curriculum Studies
- Early Childhood Education
- History and Philosophy of Education
- Language and Literacy
- Leadership and Policy Studies
- Math, Science and Technology in Education
- Social Justice and Inclusion
- Special Education
Build Professional Experience
The majority of our graduate students have an opportunity to work as a Graduate Teaching Fellow, Teaching Assistant and/or a Research Assistant, providing excellent opportunities for career development during their graduate studies.
You will also have the opportunity to complete an optional professional internship as part of your degree. The internship opportunity, which normally takes place outside the university campus, will provide you with an authentic work experience opportunity and experiential learning. The internships can be in a variety of research, teaching or professional contexts to provide you with practical learning that directly relates to your program of study.
We also encourage our graduate students to build their professional networks by engaging with the larger academic community by presenting work at conferences such as the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Some funding for conference travel is provided.