Doctor of Philosophy
A research-intensive (thesis-based) degree, normally intended to prepare scholars for careers in research and teaching
PhD in Educational Research
The Werklund School of Education's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Educational Research allows students to explore and develop expertise in the field of education. Our program is full-time with a residency (on campus) component.
The Werklund School of Education's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Educational Research is a research-intensive program that prepares scholars for careers in research and teaching. Students work with a supervisor, assigned at the time of admission, to complete scholarship that includes coursework, candidacy, research and writing, and the eventual defense of your dissertation.
Our graduates are scholars that demonstrate expert knowledge, understanding, skills, and critical thought processes in their careers as researchers, teachers, administrators, professors, and more.
Applicants are encouraged to explore our Educational Research specializations to determine which specialization would be the best fit for your scholarship.
Adult Learning
Adult learning and education is informed by a rich heritage rooted in a commitment to human, community, and social development. Studies in adult learning draw from multiple and diverse contexts and interest areas that include post-secondary and continuing education, business and industry, NGOs, community development, and international organizations.
Curriculum & Learning
Curriculum and learning studies compass issues of content, context, and teaching in both formal and non-formal educational settings. Students may explore contemporary themes including issues of globalization, gender, culture, power, traditions of wisdom, ecology in education, and the ideas and practices of social justice. Themes are examined from social, cultural, historical, political, discursive, ecological, and other interpretive perspectives.
Language & Literacy
Language and literacy studies prepare students to understand and conduct research on various dimensions of literacy, linguistic and cultural diversity. Our studies encompass the acquisition, use, teaching, and learning of languages, multiliteracies (multiple meaning-making systems, including print, visual, oral, audiovisual, and gestural texts), and new literacies and digital media.
Leadership
Studies in leadership and educational policy draw upon the social sciences and humanities to prepare our researchers and practitioners for administrative and research-related careers. Students analyze and resolve contemporary issues related to educational policy, organizational change, and the direction and management of schools, school systems, other institutions, and governmental bodies concerned with public and private education.
Learning Sciences
Learning science is an interdisciplinary field of scholarship that works to further scientific, humanistic, and critical theoretical understandings of learning. Our students engage in the design and implementation of pedagogical innovations to support learning. Our primary mission is the advancement of knowledge, and the preparation of future researchers and scholars of the discipline in the learning sciences.
Study with us starting in either Summer or Fall
Ready to begin or continue your graduate studies with Graduate Programs in Education? Please review the important information outlined below.
Identify your specialization
Consider the research that you would like to pursue, and identify which of our specialization areas you would like to apply to.
Review admission requirements
Carefully review and ensure that you meet the admission requirements outlined below. Applications open September 1-December 1.
Gather supporting documents
Supporting document requirements are outlined below. The deadline for supporting document submission is December 1. This is the same as our application deadline.
Submit your application
Your complete online application is due on December 1. Applicants will be notified of admission decisions after applications have been reviewed and assessed. We appreciate your patience with our response.
Program Details
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Application Dates
Application opens: September 1
Application deadline: December 1
Official supporting document deadline: December 1-No ExceptionsStudents must use the online application found at the How to Apply page.
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Program Delivery
The PhD in Educational Research is a full-time program that is normally delivered on campus for the first two years of the program for either a Summer term start or a Fall term start.
Applications, transcripts and all supporting documents must be submitted 11:59 pm MT on the application deadline date for each program. Please visit the FGS applicant transcript page to answer frequently asked questions on transcripts.
For additional information on transcripts and where to send them, please visit our How to Apply page.
References
Two (2) academic references are required. References will be asked to complete an online reference form. No hard copy letters of reference or documents will be accepted.
Please see the Faculty of Graduate Studies' advice on finding references for your application.
References are due by the application deadline, so you should complete the online application earlier in order to give your referees sufficient time to submit their reference. Referees will receive notification on how to submit their reference after you submit your application and are due on the application deadline regardless of when they receive the notification. Please ensure that your references are aware of the supporting document submission deadline. Applications without completed reference forms will be considered incomplete after the application deadline has passed.
Statement of Intent and Admission Portfolio
Applicants must submit a written statement of intent and are encouraged to submit an admission portfolio as part of the application to the PhD in Educational Research program.
Hard copy statements of intent and admission portfolio components will not be accepted. Please ensure that you are using the online application system to submit these documents.
Information on tuition and fees can be found in the University Calendar.
Please visit the candidacy and dissertation section of our website for information.
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Funding
The Werklund School of Education provides funding opportunities for full-time doctoral students admitted to the on-campus program, for the first 4 years in program.
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Awards and Scholarships
Applicants to the program are encouraged to apply for internal and external scholarships.
As a Graduate Student, you are expected to devote the time, effort, and energy necessary to engage in scholarship. You will determine the specific milestones and requirements of your program of study in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar and with your graduate supervisor.
An integral part of the student experience is working closely with a supervisor on the development and completion of a research project. A graduate supervisor mentors graduate students through regular meetings and research training aimed at research, scholarship, teaching and professional development. Graduate supervisors support students in the timely completion of their programs.
As a Graduate Student, you are expected to meet with your graduate supervisor on a regular basis. While each student-supervisor relationship is unique, graduate supervisors can assist graduate students in a number of ways: advising on course selection, applying for awards and scholarships, obtaining research funds, applying for teaching assistant and sessional teaching opportunities, developing track records in refereed publications and conference presentations, getting involved in leadership and service, and encouraging and supporting apprenticeship in a research community of practice (collaborative review of papers, grants, academic writing, and data analysis).
A supervisor is normally appointed at the time of admission to the PhD program.
Contact Us
Have Questions?
Sylvia Parks Graduate Program Administrator (GPA) sparks@ucalgary.ca
Academic Coordinator
Specialization specific AC contact info listed on specialization page.
