Educational Studies

The Joint Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD) is a doctoral program offered by Brock University, Lakehead University, and the University of Windsor. Students study three fields of study: Cognition and Learning, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education. The program is designed to support scholarly inquiry and the production of new knowledge within a research culture.

Lakehead University describes the program as using flexible learning environments with face-to-face seminars, tutorials, and distance education. Delivery uses multiple approaches to course delivery, including site-based rotation across home universities and distance education, with computer literacy required. The program uses a thesis route and includes comprehensive examinations supported by a comprehensive portfolio, with flexible residency requirements of four terms.

The program supports full time studies or a combination of full time and part time studies. Lakehead University states that students complete requirements within a minimum of nine terms and up to a maximum of eighteen terms of continuous full-time registration, with a minimum residency of four terms, two of which must be consecutive.

Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university and show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, students must have a Masters degree or its equivalent with an academic average as specified by the academic unit. An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of Master's courses taken and academic standing.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised in writing by the Office of Graduate Studies of their admission status.

In addition to the general admission requirements for PhD programs, the following requirements also apply: Applicants must provide evidence of research competence normally demonstrated by a master's thesis. Students who have not completed a thesis must submit evidence of equivalent research capability. English is the primary language of communication and instruction in the program.

• Applicants from other countries who have not completed a degree at a university where the primary language of instruction is English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (250 computer-based) or an equivalent demonstration of proficiency.
• Students must submit applications directly to the Joint PhD in Educational Studies Program, Office of the Secretariat, with completed on-line application; two complete sets of official transcripts; reference reports and supporting letters from two academic referees; academic curriculum vitae; evidence of research competence (as required); research plan; IELTS/TOEFL (if applicable); and an application fee of $110.00 to be paid on-line.

Applicants from other countries who have not completed a degree at a university where the primary language of instruction is English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (250 computer-based) or an equivalent demonstration of proficiency.

English language proficiency requirements are available through Lakehead University.