Adult Education and Community Development PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD is a research-based thesis degree program which can be taken on a full-time or flexible-time basis. Designed to provide opportunities for advanced study in the theoretical foundations of adult education and community development and in the application of such knowledge to practice, the PhD focuses on learning that happens individually and collectively among adults in communities, workplaces, social movements, the street, and the virtual world — any place where people come together to create social change.

Except for the time to completion, requirements for both the full-time and flexible-time programs are the same. The department welcomes applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

 

PhD Program (Full-Time Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate master's degree from a recognized university in a relevant discipline or professional program, with a minimum standing equivalent to a University of Toronto B+.

  • In addition to responses to the Faculty questions in the online admissions application, a sample of written work is required, which will help the admissions committee to assess an applicant's readiness to succeed in rigorous coursework and to conduct systematic research for the PhD. Applicants typically submit a master's-level Major Research Paper or thesis as their sample of written work. Applicants who do not have a Major Research Paper or thesis must provide a sample of written work that showcases their ability to write clearly and analytically about issues related to adult education and community development. The admissions committee will look for evidence that applicants understand how to craft an academic document, define a research problem, devise an appropriate focus for an inquiry, assemble and analyze evidence and/or academic literatures, and develop conclusions in a rigorous manner. Examples include a master’s-level course paper or professional publication.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • LHA3102H+Doctoral Thesis Seminar (0.5 FCE), recommended to be taken in the first session of the program.

    • At least 1.5 FCEs must be from the Adult Education and Community Development program. Students with little background in the area of Adult Education and Community Development may be required to complete an additional 0.5 FCE providing such background.

    • At least one research methods course (0.5 FCE).

  • Comprehensive requirement. Normally, a major paper between 7,000 and 12,000 words in length (including tables, figures, and references), which consists of a comprehensive discussion of one or more literatures and/or debates of significance to Adult Education and Community Development.

  • Thesis.

  • Students must register continuously and pay the full-time fee until all degree requirements have been fulfilled.

  • Students cannot transfer between the full-time and flexible-time PhD options.

  • Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

 

PhD Program (Flexible-Time Option)

Applicants to the flexible-time option should be active professionals who demonstrate connections between their professional work and their proposed course program, and/or between their professional work and their proposed research. Capacity to secure blocks of time to enable concentrated study is required.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate master's degree from a recognized university in a relevant discipline or professional program, with a minimum standing equivalent to a University of Toronto B+.

  • In addition to responses to the Faculty questions in the online admissions application, a sample of written work is required, which will help the admissions committee to assess an applicant's readiness to succeed in rigorous coursework and to conduct systematic research for the PhD. Applicants typically submit a master's-level Major Research Paper or thesis as their sample of written work. Applicants who do not have a Major Research Paper or thesis must provide a sample of written work that showcases their ability to write clearly and analytically about issues related to adult education and community development. The admissions committee will look for evidence that applicants understand how to craft an academic document, define a research problem, devise an appropriate focus for an inquiry, assemble and analyze evidence and/or academic literatures, and develop conclusions in a rigorous manner. Examples include a master’s-level course paper or professional publication.

  • Applicants must demonstrate that they are active professionals engaged in activities related to their proposed program of study.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • LHA3102H+Doctoral Thesis Seminar (0.5 FCE), recommended to be taken in the first session of the program.

    • At least 1.5 FCEs must be from the Adult Education and Community Development program. Students with little background in the area of Adult Education and Community Development may be required to complete an additional 0.5 FCE providing such background.

    • At least one research methods course (0.5 FCE).

  • Comprehensive requirement. Normally, a major paper between 7,000 and 12,000 words in length (including tables, figures, and references), which consists of a comprehensive discussion of one or more literatures and/or debates of significance to Adult Education and Community Development.

  • Thesis.

  • Students must register continuously until all degree requirements have been fulfilled. They register full-time during the first four years and may continue as part-time students thereafter, with their department's approval.

  • Students cannot transfer between the full-time and flexible-time PhD options.

  • Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

Program Length

6 years

Time Limit

8 years

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

 

Department: Leadership, Higher and Adult Education