Doctor of Education

Program Description

The EdD program in Educational Leadership and Policy is intended to shape highly competent leadership positions in school systems and other educational institutions. The program is specifically designed for working professional educators who want to develop the intellectual and research skills that will help them refine their practice as leaders in educational systems.

The EdD program is offered full-time in a cohort format. The department welcomes applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

EdD Program

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.

• Master's degree in the area of Educational Leadership and Policy or an equivalent degree with high academic standing from a recognized university.

• In addition to responses to the Faculty questions in the online admissions application, a supplementary writing sample 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 EdD. Applicants typically submit a master's-level Major Research Paper or thesis as their writing sample. Applicants who do not have a Major Research Paper or thesis must provide a writing sample that showcases their ability to write clearly and analytically about educational issues. Examples include a master’s-level course paper, a policy document, and a professional publication.

• The applicant must be in a leadership position in education, or must have held a leadership position, or must demonstrate potential for leadership.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 core full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LHA3003H Designing Research Proposals in Educational Leadership and Policy (Credit/No Credit; 0.5 FCE).

  • LHA3004H Research and Literacy for the EdD Program (0.5 FCE).

  • LHA3005H Introduction to Research Methods for the EdD (RM) (0.5 FCE) or another research methods course.

  • LHA3006H Data Analysis for the Education Doctorate (RM) (0.5 FCE) or another research methods course.

  • LHA3007H Literature Reviews for the EdD Program (0.5 FCE).

  • LHA3040H People and Power in Organizations (0.5 FCE).

  • LHA3041H Doctoral Seminar on Policy Issues in Education (0.5 FCE).

  • 0.5 elective FCE.

• Comprehensive examination. Successful oral defence of a written paper that critically reviews and synthesizes the literature related to the problem of practice to be addressed in the student’s dissertation in practice, selected by the student in consultation with the supervisor/advisor. The comprehensive exam is normally taken at the end of Year 2, and must be taken no later than the end of Year 3. Students will be informed of their status (pass or fail) at the end of the oral exam. Students who are not successful in their first attempt will be permitted one additional attempt to pass.

• Thesis (dissertation in practice) proposal hearing.

• Thesis (dissertation in practice): The thesis (dissertation in practice) is the culminating component of the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy that shall include an identification and investigation of a problem of practice, the application of theory and research to the problem of practice, and a design for action to address the problem of practice. Specifically, the thesis (dissertation in practice) consists of original research in the form of a written proposal or plan for innovative and impactful educational policy, guideline, advocacy, development project, or activism within or beyond a traditional educational setting, aimed at improving practice at local, regional, national, or international levels.

• Students are full-time and must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.

• Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years