Educational Leadership and Policy PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD program in Educational Leadership and Policy fosters the study of problems in the administration and leadership of educational programs. It best serves students who are committed to scholarship and research as a means for deepening their understanding of leadership in schools or in other educational and service institutions.

The program offers both full-time and flexible-time options. While experience in teaching and leadership is not an essential prerequisite for admission, such experience provides a desirable background. The department welcomes applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

 

PhD 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.

  • 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 A–.

  • 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 PhD. 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. The admissions committee will look for evidence that applicants understand how to, or have the potential to, craft an academic document, display an ability to define a research problem, devise an appropriate focus for an inquiry, assemble and analyze evidence, and develop conclusions in a rigorous manner. Examples include a master’s-level course paper, a policy document, and a professional publication.

  • Two letters of reference: one academic, the other either academic or professional.

Program Requirements

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

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

    • 1.0 FCE in research methods, to be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor (excluding LHA1003H and LHA1004H, which may not be counted towards this requirement). Students who have already attained an acceptable level of competence in research methodology may be authorized to choose a course in a different area of study.

    • At least 0.5 FCE at the 3000 level or the 6000 Special Topics level from the Educational Leadership and Policy program. Educational Leadership and Policy program course codes typically have a "0" in the second digit, for example "LHA30XX" and "LHA60XX." The following courses also count as Educational Leadership and Policy program courses: EDP3045H, EDP3145H, JOI3043H, JOI3048H, and JOI3049H.

  • Comprehensive examination. Successful oral defence of a written paper that critically reviews and synthesizes the literature in the student’s proposed thesis area, 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 proposal hearing.

  • 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

 

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

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 A–.

  • 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 PhD. 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. The admissions committee will look for evidence that applicants understand how to, or have the potential to, craft an academic document, display an ability to define a research problem, devise an appropriate focus for an inquiry, assemble and analyze evidence, and develop conclusions in a rigorous manner. Examples include a master’s-level course paper, a policy document, and a professional publication.

  • Two letters of reference: one academic, the other either academic or professional.

  • Applicants must demonstrate that they are active professionals engaged in activities related to their proposed program of study. Capacity to secure blocks of time to enable concentrated study is required.

Program Requirements

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

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

    • 1.0 FCE in research methods, to be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor (excluding LHA1003H and LHA1004H, which may not be counted towards this requirement). Students who have already attained an acceptable level of competence in research methodology may be authorized to choose a course in a different area of study.

    • At least 0.5 FCE at the 3000 level or the 6000 Special Topics level from the Educational Leadership and Policy program. Educational Leadership and Policy program course codes typically have a "0" in the second digit, for example "LHA30XX" and "LHA60XX." The following courses also count as Educational Leadership and Policy program courses: EDP3045H, EDP3145H, JOI3043H, JOI3048H, and JOI3049H.

  • Comprehensive examination. Successful oral defence of a written paper that critically reviews and synthesizes the literature in the student’s proposed thesis area, 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 proposal hearing.

  • 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 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

6 years

 

Department: Leadership, Higher and Adult Education