Higher Education

Program Overview

The Higher Education program is offered by the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Courses of study lead to the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.

Four fields are offered:

• Education in the Professions (MEd)
• Higher Education (MA, MEd, EdD, PhD)
• Higher Education Leadership (MEd)
• Student Development and Student Services in Higher Education (MEd)

Applications must be made to one of these fields according to the degree level of interest.

Quick Facts

Doctor of Education

Admissions have been administratively suspended. (See amendment made on September 19, 2023.) The next intake for this program will be Fall 2025. Applications for the EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy for the 2025-26 admissions cycle are set to open in early October 2024.

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

Doctor of Education (Field: International Education Leadership and Policy)

Program Description

Within the Educational Leadership and Policy EdD program, the field in International Education Leadership and Policy offers a robust, world-class program of study structured for professionals working within international settings in positions of leadership and policymaking who want to create impact in their field and mobilize new solutions to real-world problems.

The EdD program is offered full-time in a cohort format and will be delivered in a hybrid modality with short on-campus Institutes. The majority of courses will be offered online. The department welcomes applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

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.

• Responses to the Faculty questions in the online admissions application: applicants will demonstrate experience and interest in studying international issues in education policy and leadership. In addition, 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 in an international setting, or must have held a leadership position, or must demonstrate the relevance of the program to their position or professional development in international education policy.

Program Requirements

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

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

  • LHA3005H Introduction to Research Methods for the EdD (RM) (0.5 FCE)

  • LHA3006H Data Analysis for the Education Doctorate-RM (0.5 FCE)

  • 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 chosen from 1000, 3000, or 6000-level courses as available online or

    • individual reading course (LHA3052H) or

    • practicum course (CIE1002H) (0.5 FCE)

  • LHA3008H⁺ Professional Seminar and Dissertation Workshop in International Educational Leadership and Policy (0.5 FCE)

  • Courses will be offered in specialized sections for the International Educational Leadership and Policy field cohort with course syllabi adapted to reflect the international educational policy focus.

  • Attendance in an on-campus Institute will be required to allow face-to-face delivery of one course in each of Years 1, 2, and 3. The Institute will foster cohort engagement and exchange; orientation to the OISE professors, the University of Toronto, and the program.

  • All other courses will be offered online using synchronous and asynchronous modalities.

• Comprehensive examination. Successful oral (using video conferencing) 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 International 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

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

Master of Arts

Program Description

The MA in Higher Education is a research-stream program that focuses on higher education as a field of study. It best serves students seeking the knowledge and research skills needed to pursue administrative and policy careers related to higher education. The MA program also prepares students to pursue doctoral studies in higher education and related fields.

The MA is available through both full-time and part-time studies. The department welcomes applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

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 bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.

Program Requirements

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

  • LHA3803H Doctoral Seminar: Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • 0.5 FCE in research methods approved by the faculty advisor.

  • 3.0 other FCEs, of which 1.5 FCEs must be from the Higher Education program.

• Thesis.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Education

Program Description

The Master of Education is a course-based, professional degree designed primarily for higher education professionals seeking to advance their understanding of the issues confronting their institution and the postsecondary system. It best serves students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue or advance administrative and policy careers related to higher education.

The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Note that the field in Higher Education Leadership is offered part-time only.

The Master of Education is offered in four fields: 1) Education in the Professions; 2) Higher Education; 3) Higher Education Leadership and 4) Student Development and Student Services in Higher Education.

Field: Education in the Professions

The Education in the Professions field is a course-based professional master’s designed for individuals working in areas such as the health professions, law and law enforcement, engineering, and public services, who are planning a career in educational administration, teaching, and leadership. This field introduces the broader area of higher education as well as current issues and research methods in education research in the professions.

Two options are offered: 1) Coursework Only Option; and 2) Coursework Plus Major Research Paper Option. Students initially apply to and register in the Coursework Only Option. For registration in the Coursework Plus Major Research Paper Option, departmental permission is required.

Field: Higher Education

The Higher Education field is focused on the issues confronting higher education institutions and the postsecondary education system. It is intended for students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue and advance their administrative and policy careers in higher education. Students are accepted every year and can register on a full-time or part-time basis.

Field: Higher Education Leadership

The Higher Education Leadership field is specifically designed for professionals working in higher education at entry to mid-levels, who seek to build their careers in higher education. With a focus on leadership skills for both the college and university contexts, the field is aimed to bridge the understanding and collaboration of leaders across both sectors. Students move through the Higher Education field as a cohort and register part-time. Classes are generally offered in a compressed format to suit working professionals. Applicants are accepted to the field every other year.

Field: Student Development and Student Services in Higher Education

The Student Development and Student Services in Higher Education field is designed for student development and student services professionals who are seeking to acquire the knowledge and skills that are evidence- and experientially based to provide leadership in various types of postsecondary institutions.

Master of Education (Field: Education in the Professions)

Program Description

The Master of Education in Higher Education is a course-based, professional degree designed primarily for higher education professionals seeking to advance their understanding of the issues confronting their institution and the postsecondary system. It best serves students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue or advance administrative and policy careers related to higher education. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.

Within the MEd program, the field in Education in the Professions is a course-based professional master’s designed for individuals working in areas such as the health professions, law and law enforcement, engineering, and public services, who are planning a career in educational administration, teaching, and leadership. This field introduces the broader area of higher education as well as current issues and research methods in education research in the professions.

The required courses in this field are offered online.

Application Requirements

• Current resumé.

• Transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended.

• One academic and one professional reference letter.

• Responses to Faculty questions in the online admissions application describing the applicant’s motivation for wishing to take the program, as well as how previous qualifications and professional work experience support their interest in the program and the field.

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 bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LHA1803H Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE)

  • LHA1812H Education and the Professions (0.5 FCE)

  • LHA1819H Governance in Higher Education (0.5 FCE)

  • LHA1823H Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (0.5 FCE)

  • LHA1844H The Student Experience in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE)

  • LHA1848H Innovative Curricula in Higher Education and Professional Programs (0.5 FCE)

  • 0.5 FCE in research methods (RM). Course will vary according to instructor availability.

  • 1.5 elective FCEs in the general Higher Education program.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Education (Field: Higher Education)

Program Description

The Master of Education in Higher Education is a course-based, professional degree designed primarily for higher education professionals seeking to advance their understanding of the issues confronting their institution and the postsecondary system. It best serves students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue or advance administrative and policy careers related to higher education. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.

Within the MEd program, the field in Higher Education focuses on the issues confronting higher education institutions and the postsecondary education system. It is intended for students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue and advance their administrative and policy careers in higher education. Students are accepted every year and can register on a full-time or part-time basis.

Application Requirements

• Current resumé.

• Transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended.

• One academic and one professional reference letter.

• Responses to Faculty questions in the online admissions application describing the applicant’s motivation for wishing to take the program, as well as how previous qualifications and professional work experience support their interest in the program and the field.

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 bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LHA1803H Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • 0.5 FCE in research methods.

  • 4.0 FCEs in electives, of which 1.5 FCEs must be from the Higher Education field.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Education (Field: Higher Education Leadership)

Program Description

The Master of Education in Higher Education is a course-based, professional degree designed primarily for higher education professionals seeking to advance their understanding of the issues confronting their institution and the postsecondary system. It best serves students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue or advance administrative and policy careers related to higher education.

Within the MEd program, the field in Higher Education Leadership is specifically designed for professionals working in higher education at entry to mid-levels, who seek to build their careers in higher education. With a focus on leadership skills for both the college and university contexts, the field is aimed to bridge the understanding and collaboration of leaders across both sectors. Students move through the Higher Education field as a cohort and register part-time. Classes are generally offered in a compressed format to suit working professionals.

Applicants are accepted every other year. This field is offered part-time only.

Application Requirements

• Current resumé.

• Transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended.

• One academic and one professional reference letter.

• Responses to Faculty questions in the online admissions application describing the applicant’s motivation for wishing to take the program, as well as how previous qualifications and professional work experience support their interest in the program and the field.

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 bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LHA1803H Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • LHA1811H Organizational Change in Higher Education.

  • LHA1815H Economics and Finance of Higher Education.

  • LHA1836H Critical Analysis of Research in Higher Education.

  • LHA1847H Human Resource and Diversity Issues in Higher Education.

  • LHA1854H Student Development Theory.

  • LHA1860H Capstone Project for Higher Education Leadership Cohort Option.

  • 1.5 FCEs in elective courses.

Program Length

10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

6 years part-time

Master of Education (Field: Student Development and Student Services in Higher Education)

Program Description

The Master of Education in Higher Education is a course-based, professional degree designed primarily for higher education professionals seeking to advance their understanding of the issues confronting their institution and the postsecondary system. It best serves students seeking research-informed knowledge on how colleges and universities work in order to pursue or advance administrative and policy careers related to higher education. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.

Within the MEd program, the field in Student Development and Student Services in Higher Education is designed for student development and student services professionals who are seeking to acquire the knowledge and skills that are evidence- and experientially based to provide leadership in various types of postsecondary institutions.

Application Requirements

• Current resumé.

• Transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended.

• One academic and one professional reference letter.

• Responses to Faculty questions in the online admissions application describing the applicant’s motivation for wishing to take the program, as well as how previous qualifications and professional work experience support their interest in the program and the field.

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 bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LHA1803H Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • 1.5 FCEs in Student Development and Student Services:

    • LHA1844H The Student Experience in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE).

    • LHA1854H Student Development Theory (0.5 FCE).

    • LHA1856H Advanced Student Development Theories in Higher Education (0.5 FCE).

  • 3.0 FCEs including:

    • 0.5 FCE from the Higher Education field.

    • 0.5 FCE in research methods.

  • Depending on an individual student's professional experience, students may be advised to take LHA1853H Introduction to Student Services (0.5 FCE).

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
10 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Doctor of Education

Program Description

The EdD Program in Higher Education is intended to shape highly competent professionals in leadership positions in higher education administration or policy. It best serves students seeking the knowledge and research skills needed to pursue research-grounded professional careers in colleges, universities, government agencies, professional associations, and international organizations.

The EdD program can be pursued either on a part-time or full-time basis. The department welcomes applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

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.

• Relevant and acceptable MEd or MA. In individual cases, students with a highly relevant master’s degree or other equivalent graduate degree may be admitted, but additional courses in Higher Education will be required.

Program Requirements

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

  • LHA1803H Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE).

  • At least 1.0 other FCE in Higher Education.

  • 0.5 FCE in research methods approved by the faculty advisor.

  • 1.0 FCE selected either in Higher Education or in another graduate program at OISE or, with the approval of the faculty advisor, in another graduate department at the University of Toronto.

  • Supervised applied research practicum (0.5 FCE).

  • Collaborative proseminar (0.5 FCE).

• Comprehensive examination. The objective of the doctoral comprehensive examination is to ensure that all students master at least one substantive research area in Higher Education and have the capacity to develop their own written analysis of selected issues within this area. The examination is designed to ensure that students are familiar with the literature and concepts associated with their special area of study within the field of Higher Education.

• Thesis reporting the results of original research on an applied topic in postsecondary education.

• Students may begin their EdD degree on a full-time or a part-time basis but must maintain continuous registration. They must register full-time for a minimum of two consecutive sessions, not including Summer, of on-campus study. Once enrolled full-time, students must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis, are completed.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD Program in Higher Education fosters research-grounded study of higher education administration and policy. It best serves students seeking the knowledge and research skills needed to pursue careers in colleges, universities, government agencies, professional associations, and international organizations as a higher education expert. The program offers both full-time and flexible-time options.

The Doctor of Philosophy is available in two delivery models:

• Regular PhD stream: students are accepted every year into the full-time or flexible-time program.

• The Community College Leadership (CCL) Cohort: available in select years. The CCL Cohort is designed for emerging college leaders and focuses specifically on the college system. The CCL is mostly offered in compressed mode, mainly on weekends, to suit working professionals pursuing a flexible-time program. Applicants must specify their interest in the CCL Cohort in their responses to Faculty questions in the online admissions application.

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.

• Relevant and acceptable MEd or MA. In individual cases, students with a highly relevant master’s degree or other equivalent graduate degree may be admitted, but additional courses in Higher Education may be required.

Program Requirements

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

  • LHA3803H Doctoral Seminar: Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • LHA3804H Doctoral Research Seminar in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • At least 1.0 other FCE in Higher Education.

  • 0.5 FCE in research methods approved by the faculty advisor.

  • 0.5 FCE selected either in Higher Education or in another graduate program at OISE, or, with the approval of the faculty advisor, in another graduate department at the University of Toronto.

• Comprehensive examination. The objective of the doctoral comprehensive examination is to ensure that all students master at least one substantive research area in Higher Education and have the capacity to develop their own written analysis of selected issues within this area. The examination is designed to ensure that students are familiar with the literature and concepts associated with their special area of study within the field of Higher Education.

• Thesis reporting the results of original research in postsecondary education.

• 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 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.

• Relevant and acceptable MEd or MA. In individual cases, students with a highly relevant master’s degree or other equivalent graduate degree may be admitted, but additional courses in Higher Education may be required.

• Applicants must demonstrate that they are currently employed and are active professionals engaged in activities related to their proposed program of study. Applicants should have capacity to secure blocks of time to enable concentrated study.

Program Requirements

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

  • LHA3803H Doctoral Seminar: Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • LHA3804H Doctoral Research Seminar in Postsecondary Education (0.5 FCE), to be taken at the beginning of the program.

  • At least 1.0 other FCE in Higher Education.

  • 0.5 FCE in research methods approved by the faculty advisor.

  • 0.5 FCE selected either in Higher Education or in another graduate program at OISE, or, with the approval of the faculty advisor, in another graduate department at the University of Toronto.

• Comprehensive examination. The objective of the doctoral comprehensive examination is to ensure that all students master at least one substantive research area in Higher Education and have the capacity to develop their own written analysis of selected issues within this area. The examination is designed to ensure that students are familiar with the literature and concepts associated with their special area of study within the field of Higher Education.

• Thesis reporting the results of original research in postsecondary education.

• Students must register continuously until all degree requirements have been fulfilled. They must 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