Skip to main content.

Doctoral Program

Admissions page Image

The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program is distinctive and unique because it:

  • Combines different fields of study and disciplines. 
  • Draws on highly qualified, interdisciplinary faculty and staff.
  • Creates the opportunity for stronger partnerships and collaborations.
  • Blends theory and and calls for the development of innovative pedagogies.
  • Enables deeper reflection about educational achievement in environments that are dynamic, diverse, democratic and socially just.

Program Requirements

Most students graduate from our program in 4 years. You can request a 2-year extension if necessary. Extensions are considered on a case by case basis.

 Successful completion requires:

  • Completing 82 credits of study (includes courses, colloquia, seminars and thesis)
  • Maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Passing the written and oral comprehensive examination
  • Successfully defending a final Dissertation

Transfer Credit

  • Up to 6 post-masters graduate credits from other universities may be accepted.
  • No transfers will be made for the advanced doctoral electives. 
  • Courses are subject to approval.
  • Only courses for which students earned a grade of 3.00 or better will be considered for transfer.
  • Transfer credit from research projects or field experiences will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

 Minimum Criteria

  • 3.0 or higher Grade Point Average (GPA) must be maintained
  • Students whose GPA drops below 3.0 will enter a probationary period and will have one year to recover their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher.
  • Failure to recover the cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher will result in dismissal from the program. 

Dissertation Expectations

  • At the end of their second year, students will take a written comprehensive examination. An oral examination will also be held, so students can defend arguments and positions expressed in their written exams.
  • The EdD and PhD paths differ in content and focus during the third and fourth year.
  • The EdD path is directed more towards educational practice and the application of theory and research.
  • The PhD path is more research and theory oriented.
  • Students enroll in a minimum of four dissertation seminars and are assigned advisors to assist in structuring and completing the dissertation.
Back to top of screen